KR100703438B1 - Method for performing multi-tasking in wireless terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for performing multitasking of a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a method of performing multitasking of a portable terminal capable of switching between application menus and performing multiple tasks while performing at least two application menus in the portable terminal.

In order to achieve this, the multi-tasking method in the portable terminal includes the steps of: activating / deactivating at least two application menus registered as basic application items or subordinate application items to the basic application items in the mobile terminal; When any one of the at least two application menus is selected, which is performed in an inactive state, the selected application menu is changed to an active state while switching to a previous state and performing a corresponding function.

Application Menu, Application Manager, Application Management Table, Basic Application Items, Dependent Application Items

Description

How to perform multitasking of mobile terminal {METHOD FOR PERFORMING MULTI-TASKING IN WIRELESS TERMINAL}

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

2A and 2C are flowcharts illustrating a process of performing multitasking in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a multi-tasking method of a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a multi-tasking method of a mobile terminal capable of switching between application menus and performing multiple tasks while performing at least two application menus in the mobile terminal.

When an individual application menu is executed in a standby mode of a general portable terminal, execution of multiple application menus except for external application menus selected from additional menus defined in the individual application menus is almost impossible.

In addition, in the existing application menu, in order to provide a function of message transfer during a call, a menu for transmitting a short message in a voice call application could be limited to provide simultaneous execution of application menus.

In addition, when an external application menu is executed while application menus are executed, previously executed application menus are inactivated and are reactivated only when the subsequently executed application menus are terminated. As a result, it was impossible to switch between applications and multi-task while each application menu was running at the same time.

In particular, despite the transition to an environment that can simultaneously provide voice and data services as in 3G mobile communication services such as WCDMA, existing application menus are structurally based on the operation of application menus. I have a problem to rewrite the entire application menu to fit

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing multitasking of a portable terminal capable of simultaneously performing at least two application menus in the portable terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing multitasking of a portable terminal capable of switching between the application menus while performing at least two application menus in the portable terminal.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for performing multitasking of a mobile terminal which can be switched while maintaining a previous state when switching between at least two application menus currently being executed in the mobile terminal is performed.

A method of performing multitasking in a mobile terminal for achieving the above object includes the steps of: performing at least two application menus registered as a basic application item or a dependent application item on the basic application item in an activated / deactivated state; ; If any one of the at least two application menus is selected to be executed in an inactive state, changing the selected application menu to an active state and performing a corresponding function by switching to a previous state

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same components in the figures represent the same numerals wherever possible.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the RF unit 123 performs a wireless communication function of the portable terminal. The RF unit 123 includes an RF transmitter for upconverting and amplifying a frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF receiver for low noise amplifying and downconverting a received signal. The modem 120 includes a transmitter for encoding and modulating the transmitted signal, a receiver for demodulating and decoding the received signal, and the like. The audio processor 125 may configure a codec, and the codec includes a data codec for processing packet data and an audio codec for processing an audio signal such as voice. The audio processor 125 converts and reproduces the digital audio signal received from the modem 120 through the audio codec, or converts the transmitted analog audio signal generated from a microphone into a digital audio signal through the audio codec. Sends the function to 120. The codec may be provided separately or included in the controller 110.

The memory 130 may include program memory and data memories. The program memory may store programs for controlling a general operation of the portable terminal. In addition, the memory 130 may store programs for controlling at least two application menus simultaneously, switching between application menus, and performing multiple tasks in the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The data memory also temporarily stores data generated during the execution of the programs.

The controller 110 controls a general operation of the mobile terminal. In addition, the controller 110 may include the modem 120 and the codec. In addition, the control unit 110 generates an application manager 170 in the standby mode of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and controls the application manager 170 to perform a multi-tasking function of the mobile terminal. The application manager 170 receives a status change notification from the application menus of the mobile terminal, thereby performing dependency management of application menus, termination of application menus, and switching between application menus. In addition, the application manager 170 is notified of the state change from each application menu, it is managed while registering and removing from the application management table. In addition, the application manager 170 may be called and terminated from time to time according to the input of a specific key of the mobile terminal. When the application manager 170 is called, the application manager 170 may display a list of currently running application menus, and may provide menu functions for various applications so as to newly drive application menus of the mobile terminal. In addition, the application manager 170 may provide a function of terminating and switching the application menu for a list of application menus that are currently being executed.

