KR20110034264A - Method for preventing malfuntion of sensor and mobile terminal thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method for preventing malfunction of a sensor and a mobile terminal thereof are provided to reduce the inconvenience of a use resulting from the malfunction of a sensor. CONSTITUTION: An illumination sensor measures an illumination value of a mobile communication terminal(S32), and a control unit judges the occurrence of a first input signal for executing a function during a call(S33). The illumination sensor measures the second illumination sensor value of the mobile communication terminal(S34). If the first illumination value is not identical to the second illumination value, the control unit turns off a proximity sensor(S35,S36). After executing a function after a call, the control unit measures a third illumination value periodically through the illumination sensor(S37).

Description

METHOD FOR PREVENTING MALFUNTION OF SENSOR AND MOBILE TERMINAL THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a method for preventing a malfunction of a sensor in a mobile communication terminal for preventing a malfunction of a sensor existing in a mobile communication terminal and a mobile communication terminal using the same.

The terminal can move It may be divided into a mobile / portable terminal and a stationary terminal, depending on whether or not. The mobile communication 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.

Due to a malfunction of a sensor present in a mobile communication terminal, a user may experience inconvenience in using the mobile communication terminal.

In addition, the user is experiencing inconvenience such as an incorrect touch key input occurs during a call and a completely different function is executed.

Accordingly, there is an urgent need for a method of preventing a malfunction of the sensor so that a user can use the mobile communication terminal more conveniently.

The present invention is to provide a method for preventing a malfunction of a sensor in a mobile communication terminal capable of preventing an abnormal power supply of a display unit by preventing a malfunction of the sensor and a mobile communication terminal using the same.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of preventing sensor malfunction in a mobile communication terminal may include: measuring a first illuminance value using an illuminance sensor when a proximity of an object is detected by a proximity sensor while in a call state; Measuring a second illuminance value using the illuminance sensor; determining whether the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same; If the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are not the same, turning off the proximity sensor.

Here, the method for preventing sensor malfunction in the mobile communication terminal includes measuring a third illuminance value periodically using the illuminance sensor after the function during the call is executed, and the first illuminance value and the third illuminance Determining whether the value is the same, and if the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are the same, turning on the proximity sensor and turning off the display unit when approaching an object is detected.

Here, in the method for preventing sensor malfunction in the mobile communication terminal, when the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same, the proximity sensor is periodically turned on / off to determine whether an object is approaching and the second input signal is determined. Determining whether or not the second input signal is a signal input during execution of the function during the call, turning off the proximity sensor when the proximity of an object is detected and the second input signal is present; Turning on the proximity sensor when the approach of the object is detected and there is no second input signal, and turning off the proximity sensor when there is no access of the object and the second input signal is present.

In another method of preventing a sensor malfunction in a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, when an approach of an object is detected by a proximity sensor while in a call, a first location information value corresponding to a location of a mobile communication terminal using an acceleration sensor is detected. And measuring a second location information value corresponding to a location of a mobile communication terminal using the acceleration sensor when an input signal for executing a function during a call is generated, and the first location information value. Determining whether the second location information value is the same; turning off the proximity sensor; and turning off the proximity sensor when the first location information value and the second location information value are not the same. If the second location information value is the same, maintaining the on state of the proximity sensor.

Here, the method for preventing sensor malfunction in the mobile communication terminal includes the step of measuring a third position information value corresponding to the position of the mobile communication terminal periodically using the acceleration sensor after the function during the call is executed; Determining whether the first location information value and the third location information value are the same; and if the first location information value and the third location information value are the same, turning on the proximity sensor and detecting the proximity of an object. Turning off the display unit.

The mobile communication terminal according to the present invention has an illumination sensor configured to measure an external illuminance value of the mobile communication terminal, a proximity sensor configured to detect the approach of an object, and, in a call state, an object's access is prevented by the proximity sensor. When detected, the first illuminance value is measured using the illuminance sensor, the first illuminance value is measured, and when a first input signal for executing a function during a call is generated, the second illuminance sensor is used. A control unit for measuring an illuminance value and determining whether the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same and controlling the proximity sensor to be turned off when the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are not the same. It includes.

