KR20160080538A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal which detects position information of an adjacent object by using an ultrasonic wave. The mobile terminal comprises: an audio codec unit for generating an ultrasonic signal of a predetermined pattern; an acoustic output unit for transmitting the generated ultrasonic signal; at least one microphone for detecting an ultrasonic signal reflected through the object; and a control unit for detecting the object based on round trip time information of the ultrasonic signal.

Description

[0001] MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME [0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and its control method that can perform various operations using an ultrasonic technology.

A terminal can be divided into a mobile / portable terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the terminal is movable or not. The mobile terminal can be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether the user can directly carry the mobile terminal.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversified. For example, there are data and voice communication, photographing and video shooting through a camera, voice recording, music file playback through a speaker system, and outputting an image or video on a display unit. Some terminals are equipped with an electronic game play function or a multimedia player function. In particular, modern mobile terminals can receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcast and video or television programs.

Such a terminal has various functions, for example, a multimedia player having a complex function such as photographing or moving picture shooting, reproduction of music or video file, reception of game or broadcasting, . In order to implement complex functions, mobile terminals implemented in the form of multimedia devices are being applied variously in terms of hardware and software.

However, since the mobile terminal needs to consider mobility and portability, there is a restriction on the space allocation for a user interface such as a display or a keypad. Therefore, in order to efficiently use various functions provided in the mobile terminal, it is necessary to control the operation of the mobile terminal through a new input method instead of using a menu structure of a complicated structure. As one of these new input methods, proximity sensing technology is widely used.

Accordingly, recent mobile terminals have developed and used sensors such as an infrared type, a capacitive type, or a laser type in order to detect the position and distance of a nearby object. However, the use of such proximity and distance sensors not only increases the manufacturing cost of the terminal due to the addition of new parts, but also does not meet the trend of miniaturization and slimming down of the terminal. Therefore, a new alternative is needed to detect the position, distance, and coordinates of nearby objects using existing parts.

The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems. It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal and a control method thereof capable of detecting coordinates and distance of an adjacent object based on an ultrasonic signal transmitted / received through a sound output unit and a microphone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal and a control method thereof that can perform various operation functions by utilizing an ultrasonic signal transmitted / received through a sound output unit and a microphone.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: an audio codec unit for generating an ultrasonic signal in a predetermined pattern; An acoustic output unit for transmitting the generated ultrasonic signal; At least one microphone for detecting ultrasound signals reflected through the object; And a control unit for detecting the object based on the round-trip time information of the ultrasonic signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: an audio codec unit for generating a packet-type ultrasonic signal; An acoustic output unit for transmitting the generated ultrasonic signal; At least one microphone for receiving ultrasound signals transmitted from a neighboring terminal; And a controller for performing data communication with the neighboring terminal using the ultrasonic signal.

Effects of the mobile terminal and the control method according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic wave radiated through the sound output unit is detected through at least one microphone and the coordinates or distance of the adjacent object can be accurately detected.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that the time required for auto-focusing can be shortened by performing the fast AF algorithm based on the distance information of the subject measured through the ultrasonic waves.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, various functions such as a screen capture function, a screen scrolling function, a screen switching function, a volume up / down function, a play list changing function and the like can be performed based on a gesture input detected through ultrasonic waves Can be performed.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, packetized ultrasound signals are generated using an audio codec, thereby enabling wireless data to be transmitted and received between mobile terminals.

Meanwhile, various other effects will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description according to the embodiment of the present invention to be described later.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention in different directions; FIG.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams referred to explain the operation of a mobile terminal for detecting a distance to an adjacent object using ultrasonic waves;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams referred to explain the operation of a mobile terminal that detects coordinates of an adjacent object using ultrasonic waves;
6 is a diagram referred to explain an example of a patterned ultrasonic signal;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile terminal performing high-speed AF based on distance sensing using ultrasonic waves;
8 is a view showing an example of a focus curve for focus adjustment when an existing AF algorithm is performed;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile terminal that performs various functions based on gesture recognition using ultrasonic waves; FIG.
Figure 10 illustrates the types of gesture input detectable through coordinate shift of an object;
11 is a diagram for describing an operation of a mobile terminal performing a predetermined function based on proximity sensing using a single microphone;
12 and 13 are diagrams for describing the operation of a mobile terminal performing a predetermined function based on gesture recognition using two microphones;
FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing an operation of a mobile terminal that performs a predetermined function based on gesture recognition using three microphones; FIG.
15 is a block diagram of an apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals through an acoustic output unit and a microphone;
16 is a diagram referred to explain an example of a packetized ultrasonic signal;
FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams referred to explain the operation of a mobile terminal that transmits and receives data using an ultrasonic signal; FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a mobile terminal providing a beacon service or performing a remote control function using an ultrasonic signal; FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be blurred. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. , ≪ / RTI > equivalents, and alternatives.

The mobile terminal described in this specification includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, a slate PC A tablet PC, an ultrabook, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD). have.

However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to fixed terminals such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, a digital signage, and the like, will be.

1A to 1C are block diagrams for explaining a mobile terminal according to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention in different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, ), And the like. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential for implementing a mobile terminal, so that the mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than the components listed above.

The wireless communication unit 110 may be connected between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100 or between the mobile terminal 100 and the external server 100. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > wireless < / RTI > In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short distance communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, an audio input unit, a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user A touch key, a mechanical key, and the like). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include at least one sensor for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a motion sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, A G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, (For example, a camera 121), a microphone (see microphone 122), a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, Etc.), chemical sensors (e.g., electronic nose, healthcare sensors, biometric sensors, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification can combine and utilize information sensed by at least two of the sensors.

