KR20100100238A - Mobile terminal comprising a subdevice - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is provided with a sub-device which can be combined and separated, so that the operation and status of the terminal can be controlled remotely.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a sub device having input / output means and capable of being separated or combined with a terminal, and when the sub device is separated, receives a user input from the sub device through a predetermined communication path, and receives a user input. According to the configuration is configured to include a control unit for controlling the configuration device and the application of the terminal.

Description

Mobile terminal with sub device {MOBILE TERMINAL COMPRISING A SUBDEVICE}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal having a sub-device which can be combined / separated with the terminal body.

Terminal can move And can be divided into a mobile / portable terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may be further classified into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mount terminal according to whether a user can directly carry it.

Such a terminal has various functions, for example, in the form of a multimedia device having multiple functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, reception of a game and broadcasting, etc. .

In order to support and increase the function of such a terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and / or the software part of the terminal. As such, as the function of the terminal is increased, the volume and weight of the terminal are inevitably increased, and thus there is a problem in that a user who desires a light and small terminal cannot meet the needs of the user.

An object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a mobile terminal for controlling the operation and state of the terminal when the main unit and the sub-unit is coupled / disconnected.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the claims, as well as the following description and the annexed drawings.

The present invention is provided with a sub-unit 300 that can be combined and separated, it is possible to remotely control the operation and status of the terminal.

According to the present invention, the operation and state of the terminal may be automatically controlled according to the coupling and disconnection operations of the main device and the sub device.

The sub device according to the present invention can control the components and applications of the main device through a short range wireless communication path in a state separated from the main device.

The present invention can operate the display by interworking the two devices while the main device and the sub device are combined.

In order to achieve the above object, the mobile terminal according to the present invention

A sub device having an input / output means and capable of being separated or combined with the terminal, and when the sub device is separated, receives a user input from the sub device through a predetermined communication path, and configures the device and the application of the terminal according to the user input. It is configured to include a control unit for controlling.

In order to achieve the above object, the connection and disconnection control method with a sub device according to the present invention, in a mobile terminal having a sub device,

When the connection with the sub device is disconnected, establishing a wireless communication path with the sub device, receiving a user input through the communication path, and controlling a component device and an application of the terminal according to the received user input Including the process.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other.

The mobile terminal described herein may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, etc., except when applicable only to mobile terminals.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, and an interface. The unit 170, the controller 180, and the power supply unit 190 may be included. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, so that a mobile terminal having more or fewer components may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and a network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal having a data broadcast signal combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast related information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 may include, for example, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO), and Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-H). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as Handheld and Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for not only the above-described digital broadcasting system but also other broadcasting systems.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access and may be embedded or external to the mobile terminal 100. Wireless Internet technologies may include Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. As a short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like may be used.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) module.

Referring to FIG. 1, the A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video call mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151.

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided according to the use environment.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output in the call mode. The microphone 122 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for the user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 moves in the open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of a user contact, the orientation of the mobile terminal, the acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal, and the horizontal / vertical state switching of the mobile terminal. By detecting the current state of the terminal 100 generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to the external device may be sensed. The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 is used to generate an output related to sight, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154. Can be.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in a call mode, the mobile terminal displays a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a shooting mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a captured image and / or a received image, UI, or GUI.

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display (flexible). and at least one of a 3D display.

Some of these displays can be configured to be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen from the outside. This may be referred to as a transparent display. A representative example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparant OLED). The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be configured as a light transmissive structure. With this structure, the user can see the object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

There may be two or more display units 151 according to the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, in the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of display portions may be spaced apart from one another, or may be disposed integrally with one another, and may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

When the display unit 151 and a sensor for detecting a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as a touch sensor) form a mutual layer structure (hereinafter referred to as a touch screen), the display unit 151 may be configured in addition to an output device. Can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect not only the position and area of the touch but also the pressure at the touch.

If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched.

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of a mobile terminal surrounded by the touch screen or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object present in the vicinity without using a mechanical contact by using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. Proximity sensors have a longer life and higher utilization than touch sensors.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the touch screen is configured to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the act of allowing the pointer to be recognized without being in contact with the touch screen so that the pointer is located on the touch screen is referred to as a "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "contact touch." The position where the proximity touch is performed by the pointer on the touch screen refers to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen when the pointer is in proximity proximity.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, and a proximity touch movement state). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The sound output module 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output module 152 may also output a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and touch input. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying occurrence of an event in a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may also be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152, so that they 151 and 152 may be classified as part of the alarm unit 153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. Vibration is a representative example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 154. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or may be sequentially output.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 154 may be configured to provide a pin array that vertically moves with respect to the contact skin surface, a jetting force or suction force of air through the jetting or suction port, grazing to the skin surface, contact of the electrode, electrostatic force, and the like. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as effects by the endothermic and the reproduction of a sense of cold using the elements capable of endotherm or heat generation.

The haptic module 154 may not only deliver the haptic effect through direct contact, but also may implement the user to feel the haptic effect through a muscle sense such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 154 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and may temporarily store input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 160 may store data regarding vibration and sound of various patterns output when a touch input on the touch screen is performed.

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Magnetic Memory, Magnetic It may include a storage medium of at least one type of disk, optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM), and a universal user authentication module ( Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Therefore, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through a port.

The interface unit may be a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or various command signals input from the cradle by a user may be transferred. It may be a passage that is delivered to the terminal. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for playing multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the controller 180 or may be implemented separately from the controller 180.

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing a writing input or a drawing input performed on the touch screen as text and an image, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like. It may be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing other functions. The described embodiments may be implemented by the controller 180 itself.

According to the software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein. Software code may be implemented in software applications written in a suitable programming language. The software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

Figure 2a is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal or a portable terminal related to the present invention.

The disclosed portable terminal 100 has a terminal body in the form of a bar. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, a swivel type, and two or more bodies are coupled to be relatively movable.

The body includes a casing (casing, housing, cover, etc.) that forms an exterior. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The display unit 151, the audio output unit 152, the camera 121, the user input units 130/131 and 132, the microphone 122, and the interface 170 may be disposed in the terminal body, mainly the front case 101. have.

The display unit 151 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 101. A sound output unit 151 and a camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151 and a user input unit 131 and a microphone 122 are disposed in an area adjacent to the other end. The user input unit 132 and the interface 170 may be disposed on side surfaces of the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The user input unit 130 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The manipulation units 131 and 132 may also be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the tactile manner with a tactile feeling.

Content input by the first or second manipulation units 131 and 132 may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 131 receives a command such as a start, end, scroll, and the like, and the second operation unit 132 adjusts the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 152 or the display unit ( A command such as switching to the touch recognition mode of 151 may be input.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a camera 121 ′ may be additionally mounted on the rear of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 102. The camera 121 'may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 121 (see FIG. 2A), and may be a camera having different pixels from the camera 121.

For example, the camera 121 has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call, and the camera 121 'photographs a general subject and does not transmit it immediately. It is desirable to have a high pixel because there are many. The cameras 121 and 121 'may be installed in the terminal body so as to be rotatable or pop-upable.

A flash 123 and a mirror 124 are further disposed adjacent to the camera 121 '. The flash 123 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera 121 '. The mirror 124 allows the user to see his / her own face or the like when photographing (self-photographing) the user using the camera 121 '.

The sound output unit 152 'may be further disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The sound output unit 152 ′ may implement a stereo function together with the sound output unit 152 (see FIG. 2A), and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

In addition to the antenna for talking and the like, a broadcast signal reception antenna 116 may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. The antenna 116, which forms part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1), can be installed to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the portable terminal 100 is mounted on the terminal body. The power supply unit 190 may be embedded in the terminal body or may be directly detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The rear case 102 may be further equipped with a touch pad 135 for sensing a touch. Like the display unit 151, the touch pad 135 may also be configured to have a light transmission type. In this case, if the display unit 151 is configured to output visual information from both sides, the visual information may be recognized through the touch pad 135. The information output on both surfaces may be controlled by the touch pad 135. Alternatively, a display may be additionally mounted on the touch pad 135, and a touch screen may be disposed on the rear case 102 as well.

The touch pad 135 operates in association with the display unit 151 of the front case 101. The touch pad 135 may be disposed in parallel to the rear of the display unit 151. The touch pad 135 may have the same or smaller size as the display unit 151.

Hereinafter, the operation of the display unit 151 and the touch pad 135 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

3A and 3B are front views of a portable terminal for explaining an operation state of the portable terminal according to the present invention.

Various types of time information can be displayed on the display unit 151. [ These pieces of information can be displayed in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons.

In order to input such information, at least one of the letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons may be displayed in a predetermined arrangement so as to be implemented in the form of a keypad. Such a keypad may be called a so-called " soft key ".

3A illustrates receiving a touch applied to a softkey through the front of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 may operate in an entire area or may be operated in a divided manner. In the latter case, the plurality of areas can be configured to operate in association with each other.

For example, an output window 151a and an input window 151b are displayed on the upper and lower portions of the display unit 151, respectively. The output window 151a and the input window 151b are areas allocated for outputting or inputting information, respectively. In the input window 151b, a soft key 151c displaying a number for inputting a telephone number or the like is output. When the softkey 151c is touched, a number or the like corresponding to the touched softkey is displayed on the output window 151a. When the first manipulation unit 131 is operated, a call connection to the telephone number displayed on the output window 151a is attempted.

3B illustrates receiving a touch applied to a softkey through the rear of the terminal body. If FIG. 3A is a portrait in which the terminal body is disposed vertically, FIG. 3B illustrates a landscape in which the terminal body is arranged horizontally. The display unit 151 may be configured to convert the output screen according to the arrangement direction of the terminal body.

3B shows that the text input mode is activated in the portable terminal. The display unit 151 displays an output window 151a 'and an input window 151b'. A plurality of soft keys 151c 'displaying at least one of letters, symbols, and numbers may be arranged in the input window 151b'. The softkeys 151c 'may be arranged in the form of a QWERTY key.

When the soft keys 151c 'are touched through the touch pad 135 (refer to FIG. 2B), letters, numbers, symbols, etc. corresponding to the touched soft keys are displayed on the output window 151a'. As described above, the touch input through the touch pad 135 has an advantage of preventing the softkey 151c 'from being covered by the finger when touched, as compared with the touch input through the display unit 151. When the display unit 151 and the touch pad 135 are transparent, the fingers located at the rear of the terminal body can be visually checked, and thus more accurate touch input is possible.