Herein, the mobile communication terminal further includes a display unit, and the controller periodically measures a third illuminance value using the illuminance sensor after the function during the call is executed, and the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value. If the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are the same, the proximity sensor is turned on, and if the object approach is detected, the display unit is turned off.

Here, when the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same, the controller periodically turns on / off the proximity sensor to determine whether an object is approaching and whether a second input signal is present. The second input signal is a signal input during execution of the function during the call, and the approach of the object is detected so that the proximity sensor is turned off when the approach of the object is detected and the second input signal is present. If there is no signal, the proximity sensor is turned on or no object is approached, and if the second input signal is present, the proximity sensor is controlled to turn off.

Another mobile communication terminal according to the present invention is an acceleration sensor configured to measure the position of the mobile communication terminal, a proximity sensor configured to detect the approach of the object, and in the call state, the proximity of the object is detected by the proximity sensor When the first location information value corresponding to the location of the mobile communication terminal is measured using the acceleration sensor, the first location information value is measured, and when an input signal for executing a function during a call is generated, The second location information value corresponding to the location of the mobile communication terminal is measured by using an acceleration sensor, and the first location information value and the second location information value are determined by determining whether the first location information value and the second location information value are the same. If the second location information value is not the same, the proximity sensor is controlled to turn off, and if the first location information value and the second location information value If the same, the control to keep the state in which the proximity sensor is on.

Here, the mobile communication terminal further includes a display unit, and after the function during the call is executed, the controller periodically measures the third location information value corresponding to the location of the mobile communication terminal using the acceleration sensor, If it is determined whether the first location information value and the third location information value are the same, and the first location information value and the third location information value are the same, when the proximity sensor is turned on and an object approach is detected, Control the display to turn off.

According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience in use due to malfunction of the sensor.

Hereinafter, a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention will be described in 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 communication 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 communication terminals.

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

The mobile communication 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, The interface unit 170 may include a controller 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, so that a mobile communication 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 communication terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile communication terminal 100 and a network in which the mobile communication 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 communication 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 communication 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 can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. 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 is a mobile communication terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile communication terminal 100, a location of the mobile communication terminal 100, presence or absence of a user contact, orientation of the mobile communication terminal, acceleration / deceleration of the mobile communication terminal, and the like. Sensing the current state and generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile communication terminal (100). For example, when the mobile communication terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, whether the slide phone is opened or closed may be sensed. 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 sensing unit 140 may include an illuminance sensor 142. The illuminance sensor 142 detects illuminance of the outside of the mobile communication terminal 100, and the detected illuminance value is transmitted to the controller 180.

The sensing unit 140 includes an acceleration sensor 143. The acceleration sensor 143 may be a three-axis acceleration sensor, and the three-axis acceleration sensor may be selected to have a size and performance suitable for embedding in a portable terminal among various products on the market. The acceleration sensor 143 may output a value expressing the current position of the mobile communication terminal in three axes. The controller 180 can determine the location of the mobile communication terminal based on the three axis values. Furthermore, the acceleration sensor 143 may output an acceleration value according to a change in position, output a displacement pattern of the mobile communication terminal, or output an inclination of the mobile communication terminal. The acceleration sensor 143 may be an inertial type, a gyro type, a silicon semiconductor type, and the like, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

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 communication terminal 100. For example, when the mobile communication terminal is in a call mode, a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to a call is displayed. When the mobile communication terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, it displays a photographed and / or received image, a UI, or a 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 communication terminal 100. For example, the plurality of display units may be spaced apart or integrally disposed on one surface of the mobile communication terminal 100, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

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 communication terminal surrounded by the touch screen 151 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 151 is capacitive, the touch screen 151 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, an act of allowing the pointer to be recognized without being in contact with the touch screen 151 so as to recognize that the pointer is located on the touch screen 151 is called "proximity touch." ", And the act of actually contacting the pointer on the touch screen 151 is called" contact touch ". The position at which the proximity touch is performed by the pointer on the touch screen 151 means a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen 151 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 communication 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 communication terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile communication 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 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 a 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 communication terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and may store input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 160 may store data regarding various patterns of vibration and sound output when a touch input on the touch screen 151 is performed. The memory 160 is a concept including a buffer that temporarily stores data.