The output unit 150 includes at least one of a display unit 151, an acoustic output unit 152, a haptic tip module 153, and a light output unit 154 to generate an output related to visual, auditory, can do. The display unit 151 may have a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed to realize a touch screen. The touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user and may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path to various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 is connected to a device having a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, And may include at least one of a port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O port, and an earphone port. In the mobile terminal 100, corresponding to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160, it is possible to perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications running on the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Also, at least a part of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions (e.g., telephone call receiving function, message receiving function, and calling function) of the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and may be operated by the control unit 180 to perform the operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operations related to the application program, the control unit 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The control unit 180 may process or process signals, data, information, and the like input or output through the above-mentioned components, or may drive an application program stored in the memory 170 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1A in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. FIG. In addition, the controller 180 may operate at least two of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 in combination with each other for driving the application program.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power to the components included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, which may be an internal battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with one another to implement a method of operation, control, or control of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170. [

Hereinafter, the various components of the mobile terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives broadcast signals 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. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching for at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 may be a mobile communication module or a mobile communication module such as a mobile communication module or a mobile communication module that uses technology standards or a communication method (e.g., Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) And an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network established according to a long term evolution (e. G., Long Term Evolution-Advanced).

The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 is a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built in or externally attached to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive a wireless signal in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro Interoperability for Microwave Access, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) 113 transmit and receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above.

The wireless Internet module 113 for performing a wireless Internet connection through the mobile communication network can be used for wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE or LTE- May be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is for short-range communication, and includes Bluetooth ™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB) (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technology. The short-range communication module 114 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system through the wireless area networks, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 ) And the other mobile terminal 100 (or the external server). The short-range wireless communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 may be a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, a smart glass, etc.) capable of interchanging data with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)). The short range communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 100 around the mobile terminal 100. [ If the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the control unit 180 may transmit at least a part of the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the short- 114 to the wearable device. Therefore, the user of the wearable device can use the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a telephone is received in the mobile terminal 100, the user performs a telephone conversation via the wearable device, or when a message is received in the mobile terminal 100, It is possible to check the message.

The position information module 115 is a module for obtaining the position (or current position) of the mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the GPS module, it can acquire the position of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, it can acquire the position of the mobile terminal based on information of a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives the wireless signal with the Wi-Fi module. Optionally, the location information module 115 may perform any of the other functions of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data relating to the location of the mobile terminal, in addition or alternatively. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For inputting image information, Or a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. [ A plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to have a matrix structure and various angles or foci may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 through the camera 121 having the matrix structure A plurality of pieces of image information can be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to acquire a left image and a right image for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes the external acoustic signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be utilized variously according to a function (or a running application program) being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the microphone 122 may be implemented with various noise reduction algorithms for eliminating noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

In addition, the microphone 122 operates as an ultrasonic receiver for detecting a distance to an adjacent object, a position of an object, coordinates, and the like. Accordingly, the microphone 122 receives the ultrasound signal reflected by the object after being output from the sound output unit 152. [0035]

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from a user and when the information is inputted through the user input unit 123, the control unit 180 can control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information . The user input unit 123 may include a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key such as a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, Jog switches, etc.) and touch-type input means. For example, the touch-type input means may comprise a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, The virtual key or the visual key can be displayed on the touch screen with various forms. For example, the virtual key or the visual key can be displayed on the touch screen, ), An icon, a video, or a combination thereof.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a corresponding sensing signal. The control unit 180 may control the driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 or may perform data processing, function or operation related to the application program installed in the mobile terminal 100 based on the sensing signal. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing in the vicinity thereof without using mechanical contact with ultrasonic waves. Such a proximity sensor can grasp the distance to the near object, the position, and the like by the time until the ultrasonic wave is emitted and returned, or by the change of the period or the amplitude of the received ultrasonic wave. The proximity sensor may be implemented through an acoustic output unit 152 and a plurality of microphones 122a to 122d, and the configuration and operation principle of the sensor will be described below.

On the other hand, for convenience of explanation, the act of recognizing that the object is located on the touch screen in proximity with no object touching the touch screen is referred to as "proximity touch & The act of actually touching an object on the screen is called a "contact touch. &Quot; The position at which the object is closely touched on the touch screen means a position where the object corresponds to the touch screen vertically when the object is touched. The proximity sensor can sense a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). As described above, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern sensed through the proximity sensor, and further displays visual information corresponding to the processed data on the touch screen As shown in FIG. Furthermore, the control unit 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 such that different operations or data (or information) are processed according to whether the touch to the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a touch touch .

The touch sensor uses a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 151) by using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistance film type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, Detection.

For example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or a capacitance generated in a specific portion to an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area, a pressure at the time of touch, a capacitance at the time of touch, and the like where a touch object touching the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object may be a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like as an object to which a touch is applied to the touch sensor.

Thus, when 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 transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. Thus, the control unit 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched or the like. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the control unit 180, and may be the control unit 180 itself.

On the other hand, the control unit 180 may perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch object touching the touch screen (or a touch key provided on the touch screen). Whether to perform different controls or to perform the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to the current state of the mobile terminal 100 or an application program being executed.

On the other hand, the touch sensors and the proximity sensors discussed above can be used independently or in combination to provide a short touch (touch), a long touch, a multi touch, a drag touch ), Flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, and the like. Touch can be sensed.

The camera 121 includes at least one of a camera sensor (for example, a CCD, a CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or an image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to sense a touch of the sensing object with respect to the three-dimensional stereoscopic image. The photosensor can be laminated to the display element, which is adapted to scan the movement of the object to be detected proximate to the touch screen. More specifically, the photosensor mounts photo diodes and TRs (Transistors) in a row / column and scans the contents loaded on the photosensor using an electrical signal that varies according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor performs coordinate calculation of the object to be sensed according to the amount of change of light, and position information of the object to be sensed can be obtained through the calculation.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100 or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information .

Also, the display unit 151 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit for displaying a stereoscopic image.

In the stereoscopic display unit, a three-dimensional display system such as a stereoscopic system (glasses system), an autostereoscopic system (no-glasses system), and a projection system (holographic system) can be applied.

The sound output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output unit 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. [ The audio output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

Also, the sound output unit 152 operates as an ultrasonic generator for detecting a distance to an adjacent object, an object position, coordinates, and the like. Accordingly, the sound output unit 152 generates an ultrasonic wave through a receiver or an ear speaker or a speaker according to a control command of the controller 180.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of the vibration generated in the haptic module 153 can be controlled by the user's selection or the setting of the control unit. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or sequentially output the vibrations.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 may be configured to perform various functions such as a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a spraying force or suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, a touch on the skin surface, And various tactile effects such as an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using an endothermic or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 153 can transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact, and the tactile effect can be felt by the user through the muscles of the finger or arm. The haptic module 153 may include two or more haptic modules 153 according to the configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event using the light of the light source of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events that occur in the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like.