In addition to the input methods disclosed in the above embodiments, the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135 may be configured to receive a touch input by scrolling. By scrolling the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135, the user may move an object displayed on the display unit 151, for example, a cursor or a pointer located at an icon. Further, when the finger is moved on the display portion 151 or the touch pad 135, the path along which the finger moves may be visually displayed on the display portion 151. [ This may be useful for editing an image displayed on the display unit 151.

In response to the display unit 151 (touch screen) and the touch pad 135 being touched together within a predetermined time range, one function of the terminal may be executed. In the case of being touched together, there may be a case where the user clamps the terminal body using the thumb and index finger. For example, the function may include activation or deactivation of the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135.

The proximity sensor 141 described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a proximity depth of a proximity sensor.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a pointer such as a user's finger or a pen approaches the touch screen, the proximity sensor 141 disposed in or near the touch screen detects this and outputs a proximity signal.

The proximity sensor 141 may be configured to output different proximity signals according to a distance between the proximity touched pointer and the touch screen (hereinafter, referred to as “proximity depth”).

In FIG. 4, for example, a cross section of a touch screen on which proximity sensors capable of sensing three proximity depths is disposed. Of course, proximity sensors that detect less than three or more than four proximity depths are also possible.

In detail, when the pointer is completely in contact with the touch screen (d0), the pointer is recognized as a touch. When the pointer is positioned below the distance d1 on the touch screen, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of a first proximity depth. When the pointer is spaced apart from the distance d1 or more and less than d2 on the touch screen, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of a second proximity depth. When the pointer is spaced apart from the d2 distance by more than d3 distance on the touch screen, it is recognized as a proximity touch of a third proximity depth. When the pointer is located at a distance greater than or equal to d3 on the touch screen, the proximity touch is recognized as released.

Accordingly, the controller 180 may recognize the proximity touch as various input signals according to the proximity depth and the proximity position of the pointer, and perform various operation control according to the various input signals.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a control method for a touch operation when a pair of display units 155 and 156 overlap.

The terminal disclosed in this drawing is a folder-type terminal in which a folder unit is foldable with respect to a main body. The first display unit 155 mounted on the folder unit may be a light transmissive type or a transparent type such as a TOLED, but the second display unit 156 mounted on the main body may have a form in which light does not transmit, such as an LCD. The first and second display units 155 and 156 may be configured as touch screens capable of touch input, respectively.

For example, when a touch (contact touch or proximity-touch) with respect to the first display unit or the TOLED 155 is detected, the controller 180 may be configured according to the type of touch and the touch time. At least one image from the list of images displayed on the TOLED 155 may be selected or run.

Hereinafter, with respect to a method in which information displayed on another display unit or LCD 156 is controlled when a touch is applied to the TOLED 155 exposed to the outside in an overlapped form, touch, long touch, long touch & drag ( The input method divided by drag) is described as a reference.

In the overlapped state (mobile terminal is closed), the TOLED 155 is disposed to overlap the lower side of the LCD 156. In this state, when a touch different from a touch for controlling the image displayed on the TOLED 155 is detected, for example, a long touch (for example, a touch lasting more than 2 seconds to 3 seconds), the controller 180 ) Causes at least one image of the image list displayed on the LCD 156 to be selected according to the sensed touch input. The result of the execution of the selected image is displayed on the TOLED 155.

The long touch can also be used to selectively move a desired one of the objects displayed on the LCD 156 to the TOLED 155 (without its execution operation). That is, the user may select one area of the TOLED 155 corresponding to the specific object of the LCD 156. In the long touch, the controller 180 moves the object to the TOLED 155 for display. Meanwhile, the object displayed on the TOLED 155 may also be transferred to the LCD 156 according to a predetermined touch input, for example, flicking, swirling, or the like, on the TOLED 155. In this figure, the menu No. 2 displayed on the LCD 156 is moved to the TOLED 155 and illustrated.

If another input, for example, a drag, is additionally detected along with the long touch, the controller 180 is a function related to the image selected by the long touch, for example, a preview screen for the image is displayed on the TOLED 155. Can be displayed on. In this figure, the case where the preview (male photograph) with respect to the 2nd menu (image file) is performed is illustrated.

When the preview screen is output and the drag is made to the TOLED 155 to another image while maintaining the long touch, the controller 180 controls the selection cursor (or selection bar) of the LCD 156. The selected cursor is displayed on the preview screen (woman photo). After that, when the touch (long touch and drag) is finished, the controller 180 displays the first image selected by the long touch.

The touch operation (long touch and drag) may be performed when a slide (movement of the proximity touch corresponding to the drag) is detected together with the long proximity touch (the proximity touch lasting at least 2 seconds to 3 seconds) for the TOLED 155. The same applies to.

If a touch operation other than those mentioned above is detected, the controller 180 may operate in the same manner as a general touch control method.

The control method for the touch operation in the overlapped form may be applied to a terminal having a single display. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a terminal different from a folder type having a dual display.

6A and 6B are views referred to for describing a proximity touch recognition region where a proximity signal is detected and a haptic region where a haptic effect occurs.

6A shows an object such as an icon or a menu item in a circle for convenience of description. As shown in (a) of FIG. 6A, an area where an object is displayed on the display unit 151 may be divided into a first area A in the center and a second area B surrounding the area. The first area A and the second area B may be configured to generate a tactile effect having different intensities or patterns. For example, the first vibration may be output when the second region B is touched, and the second vibration may be output when the first region A is touched.

If it is necessary to simultaneously set the proximity touch recognition area and the haptic area in the area where the object is displayed, the haptic area where the haptic effect occurs and the proximity touch recognition area where the proximity signal is detected Can be set differently. That is, the haptic area may be set narrower than the proximity touch recognition area, or the haptic area may be set wider than the proximity touch recognition area. For example, in (a) of FIG. 6A, an area including the first area A and the second area B may be set as a proximity touch recognition area, and the first area A may be set as a haptic area.

As shown in Fig. 6A (b), the area in which the object is displayed is divided into three areas A, B, and C, or as shown in Fig. 6A (c), N (N> 4). It can also be divided into three areas. Each divided area may be configured to generate a tactile effect having different intensities or patterns. Even when the area in which one object is displayed is divided into three or more areas, the haptic area and the proximity touch recognition area may be set differently according to the use environment.

The display unit 151 may be configured such that the size of the proximity touch recognition area varies depending on the depth of proximity. That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 6B, the corresponding proximity touch recognition area is gradually reduced to 'C', 'B', and 'A' according to the proximity depth to the display unit 151, Alternatively, the corresponding proximity touch recognition area may be gradually increased according to the depth of proximity to the display unit 151. Even in such a case, the haptic region may be set to a constant size regardless of the depth of proximity to the display unit 151 as in the 'H' region illustrated in FIG. 6B (b).

 In the case of dividing the region where the object is displayed for setting the haptic region or the proximity touch recognition region, in addition to the concentric division as shown in FIG. 6A, the division in the horizontal or vertical direction, the radial division, and a combination thereof Various methods, such as division, can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control method that can be implemented in a terminal configured as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments described later may be used alone or in combination with each other. In addition, embodiments described below may be used in combination with the above-described user interface (UI).

7 is an exemplary diagram for describing a configuration of a mobile terminal including a main device and a sub device according to the present invention.

As shown therein, the present invention relates to a mobile terminal comprising a main device (first device) 100 and at least one sub device (second device) 300a to 300n that can be coupled to or separated from the main device. will be. The main device is a concept in contrast to the sub device, and substantially refers to the entire mobile terminal capable of combining the sub devices. It may mean.

The main device (first device) 100 may include all the components of the mobile terminal described with reference to FIG. 1, and may be used to mechanically couple the sub-device (second device) in addition to the components. The coupling unit 210, the coupling detection unit 220 for detecting whether the sub-unit is coupled, the coupled or separated sub-device and the main device to electrically connect to send and receive signals or data between the two devices The connection unit 230 may be further provided.

The coupling unit 210 may be configured to mechanically couple the main device and the sub device, and the connection unit 230 is a block for communication between the main device and the sub device, and includes a hardware connection terminal (not shown). It can be configured to connect directly using a cable, a wired connection using a cable and a connector, or a wireless connection using a wireless method (eg, Bluetooth, IrDA, etc.).

The coupling detector 220 detects whether the main device and the sub device are coupled to or separated from each other, and accordingly, automatically changes the main device and the sub device to a preset operation mode.

The coupling unit 210 may be changed into various structures (or shapes) according to the type (eg, bar type, slide type, folder type, swing type, swivel type, watch type, etc.) of the mobile terminal. In addition, the main device of the mobile terminal not only changes the appearance shape of the body, but also an auxiliary member such as a magnet, a spring, or a latch, in order to fix the sub-device in a correct position so as not to move, shake, or break away. It can be configured to include more. In this case, the position where each of the components 210 to 230 may be changed according to the type of the mobile terminal.

The sub device 300 may form a body in a structure or a shape in which a strong connection may be made corresponding to the coupling portion 210 of the main device. That is, the coupling part 410 of the sub device may have a structure (or shape) corresponding to the coupling part 210 of the main device. In addition, the structure or shape of each of the components 410 to 430 may be changed to suit the sub device. For example, the sub-unit does not have a weight and bulky battery, and receives a radio signal transmitted from the main unit and uses the radio signal as an energy source so that the sub-unit can generate its own driving power. Can be configured. Therefore, the sub device can be flexibly configured to be transparent or curved, and can reduce the volume since the battery is not included. Alternatively, the battery of the sub device may be charged using an external power supply device, or the battery of the sub device may be charged through the main device while the sub device is coupled to the main device. In addition, the main device and the sub device may include a power supply unit for charging a battery using sunlight.

In addition, the sub device 300 may include all the same components as the main device. However, when only functions dependent on the main device are implemented, only components suitable for the implementation of the functions may be provided. Alternatively, only one of the main device or the sub device may have a specific component, and the other apparatus may remotely control the specific component. For example, the sub device may include only a touch pad or only a sound output unit without a touch screen. Alternatively, the projector may be provided in the main device, and the projector function may be controlled by controlling the main device remotely from the sub device. As a result, the volume and weight of the sub-device and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. As described above, the sub device may be used as a remote control device for remotely controlling the main device, or may be used as a remote output device for remotely outputting information output from the main device.

Hereinafter, the components of the main device or the sub device are not shown in the drawings, and only components necessary for description will be selectively shown.