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 communication 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 communication terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the mobile communication terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile communication 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 use authority of the mobile communication 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. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the 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 communication 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 151 as text and images, 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.

2A is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile communication terminal or a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention.

The disclosed mobile communication 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 built 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 camera 121 is disposed at a recessed portion of the front surface of the front case 101. One side of the camera 121 is disposed an angle of view adjustment means for monitoring the main surface of the front case 101. The angle of view adjustment means is a reflection surface 101-1 disposed on one side of the front case 101 in which the camera is installed, and the reflection surface may be a portion formed to be inclined toward the touch screen 151.

The display unit 151 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 101. The sound output unit 151 and the camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151, and the user input unit 131 and the 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 mobile communication 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 commands such as start, end, scroll, and the like, and the second operation unit 132 controls the size of the sound output from the sound output unit 152 or the size of the sound output from the display unit 151 To the touch recognition mode of the touch screen.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile communication 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 in a rotatable or pop-up manner.

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.

The terminal body is equipped with a power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile communication terminal 100. 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 also be disposed on the rear case 102.

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.

3A and 3B are flowcharts illustrating a method of preventing a malfunction of a sensor in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the proximity sensor 141 is turned on and the user touches the mobile communication terminal 100 to the ear in the call state, the proximity sensor 141 detects the approach of an object and transmits the detected signal to the controller 180. do. When the detected signal is transmitted, the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151 (off) (S31). The deactivation means a state in which an input signal is not input through the touch pad or the touch screen. For example, a display function through a touch screen is executed, but an input function is not executed or a method of turning off the power of the touch screen is not limited thereto. This is to prevent incorrect touch key input during a call. At this time, the illuminance sensor 142 measures an external illuminance value ('first illuminance value') of the mobile communication terminal (S32). The measured value may be stored in a temporary buffer of the controller 180 or in the memory 160. The first illuminance value refers to an illuminance value when the user is holding the mobile communication terminal at his ear. Next, the controller 180 determines whether a first input signal for executing a function during a call occurs (S33). The first input signal is a signal input for starting a function during a call. The input signal may be a signal for executing a memo pad, a phone book, or the like. When the input signal is generated, the controller 180 activates the display unit 151. The activation refers to a state in which an input signal can be input through a touch pad or a touch screen. For example, there is a method such that the input function through the touch screen is not executed and then changed to a state in which the input function can be executed, or the power of the touch screen is turned on, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the illuminance sensor 142 measures an external illuminance value ('second illuminance value') of the mobile communication terminal (S34). The second illuminance value refers to an illuminance value when the user inputs a signal for executing another function. On the other hand, if the first input signal does not occur, the controller 180 repeats the step S33. The controller 180 determines whether the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same (S35). Alternatively, the controller 180 may determine whether the second illuminance value is within a preset range based on the first illuminance value. For example, when the second illuminance value falls within two steps up and down based on the first illuminance value, it may be determined that the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same. If the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are not the same, the controller 180 turns off the proximity sensor 141 (S36). This is because the proximity sensor determines that an object is approaching while the user is using the function during the call, so as to prevent a malfunction in which the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151. Then, after the function during the call is executed, the controller 180 periodically measures the current third illuminance value using the illuminance sensor 142 (S37). The third illuminance value refers to an illuminance value outside the current mobile communication terminal. The controller 180 determines whether the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are the same (S38). Alternatively, the controller 180 may determine whether the third illuminance value is within a preset range based on the first illuminance value. For example, when the third illuminance value falls within two steps up and down based on the first illuminance value, it may be determined that the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are the same. When the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are the same, the controller 180 turns on the proximity sensor 141. The proximity sensor 141 senses the approach of an object and transmits the detected signal to the controller 180. When the detected signal is transmitted, the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151 (S39). On the other hand, when the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are not the same, the controller 180 executes step S35.