The signal output from the light output unit 154 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits light of a single color or a plurality of colors to the front or rear surface. The signal output may be terminated by the mobile terminal detecting the event confirmation of the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device or supplies power to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or transmits data in the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a port for connecting a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 160.

The identification module is a chip for storing various information for authenticating the use right of the mobile terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM) A 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 interface unit 160. [

The interface unit 160 may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, And various command signals may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. The various command signals or the power source input from the cradle may be operated as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input / output data (e.g., phone book, message, still image, moving picture, etc.). The memory 170 may store data related to vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, an SDD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), a multimedia card micro type ), Card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read memory, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and / or an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs the storage function of the memory 170 on the Internet.

Meanwhile, as described above, the control unit 180 controls the operations related to the application program and the general operation of the mobile terminal 100. [ For example, when the state of the mobile terminal meets a set condition, the control unit 180 can execute or release a lock state for restricting input of a user's control command to applications.

In addition, the control unit 180 performs control and processing related to voice communication, data communication, video call, or the like, or performs pattern recognition processing to recognize handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively . Further, the controller 180 may control any one or a plurality of the above-described components in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, the battery may be an internal battery configured to be chargeable, and may be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging or the like.

In addition, the power supply unit 190 may include a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of an interface 160 through which an external charger for supplying power for charging the battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured to charge the battery in a wireless manner without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 may use at least one of an inductive coupling method based on a magnetic induction phenomenon from an external wireless power transmission apparatus and a magnetic resonance coupling method based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon Power can be delivered.

In the following, various embodiments may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal 100 includes a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various structures such as a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which a watch type, a clip type, a glass type or two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled . A description of a particular type of mobile terminal, although relevant to a particular type of mobile terminal, is generally applicable to other types of mobile terminals.

Here, the terminal body can be understood as a concept of referring to the mobile terminal 100 as at least one aggregate.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (for example, a frame, a housing, a cover, and the like) that forms an appearance. As shown, the mobile terminal 100 may include a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are disposed in the inner space formed by the combination of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

A display unit 151 is disposed on a front surface of the terminal body to output information. The window 151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted on the front case 101 to form a front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 101. [

In some cases, electronic components may also be mounted on the rear case 102. Electronic parts that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include detachable batteries, an identification module, a memory card, and the like. In this case, a rear cover 103 for covering the mounted electronic components can be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic parts mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.

As shown, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102, a side portion of the rear case 102 can be exposed. In some cases, the rear case 102 may be completely covered by the rear cover 103 during the engagement. Meanwhile, the rear cover 103 may be provided with an opening for exposing the camera 121b and the sound output unit 152b to the outside.

These cases 101, 102, and 103 may be formed by injection molding of synthetic resin or may be formed of metal such as stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

The mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the internal space, unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an internal space for accommodating various electronic components. In this case, a unibody mobile terminal 100 in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the rear side can be realized.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproof unit (not shown) for preventing water from penetrating into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof portion is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, And a waterproof member for sealing the inside space of the oven.

The mobile terminal 100 is provided with a display unit 151, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, an illuminance sensor 142, an optical output unit 154, first and second cameras 121a and 121b, First and second operation units 123a and 123b, first to fourth microphones 122a to 122d, an interface unit 160, and the like.

1B and 1C, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a second microphone 122b, an illuminance sensor 142, an optical output unit 152a, A first camera 121a and a first operation unit 123a are arranged on the side of the terminal body and a second operation unit 123b, a first microphone 122a, a third microphone 122c, And a mobile terminal 100 in which a second sound output unit 152b, a fourth microphone 122d and a second camera 121b are disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body will be described as an example.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as needed, or placed on different planes. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side surface of the terminal body rather than the rear surface of the terminal body. In addition, the fourth microphone 122d may not be disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100 or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information .

The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

In addition, the display unit 151 may exist in two or more depending on the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a plurality of display portions spaced apart from each other or disposed integrally with one another, or may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit 151 so that a control command can be received by a touch method. When a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor senses the touch, and the control unit 180 generates a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, an instruction in various modes, a menu item which can be designated, and the like.

The touch sensor may be a film having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or may be a metal wire . Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or inside the display.

In this way, the display unit 151 can form a touch screen together with the touch sensor. In this case, the touch screen can function as a user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a.

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the second sound output unit 152b may be implemented as a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ). ≪ / RTI >

Also, the first sound output unit 152a may be implemented in the form of an ultrasonic generator for detecting coordinates and distance of an object existing in the front direction of the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may be implemented in the form of an ultrasonic generator for detecting coordinates and distance of an object existing in the back direction of the terminal body

The window 151a of the display unit 151 may be provided with an acoustic hole for emitting the sound generated from the first acoustic output unit 152a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101) between the structures. In this case, the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 can be simplified because the holes that are formed independently for the apparent acoustic output are hidden or hidden.

The optical output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying the occurrence of an event. Examples of the event include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notification, an email reception, and reception of information through an application. The control unit 180 may control the light output unit 154 to terminate the light output when the event confirmation of the user is detected.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in the photographing mode or the video communication mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 151 and can be stored in the memory 170. [

The first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion as an example of a user input unit 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 have. The first and second operation units 123a and 123b can be employed in any manner as long as the user is in a tactile manner such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. In addition, the first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be employed in a manner that the user operates the apparatus without touching the user through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, or the like.

In this figure, the first operation unit 123a is a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a mechanical key or a combination of a touch key and a touch key.

The contents input by the first and second operation units 123a and 123b can be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives a command such as a menu, a home key, a cancellation, a search, and the like, and the second operation unit 123b receives a command from the first or second sound output unit 152a or 152b The size of the sound, and the change of the display unit 151 to the touch recognition mode.

On the other hand, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body as another example of the user input unit 123. The rear input unit is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and input contents may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on / off, start, end, scrolling, and the like, the size adjustment of the sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, And the like can be inputted. The rear input unit may be implemented as a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed so as to overlap with the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. For example, the rear input unit may be disposed at the rear upper end of the terminal body such that when the user holds the terminal body with one hand, the rear input unit can be easily manipulated using the index finger. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.