8 is an exemplary diagram for describing a configuration of a sub device that can be combined with a main device of a mobile terminal according to the present invention. Although described with reference to the bar type mobile terminal for convenience, it can be applied to all the above-described types of terminals.

When the sub device 300 is coupled to the main device 100, the sub device may have components that are mechanically overlapped (or mechanically overlapped) with specific components provided in the main device. have. For example, the display unit 251 of the sub device may be configured to overlap the display unit 151 of the main device. Alternatively, the sound output module 252 of the sub device may be configured to overlap with the sound output module 152 of the main device. Alternatively, the user input unit (not shown) of the sub device may be configured to overlap with the user input unit 130 of the main device.

Even when a specific component of the sub device overlaps with a specific component of the main device, characteristics, sizes, thicknesses, etc. of the overlapping components are not necessarily the same. For example, the display unit 251 of the sub device may have a smaller size (eg, one line or two line size) than the display unit 151 of the main device. Alternatively, the display unit 251 may be configured to include only a function key or a touch pad.

In addition, the display unit 251 of the sub device may be configured as a transparent OLED (TOLED). In addition, the display 251 of the sub device may configure the touch pad to be limited to only a specific area (eg, an area for displaying a key or an area for displaying nothing). Also, the main device and the sub device may be configured to display information indicating whether the two devices are connected or separated. An indicator may be displayed on the display unit 251 of the sub device to display the combination / separation information, a backlight provided in the display unit, or a light emitting lamp may be separately provided on one side of the sub device.

Meanwhile, the sub device 300 may be easily configured to be coupled to the outside of the main device 100, but may be configured to be coupled to the inside of the main device such as a battery or a memory card. . In this case, the coupling part 210 of the main device may have a groove or slot structure (or shape) into which the sub device may be inserted. In addition, a cover (not shown) may be further provided to cover the sub device in order to prevent it from being undesirably detached after the sub device is combined.

In addition, the sub device 300 has a necklace shape, glasses shape, ring shape, card shape, earring shape, wristwatch shape, clip shape, pen shape, earphone shape in consideration of improvement of coupling and portability with the main device 100. It can be configured in any one of various forms, such as a USB memory stick. Of course, in this case, the coupling part 210 of the main device may be configured in a structure (or shape) that can be attached to the inside or outside of the main device according to the shape of the sub device.

In addition, the main device may detect whether the sub device 300 is coupled or separated using the coupling detector 230. Accordingly, when the sub device is coupled to the main device, the main device may automatically change its own operation mode or an operation mode of the sub device.

In addition, as the main device and the sub device are combined or separated, the format of data transmitted from the main device to the sub device may be changed. For example, as the sub-devices are combined or separated, the role of the function key included in the sub-device is changed to another function key, and the image data is transmitted in full size or the image data is reduced in size, and the communication of the wireless communication function is performed. You can shorten or change the distance, and vary the quality of the audio or video.

9A to 9D are exemplary views showing various configurations of a sub device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the sub device 300 may have the same components as the main device. However, when various conditions such as volume and weight are considered, the display unit 251, the controller 280, and the power supply unit 290 are basically included. The display unit 251 and the remaining components (eg, the controller, the power supply unit, the coupling unit, the coupling detector, the connection unit, and the output unit) may be divided into separate bodies 301 and 302. In this case, the display unit 251 may be configured as a transparent touch pad (or transparent touch screen) in consideration of being configured to overlap the display unit 151 of the main device when combined with the main device 100 of the mobile terminal. have.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the sub device 300 may include a frame 303 surrounding the outer portion of the body 302 and the display unit 251 to improve robustness.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9C, a function key (for example, a hold function, a call transmission / reception function, an MP3 control function, a Bluetooth function, a mouse key function) and an input unit (for example, a microphone or a camera) An output unit (eg, an audio output unit, an earphone connection unit, a beam output unit for projection, and an infrared communication unit) may be provided. Accordingly, even when the sub device is separated from the main device, the sub device alone can control or view the telephone transmission / reception and the multimedia output. By providing a function key as described above, when a user receives a phone call while listening to music using a sub-device, the user can immediately enter a specific key to switch to a call state.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9D, the sub device may include only the touch pad 305 without the display unit 251. In this case, the touch pad 305 may correspond one-to-one with an area of the display 151 of the main device, or draw various function keys 306 on the touch pad to use them as buttons. Alternatively, small size displays (eg, 1-line display, 2-line display) 307 may be combined on one side of the touch pad to display simple information (eg, control status, current status, connection status with the main device). It may be.

10A to 10D are exemplary diagrams for describing a coupling method of a main device and a sub device according to the present invention.

10A is a side cross-sectional view of an example for explaining a coupling method of a main device and a sub device. As shown in FIG. 1, the coupling members 510, such as magnets, may be attached to one side of the main device 100 and the sub device 300 so as to be easily coupled or separated. Similarly, a groove 520 corresponding to the shape and size of the sub device may be made in the main device, and a magnet may be attached to the groove. The depth of the groove 520 may be changed according to the design of the main device.

10B is a side cross-sectional view of an example for explaining a coupling method of a main device and an elastic sub device. As shown in the drawing, the sub device 300 may be configured to have elasticity. The elastic sub device as described above may be bent to a certain angle. In order to couple the elastic sub device as described above, the main device may include an edge holder 530 at an edge portion thereof. In other words, the user can be bent in the sub-unit to configure the shape that can be inserted into the edge holder 530. The edge holder may be configured with a guide groove 531 which can guide when inserting the sub device. After the sub device is inserted into the edge holder, a fixing member such as a latch (not shown) may be further provided on one side of the main device to prevent the sub device from falling out or moving.

10C is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a method of combining a main device and a sub device in a slot manner. As shown in the drawing, when the edge holder or the slot 540 having the guide groove is provided on the outside or the inside of the main device, the sub device may be coupled by inserting the sub device into the guide groove or the slot 540.

In this case, when one side of the main device is configured in a clogged form and the sub device is pushed all the way to the blocked portion, a fixing member such as a latch (not shown) may be provided to prevent the sub device from being pulled out. The clasp is configured to be fixed by walking on one side of the sub device. Therefore, one side of the sub device may form a groove (not shown) of a shape that can be latched. The method of releasing the latch may be configured to push the sub device further deeply or press a separate latch release key (not shown) according to the configuration of the latch. Alternatively, a member such as a spring (not shown) may be further provided to more easily detach the sub device.

In addition, the sub device may be coupled in a slide manner along the edge holder. That is, the sub device may be slid in units of a predetermined length. In other words, when the sub-device is slid by a certain length and automatically stopped by a stop means (not shown), the sub-device is slid again whenever the user applies a force in a desired direction (e.g., a direction for engagement or a direction for separation). will be. The stop means may be one or two or more.

FIG. 10D is an exemplary diagram for describing a method of combining a main device and a sub device using a hinge. As shown in the figure, when the hinges 550 and 551 are provided at one side of the main device or the sub device, the main device and the sub device may be combined using the hinge. When the main device and the sub device are coupled together using the hinge as described above, the sub device may be opened down by covering the sub device down or like a folder.

The hinge is detachable and coupled, and after being coupled, is configured to be rotatable within a certain angle. For example, after the user faces the hinges 550 and 551 of the main device and the sub device, the user may apply a force in a direction that can be coupled to each other, or may be separated by applying a force in a direction that can be separated. After the main device and the sub device are combined, the sub device can be opened or closed like the folder type terminal.

Hereinafter, exemplary structures for combining sub devices according to the type of the main device (eg, bar type, slide type, folder type, swing type, swivel type, watch type, etc.), and methods of combining and separating the same will be described. do.

11A to 11E are exemplary diagrams for describing a structure and a method for assembling or separating a sub device to a folder type main device according to the present invention.

A feature of the folder-type main device is that the first body 100a having the display unit and the second body 100b having the keypad are coupled using a hinge. In the present embodiment, assuming that the sub device is the third body 300, the third body is overlapped with the first body or the second body, and the third body is coupled to the first body or the second body. You can combine them by replacing one. In the present embodiment, the second body 100b does not necessarily need to be disposed with a keypad. Like the first body, a display unit, a touch screen, or a touch pad may be disposed.

If the third body 300 is replaced with the second body 100b as shown in FIG. 11A, the third body may act as a folder part that is folded or unfolded. In addition, when the third body 300 is configured as a transparent display, the main device may have an effect of having a dual display. When the third body is configured as a transparent touch pad, the third body may be a first body. When combined and overlapped with the display unit 151 of 100a, the same effect as a touch screen may occur. At this time, in order to configure the third body 300 to act as a folder portion, the hinge portion for coupling the first body and the third body is configured in a structure capable of separating and combining.

On the other hand, if it is assumed that the third body is a transparent display (TOLED), the transparency may be adjusted depending on whether or not the third body overlaps the first body. For example, when the third body 300 is folded and overlaps with the display unit 151 of the first body 100a, the transparency of the display unit 251 of the third body 300 is adjusted to display the first body. The screen can be seen through. In this case, only a specific area of the display screen of the first body may be controlled to be visible. However, when the third body is separated or unfolded and does not overlap the display unit 151 of the first body, the third body may operate as a double display to display different information.

That is, the third body 300 may operate independently, and when coupled to the main device, may operate in conjunction with the structure or operation of the main device. For example, when the sub device is coupled to the main device, the display unit 251 of the sub device may operate as either the main display or the sub display. In this case, the display unit 151 of the main device may be a TOLED or an LCD.

Meanwhile, the folder-type mobile terminal can open / close the third body functioning as a folder part in the vertical direction (up / down direction) or open / close in the horizontal direction (left / right direction) according to its posture. have. In addition, the mobile terminal of the present invention can detect the posture (that is, the rotational direction) of the terminal, and rotate and output information output to the first body or the third body according to the posture (rotational direction) of the terminal. . Alternatively, information output to the first body or the third body may be interchanged and output. The above operation can be applied not only to folder type mobile terminals but also to all other types of mobile terminals.

In the above, a method of combining or detaching a sub-device from a main unit and replacing or sub-folding the sub-device in a folder type mobile terminal has been described. Here, while the first body and the second body is coupled to the third body can be combined to overlap any one of the first body or the second body, but in the following description for convenience of explanation overlapping the first body The method will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11B, at least one side of the first body of the main device includes a coupling member 510 capable of fixing the sub device, and compresses the sub device according to the position of the coupling member 510. Can be combined. For example, after the groove or the clasp is formed on one side of the first body of the main device, the third body 300 may be coupled using the groove or the clasp. Alternatively, after the magnet is provided on one side of the first body of the main device, the third body 300 having a member attachable to the magnet may be coupled. In this case, the first body 100a and the second body 100b may be configured to be folded or unfolded regardless of the combination or separation of the sub devices as described above.