Accordingly, when the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are different, as described above, malfunction of the proximity sensor can be prevented. The case where the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are different means that the call is made in a bright place ('day or bright light').

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 3B, a case where it is determined that the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same in step S35 will be described.

When the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same, the controller 180 determines whether an object is approached by periodically turning on / off the proximity sensor 141 (S41). . If it is determined that the object is approaching, the controller 180 determines whether a second input signal exists (S42). The second input signal is a signal input during function execution during the call. For example, the second input signal may be a signal for inputting a character or a signal for selecting another function. If the second input signal is present, the controller 180 turns off the proximity sensor 141 (S43). On the other hand, when there is no second input signal, the controller 180 turns on the proximity sensor 141. Next, the proximity sensor 141 detects the approach of an object and transmits the detected signal to the controller 180. When the detected signal is transmitted, the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151 (S44).

In another embodiment, when there is no second input signal, the controller 180 dims the display unit 151. Next, the controller 180 determines whether or not the object is approaching after the predetermined time passes by the proximity sensor 141. When the object approaches, the controller 180 determines whether the second input signal exists. Next, when there is no second input signal, the controller 180 turns on the proximity sensor 141. The proximity sensor 141 senses the approach of an object and transmits the detected signal to the controller 180. When the detected signal is transmitted, the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151 (S44). Accordingly, two determination steps may be performed to turn on the proximity sensor 141, thereby increasing the reliability of the determination.

If it is determined that there is no approach of the object, the controller 180 determines whether the second input signal exists (S45). When the second input signal is present, the control unit 180 turns off the proximity sensor 141. On the other hand, if there is no second input signal, the controller 180 turns on / off the proximity sensor 141 periodically to determine whether an object is approaching (S41).

Accordingly, when the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same, as described above, malfunction of the proximity sensor can be prevented. The case where the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same means a case where a call is made in a dark place ('night or a dark place').

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for preventing a malfunction of a sensor in a mobile communication terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When the proximity sensor 141 is turned on and the user touches the mobile communication terminal 100 to the ear in the call state, the proximity sensor 141 detects the approach of an object and transmits the detected signal to the controller 180. do. When the detected signal is transmitted, the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151 (off) (S51). This is to prevent incorrect touch key input during a call. At this time, the acceleration sensor 143 measures the first location information value corresponding to the current location of the mobile communication terminal (S52). The first location information value may be a value (x, y, z) measured based on three axes. The measured value may be stored in a temporary buffer of the controller 180 or in the memory 160. The first location information value refers to the location of the mobile communication terminal when the user is holding the mobile communication terminal at his ear. Next, the controller 180 determines whether an input signal for executing another function occurs during a call (S53). When the input signal is generated, the controller 180 activates the display unit 151. The input signal may be a signal for executing a memo pad, a phone book, or the like. At this time, the acceleration sensor 143 measures the second location information value corresponding to the current location of the mobile communication terminal (S54). The second location information value refers to the location of the mobile communication terminal when the user inputs a signal for executing another function. On the other hand, if the input signal is not generated, the controller 180 repeats the step S53. The controller 180 determines whether the first location information value and the second location information value match (S55). Alternatively, the controller 180 may determine whether the second location information value exists within a preset range based on the first information value. For example, when the second location information value exists within a predetermined range based on the first location information value, it may be determined that the first location information value and the second location information value are the same. When the first location information value and the second location information value are the same, the controller 180 maintains the on state of the proximity sensor 141 (S60). On the other hand, when the first location information value and the second location information value are not the same, the controller 180 turns off the proximity sensor 141 (S56). Then, after the other function is executed, the controller 180 periodically measures the third position information value corresponding to the current position of the mobile communication terminal using the acceleration sensor 143 (S57). The third location information value means a location of a current mobile communication terminal. The controller 180 determines whether the first location information value and the third location information value match (S58). Alternatively, the controller 180 may determine whether the third location information value is within a preset range based on the first location information value. For example, when the third location information value falls within two steps up and down based on the first location information value, it may be determined that the first location information value and the third location information value are the same. When the first location information value and the third location information value are the same, the controller 180 turns on the proximity sensor 141. The proximity sensor 141 senses the approach of an object and transmits the detected signal to the controller 180. When the detected signal is transmitted, the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151 (S59). On the other hand, when the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are not the same, the controller 180 executes step S58.