The camera module 140 includes a camera sensor for capturing image data, converting the photographed optical signal into an electrical signal, and a signal processor for converting the analog image signal photographed from the camera sensor into digital data. Herein, it is assumed that the camera sensor is a CCD sensor, and the signal processor may be implemented by a digital signal processor (DSP). In addition, the camera sensor and the signal processor may be integrally implemented or may be separately implemented.

The image processor 150 performs a function of generating screen data for displaying an image signal output from the camera unit 140. The image processor 150 processes the image signal output from the camera unit 140 in units of frames, and outputs the frame image data according to the characteristics and size of the display unit 160. In addition, the image processor 150 includes an image codec and performs a function of compressing the frame image data displayed on the display unit 160 in a set manner or restoring the compressed frame image data to the original frame image data. The image codec may be a JPEG codec, an MPEG4 codec, a wavelet codec, or the like. It is assumed that the image processor 150 has an On Screen Display (OSD) function, and may output on-screen display data according to a screen size displayed by the control of the controller 110.

The display unit 160 displays an image signal output from the image processor 150 on a screen and displays user data output from the controller 110. The display unit 160 may use an LCD. In this case, the display unit 160 may include an LCD controller, a memory capable of storing image data, and an LCD display device. In this case, when the LCD is implemented using a touch screen method, the LCD may operate as an input unit. In addition, the display unit 160 may display at least two application menus simultaneously executed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The key input unit 127 includes keys for inputting numeric and character information and function keys for setting various functions. In addition, the key input unit 127 may include a specific key for calling and terminating the application manager 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

An operation of performing multitasking in the mobile terminal as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

2A and 2B are flowcharts illustrating a process of performing multitasking in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, an operation of a voice call application, a message application, and an MP3 application in a mobile terminal will be described as an example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1.

2A to 2B, when the mobile terminal is switched to the standby mode, the controller 110 detects this in step 201 and proceeds to step 202 to generate an application manager 170. When the voice call application is selected in the standby mode of the portable terminal, the control unit 110 detects it in step 203 and switches to the voice call application mode.

When the voice call application mode is switched, the voice call application notifies the application manager 170 of the start of the voice call application. Then, the application manager 170 proceeds to step 204 of registering a basic application item for the voice call application in an internal application management table. When the application manager is called through the input of a specific key in step 205 of performing the corresponding function through the voice call application, the controller 110 detects it in step 206 and displays the application menus provided in the mobile terminal. Perform

If a message application is selected among the application menus provided in the portable terminal, the controller 110 detects it in step 208 and switches to the message application mode while maintaining the voice call application. When the message application mode is switched, the voice call application is converted into an inactive state and notified to the application manager 170. Then, the application manager 170 registers the voice call application mode in an inactive state. The newly performed message application notifies the application manager 170 of the start of the message application, similarly to the voice call application. Then, the application manager 170 proceeds to step 209 of registering a basic application item for the message application in an internal application management table.

When the phone book application through the menu is selected to select a phone number in step 210 of performing the corresponding function through the message application, the controller 110 detects it in step 211 and switches to the phone book application mode of the message application. The newly performed phonebook application notifies the application manager 170 of the start of the phonebook application, and the application manager 170 registers the phonebook application as a dependent application item of the message application registered as a basic application item in an internal application management table. Proceed. When the application manager is called through the input of a specific key in step 213 in which the message application mode or the phone book application mode of the message application is performed, the control unit 110 detects this in step 206 and the application menu provided in the mobile terminal. Step 207 is displayed to display them.

If the MP3 application is selected among the application menus provided in the mobile terminal, the control unit 110 detects it in step 214 and switches to the MP3 application mode while maintaining the voice call application. When switched to the MP3 application mode, the voice call application is converted to an inactive state, and notifies the application manager 170 of this. Then, the application manager 170 registers the voice call application mode in an inactive state. The newly executed MP3 application notifies the application manager 170 of the start of the MP3 application, similarly to the message application. Then, the application manager 170 proceeds to step 215 of registering the basic application item to the MP3 application in the internal application management table, and proceeds to step 216 to perform the corresponding function of the MP3.