As shown in Fig. 11C, a guide grooved edge holder 530 is provided on at least one side of the first body of the main device, and the sub-device is inserted into the guide groove and pushed (or slotted). Can be. At this time, when the sub device is elastic, as shown in FIG. 11D, the sub device may be coupled by bending the sub device into the edge holder 530. When the sub device is detached from the main device, the sub device may be detached by being pushed up in the opposite direction when the sub device is inserted. After combining the sub device as described above it may be further provided with a fixing means for fixing the sub device from falling out of the holder.

As shown in FIG. 11E, a hinge portion is additionally provided on at least one side of the first body of the main device, the second body is coupled using one hinge portion, and the additional hinge portions 550 and 551 are provided. In this case, the third body 300 may be combined. Positions of the hinge parts may be changed, and when the third body is folded, a coupling member 510 may be further provided to fix the folded third body so as not to move. The coupling member 510 may use a member such as a holder or a magnet as described above, and may use any one of other known coupling members.

Accordingly, the hinge parts 550 and 551 for coupling the third body should be configured to be coupled to and separated from each other. In addition, the first body and the second body is preferably configured to be folded or unfolded regardless of the combination or separation of the third body (= sub-device) as described above.

In the above, the structure and method for combining or detaching sub devices in a folder type mobile terminal have been described. Hereinafter, a method of coupling a sub device to a slide type mobile terminal will be described.

12A to 12E are exemplary diagrams for describing a structure and a method of coupling or detaching a sub device to a slide type main device according to the present invention.

The slide type main device is characterized in that the first body (100a) having a display unit and the sliding and the second body (100b) having a keypad is coupled so as to slide using a guide rail (not shown). At this time, in the present embodiment, the second body may be configured as a display unit or a touch screen like the first body.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the sub-device is assumed to be the third body, the third body 300 is overlapped with the first body 100a or the second body 100b of the main device, or the third body 300 is coupled to the third body. The three bodies can be combined by replacing either the first body or the second body. When the sub device is coupled to the main device as described above, the display unit of any one device may be used as the main display or the sub display.

If the third body is replaced with any one of the first body and the second body as shown in FIG. 12A, the third body may act as a sliding slider. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the third body is replaced with the second body. In this case, when the display unit 251 of the third body 300 is configured as a transparent display TOLED, the display unit 251 of the third body 300 may overlap with the display unit 151 of the first body to generate an effect of dual display. Of course, even if the display unit is not necessarily configured as a transparent display, when the first body and the third body are combined, a double display effect that can be displayed on both sides (front and rear) of the mobile terminal may occur.

On the other hand, if it is assumed that the third body is a transparent display (TOLED), the transparency may be adjusted depending on whether the first body (= main device) and the third body (= sub body) are coupled. On the contrary, if it is assumed that the display unit 151 of the first body is a transparent display, the transparency of the display unit 151 may be controlled. For example, when the display unit 251 of the third body (= sub device) overlaps the display unit 151 of the first body (= main device), the display unit of the third body 300 is adjusted to be transparent. One body display screen can be controlled to pass through. However, when the third body is separated or slid and does not overlap the display unit 151 of the first body, the third body may operate as a double display to display different information.

In this case, like the first body (= main device), the third body (= sub device) may be coupled to face in the same direction (eg, the front side) or may be coupled to face in the opposite direction (eg the back side). . When the third body is coupled to the main device in the opposite direction, the third body may be a transparent touch screen or a transparent touch pad to implement a rear touch function. For example, the specific function displayed on the display unit 151 of the first body by touching the display unit 251 (or the touch pad) of the third body without covering the display unit 151 of the first body with a finger. This can be done by selecting the icon.

Further, when the third body (= sub device) is combined with the first body (= main device), the third body (= main device) is slid along the guide rail (not shown) within a certain range, but the user is stronger to leave the guide rail When a force is applied, the third body can be removed from the main unit. Therefore, the guide rail for coupling the third body (= sub device) is preferably configured in a form that can be separated and coupled.

As described above, when the first body and the third body are separated, the first body and the third body may operate as the main device and the sub device, respectively. That is, the sub device and the main device may operate in independent manners, or the sub device and the main device may operate in a manner in which communication between the sub device and the main device is connected and interlocked. For example, the sub device may request reproduction of a specific multimedia file from the main device, receive a multimedia file transmitted from the main device, and output the received multimedia file through an output unit of the sub device. Alternatively, a call may be performed between the main device and the sub device like an interphone.

On the other hand, the slide-type mobile terminal is opened or closed by sliding a third body functioning as a slider according to its posture in the vertical direction (up / down direction) or in the horizontal direction (left / right direction). Can be configured to Accordingly, the present invention detects the attitude (i.e., rotational direction) of the mobile terminal in which the main device and the sub-device are combined, and according to the attitude (rotational direction) of the terminal, the information output to the first body or the third body is also included. Can be rotated and output. Alternatively, information output to the first body or the third body may be interchanged and output.

In the above, the method of combining the sub device with the slider unit in the slide type mobile terminal has been described. In addition, a third body (= sub device) may be coupled to any one of the first body and the second body in a state in which the first body and the second body are coupled to each other. Hereinafter, a method of coupling to the first body will be described for convenience of description.

As shown in FIG. 12B, a coupling member 510 is provided on at least one side of the first body of the slide type mobile terminal, and the sub-device is pressed in accordance with the position where the coupling member is attached. Can be combined in such a way. For example, after forming a groove or a clasp or attaching a magnet to one side of the first body of the main device, the third body may be coupled using the groove, the clasp or the magnet. In this case, the first body and the second body is configured to slide regardless of whether the third body (sub device) is coupled or separated.

As shown in FIG. 12C, at least one side of the first body of the slide type mobile terminal is provided with an edge holder or slot 530 having a guide groove, and a sub-device is inserted into the guide groove and pushed (or slot type). ) Can be combined. In this case, when the sub device is elastic, as shown in FIG. 12D, the sub device 300 may be bent and pushed into the edge holder. When the sub device is detached from the main device (first body), the sub device may be detached by being pushed up in a direction opposite to that of the sub device. After the sub-units are combined as described above, a fixing unit (not shown) for fixing the sub-units may be further provided. The fixing means may be configured in various shapes in consideration of the design of the mobile terminal.

As illustrated in FIG. 12E, a hinge part 551 may be provided on at least one side of the first body of the slide type mobile terminal, and the third body may be coupled using the hinge part. Positions at which the hinge parts 550 and 551 are arranged may be changed, and when the third body is folded, fixing means (not shown) are further provided to fix the folded third body so as not to move. can do. The fixing means may be a member such as a holder or a magnet as described above, and may be configured using any one of the other known members. In addition, the hinge portion for coupling the third body should be of a structure capable of coupling and separation. In addition, the first body and the second body is preferably configured to be slidable regardless of the coupling or separation of the third body 300 as described above.

Although not shown in the drawings, the third body (= sub device) may be coupled to the second body in a manner similar to that of the first body. Similarly, depending on whether the display unit 251 of the third body is a transparent display or a touch pad, when the main device (here, the first body) and the sub device (the third body) operate in association with each other, the display unit of either device Transparency can be configured to be adjusted.

The structure and method for assembling or detaching sub devices in the slide type mobile terminal have been described above. Hereinafter, a method of coupling a sub device to a swivel type mobile terminal will be described.

13A to 13D are exemplary views for explaining a structure and a method of coupling or disconnecting a sub device to a swivel type main device according to the present invention.

As shown therein, the mobile terminal in the form of a swivel folder according to the present invention includes a swivel hinge. The swivel hinge is operable to rotate or move the folder portion at a certain angle (or position). In the present exemplary embodiment, when the folder having the display unit 151 is called the first body 100a, the second body 100b coupled to the first body 100a may be configured as a keypad or a touch screen. .

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the sub device is the third body 300, the third body (= sub device) is overlapped with the first body or the second body, or the third body is combined with the first body or the first body. It can be combined by replacing any one of the two bodies. As described above, when the sub device is coupled to the main device (here, the first body), the display unit of any one device (eg, the sub device) may be used as the sub display.

If the third body is replaced with the first body or the second body as shown in FIG. 13A, the third body may act as a swivel folder part that is folded or unfolded. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the third body is replaced with the second body.

In this case, when the display unit 251 of the third body (= sub device) is configured as a transparent display, the display unit 151 of the first body may overlap with the display unit 151 to have a dual display. Of course, the display unit may be configured as an LCD which is not an transparent display but an opaque display. In this way, when the display unit is configured as an LCD and the first and third bodies are combined, the display unit is displayed on both sides (front and rear) of the mobile terminal. An effect of the double display may occur.

On the other hand, if it is assumed that the third body is a transparent display (TOLED), when the first body (= main device) and the third body (= sub-body) is overlapped coupling of either of the two devices of the device Transparency of the transparent display can be adjusted. For example, when the display unit 251 of the third body 300 overlaps the display unit 151 of the first body 100a, the display unit of the third body 300 is transparently adjusted to display the first body. You can make the screen appear transparent. However, when the third body is separated or unfolded and does not overlap the display unit 151 of the first body, the third body may operate as a double display to display different screens. In this case, as the first body (= main device) is swiveled, the third body (= sub device) may overlap so that the display directions of the two devices face the same direction (for example, the front side) or the opposite direction (for example, May be overlapped).

Meanwhile, when the third body is coupled in a direction opposite to the direction that the display of the main device faces, and when the third body is configured as a transparent touch screen or a transparent touch pad, a rear touch function may be implemented. For example, a specific function icon displayed on the display unit 151 of the first body may be selected and executed by touching the third body without touching the display unit 151 of the first body with a finger.

Therefore, the swivel hinge for coupling the third body 300 is preferably configured in a form that can be separated and combined.

As described above, when the first body 100a and the third body 300 are separated, the main body and the sub device may operate independently. That is, the sub device and the main device may operate in an independent manner, and the sub device and the main device may operate in a manner in which communication between the sub device and the main device is connected to each other and interlocked. For example, the sub device may request reproduction of a specific multimedia file from the main device, receive a multimedia file transmitted from the main device, and output the received multimedia file through an output unit of the sub device. Alternatively, a call may be performed between the main device and the sub device like an interphone.