Accordingly, by turning on / off the proximity sensor using the location information of the mobile communication terminal, malfunction of the proximity sensor can be prevented. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the sensor operates regardless of the day / night or the bright / dark location, and the sensor may be controlled using only the location information of the mobile communication terminal.

5A to 5D are image diagrams for describing a method for preventing a malfunction of a sensor in a mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In response to a user input signal, the controller 180 displays the phone number information on the display unit 151 (see FIG. 5A). The user then selects the call icon. Then, the controller 180 transmits the call signal to the other terminal through the wireless communication unit 110, the user puts the mobile communication terminal to the ear (see Fig. 5b). In this case, since the proximity sensor 141 is turned on, the proximity sensor 141 detects the approach of an object and transmits the detected signal to the controller 180. When the detected signal is transmitted, the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151 (off). At this time, the illuminance sensor 142 measures an external illuminance value ('first illuminance value') of the mobile communication terminal. Next, the user inputs a signal for executing another function using the user input unit 130. Then, the controller 180 detects the input signal and activates the display unit 151. If the input signal is a signal for displaying a phone book, the controller 180 extracts the phone book from the memory 160 and displays the phone book on the display unit 151. At this time, the illuminance sensor 142 measures the external illuminance value ('second illuminance value') of the mobile communication terminal. The controller 180 determines whether the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same. At present, since it is low, the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value will not be the same. Accordingly, the controller 180 turns off the proximity sensor 141. Then, after the phone book function is executed, the controller 180 periodically measures the current third illuminance value using the illuminance sensor 142. When the user finishes using the telephone book and puts the mobile communication terminal in his ear, the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value will be the same. Thus, the controller 180 turns on the proximity sensor 141. The proximity sensor 141 senses the approach of an object and transmits the detected signal to the controller 180. When the detected signal is transmitted, the controller 180 deactivates the display unit 151. On the other hand, when the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are not the same, the controller 180 measures the current third illuminance value by using the illuminance sensor 142 at predetermined times.

Accordingly, when it is low or the user is in a bright place, as described above, malfunction of the proximity sensor can be prevented.

On the other hand, if the user is in the dark or at night, as described in Figure 3b by operating the mobile communication terminal, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the proximity sensor.

In the above mobile communication terminal, a method of preventing a malfunction of a sensor and a mobile terminal using the same may not be limitedly applied to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be modified in various ways. All or part may be optionally combined.

In addition, it should be noted that the above embodiment is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described method can be implemented as a code that can be read by a processor on a medium on which the program is recorded. Examples of processor-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and may be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). Include.