When a rear input unit is provided on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new type of user interface using the rear input unit can be realized. When the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front surface of the terminal body in place of at least a part of the functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front surface of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured as a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing the fingerprint of the user, and the controller 180 may use the fingerprint information sensed through the fingerprint recognition sensor as authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be embedded in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.

The first to fourth microphones 122a to 122d are configured to receive voice, sound, etc. of the user. In addition, the first to fourth microphones 122a to 122d may be implemented to operate as an ultrasonic receiver for recognizing a distance to an adjacent object, an object position, coordinates, or the like. Therefore, at least three or more microphones may be employed depending on the purpose and use of the microphone, and the respective installation positions may be variously changed.

For example, the first to third microphones 122a, 122b, and 122c may be disposed on the front and side of the terminal body to detect the coordinates and distance of the object existing in the front direction of the terminal body. The first, third, and fourth microphones 122a, 122c, and 122d may be disposed on a rear surface and a side surface of the terminal body to detect coordinates and distance of an object existing in a rear direction of the terminal body.

The interface unit 160 is a path through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 may include a connection terminal for connection with another device (for example, an earphone or an external speaker), a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port A wireless LAN port, or the like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented as a socket for receiving an external card such as a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) or a UIM (User Identity Module) or a memory card for storing information.

And a second camera 121b may be disposed on a rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction which is substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix form. Such a camera can be named an 'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, images can be taken in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and a better quality image can be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121b.

And a second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed in the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a and may be used for implementing a speakerphone mode in a call.

The terminal body may be provided with at least one antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or formed in the case. For example, an antenna constituting a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1A) may be configured to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in a film type and attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. In addition, the battery 191 may be configured to be wirelessly chargeable through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

The rear cover 103 is configured to be coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to restrict the release of the battery 191 and to protect the battery 191 from external impact and foreign matter . When the battery 191 is detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

The mobile terminal 100 may be provided with an accessory that protects the appearance or supports or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100. [ One example of such an accessory is a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one side of the mobile terminal 100. [ The cover or pouch may be configured to interlock with the display unit 151 to expand the function of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for supplementing or extending a touch input to the touch screen.

In the foregoing, the configuration of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention has been described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C. Hereinafter, a mobile terminal capable of detecting a distance to an object using the sound output unit and the microphone and a control method thereof will be described in detail according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3 are views for explaining the operation of a mobile terminal for detecting a distance to an adjacent object using ultrasonic waves.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the control unit 180 determines whether a distance detection request with respect to an adjacent object is received according to a user command or execution of an application requesting distance sensing (S210).

If it is determined that a distance detection request to the adjacent object is received, the controller 180 generates ultrasonic waves through the first or second sound output units 152a and 152b at step S220. 3 (a), in order to detect the distance to the object positioned in the front direction of the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 controls the ultrasonic waves through the first sound output unit 152a . 3 (b), in order to detect the distance to the object located in the back direction of the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 controls the ultrasonic waves through the second sound output unit 152b .

At this time, the controller 180 controls an audio codec to generate a predetermined pattern of ultrasonic waves for preventing confusion with other ultrasonic signals, preventing mixing / interference of noise components, and enhancing security. . For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the controller 180 may generate ultrasonic waves in the form of a square wave. 6 (b), the control unit 180 determines whether or not two different frequency components f ₁ and f ₂ including a null component t ₂ are repeated, .

The control unit 180 receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the object using the first or second microphones 122a and 122b adjacent to the first or second acoustic output unit 152a or 152b at step S230.

The controller 180 determines whether the intensity of the received ultrasound signal exceeds a threshold (S240). This is to distinguish the ultrasonic signal inputted through the microphone from the surrounding noise signal.

If it is determined in step 240 that the intensity of the received ultrasound signal exceeds the threshold value, the control unit controls the ultrasound signal received through the microphones 122a and 122b and the ultrasound signal transmitted through the sound output units 152a and 152b (S250). ≪ / RTI >

If it is determined that the patterns of the transmitted and received ultrasound signals match each other, the control unit 180 controls the first or second microphones (152a, 152b) 122a, and 122b (S260).

The control unit 180 calculates the distance L ₀ between the mobile terminal 100 and the object based on the measured round trip time t (S270). That is, the controller 180 can calculate the distance L ₀ between the mobile terminal and the object through Equation (1).

Here, t is the round trip time between the mobile terminal and the object, and V _us is the ultrasonic velocity. Since the sound output units 152a and 152b and the microphones 122a and 122b are located adjacent to each other, the distance L ₁ between the sound output unit and the object and the distance L ₂ between the microphone and the object Assume the same.

As described above, the mobile terminal according to the present invention can detect the distance to the object by detecting the ultrasonic wave radiated through the sound output unit through the microphone adjacent to the sound output unit.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views for explaining the operation of the mobile terminal for detecting coordinates of an adjacent object using ultrasonic waves.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the control unit 180 determines whether a location detection request of an adjacent object is received according to a user command or execution of an application requesting proximity sensing (S410).

If it is determined that the neighboring object position detection request is received, the control unit 180 generates ultrasound through the first or second sound output unit 152a or 152b at step S420. 5A, in order to detect the coordinates of the object positioned in the back direction of the mobile terminal 100, the control unit 180 generates ultrasonic waves through the second sound output unit 152b . 5B, in order to detect the coordinates of the object positioned in the front direction of the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 generates ultrasonic waves through the first acoustic output unit 152a .

At this time, the controller 180 controls the audio codec to generate a predetermined pattern of ultrasonic waves for preventing confusion with other ultrasonic signals, preventing mixing / interference of noise components, and enhancing security. . For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the controller 180 may generate ultrasonic waves in the form of a square wave. 6 (b), the control unit 180 determines whether or not two different frequency components f ₁ and f ₂ including a null component t ₂ are repeated, .

When there is an object behind the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the object using the first, third, and fourth microphones 122a, 122c, and 122d and returns ). Meanwhile, when an object exists in front of the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 can receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the object using the first through third microphones 122a through 122c.

The controller 180 determines whether the intensity of the ultrasound signal received through the plurality of microphones exceeds a threshold value (S440). This is to distinguish the ultrasonic signal inputted through the microphone from the surrounding noise signal.