Meanwhile, the swivel type mobile terminal detects a posture (ie, rotation direction) of the terminal, and rotates and outputs information output to the first body or the third body according to the posture (rotation direction) of the terminal. can do. For example, the first body may output the multimedia file in the horizontal direction and the third body may output the multimedia file in the vertical direction.

In the above, the method for coupling the sub device to the swivel type mobile terminal has been described. Here, the third body (= sub device) may be coupled to any one of the first body and the second body in a similar manner while the first body and the second body are coupled to each other. Hereinafter, a method of coupling to the first body will be described for convenience of description. As shown in FIG. 13B, at least one side of the first body 100a of the swivel type mobile terminal is provided with a coupling member 510 for fixing the sub device, and the coupling device 510 is attached to the sub device. It can be combined in a crimped manner to match the position. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13C, at least one side of the first body of the main device includes a guide grooved edge holder or slot 530, and a sub-device is inserted into the guide groove and pushed (or slotted). Can be combined. In this case, when the sub device is elastic, the sub device may be coupled by bending the sub device into the edge holder as shown in FIG. 13D. The method of assembling sub devices in the swivel type mobile terminal has been described above.

Hereinafter, a structure and method for assembling or separating sub devices in a bar type mobile terminal will be described. Hereinafter, the bar type mobile terminal may combine or separate sub devices in a manner similar to the above-described folder type, slide type, or swivel type mobile terminal.

14A to 14D are exemplary diagrams for describing a structure and a method of coupling or detaching a sub device to a bar type main device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14A, a coupling member 510 may be provided on one side of the main device, and the sub device may be coupled in a crimped manner in accordance with a position where the coupling member 510 is attached. Can be. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14B, at least one side of the main device may include an edge holder or a slot 530 having a guide groove, and the sub device may be inserted into the guide groove and pushed (or slotted). have. In this case, when the sub device is elastic, the sub device may be coupled by bending the sub device into the edge holder as shown in FIG. 14C. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 14D, a hinge part 551 may be provided on at least one side of the main device, and the sub device may be coupled using the hinge part. Positions of the hinge parts may be changed and may further include fixing means (not shown) for fixing the sub device so that the sub device does not move when the sub device is folded. In the above, the method of combining the sub devices in the bar type mobile terminal has been described. Hereinafter, a method of combining sub devices in a watch type mobile terminal will be described.

15A to 15D are exemplary diagrams for describing a structure and a method of coupling or detaching a sub device to a watch type main device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the watch type mobile terminal includes a first body 100a to which the band unit 100c is connected and a second body 100b to include a display unit coupled to the first body. do. The second body may be configured to be connected to one side of the first body by a hinge 100d so as to be opened or closed. Hereinafter, the second body may be referred to as a cover, and the first body may also include a display unit and may be configured as a dual display together with the display unit of the second body.

In addition, at least one display unit of the first body 100a or the second body 100b may be configured as a transparent display (TOLED). In addition, each display unit may operate as a main display or a sub display, and may display different types of information on each display unit as the second body is opened or closed. In addition, a touch pad or a transparent touch pad may be attached to at least one of the display units 151 and 251 of the first body or the second body.

In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, any one of the first body and the second body may be operated as a main device or a sub device. For example, the first body may be operated as a main device and the second body may be operated as a sub device. Accordingly, the hinge 100d may be configured to couple or separate the first body (= main device) and the second body (= sub device). The hinge portion 100d for coupling the sub device must be configured to be coupled and separated.

Like the other types of mobile terminals described above, the main device and the sub device operate in conjunction with each other, and as the two devices are combined or separated, the type or display format of information displayed on each device may be changed.

Hereinafter, a method of overlapping and combining a third body (= sub device) to either the first body or the second body in a state in which the first body and the second body are coupled to each other. For convenience, a method of overlapping and combining sub devices on the second body will be described. As shown in Fig. 15B, at least one side of the second body of the main device is provided with a coupling member 510 capable of fixing the sub device, and the sub device is crimped in accordance with the position where the coupling member 510 is attached. Can be combined in such a way. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15C, at least one side of the second body of the main device includes a guide grooved edge holder or slot 530, and a sub-device is inserted into the guide groove and pushed (or slotted). ) Can be combined. In this case, when the sub device is elastic, the sub device may be coupled by bending the sub device into the edge holder as shown in FIG. 15D.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary diagram for describing a structure of a clip type sub device that is easily coupled to all types of main devices according to the present invention.

As already described with reference to the other drawings in the present invention, the sub-unit in the present invention functions as a component of the main unit mechanically or electrically when coupled to the main unit, it is easy to carry when disconnected from the main unit and remotely connected to the main unit And functions as a server terminal and a client terminal to transmit and receive necessary information from the main device.

Therefore, the sub device is preferably mechanically configured to be easily coupled to the main device while being portable. In addition, the main device is preferably mechanically configured so that the combined sub-unit does not shake or fall easily. For example, as shown in Figure 16, 'c' shaped clip 300, when coupled to the mobile terminal can be fitted to one side of the terminal, when removed from the mobile terminal, such as a pocket or a user Coupling portion 410 that can be attached to a garment, or attached to a part of the body, such as head, ears, eyes, hands, feet or neck can be configured integrally. At this time, the coupling portion 410 is preferably elastic. In other words, the sub device is not limited to the shape of a plate (flat plate) type, but may be configured to be easily coupled to the main device such as a 'b' or 'b' shape.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the sub device is not limited to the clip type, and the sub device includes a coupling part and an output part, and may be configured in various shapes or designs. For example, it can also be configured in the form of earphones, earrings, or necklaces. In addition, at least two sub devices may be configured to interwork with one main device. That is, an ID may be assigned to each sub device, different information may be transmitted to each sub device, or the same information may be simultaneously transmitted to all sub devices. In addition, each sub-device may be configured to transmit and receive arbitrary information (eg, voice, video, message) to each other.

Hereinafter, a control method of a mobile terminal which can be combined and separated according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The control method of the mobile terminal which can be combined and detached is divided into three stages: 'Control method when combined / separated', 'Separate Concept UI' and 'Combine Concept UI'. The steps can be divided and explained as follows.

* Control method when joining / unplugging

In the method of controlling / combining the mobile terminal according to the present invention, when the sub-device 300 is coupled to the main device 100 of the mobile terminal or separated from the main device 100, the two devices 100 and 300 are connected. It relates to a method of controlling the operation and status of the.

The control method when the mobile terminal is coupled / disconnected according to the present invention can be considered to be divided into 'terminal automatic control', 'terminal automatic control', 'terminal power saving control' and 'terminal lock automatic control'.

** Terminal operation automatic control

17A to 17B are exemplary diagrams illustrating automatic control of a terminal operation (menu display), and an example applied to a bar-type mobile terminal for convenience of description.

The controller 180 controls an operation (eg, a display) of the main device 100 and the sub device 300 differently according to a fastening type (vertical or horizontal).

As shown in FIG. 17A, when the combination of the main device 100 and the sub device 300 is fastened in the vertical direction, the controller 180 which detects this is a menu display method or a menu item which is convenient to operate in the vertical display. Display them.

On the other hand, when the combination of the main device 100 and the sub device 300 is fastened in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 17B, the controller 180 displays menu items convenient to operate in the horizontal display. For example, it displays multimedia menu items such as image viewer, broadcast viewer, camera function, and video player.

FIG. 18 is an exemplary diagram in which automatic terminal operation (menu display) control of FIG. 17 is applied to a swing type (swing-type or swivel-type) mobile terminal.

19A to 19B are other exemplary diagrams of terminal operation (menu display) automatic control.

In the present embodiment, the controller 180 controls the operation (eg, display) of the sub device 300 differently when the two devices 100 and 300 are combined with each other.

As shown in FIG. 19A, when combined with the main device 100, the sub device 300 performs an operation as a touch screen. The controller 180 receives a user's touch input from the sub device 300.

On the other hand, when the sub device 300 is separated from the main device 100 as shown in FIG. 19B, the sub device 300 performs an operation as a keypad or a wireless mouse. The controller 180 receives a user's touch input through the sub device 300 through short-range wireless communication (eg, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared communication (IrDA, etc.)). do.

20A to 20B are exemplary views showing automatic terminal operation (keypad control) control.

The controller 180 displays different keypads on the main device 100 according to the fastening type (vertical or horizontal) of the two devices 100 and 300.

As shown in FIG. 20A, when the combination of the main device 100 and the sub device 300 is fastened in the vertical direction, the controller 180 which detects this is a keypad (eg, a dome) suitable for the vertical display. Display, keypad, etc.).

On the other hand, when the combination of the main device 100 and the sub device 300 is fastened in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 20B, the controller 180 may use a keypad (eg, a QWERTY keypad) suitable for the horizontal display. Etc.).

Fig. 21 is an exemplary diagram showing automatic terminal operation (application control) control.

As in the above embodiments, the controller 180 executes different applications on the main device 100 according to the vertical fastening and the horizontal fastening.

For example, as shown in FIG. 21, when the combination of the main device 100 and the sub device 300 is vertically fastened, the controller 180 executes a camera viewer, and the coupling is fastened horizontally. If so, run the Map application.

** Terminal state automatic control

22 is an exemplary view showing automatic terminal state control.

The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment displays information differently for one application (for example, a phone book function) when the vertical fastening and the horizontal fastening are performed.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the phone book function is executed while the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are coupled in the vertical direction, the controller 180 controls the name, phone number, and phone book of the selected person. Show general information such as photos and birthdays.

On the other hand, when the phone book function is executed while the two devices 100 and 300 are coupled in the horizontal direction, the controller 180 may control the number of calls with the selected person, the number of messages, the total talk time, the recent call history, and the like. Displays communication related information.

Figure 23 shows another exemplary diagram of terminal state automatic control.

The controller 180 according to the present exemplary embodiment detects the combination and separation of the two devices 100 and 300 and controls to display different background screens on the main device 100.

For example, when the two devices 100 and 300 are combined, if the first image is displayed as the wallpaper, when the combination is separated, the second image is displayed as the wallpaper. When the two devices 100 and 300 are combined again, the controller 180 displays the third image as a background screen. In the present embodiment, a plurality of images should be designated as a background screen, and the controller 180 can randomly or sequentially designate the designated images whenever the combination and separation of the two devices 100 and 300 are detected. It can be displayed.

In this embodiment, by displaying a variety of background screens stored in the terminal, it is possible to avoid the boredom of using the terminal, it can provide a kind of fun (fun) function to the user.