In the present invention, when a new application menu is called internally for the operation of the add-on in the current application menu, the new application menu is not registered as the basic application item to the application manager 170, but to the previous basic application item that called the application menu. It will be registered as a dependent application. In other words, the phone book application is registered as a dependent application item in the basic application item in which the message application is registered.

This is because the existing application menus do not implement all the functions as one application and constitute a separate application menu for each function. Therefore, when managing application menus based on the currently running application menus, a large number of application menus are used. This can be complicated.

That is, when the application manager 170 displays a list of currently running application menus, the application manager 170 does not represent all application menus registered in the application manager 170 but displays only the application menus registered as basic application items executed independently. Done.

In other words, even if there are dependent application items for the basic application items, the application manager displays only the application menus registered as the basic application items, so that the users can see the relationship of the dependent application items starting from the basic application items. Do not consider. In this way, by simplifying the basic application items that execute dependent application items without complicating the running application menus, it is possible to prevent user confusion and to express the services used by the actual user.

In addition, when switching between application menus, when an application menu registered as a basic application item is selected, an application menu registered as a dependent top application item is activated to return to the previous state performed in the application menu registered as a basic application item. To manage them.

Looking at the switching and terminating operation between the application menus in the state where the voice call application, the message application and the MP3 application are performed in the portable terminal, when the application menu of any one of the voice call application, the message application and the MP3 application is being performed. When the application manager 170 is called through the input of a specific key, the controller 110 detects this in step 220 and proceeds to step 221 displaying the application menus currently executed in the mobile terminal through the application manager 170.

If the voice call application is selected in step 221 displaying the currently running application menus, the controller 110 detects it in step 222, and the voice call application notifies the application manager 170 of the start of the application. Then, the application manager 170 checks whether the most dependent application of the voice call application exists, and activates the most dependent application of the voice call application if present. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, since only the basic application item is registered in the voice call application, the application manager 170 proceeds to step 223 for activating the voice call application itself. At this time, the voice call mode is deactivated and then activated, and is switched while maintaining the previous work state.

If the end of the voice call is selected in step 224 of performing the corresponding function in the voice call application, the controller 110 detects it in step 225 and proceeds to step 226 in which only the voice call application is terminated through the application manager 170. In step 226, the voice call application notifies the application manager 170 of the application termination, and the application manager removes the voice call application from the application management table and terminates the voice call application. If the subordinate application item for the voice call application is registered, the subordinate application item of the voice call application is terminated together.

Alternatively, if the message call application is selected in step 221 displaying the currently running application menus, the controller 110 detects it in step 227, and the message application notifies the application manager 170 of the start of the application. Then, the application manager 170 checks whether the most dependent application of the message application exists and proceeds to step 228 to activate the most dependent application of the message application, that is, the phonebook application. At this time, the phonebook application mode of the message application is deactivated and activated, and is switched while maintaining the previous work state.

If the end of the phone book application is selected in step 229 performing the corresponding function in the phone book application, the control unit 110 detects it in step 230 and terminates only the phone book application that is the highest dependent application item through the application manager 170. Proceed to step. In step 231, the phonebook application notifies the application manager 170 of the application termination, and the application manager removes only the phonebook application that is the highest dependent item from the application management table and terminates the phonebook application. When the phonebook application is terminated, the application manager 170 proceeds to step 232 to activate the message application, which is the parent application calling the phonebook application.

If the end of the message application is selected in step 233 to perform the corresponding function for the message application, the control unit 110 detects this in step 234 and proceeds to step 235 to terminate only the message application through the application manager 170. In step 235, the message application notifies the application manager 170 of the application termination, and the application manager removes only the message application registered as a basic application item from the application management table, and terminates the message application. If the dependent application for the message application has been registered, the dependent application for the message application is terminated together.