If it is determined in step 440 that the intensity of the received ultrasound signal exceeds the threshold value, the controller 180 controls the ultrasound signals received through the plurality of microphones 122a to 122d and the sound output units 152a and 152b (Step S450). If the patterns of the ultrasonic signals are identical to each other (S450).

If it is determined that the patterns of the transmitted and received ultrasonic signals coincide with each other, the control unit 180 calculates the coordinates of the object by measuring the round trip time of the ultrasonic signals received through the plurality of microphones.

5 (a), it is assumed that the position of the camera 121b is the origin (0, 0, 0), and the first, third and fourth microphones 122a and 122c , assumes a position _{(P 1, P 2, P} 3) for each _{(0, y 1, 0)} , (x 1, y 2, 0), (x 1, y 3, 0) of 122d), the mobile Assume that the position (P ₀ ) of the object located behind the terminal 100 is (x, y, z).

The controller 180 is an ultrasonic and a second sound output unit from a starting point to (152b), the first, third, and fourth microphone (122a, 122c, 122d) to the round-trip time (t _1, t ₂ of one and the time to reach measure, t ₃₎ (S460).

The controller 180 calculates the distances L ₁ , L ₂ and L ₃ between the microphones 122a, 122c and 122d and the object based on the round trip times t ₁ , t ₂ and t ₃ (S 470) . At this time, the distances (L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ ) between each microphone and the object can be calculated by the following equation (2).

Here, t ₁ is the round trip time between the first microphone and the object, t ₂ is the round trip time between the second microphone and the object, t ₃ is the round trip time between the third microphone and the object, and V _us is the speed of the ultrasonic wave.

The control unit 180 calculates coordinates (x, y, z) of the object based on the distance values (L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ ) between the microphones 122a, 122c and 122d and the object at step S480. At this time, the coordinates of the object may be calculated through the following Equations (3) to (7).

First, the distances (L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ ) between the respective microphones and the object are calculated based on the coordinate values ((0, y ₁ , 0), (x ₁ , y ₂ , 0), it can be defined as equation (3) below by using the (x _1, y _3, 0)) and the coordinate values (x, y, z) of the object.

In Equation (3), if each expression is squared, it can be expressed as Equation (4) below.

In Equation (4), the y coordinate value of the object can be calculated using the formulas related to L ₂ and L ₃ . That is, the y coordinate value of the object can be calculated through the operation of Equation (5) below.

In Equation (4), the x-coordinate value of the object can be calculated using the equations relating to L ₁ and L ₂ . That is, the x-coordinate value of the object can be calculated through an operation of Equation (6) below.

In Equation (4), the z coordinate value of the object can be calculated using the formula for L ₁ . That is, the z-coordinate value of the object can be calculated through an operation of Equation (7) below.

Here, since the (-) value of z means the rear of the camera 121b, only the (+) value of z becomes a valid value. In addition, if the actual camera is installed higher than the positions of the first to third microphones, the controller 180 can correct the difference in height from the z value.

In addition, the controller 180 may measure the distance L ₀ between the camera (i.e., origin) and the object based on the coordinate values (x, y, z) of the object. At this time, the distance L ₀ between the camera 121b and the object can be calculated by Equation (8) below.

5B, when the object is positioned in front of the mobile terminal, the first sound output unit 152a and the first to third microphones 122a, 122b, and 122c are utilized It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the three-dimensional coordinates of the object can be calculated in the same manner as described above.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in another embodiment, one acoustic output and two microphones may be utilized to calculate the two-dimensional coordinates of the object in a manner similar to that described above.

As described above, the mobile terminal according to the present invention can detect the coordinates or the distance of the adjacent object by detecting the ultrasonic waves radiated through the first or second sound output unit through the three microphones.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile terminal performing an auto focus (AF) function based on distance sensing using ultrasonic waves.

Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 180 executes a camera application according to a user command or the like to enter a video mode (S710).

When the AF function is set in the shooting mode (S720), the controller 180 measures the distance between the camera and the object using the ultrasonic waves, and then performs the auto focus function based on the measured distance. Here, the auto focus function is a function for adjusting the position of the focus lens to make a blurred image clear, and is a function for moving the focus lens forward and backward so that the image of the subject is most clearly formed on the image sensor.

In order to measure the distance to the subject, the controller 180 generates ultrasonic waves in the direction of the subject through the first acoustic output unit (i.e., receiver 152a) or the second acoustic output unit (i.e., speaker 152b) (S730). At this time, the controller 180 may control the audio codec to generate a predetermined pattern of ultrasonic waves to prevent confusion with other ultrasound signals, interference with noise components, and the like.

The controller 180 receives ultrasound waves reflected from the subject using the at least one microphone 122 (S740). Hereinafter, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an example in which ultrasonic waves are detected through the first or second microphones 122a and 122b according to the position of the operation camera and the distance is measured will be described as an example.

The control unit 180 measures the round trip time t from the time when the ultrasonic waves start from the first or the second sound output units 152a and 152b to the time when the ultrasonic waves reach the first or second microphone 122a or 122b . The control unit 180 calculates the distance L ₀ between the mobile terminal 100 and the object based on the measured round trip time t (S750). At this time, the distance L ₀ between the mobile terminal and the subject can be calculated through Equation (1). In the present embodiment, the distance from the subject is measured using one microphone. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 5, the distance between the subject and the subject is measured using three microphones It will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

The controller 180 performs a high-speed auto-focus algorithm based on the distance L ₀ between the camera and the subject (S760).

In the conventional AF algorithm, since there is no distance information between the camera and the subject as shown in FIG. 8, the position of the correct focus is always determined while reducing the search range for the subject from the long distance to the near direction. Thus, there is a problem that the time required to perform the AF operation becomes long even when a subject located in a short distance is photographed. In order to solve such a problem, the present invention performs a high-speed auto-focus algorithm based on distance information between a camera and a subject.

That is, when the distance between the camera and the subject is out of a critical distance (for example, 50 cm), the controller 180 performs an auto focus function on the subject using the same AF algorithm as in the conventional method. Here, the conventional AF algorithm may be a full scan or hill climbing AF algorithm, but it is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, when the distance between the camera and the subject is within a critical distance, the controller 180 can perform the AF function based on the distance information between the camera and the subject, thereby shortening the AF time. That is, the control unit 180 can determine the position of the right focal point by performing a search near the subject immediately without reducing the search range from the long distance to the near direction.