** Automatic power saving control

24 is an exemplary view showing automatic terminal power saving control.

The controller 180 according to the present exemplary embodiment senses the combination and disconnection of the two devices 100 and 300 to control (on / off) the power supplied to the display of the main device 100. .

For example, when the coupling of the two devices 100 and 300 is released (disconnected), the controller 180 detects this and cuts off the power supplied to the display of the main device 100.

Then, when the two devices (100, 300) are combined again, the controller 180 is to be supplied again to the power cut off so that the main device 100 can perform the display. Automatic power supply control according to the present embodiment can be manually switched according to the user's setting. When the automatic power supply control is manually switched, the power supplied to the display of the main device 100 is controlled by the user, regardless of the combination and disconnection of the two devices 100 and 300.

** Terminal lock automatic control

25 is an exemplary view illustrating automatic terminal lock control.

The controller 180 according to the present exemplary embodiment detects the combination and separation of the two devices 100 and 300 to control the lock / unlock of the main device 100.

The controller 180 detects this when the combination of the two devices 100 and 300 is released (disconnected) and sets a lock to the main device 100.

When the two devices 100 and 300 are combined again, the operation of the main device 100 can be performed by unlocking the set lock.

When the combination of the main device 100 and the sub device 300 is a way (or a slot method) to be inserted into the guide groove as shown in Fig. 14B, the automatic locking control according to the present embodiment may be applied differently. Can be.

The controller 180 monitors the movement of the sub device 300 moving in the guide groove, and sets the lock to the main device 100 when the sub device 300 passes a specific point of the guide groove. This embodiment is applied. If the main device 100 is already locked when the sub device 300 passes a specific point of the guide groove, the controller 180 unlocks the locked setting of the main device 300 to unlock the main device 300. 100) operation becomes possible.

Accordingly, the user can control the lock (unlock / unlock) of the main device 100 only by slightly moving the sub device 300 from the guide groove (to the specific point).

Fig. 26 is an exemplary view regarding user setting of control at the time of combining / separating according to the present invention.

As described above, the control method when the mobile terminal is coupled / disconnected according to the present invention can be divided into 'terminal automatic control', 'terminal automatic control', 'terminal power saving control', 'terminal lock automatic control' and the like. The present invention allows the user to arbitrarily change the settings of these automatic controls.

Automatic control according to the combination / separation of the two devices 100 and 300 may be rather inconvenient for the user. If automatic control is inconvenient, the user may execute a user setting menu as shown in FIG. 26 to change a desired automatic control item to manual control and input a desired setting value.

* Control Method in Separated State (Separate Concept UI)

Next, a description will be given of a control concept (Separate Concept UI) in the separated state. In the state in which the main device 100 and the sub device 300 of the mobile terminal are separated, various controls between the two devices 100 and 300 will be described. will be.

27 is an exemplary diagram relating to power control of the main device 100.

In a state where the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are separated, the user according to the present exemplary embodiment may operate only the sub device 300 to turn on / off the power of the main device 100. Can be. To this end, the sub device 300 may have a separate software key (or hardware key) for power control or may execute a menu for power control.

In addition, a power control command (eg, ON or OFF) input from the user is transmitted through short-range wireless communication (eg, Bluetooth) or RFID (Radio) through the connection unit 230 of the sub device 300. Frequency identification), and infrared communication (IrDA, infrared data association, etc.).

Thereafter, when a power control command of the user of the user is received by the main device 100, the controller 180 turns on or off the power of the main device 100 according to the received power control command. Let's do it.

28 is an exemplary diagram relating to call function control of the sub device 300.

When a call (CALL) is received on the main device 100 in a state in which the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are separated, the sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may provide a call function to the user. . For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 9C, the sub device 300 may include a function key for transmitting and receiving a telephone, an input unit (eg, a microphone), and an output unit (eg, an audio output unit, an earphone connection unit, and the like). have.

When a call (CALL) is received on the main device 100 while the two devices 100 and 300 are separated, the controller 180 transmits the call to the sub device 300 through the connection unit 230. In addition, the sub device 300 draws the user's attention through a predetermined alarm (for example, sound or vibration), or displays a message indicating a call reception and a caller's telephone number as shown in FIG. 28. Notify

Subsequently, when a user who recognizes a call is input by the telephone transmission / reception function key, a signal of the input function key is transmitted to the main device 100, and the controller 180 controls the two devices 100 and 300. Establish communication channel for interphone and telephone call. In this case, the order of the function key signal transmission and the communication path setting may be reversed depending on the implementation method.

When a communication path for a telephone call is established between the main device 100 and the sub device 300, a phone call using the sub device 300 becomes possible. In the case of message reception, the controller 180 first displays the incoming message on the display of the sub device 300 and draws the user's attention through a predetermined alarm (for example, sound or vibration).

A user according to the present embodiment can conveniently talk using the sub device 300 while carrying a mobile terminal (eg, the main device 100) in a pocket or a bag.

29 is an exemplary view of the multimedia player control.

In a state where the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are separated, the sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may provide a user with a multimedia playback function of the main device 100. To this end, as shown in FIG. 9C, the sub device 300 may include a function key for multimedia playback (eg, MP3 playback) and an output unit (eg, an audio output unit or an earphone connection unit).

When the two devices 100 and 300 are separated, when the user inputs the MP3 function key, the signal of the input function key is transmitted to the main device 100 through the connection unit 230. In addition, the controller 180 receiving the signal of the function key establishes a base wireless communication path between the two devices 100 and 300.

Subsequently, when a user's media playback and control signal is input through the communication path, the controller 180 controls the multimedia player according to the input signal, and transmits the reproduced music sound to the sub device 300.

A user may listen to music (eg, MP3, etc.) by connecting an earphone to the earphone connection unit 292. If the sub device 300 does not have a display, the user may listen to music after feedbacking the related information (eg, playback information / status) of the music file in advance. If the sub device 300 has a single line (or two lines) display, the related information of the music file being output will be output through the single line display.

The sub device 300 according to the present embodiment preferably includes separate software keys 294 for controlling multimedia playback, or hardware buttons as shown in FIG. 9D.

The sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may include a gyro sensor 296. When the sub device 300 includes the gyro sensor 296, the movement and the tilt change of the sub device 300 sensed by the sensor 296 are transmitted to the main device 100, and the controller 180 is transferred. Depending on the signal, player control such as playing the next song, playing the previous song, or stopping the play is performed.

A user according to the present embodiment can conveniently enjoy music or video using only the sub device 300 while carrying a mobile terminal (eg, the main device 100) in a pocket or a bag.

30 is an exemplary diagram relating to mouse function control.

In a state where the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are separated, the sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may provide a mouse function or a touch pad function to the user. To this end, the sub-device 300 may include a predetermined key for a mouse function or a touch pad function, as shown in FIG. 9C.

When the two devices 100 and 300 are separated, when a user inputs the function key, the signal of the input function key is transmitted to the main device 100 through the connection unit 230. In addition, the controller 180 receiving the signal of the function key establishes a short range wireless communication path between the two devices 100 and 300 and places the mouse pointer 304 at a point of the display provided in the main device 100. Display.

Thereafter, the touch input of the user sensed by the sub device 300 is transmitted to the main device 100 through the communication path, and the controller 180 controls the movement of the mouse pointer 304 according to the touch input.

The user according to the present exemplary embodiment may control the mouse pointer 304 by using the sub device 300 as a touch pad of a notebook or by moving a predetermined pointer 309 as shown in FIG. 30. have.

The sub device 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a software key (or a hardware key) on one side of the display for controlling screen scrolling of the main device 100.

The user may conveniently control an application running in the main device 100 by using the sub device 300 while the main device 100 is spaced apart from the main device 100 by a predetermined distance.

Fig. 31 shows still another example of mouse function control.

The user according to the present exemplary embodiment may control various applications of a personal computer (eg, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, etc.) by using the sub device 300. To this end, the sub-device 300 may have various function keys (eg, a mouse function (or a touch pad function), a multimedia playback function, etc.) as shown in FIG. 9C.

The user according to the present embodiment can control various applications of the personal computer after establishing a short range wireless communication path between the two devices 100 and 300 by inputting a desired function key as in the embodiments of FIGS. 29 and 30. .

The user may listen to music files (eg, mp3 files, etc.) stored in the personal computer using the sub device 300. In addition, the user may select both a mouse function key and a multimedia play function key, and select and execute a music file or a video file of the personal computer by a touch input through the sub device 300.

The sub device 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a multi-stage slide button 312 (hardware or software key) capable of performing mode switching (Hold / Mode1 / Mode2). When the sub-device 300 includes the multi-stage slide button 312, a hold button, a touch lock, a telephone transmission / reception (or mp3) function (Mode1), a mouse function (Mode 2), and the like are one button. Can be run as.

Each time the multi-stage slide button 312 is input, the controller 180 switches a mode and executes a function of the corresponding mode.

32 is an exemplary diagram relating to game function control.

In a state in which the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are separated, the sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may provide a game control function to the user. To this end, the sub-device 300, such as a function key for game control, the output section shown in Figure 9c: can be provided (for example, a sound output unit, the earphone connection, etc.), a vibration element, or the like.

When two devices 100 and 300 are separated, when a user inputs the function key, the signal of the input function key is transmitted to the main device 100 through the connection unit 230. The controller 180 receiving the signal of the function key establishes a short range wireless communication path between the two devices 100 and 300.

Subsequently, when a control signal of the user (←, ↑, ↓, →, execution key 1, execution key 2, etc.) is input through the communication path, the controller 180 controls the objects of the game according to the input signal, The sound effect of the game is transmitted to the sub device 300. The user may connect the earphone to the earphone connection unit 292 to enjoy the game with the sound effect of the game.

The game operation buttons 322 may be printed on the sub device 300 in a grid (or grid) pattern. When the game operation buttons 322 are printed, the sub device 300 may include a separate lighting device (for example, LED). As the LED blinks, the printed grid (or grid) pattern may appear and disappear.

In addition, the game operation buttons 322 may be implemented in software. When the game operation buttons 322 are implemented in software, the user may arbitrarily set the position or operation function of each button and add new buttons.

The sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may transmit vibrations in conjunction with the effect sound of the game or transmit vibration feedback according to a user's touch input.

The user may operate and control a game running on the main device 100 using the sub device 300 while the main device 100 is spaced apart from the main device 100 by a predetermined distance.