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

2A is a front perspective view of a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

2B is a rear perspective view of a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

3A and 3B are flowcharts illustrating a method of preventing a malfunction of a sensor in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for preventing a malfunction of a sensor in a mobile communication terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5A to 5D are image diagrams for describing a method for preventing a malfunction of a sensor in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (10)

Measuring a first illuminance value using an illuminance sensor when a proximity of an object is detected by a proximity sensor in a busy state; Measuring a second illuminance value using the illuminance sensor when a first input signal for executing a function during a call is generated; Determining whether the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same; and And turning off the proximity sensor when the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are not the same. The method of claim 1, Measuring the third illuminance value periodically using the illuminance sensor after the function during the call is executed; Determining whether the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are the same; And If the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are the same, turning on the proximity sensor and deactivating a display unit when an object approach is detected, further comprising: deactivating a sensor malfunction in a mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 1, When the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same, periodically turning on / off the proximity sensor to determine whether an object is approaching and whether or not a second input signal is present. A signal input during function execution during the call; Turning off the proximity sensor when approaching an object is detected and the second input signal is present; Turning on the proximity sensor when approaching an object is detected and there is no second input signal; And Turning off the proximity sensor when there is no object approaching and the second input signal is present, the sensor malfunction prevention method in a mobile communication terminal. Measuring a first location information value corresponding to a location of a mobile communication terminal by using an acceleration sensor when an approach of an object is detected by a proximity sensor in a call state; Measuring a second location information value corresponding to a location of a mobile communication terminal by using the acceleration sensor when an input signal for executing a function during a call is generated; Determining whether the first location information value and the second location information value are the same; Turning off the proximity sensor when the first location information value and the second location information value are not the same; and And maintaining the on state of the proximity sensor when the first location information value and the second location information value are the same. The method of claim 4, wherein After the function during the call is executed, periodically measuring a third location information value corresponding to a location of a mobile communication terminal using the acceleration sensor; Determining whether the first location information value and the third location information value are the same; And If the first location information value and the third location information value are the same, turning on the proximity sensor and deactivating a display unit when an object approach is detected, the method of preventing sensor malfunction in a mobile communication terminal. An illumination sensor configured to measure an external illumination value of the mobile communication terminal; A proximity sensor configured to sense the approach of an object; In the busy state, when the proximity of the object is detected by the proximity sensor, the first illuminance value is measured using the illuminance sensor, the first illuminance value is measured, and then the first method for executing a function during a call. When an input signal is generated, a second illuminance value is measured using the illuminance sensor, and it is determined whether the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same, and thus the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are determined. If it is not the same, the mobile communication terminal comprising a control unit for controlling the proximity sensor to turn off. The method of claim 6, Further comprising a display, The control unit, After the function during the call is executed, a third illuminance value is periodically measured using the illuminance sensor, and it is determined whether the first illuminance value and the third illuminance value are the same to determine the first illuminance value and the When the third illuminance value is the same, the proximity sensor is turned on, and when the approach of the object is detected, the display unit is controlled to deactivate the mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 6, The control unit, When the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value are the same, the proximity sensor is periodically turned on / off to determine whether an object is approaching and whether or not a second input signal is present. When the signal is input during the function execution during the call, the approach of the object is detected, when the second input signal is present, the proximity of the object is detected so that the proximity sensor is turned off, when there is no second input signal And when the proximity sensor is turned on or there is no access of an object and the second input signal is present, the proximity sensor is turned off. An acceleration sensor configured to measure a position of the mobile communication terminal; A proximity sensor configured to sense the approach of an object;      In a call state, when the proximity of the object is detected by the proximity sensor, by using the acceleration sensor to measure the first location information value corresponding to the location of the mobile communication terminal, after measuring the first location information value, When an input signal for executing a function during a call is generated, a second location information value corresponding to a location of a mobile communication terminal is measured using the acceleration sensor, and the first location information value and the second location information value are measured. If it is determined that the first location information value and the second location information value is not the same, the proximity sensor is controlled to turn off, and if the first location information value and the second location information value are the same If the proximity sensor is controlled to maintain the on state, the mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 9, Further comprising a display, The control unit, After the function during the call is executed, periodically measuring the third location information value corresponding to the location of the mobile communication terminal using the acceleration sensor, and whether the first location information value and the third location information value are the same. And determining whether or not the first location information value and the third location information value are the same, turn on the proximity sensor, and control the display unit to be inactivated when an object approach is detected.

Images