If the user inputs a shooting command (S770) after focusing on the subject through the above process, the control unit 180 photographs the preview image input through the camera lens, and displays the captured image in a preset memory space (S780).

Thereafter, when a user input for ending the photographing mode is received (S790), the control unit 180 ends the auto focus process according to the present invention. On the other hand, if the user input for ending the shooting mode is not received, the control unit 180 repeatedly performs the steps 730 to 780 described above.

As described above, the mobile terminal according to the present invention can shorten the time required for the automatic focusing by performing the fast AF algorithm based on the distance information with respect to the subject measured through the ultrasonic waves.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile terminal that performs various functions based on gesture recognition using ultrasonic waves.

Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit 180 executes a specific application according to a user command or the like (S910).

If the motion recognition mode (or the gesture recognition mode) is set before or during execution of the corresponding application (S920), the controller 180 recognizes the gesture input on the space using the ultrasonic waves and then performs an operation corresponding to the gesture input do.

In order to detect the user's gesture input, the controller 180 generates ultrasonic waves in the object direction through the first sound output unit 152a disposed at the front of the terminal body (S930). At this time, the controller 180 may control the audio codec to generate ultrasonic waves of a predetermined pattern in order to prevent confusion with other ultrasonic signals, mixing / interference of noise components, and the like.

The control unit 180 receives ultrasound reflected from the object using at least one microphone and returns (S940). Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the ultrasonic waves are detected through the first to third microphones 122a, 122b, and 122c to measure the coordinates of the object .

The control unit 180 determines the round trip times t ₁ , t ₂ and t ₃ from the time when the ultrasonic waves start to the first sound output unit 152a to the time when the ultrasonic waves reach the first to third microphones 122a to 122c . The control unit 180 is a round trip time (t _1, t _2, t ₃₎ based on the first to third microphone distance between (122a ~ 122c) and the object (L _1, L _2, L _3), the measuring .

The controller 180 controls the three-dimensional coordinates of the object located in front of the mobile terminal 100 based on the distance information (L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ ) between the first to third microphones 122a to 122c and the object (x, y, z) (S950). At this time, the three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) of the object can be calculated through the calculation process of Equations (2) to (7).

The controller 180 detects the user's gesture input based on the three-dimensional coordinate movement of the object. At this time, various kinds of gesture inputs as shown in FIG. 10 may exist as a detectable gesture input through coordinate movement of the object, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) of an object are measured through three microphones to detect a gesture input, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the gesture input of the user can be detected by measuring the one-dimensional coordinates (i.e., the distance to the object) of the object through one microphone. In addition, although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to detect the user's gesture input by measuring the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) of the object through two microphones.

If a preset gesture input is detected (S960), the controller 180 performs a predetermined operation corresponding to the detected gesture input (S970). At this time, the controller 180 may provide a menu for setting operations corresponding to various types of gesture input for each application type.

Thereafter, when the motion recognition mode ends (S980), the control unit 180 ends the process according to the present invention. On the other hand, if the motion recognition mode is continuously maintained, the controller 180 repeatedly performs steps 930 to 970 described above.

As described above, the mobile terminal according to the present invention recognizes the user's gesture input using ultrasonic waves and can perform various operation functions based on the gesture input.

11 is a diagram for describing the operation of a mobile terminal performing a predetermined function based on proximity sensing using a single microphone.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the mobile terminal 100 displays an operation screen 1110 of a specific application on the display unit 151 according to a user command or the like.

If the motion recognition mode is set before or during execution of the corresponding application, the mobile terminal 100 periodically generates ultrasonic waves through the first sound output unit 152a to detect an object approaching the display unit 151 .

When the ultrasonic wave is detected for a predetermined time through the second microphone 122b adjacent to the first acoustic output unit 152a, the mobile terminal 100 calculates the distance to the object based on the round trip time of the ultrasonic signal.

When the distance to the object is within a certain distance range, the mobile terminal 100 performs a screen capture function. For example, when the user's hand 1120 is detected within a predetermined distance from the display unit 151 for a predetermined time, the mobile terminal 100 displays the operation screen 1110 currently displayed on the display unit 151 It can be captured and stored in a preset memory space.

Referring to FIG. 11 (b), the mobile terminal 100 displays the operation screen 1130 of the call application on the display unit 151 at the time of call connection.

When the call application is executed, the mobile terminal 100 periodically generates ultrasonic waves through the first sound output unit 152a to detect an object approaching the display unit 151. [

When the ultrasonic wave is detected for a predetermined time through the second microphone 122b adjacent to the first acoustic output unit 152a, the mobile terminal 100 calculates the distance to the object based on the round trip time of the ultrasonic signal.

If the distance to the object is within a certain distance range, the mobile terminal 100 performs a screen off function during a call. For example, when the user's ear or head part 1140 is detected within a predetermined distance from the display part 151 for a predetermined time, the mobile terminal 100 may turn off the screen during the call to prevent the malfunction of the touch screen can do.

12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the operation of a mobile terminal performing a predetermined function based on gesture recognition using two microphones.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the mobile terminal 100 displays an operation screen 1210 of a specific application on the display unit 151 according to a user command or the like.

If the motion recognition mode is set before or during execution of the application, the mobile terminal 100 periodically generates ultrasonic waves through the first sound output unit 152a to detect a predetermined gesture input.

When the ultrasonic wave is detected for a predetermined time through the first and second microphones 122a and 122b arranged in the vertical direction of the terminal body, the mobile terminal 100 detects the two-dimensional Calculate the coordinates. The mobile terminal 100 detects the user's gesture input based on the coordinate shift of the object.

The mobile terminal 100 performs a screen scroll function in response to the detected gesture input. For example, when a gesture input 1220 that moves the bottom of the user's hand downward from the display unit 151 is detected, the mobile terminal 100 displays an operation screen (e.g., 1210 in the downward direction. On the other hand, when the gesture input in the opposite direction is detected, the mobile terminal 100 can scroll the operation screen upward.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the mobile terminal 100 displays an operation screen 1210 of the music playback application on the display unit 151 according to a user command or the like.

If the motion recognition mode is set before or during execution of the application, the mobile terminal 100 periodically generates ultrasonic waves through the first sound output unit 152a to detect a predetermined gesture input.