33A to 33B are exemplary views of widget execution control.

In a state in which the two devices 100 and 300 are separated, the sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may perform a widget function. For convenience of description, it is assumed that the sub device 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a single-line display (or two-line display) and a touch pad on which various function keys are printed, as shown in FIG. 9D.

When the user wants to execute the function key 332 printed on the touch pad, the user touches and drags one of the function keys (eg, a 'clock' function key) and places it on the one-line display. The sub device 300 then displays the current time, date, and the like on the one-line display. If the 'weather' function key was touched and dragged on the single-line display, the single-line display would display today's lowest and highest temperatures, chances of rain and weather alerts.

The function keys (eg, 'clock' or 'weather' function keys) are, of course, printed on the touch pad, and thus do not move to a single line display. However, the sub device 300 detects a user's touch input (touch & drag) and executes the widget of the corresponding function.

As another example of the execution of the widget, if the user touches and drags the 'broadcast' function key among the function keys 332 to the one-line display, the sub device 300 connects to the connection unit 230. The 'broadcasting' execution command is transmitted to the main device 100. The controller 180 executes the 'broadcasting' application according to the execution command and provides a broadcast service to the user.

As another example of executing the widget, when the user inputs a font (for example, 'I love you') on the touch pad, as shown in FIG. 33B, the sub device 300 displays the text input on the touch pad as the first line. Can be displayed on the display.

34 is an exemplary diagram relating to a function linkage control.

When the main device 100 is running a photo or image viewer (or video player), the user simply touches the sub device 300 (eg, dragging, flicking) to view the stored images. can do.

When the main device 100 is running a photo viewer or an image viewer (or a video player) in a state in which a short range wireless communication path is established with the sub device 300, as shown in FIG. The controller 180 also responds to simple touch inputs (eg, dragging, flicking, etc.) input to the sub device 300. For example, the controller 180 converts an image to a previous or next image (or a video) according to the flicking direction detected by the sub device 300. If flicking to the left is detected, the image of the next page (or next order) is displayed. If flicking to the right is detected, the image of the previous page (or previous order) is displayed.

The user can view the images stored in the main device 100 conveniently (without a separate control button input or key operation) by using the sub device 300 in a state where the main device 100 is spaced a predetermined distance apart. .

35 is another exemplary diagram relating to the function linkage control.

When the main device 100 is executing the text input editor, the user according to the present embodiment can input text through the sub device 300.

When the user inputs letters (eg, 'I love you') on the touch pad while the text input editor is running on the main device 100, the sub device 300 sets the letters inputted on the touch pad in a communication path. Through, transmit to the main device (100). The controller 180 displays the transmitted user's text on the display of the main apparatus 100, as shown in FIG.

The controller 180 according to the present exemplary embodiment may convert the font of the user into a printed matter according to the setting of the terminal. When the user's text is transmitted to the main device 100, the controller 180 converts the transmitted text into a print through a predetermined character recognition process. Then, the converted printed matter is displayed on the display of the main apparatus 100, as shown in FIG.

36 is a view illustrating mode switching and intensity control of the main device.

In a state in which the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are separated, the sub device 300 according to the present embodiment switches the mode (mode or state) of the main device 100 (silent mode 嗇 power mode). You can adjust the intensity of the ringtone or vibration. To this end, the sub device 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a side key 362, a navigation key 364, a lock key 366, and the like.

If the user inputs any one of the function keys 362, 364 and 366 while the two devices 100 and 300 are separated, the signal of the input function key is input to the main device 100 through the connection unit 230. Is delivered). The controller 180 of the main device 100 switches the mode of the main device 100 or adjusts the intensity of the ringtone (or vibration) according to the input signal.

When the user inputs the upper side key 362-1 for a long time (eg, 2 seconds to 3 seconds), the controller 180 switches the state of the main device 100 to the power mode.

When the user inputs the lower side key 362-2 for a long time (for example, 2 seconds to 3 seconds), the controller 180 switches the state of the main device 100 to silent mode.

When the user simply inputs the upper side key 362-1 (or inputs a navigation key of), the controller 180 raises the ringer (or vibration) level of the main device 100 by one step.

When the user simply inputs the lower side key 362-2 (or inputs a navigation key of), the controller 180 lowers the ringing level (or vibration) level of the main device 100 by one step.

When the user inputs the lock key 366, the controller 180 sets a lock on the main device 100. At this time, if the main device 100 is already locked, the controller 180 unlocks the lock setting of the main device 300, thereby allowing the operation of the main device 100 to be performed.

As another example of FIG. 36, adjustment of a received volume (or ring tone) or intensity of vibration may be temporarily applied.

For example, when the user is in a call using the sub device 300 as in the embodiment of FIG. 28, if the user inputs a side key 362-1 or 362-2 to adjust the reception volume, the controller 180 The reception sound level of the main device 100 is adjusted according to the user's input. At this time, the adjusted reception tone level is maintained only while the user is busy. When the user's call is terminated and the call is terminated, the controller 180 changes the reception sound level of the main device 100 to the original setting value.

37 is an exemplary view relating to a photographing function remote control.

In a state in which the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are separated, the sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may remotely control the camera 121.

When the main device 100 is switched to the camera mode while the sub device 300 and the short range wireless communication path are set, as shown in FIG. 37, the controller 180 executes a shooting application and moves the mouse to a point on the screen. Pointer 304 displays.

The controller 180 controls the movement of the mouse pointer 304 according to a user's touch manipulation inputted to the sub device 300. The user may control the mouse pointer 304 by using the sub device 300 as a touch pad of a notebook or by moving a predetermined pointer 309 as shown in FIG. 30.

Using the sub device 300, the user may take a selfie or webcam picture while being spaced apart from the camera module of the main device 100 by a predetermined distance. Also, remotely, various camera preferences (e.g. resolution, scene mode, filter, balance, timer, shooting mode, ISO, image quality, storage space, clean view settings, image stabilization, flicker prevention, auto focus, shooting sound, Guide shooting, etc.) can be changed and saved. In addition, the video call can be conveniently used.

38A to 38B are exemplary views relating to the emotion mode control of the sub device.

The sub device 300 according to the present invention is not only a control device for controlling a mobile terminal or a multimedia device interlocked with the mobile terminal, but also has a strong personality as an accessory. ) Can be used as a tool to express the emotions of users by allowing them to be displayed differently.

In the embodiment of FIG. 38A, the emotional mode of the sub device 300 is divided into a passage mode, a sleep mode, and a conference mode according to a user's situation, and different background colors or text colors are applied to each mode. In the present embodiment, in the sleep mode, the background color or text color of the sub device 300 may be set to gray, the conference mode may be set to blue, and the passage mode may be set to red. Since the background color or the text color applied to each mode is to reveal the emotion of the user, it is preferable to allow the user to arbitrarily select the color value setting for each mode (sleep mode, passage mode, meeting mode). The sub device 300 may include a separate lighting device (eg, a light emitting diode (LED)) for displaying a background color.

The embodiment of FIG. 38B divides the emotional mode of the sub device 300 into the morning mode, the afternoon mode, and the night mode for each time zone, and applies a different background color or text color for each mode. Once the user finishes setting the background color (or text color) for each mode, the sub device 300 automatically changes the background color (or text color) for each mode over time.

39A to 39D are exemplary views related to the function control of the clip type sub device.

In a state in which the two devices 100 and 300 are separated, navigation, GPS information display function, hands-free function, call function, camera remote control, and the like may operate more effectively in the clip-type sub device 300.

The clip-type sub device 300 may be worn on a pocket or a belt for easy portability in a state in which it is separated from the main device 100, and a coupling part 410 that can be attached to a part of a body or a protrusion of a device is integrated. It can be configured as. The mechanical features of this clip-type sub-device 300 will exert its effect outdoors or during trips or tracking.

As a basic configuration, the sub device 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a display 251, an input unit (eg, a microphone), and an output unit (eg, an audio output unit, an earphone connection unit, etc.). In addition, a multi-stage slide button 312 capable of executing at least two or more functions with one button may be provided.

The clip type sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may provide a navigation function as shown in FIG. 39A.

In order to receive the navigation service, when the user executes the corresponding application, the controller 180 connects to the server and downloads service information according to the movement of the user. Then, the navigation information to the destination is transmitted through the short range wireless communication path established with the sub device 300. The information transferred to the sub device 300 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 39A.

As illustrated in FIG. 39B, the clip type sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may provide a GPS information display function. The clip type sub device 300 receives and displays various GPS information from the main device 100. The sub device 300 may provide information regarding a user's current location, a distance to a destination, a direction, a speed, and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 39C, the clip type sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may provide a message reception and a call function. When a call (CALL) is received on the main device 100, as shown in FIG. 28, a short range wireless communication path established between the main device 100 and the sub device 300 is set, and the sub device 300 is used. The phone call with the other party becomes possible.

The clip type sub device 300 according to the present embodiment may provide a remote photographing control function as shown in FIG. 39D. The sub device 300 remotely operates the camera of the main device 100 according to a user input (for example, input of a button 312) while being spaced apart from the main device 100 by a predetermined distance.

As illustrated in FIG. 39E, the clip type sub device 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment may provide a battery remaining amount display function. The controller 180 periodically measures the remaining battery capacity of the main device 100 and transmits the measured value to the sub device 300. The sub device 300 displays or stores the transmitted measured value and displays it when the button 312 is input from the user.

* Control Method in Combined State (Combine Concept UI)

The following is a description of a control method in a combined state (Combine Concept UI), which describes various controls between the two devices (100, 300) in a state in which the main device (100) and the sub device (300) of the mobile terminal are combined. .

40A to 40B are exemplary views illustrating a method of controlling the main device 100 and the sub device 300 in a coupled state.

This embodiment executes the 'My Content' menu when the two devices 100 and 300 are combined, and displays the full screen of the 'My Content' menu on the display of the main device 100 and the display of the sub device 300. The following shows how to divide and display the pop-up screen.

Once the 'My Content' menu is executed, the controller 180 displays the 'My Content' screen on the main device 100. The indicator 334 and the software menu 336 are displayed on the sub device 300.

Thereafter, when the user presses the 'option' software menu, the controller 180 displays the corresponding popup window (the option main menu window 338) on the sub device 300 as shown in FIG. 40A. In addition, the indicator 334 and the software menu 336 displayed on the sub device 300 are displayed on the main device 100 together with the 'My Content' screen.