In addition, if the MP call application is selected in step 221 displaying the currently running application menus, the controller 110 detects it in step 236, and the MP3 application notifies the application manager 170 of the start of the application. Then, the application manager 170 checks whether the highest dependent application of the MP3 application exists, and if present, activates the highest dependent application of the MP3 application. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, since only the basic application item is registered in the MP3 application, the application manager 170 proceeds to step 237 to activate the MP3 application itself. At this time, the MP3 mode is deactivated and then activated, and is switched while maintaining the previous working state.

If the end of the MP3 application is selected in step 238 for performing the corresponding function in the MP3 application, the control unit 110 detects it in step 239 and proceeds to step 240 for terminating only the MP3 application through the application manager 170. In step 240, the MP3 application notifies the application manager 170 of the application termination, and the application manager removes the MP3 application from the application management table and terminates the MP3 application. If the dependent application item for the MP3 application has been registered, the dependent application item of the MP3 application is terminated together.

In the above description of the present invention, a specific embodiment such as a mobile terminal has been described, but various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be defined by the described embodiments, but should be determined by the equivalent of claims and claims.

That is, as described above, the present invention provides an efficient switching between application menus without the need to terminate the application menus, unlike the existing single application operation environment, through the application manager function in the mobile terminal. You can switch to other application menus while you are working and return to previous work.

In addition, the application manager can simultaneously execute various application menus that can be executed in the mobile terminal and provide a method for selectively executing, switching, and terminating these various application menus, thereby providing a better working environment. There is an effect that can be provided to the user.

In particular, the management of the application menu of the mobile terminal through such an application manager provides an efficient multitasking environment for various applications without large changes to existing application menus in the mobile terminal, which is becoming more and more functional. Since various application menus can be performed at the same time, there is an advantage to maximize the convenience for the user.

Claims (9)

In the method of performing multitasking in a mobile terminal, Activating / deactivating at least two application menus registered as basic application items or subordinate application items for the basic application items in the portable terminal; When any one of the at least two application menus is selected in the inactive state of the application menu is selected, changing the selected application menu to the active state of the previous state while carrying out a process for performing a corresponding function How to perform multitasking of the terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein the performing of the at least two application menus comprises: When the corresponding application menu is selected among the application menus of the mobile terminal, registering the selected application menu as a basic application item and performing the application menu; If an application menu for performing an additional operation is selected while the corresponding application menu registered as the basic application item is selected, the application menu for performing the additional operation is registered as a dependent application item of the corresponding application menu registered as the basic application item. Performing an application menu for performing the additional operation; If another application menu is selected during execution of the corresponding application menu, deactivating the application menu, registering the selected other application menu as a basic application item, and performing the other application menu; If an application menu for performing an additional operation is selected while performing another application menu registered as the basic application item, the application menu for performing the additional operation is registered as a dependent application item of another application menu registered as the basic application item. Performing an application menu for performing the additional operation; Method of performing a multi-tasking of a mobile terminal, characterized in that consisting of the process of selecting and performing at least two application menus by performing the above steps repeatedly. The process of claim 1, wherein the process of switching to the previous state of the application menu is performed. If any one of the at least two application menus is selected, determining whether a dependent application item of the selected application menu exists; If the dependent application item exists, activating the dependent application item of the selected application menu and switching to a previous state of the selected application menu; And if the dependent application item does not exist, activating the selected application menu which is a basic application item and switching to a previous state of the selected application menu. The method of claim 3, And the at least two application menus are application menus registered as basic application items. The method of claim 3, And if one of the at least two application menus is selected, deactivating a previous application menu. The method of claim 1, If an end of one of the at least two application menus is selected, determining a type of termination; If the type of termination is an termination for the current state of the application menu, ending the dependent application item of the application menu performing the current state and activating the application menu which is a basic application item; And if the type of termination is the termination of the application menu, further comprising terminating the application menu which is a basic application item and the dependent application item of the application menu. The method of claim 6, And the at least two application menus are application menus registered as basic application items. The method of claim 1, The dependency on the application menus of the mobile terminal, the application execution / termination and the functions for switching between the application is a multi-tasking method of the mobile terminal, characterized in that made through the application manager. The method of claim 1, The dependency on the application menus of the portable terminal, application execution / termination and the state change for switching between applications are stored in the application management table, characterized in that the multi-tasking method of the mobile terminal.

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