When the ultrasonic wave is detected for a predetermined time through the first and second microphones 122a and 122b arranged in the longitudinal direction of the terminal body, the mobile terminal 100 calculates the two-dimensional coordinates of the object using the ultrasonic signal And detects the user's gesture input based on the calculated movement of the coordinate values.

The mobile terminal 100 performs a volume control function corresponding to the detected gesture input. For example, when a gesture input 1240 is detected that moves the bottom of the user's hand downward from the upper direction of the display unit 151, the mobile terminal 100 decreases the volume intensity of the currently playing music file. On the other hand, when the gesture input in the opposite direction is detected, the mobile terminal 100 can increase the volume intensity of the currently playing music file. At this time, the mobile terminal 100 may display on the display unit 151 an indicator 1250 indicating the intensity of the volume adjusted through the up / down gesture input.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the mobile terminal 100 displays an operation screen 1310 of a music playback application on the display unit 151 according to a user command or the like.

If the motion recognition mode is set before or during execution of the application, the mobile terminal 100 periodically generates ultrasonic waves through the first sound output unit 152a to detect a predetermined gesture input.

When an ultrasonic wave is detected for a predetermined period of time through the first and third microphones 122a and 122c arranged in the horizontal direction of the terminal body, the mobile terminal 100 calculates the two-dimensional coordinates of the object using the ultrasonic signal And detects the user's gesture input based on the calculated movement of the coordinate values.

The mobile terminal 100 performs a playlist changing function corresponding to the detected gesture input. For example, when a gesture input 1320 that moves the bottom of the user's hand from the right side to the left side of the display unit 151 is detected, the mobile terminal 100 displays a playback screen corresponding to the next file of the currently playing music file, (1330) on the display unit (151). On the other hand, when a gesture input in the opposite direction is detected, the mobile terminal 100 can display a playback screen (not shown) corresponding to a previous file of the currently playing music file on the display unit.

Referring to FIG. 13 (b), the mobile terminal 100 displays a first image screen 1340 selected on the gallery application on the display unit 151 according to a user command or the like.

If the motion recognition mode is set before or during execution of the application, the mobile terminal 100 periodically generates ultrasonic waves through the first sound output unit 152a to detect a predetermined gesture input.

When an ultrasonic wave is detected for a predetermined period of time through the first and third microphones 122a and 122c arranged in the horizontal direction of the terminal body, the mobile terminal 100 calculates the two-dimensional coordinates of the object using the ultrasonic signal And detects the user's gesture input based on the calculated movement of the coordinate values.

The mobile terminal 100 performs a screen switching function (or a page turn function) in response to the detected gesture input. For example, when a gesture input 1350 that moves the bottom of the user's hand from the right side to the left side of the display unit 151 is detected, the mobile terminal 100 displays the first image screen 1340 On the display unit 151. The display unit 151 displays the next screen 1360 of FIG. On the other hand, when a gesture input in the opposite direction is detected, the mobile terminal 100 may display a previous screen (not shown) of the first image screen 1340 currently displayed on the display unit on the display unit 151 .

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various operation functions such as a call receiving function, a call reject function, a message checking function, an alarm stop function, and the like can be performed through gesture input in the up and down or left and right directions.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mobile terminal performing a predetermined function based on gesture recognition using three microphones. Referring to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 14, the mobile terminal 100 displays a 3D stereoscopic image 1410 corresponding to a specific application on the display unit 151 according to a user command or the like.

If the motion recognition mode is set before or during execution of the application, the mobile terminal 100 periodically generates ultrasonic waves through the first sound output unit 152a to detect a predetermined gesture input.

When the ultrasonic wave is detected for a predetermined time through the first to third microphones 122a, 122b and 122c, the mobile terminal 100 detects the position of the object positioned in front of the display unit 151 based on the round trip time of the ultrasonic signal Calculate the three-dimensional coordinates. When the object is detected, the mobile terminal 100 displays the 3D stereoscopic pointer 1430 corresponding to the position of the object on the 3D stereoscopic image 1410.

The mobile terminal 100 detects the user's gesture input based on the coordinate shift of the object. The mobile terminal 100 controls the spatial position of the 3D stereoscopic pointer 1430 in the 3D stereoscopic image 1410 according to the gesture input detected through the ultrasonic wave.

For example, when the user's hand moves from a predetermined height to one side, the mobile terminal 100 can move the 3D stereoscopic pointer 1430 to a certain depth by moving the stereoscopic pointer 1430 up or down. In addition, when the user's hand moves toward or away from the display unit, the mobile terminal 100 may display the 3D stereoscopic pointer 1430 at different depths.

If the gesture input detected through the ultrasonic wave is a preset gesture input with a command corresponding to the click operation, the mobile terminal 100 can control the predetermined operation to be performed corresponding to the object indicated by the 3D stereoscopic pointer 1430 have.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other operation functions such as a stylus pen function, a 3D game function, and the like can be performed through gesture recognition using ultrasonic waves in addition to the above-described embodiments.

Hereinafter, the operation of a mobile terminal transmitting and receiving wireless data with a neighboring terminal by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal using the sound output unit and the microphone will be described in detail.

15 is a block diagram of an apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals through an acoustic output unit and a microphone.

Referring to FIG. 15, the wireless transmitting and receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes an audio codec 1500, first to fourth microphones 122a to 122d, and first and second sound output units 152a and 152b.

The first to fourth microphones 122a to 122d receive the ultrasound signals transmitted from the neighboring terminals and provide them to the audio codec 1500. The first and second sound output units 152a and 152b transmit the ultrasound signals generated through the audio codec 1500 to the neighboring terminals.

The audio codec 1500 processes the ultrasound signals received through at least one microphone and provides the signals to the controller 180. In addition, the audio codec 1500 generates a packet-type ultrasonic signal according to a control command of the controller 180 and provides the ultrasound signal to the sound output unit.

The audio codec 1500 includes first to fourth analog / digital converters 1521 to 1524, a digital signal processor (DSP) 1510, first and second digital / analog converters 1531 and 1532, And first and second power amplifiers 1541 and 1542.

The analog / digital converters 1521 to 1524 convert ultrasound signals inputted through at least one microphone into digital signals and provide them to the digital signal processor 1510.