By displaying the option main menu window 338 additionally displayed on the 'My Content' screen through the sub device 300 superimposed on the main device 100, the menu screen of the terminal has a three-dimensional effect.

40B illustrates a sub-menu window 340 displayed on the sub-device 300 when the 'change view method' item is selected in the option main menu window 338 of FIG. 40A.

When the sub menu window 340 is displayed on the sub device 300, the controller 180 displays the pop-up window (sub menu window 340) on the sub device 300 as shown in FIG. 40B. The option main menu window 338 displayed on the sub device 300 is displayed on the main device 100 together with the 'My Content' screen.

41 is another exemplary diagram of a method of controlling the main device 100 and the sub device 300 in a coupled state.

This embodiment executes a specific function (eg, a photo album, etc.) in a state in which the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are combined, and selects objects and non-selected objects of the menu list on the two devices 100 and 300. Shows how to display a selection object separately.

As shown in FIG. 41, when the user executes the photo album, the controller 180 displays the file list of the photo album on the main device 100 and displays the indicator 334, the software menu 336, and the scroll bar. Bar 424 displays on sub-device 300.

When the user touches a specific object (eg, Nayoung) of the file list, the selection bar of the list is placed on the touched object 'Nayoung' and a selection is made on the object. In addition, the controller 180 controls an object (eg, 'Nayoung') displayed on the main device 100 to be displayed on the sub device 300.

Thereafter, when the user holds the touch for 2 to 3 seconds or more, that is, when the user inputs a long touch, the controller 180 displays an image of the object 'nayoung' on the sub device 300. However, when the touch is removed (when the user releases the hand), the object (eg, 'Nayoung') and the selection bar 422 displayed on the sub device 300 are moved back to the main device 100. However, at this time, the terminal may be set to display the object (eg, 'Nayoung') and the selection bar 422 on the sub device 300 as it is. In addition, the object (eg, 'Nayoung') and the selection bar 422 may be moved to the main device 100 after a predetermined time.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention classifies the touch operation detected in the state in which the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are combined into a touch (or proximity touch), a long touch, a long touch, and a drag. can do. In addition, a variety of sensors may be provided to perform various sensing functions, and a proximity sensor or a tactile sensor may be provided in the sensing unit 140 to detect a proximity-touch.

When the touch sensed from the outside is a long touch (at least 2 seconds to 3 seconds or more), the controller 180 displays an image list of the main device 100 corresponding to the touch point as shown in FIG. The object 'Nayoung') is transferred to the sub device 300 and displayed. The long touch is also used to selectively move a desired object among the objects displayed on the main device 100 to the sub device 300. The user long touches a specific object of the main device 100 and moves it to the sub device 300 for display. Meanwhile, when unnecessary objects are displayed on the sub device 300, the objects of the sub device 300 may be selectively displayed on the main device 100 using a predetermined touch input.

If the drag is detected together with the long touch from the outside, the controller 180 may display a preview screen of the image selected by the long touch on the sub device 300.

Then, the selection cursor (or selection bar 342) of the main device 100 is moved according to the drag, and the selection cursor 342 displays the selected image on the preview screen. Thereafter, when the touch from the outside disappears, the first image selected by the long touch is displayed. The controller 180 may display the first image as soon as the touch from the outside disappears, or display the first image after a predetermined time while maintaining the display of the existing image even after the touch from the outside disappears. have.

42 is an exemplary view showing power control of a terminal.

In a state where the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are overlapped, by using the power key 426 (hardware or software key) provided in the sub device 300 according to the present embodiment, The power supply can be controlled (on / off).

When the input of the key 426 is detected, the signal generated by the key input is transmitted to the controller 180 through a predetermined path, and the main device 100 is turned off (by shutting off the power supply of the controller 180). off).

43A to 43C are diagrams illustrating a combination of a non-touch type terminal and a sub device, and a combination of a bar type terminal, a folder type terminal, and a slide type terminal, respectively. It is shown. In this embodiment, the sub device 300 may be coupled to a non-touch type terminal to have a touch function.

Since the sub device 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a touch pad and a touch sensor, the sub device 300 converts a change in pressure applied to a specific portion on the touch pad or capacitance generated at a specific portion of the touch pad into an electrical input signal. .

In order to provide a touch function to the non-touch type terminal, the user combines the non-touch type terminal and the sub device 300 and sets up a short range wireless communication path between the two devices.

When the touch input is detected after the short range wireless communication path is established with the terminal, the sub device 300 transmits a signal (s) and data corresponding thereto to the terminal through the communication path.

Then, the controller 180 of the terminal calculates which object (or area) of the display unit 151 is touched based on the transmitted data. The object is moved, selected, or executed according to the pattern of the touch input (for example, long touch, dragging, flicking, etc.).

The mobile terminal control according to each embodiment of the present invention can be embodied as computer readable codes on a medium in which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored.

Examples of the computer-readable medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and are also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It includes being. The computer may include the controller 180 of the mobile terminal.

As described above, the present invention is provided with a sub-unit 300 that can be combined and separated, it is possible to remotely control the operation and status of the terminal.

According to the present invention, the operation and state of the terminal may be automatically controlled according to the coupling and disconnection operations of the main device 100 and the sub device 300.

The sub device 300 according to the present invention may control a component and an application of the main device 100 through a short range wireless communication path in a state separated from the main device 100.

In the present invention, the main device 100 and the sub device 300 are coupled to each other, and the two devices 100 and 300 may be linked to operate the display.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment (s) shown in the drawings limited to a specific type of terminal (eg, a bar type terminal) or a specific combination, but this is merely illustrative, Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made therefrom and that all or some of the above-described embodiment (s) may be optionally combined. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal associated with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2a is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2B is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B are front views of a portable terminal for explaining an operation state of the portable terminal according to the present invention.

4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a proximity depth of a proximity sensor.

5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a control method for a touch operation in a form in which a pair of display units overlap.

6A and 6B are conceptual views for explaining a proximity touch recognition region where a proximity signal is detected and a haptic region that generates a tactile effect, respectively.

7 is an exemplary view for explaining the configuration of a mobile terminal consisting of a main device and a sub device according to the present invention.

8 is an exemplary diagram for describing a configuration of a sub device that can be combined with a main device of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;

9A to 9D are exemplary views showing various configurations of a sub device according to the present invention.

10A to 10D are exemplary diagrams for describing a coupling method of a main device and a sub device according to the present invention.

11A to 11E are exemplary diagrams for describing a structure and a method for assembling or separating a sub device to a folder type main device according to the present invention.

12A to 12E are exemplary diagrams for describing a structure and a method for coupling or detaching a sub device to a slide type main device according to the present invention.

13A to 13D are exemplary diagrams for describing a structure and a method of coupling or detaching a sub device to a swivel type main device according to the present invention.

14A to 14D are exemplary diagrams for describing a structure and a method of coupling or detaching a sub device to a bar type main device according to the present invention.

15A to 15D are exemplary diagrams for explaining a structure and a method of coupling or detaching a sub device to a watch type main device according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary view for explaining the structure of a clip type sub device that is easily coupled to all types of main devices according to the present invention; FIG.

17A to 17B are exemplary views showing automatic terminal operation (menu display) control.

FIG. 18 is an exemplary diagram in which the terminal operation (menu display) automatic control shown in FIG. 17 is applied to a swing type (swing-type or swivel-type) mobile terminal;

19A to 19B are other exemplary diagrams of terminal operation (menu display) automatic control.

20A to 20B are exemplary views showing automatic terminal operation (keypad control) control.

21 is an exemplary diagram showing automatic terminal operation (application control) control.

22 is an exemplary diagram showing automatic terminal state control.

23 is another exemplary diagram of terminal state automatic control.

24 is an exemplary view showing automatic terminal power saving control.

25 is an exemplary view showing an automatic terminal lock control.

Figure 26 illustrates an example of user setting of the control at the time of combining / disconnecting according to the present invention.

27 is an exemplary diagram relating to power control of the main device 100.

28 is an exemplary diagram relating to call function control of the sub device 300. FIG.

Fig. 29 is an illustration of multimedia player control.

30 is an exemplary diagram relating to mouse function control.

Fig. 31 is yet another example of mouse function control.

32 is an exemplary diagram relating to game function control.

33A to 33B are diagrams illustrating widget execution control.

34 is an exemplary diagram relating to functional linkage control.

35 is another exemplary diagram of functional linkage control.

36 shows an example of mode switching and intensity control of the main unit;

Fig. 37 is an illustration of a photographing function remote control.

38A to 38B are exemplary diagrams for emotional mode control of a sub device.

39A to 39E are exemplary views relating to the function control of the clip type sub device.

40A to 40B are exemplary views of a method of controlling the main device 100 and the sub device 300 in a coupled state.

41 is another exemplary diagram of a method of controlling the main device 100 and the sub device 300 in a coupled state.

42 is an exemplary view showing power control of a terminal.

43A to 43C are exemplary views showing a combination of a non-touch type terminal and a sub device.

*** Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing ***

100: mobile terminal (main device)

110: wireless communication unit 120: AV input unit

130: user input unit 140: sensing unit

150: output unit 160: memory

170: interface unit 180: control unit

190: power supply unit

300: Sub device

Claims (9)

A sub-unit having input / output means and capable of being separated or combined with the terminal; When the sub device is separated, the sub device comprises a control unit configured to receive a user input from the sub device through a predetermined communication path and control a component of the terminal and an application according to the user input. One mobile terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit A mobile terminal having a sub-device, characterized in that to perform different applications when the separation or coupling with the sub-device in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit The mobile terminal with the sub device, characterized in that the automatic execution of a specific function of the terminal, if the separation or coupling with the sub device. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit And move, select, and execute an object on the display according to a user input received from the sub device. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit According to the user's input received from the sub-unit, the sub-device characterized in that controlling at least one of the call function, multimedia playback function, shooting function, display function, game function, power control function, lock function Mobile terminal. In a mobile terminal having a sub device, When the connection with the sub device is disconnected, establishing a wireless communication path with the sub device; Receiving a user input through the communication path; And controlling a component and an application of the terminal according to the received user input. The method of claim 6, wherein the control process And when the separation or coupling with the sub device is in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction, performing or controlling different applications. The method of claim 6, wherein the control process And moving, selecting, and executing an object on the display according to a user input received from the sub device. The method of claim 6, wherein the control process Connection and disconnection control with a sub device, characterized in that for controlling at least one of a call function, a multimedia playback function, a shooting function, a display function, a game function, a power control function, and a lock function according to the received user input. Way.

Images