The digital signal processing unit 1510 processes the ultrasound signals received through at least one of the analog-to-digital converters 1521 to 1524 and provides the processed ultrasound signals to the controller 180.

The digital signal processing unit 1510 generates an ultrasonic signal 1600 in the form of packets as shown in Fig. 16 according to a control command of the control unit 180 and supplies the ultrasonic signal 1600 to the digital / analog converters 1531 and 1532 Role.

The packet type ultrasound signal 1600 includes a start field 1610, an address field 1620, an R / W field 1630, an ACK field 1640, A data field 1650, an ACK field 1660, and a stop field 1670, but is not limited thereto.

The digital signal processor 1510 determines the operating frequency according to a sampling rate supported by the audio codec. For example, the digital signal processor 1510 can generate the packet-type ultrasonic signal 1600 using the operating frequency of 20 kHz to 96 kHz.

The digital signal processing unit 1510 can transmit data based on the patterned ultrasonic signal as shown in Fig. 6 (b). For example, the frequency f ₁ of the patterned ultrasound signals can be converted into "0" in the binary number, and the frequency f ₂ can be converted into "1" in the binary number.

The digital / analog converters 1531 and 1532 convert the ultrasonic signals received from the digital signal processor 1510 into analog signals and provide them to the power amplifiers 1541 and 1542. The power amplifiers 1541 and 1542 amplify the ultrasound signals received from the digital / analog converters 1531 and 1532 and provide them to the sound output units 152a and 152b. The acoustic output unit transmits the amplified ultrasonic signal to the adjacent terminal.

As described above, the wireless transmitting and receiving apparatus according to the present invention can perform data communication with a neighboring terminal by transmitting / receiving an ultrasonic signal using an audio codec, an audio output unit, and a microphone.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams for explaining the operation of a mobile terminal that transmits and receives data using an ultrasonic signal.

17 and 18, the first mobile terminal 100 and the second mobile terminal 100 proceed in a series of a pairing process to create a wireless communication channel for data sharing.

The first mobile terminal 100 generates a pairing request signal using the audio codec 1500. The first mobile terminal 100 transmits the generated pairing request signal through the first or second sound output unit 152a or 152b (S1710).

The second mobile terminal 200 located in the vicinity of the first mobile terminal 100 receives the pairing request signal through the at least one microphone. The second mobile terminal 200 generates a pairing response signal corresponding to the pairing request signal using the audio codec. Similarly, the second mobile terminal 100 transmits the generated pairing response signal through the first or second sound output unit 152a or 152b (S1720).

Through the exchange of the pairing request signal and the pairing response signal, the first and second mobile terminals 100 and 200 generate a short-range wireless communication channel for data sharing (S1730).

When a user input for starting data transmission to the second mobile terminal 200 is received while the short-range wireless communication channel is created, the first mobile terminal 100 transmits the desired data To the second mobile terminal (200). The second mobile terminal 200 receives and processes the data transmitted from the first mobile terminal 100 using an audio codec and a microphone.

On the contrary, when a user input for starting data transmission to the first mobile terminal 100 is received, the second mobile terminal 200 transmits the desired data to the first mobile terminal 100 using the audio codec and the sound output unit send. The first mobile terminal 100 receives and processes data transmitted from the second mobile terminal 200 using an audio codec and a microphone.

The user input for initiating the data transmission may be a user input for touching a transmission icon displayed on the display unit, a gesture input having a direction on a space above the display unit, or a user input for moving the transmission device in a specific direction, It is not limited thereto.

In the present embodiment, the operation of transmitting / receiving wireless data between mobile terminals using an ultrasonic signal has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, it is possible not only to share data between devices, but also to provide a beacon service using an ultrasonic signal, or to provide a remote control function using an ultrasonic signal.

19A, in a place such as a department store, a public agency, a government office, a service shop, etc., a beacon service can be provided using an audio output unit for providing information to all visitors. have. The visitor's mobile terminal can receive the beacon service through at least one microphone and output the information to its display unit. Accordingly, all visitors can acquire various information through the beacon service provided by the company.

19 (b), the mobile terminal 100 generates an ultrasound signal including a remote control command through an audio codec and an audio output unit, and transmits the ultrasound signal to the TV apparatus 300. [ The TV apparatus 300 receives the ultrasound signal through at least one microphone and controls the TV function based on a remote control command included in the received ultrasound signal. Accordingly, the user can perform a remote control function (i.e., a remote control function) of the adjacent device through the mobile terminal.

The present invention described above can be embodied as computer-readable codes on a medium on 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 a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, , And may also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet). Also, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

100: mobile terminal 110: wireless communication unit
120: input unit 140: sensing unit
150: output unit 160: interface unit
170: memory 180:
190: Power supply

Claims (10)

An audio codec unit for generating an ultrasonic signal in a predetermined pattern;
An acoustic output unit for transmitting the generated ultrasonic signal;
At least one microphone for detecting ultrasound signals reflected through the object; And
And a controller for detecting the object based on round trip time information of the ultrasonic signal. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sound output unit is a speaker disposed on a rear surface of the terminal body or a receiver disposed on a front surface of the terminal body. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit detects three-dimensional coordinates of the object using the sound output unit and three microphones. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit detects the distance between the sound output unit and the object using the microphone adjacent to the sound output unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit detects a gesture input based on a coordinate value of the object in a motion recognition mode and executes a predetermined function corresponding to the gesture input. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the predetermined function includes at least one of a screen capture function, a screen scroll function, a screen switching function, a volume up / down function, a call receiving function, a message checking function, and a play list changing function. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit measures a distance between the camera and a subject using the ultrasonic signal in a photographing mode and performs a high speed AF function based on distance information with respect to the subject. An audio codec unit for generating a packet type ultrasonic signal;
An acoustic output unit for transmitting the generated ultrasonic signal;
At least one microphone for receiving ultrasound signals transmitted from a neighboring terminal; And
And a controller for performing data communication with the neighboring terminal using the ultrasonic signal. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the audio codec unit includes a digital signal processing unit, an analog / digital converter, a digital / analog converter, and a power amplifier. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the controller generates a local area wireless communication channel with the neighboring terminal through exchange of a pairing request signal and a pairing response signal.

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