KR101346889B1 - Mobile communication terminal having a input device and input processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal having a joystick and an input processing method, comprising: arranging and displaying a plurality of menu icons according to a user's menu view selection; When one of the menu icons is selected through a joystick, determining whether the user selection is a first mode selection or a second mode selection; If the first mode is selected, displaying at least one submenu included in the menu together with the selected menu icon; Moving the cursor on each submenu according to the direction selection through the joystick; And if the submenu is completely pressed through the joystick, executing a function corresponding to the selected submenu. As a result, it is possible to ensure continuity of a user's input operation for entering a submenu of a menu or executing a related function, thereby enhancing convenience in using a menu.

Description

MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL HAVING A INPUT DEVICE AND INPUT PROCESSING METHOD}

1 is an external perspective view of a mobile communication terminal having an input device of the present invention;

2 is a control block diagram of a mobile communication terminal having an input device of the present invention;

3 is a menu selection display state diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a menu selection display state diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS

 1: RF module 3: Audio processing unit

 5: control unit 7: display unit

 9: memory 10: input device

12: keypad 20: joystick

22: direction key signal output unit 24: first selection signal output unit

26: second selection signal output unit

The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal having a joystick and an input processing method.

Currently, the mobile communication terminal provides not only a simple call function but also various additional functions such as an electronic notebook function such as a phone book, schedule management, and a multimedia function such as a video and video mail transmission and reception function.

The mobile communication terminal is normally kept in a standby mode in which a call can be made or received. When a predetermined menu is selected, a menu necessary for using the corresponding additional function is displayed on the display screen. Accordingly, a plurality of keys such as numeric keys, menu keys, direction keys, etc. are provided to select a menu and a function, and a user operates the functions of the mobile communication terminal by using these keys.

For example, if the mobile terminal selects the full menu view, the top menu is displayed on the desktop or the menu window.In addition, when the user presses a predetermined key and selects the menu, the description of the selected menu is displayed as text on the top. The submenu is displayed in list format. Accordingly, the menu display method of the conventional mobile communication terminal is inconvenient that it is not possible to identify menus having the same depth as the menu of the previous step because each sub step of the menu is displayed as a list of screen units.

In addition, while the number of menus supported by the mobile communication terminal is gradually increased, the number of keys provided in the mobile communication terminal for selecting them is limited, so that a technology for implementing various inputs using a limited key is required. It is becoming. Accordingly, a method of using each key on the keypad for different purposes according to the input mode has been proposed by providing a function key for switching the input mode or enabling the key input mode to be switched on the menu.

However, such a conventional technique may cause inconvenience in use because it is necessary to switch the input mode of the keypad through an effect key or a menu to execute a desired input, and then switch back to the original input mode in the same manner, resulting in inconvenience in use, and continuity of key input operation. There is a problem that inhibits. In addition, the prior art is limited to switching the key input mode of the simple pressure type keypad, and there is a limit to diversifying the key input.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, by varying the input using the joystick-type key, it is possible to select a variety of functions while ensuring the continuity of the input operation to enhance the convenience of use and menu of the mobile communication terminal An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal and an input processing method having a joystick that induces interest in use and facilitates menu use.

In order to achieve the above object, a mobile communication terminal having a joystick and an input processing method according to the present invention determine whether the user selection is a first mode selection or a second mode selection when a user selection through a joystick is input. Making a step; And processing the direction selection signal through the joystick to correspond to the corresponding mode according to the mode determination result.

Here, when the user selection through the joystick is input, the step of determining whether the user selection is the first mode selection or the second mode selection, according to the pressing distance of the joystick, when the joystick is half pressed selected The method may include determining the first mode and determining the second mode when the joystick is completely pressed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of displaying a plurality of menu icons arranged on a screen according to a user's menu view selection; When one of the menu icons is selected through a joystick, determining whether the user selection is a first mode selection or a second mode selection; If the first mode is selected, displaying at least one submenu included in the menu together with the selected menu icon; Moving the cursor on each submenu according to the direction selection through the joystick; When the submenu is completely pressed through the joystick, the submenu may be executed by an input processing method of a mobile communication terminal, comprising executing a function corresponding to the selected submenu.

Here, when the second mode is selected, expanding the area of the cursor selecting the menu icon; It is possible to include displaying information related to the menu in the area of the extended cursor.

In addition, when one of the menu icons is selected through the joystick, determining whether the user selection is a first mode selection or a second mode selection may be performed by pressing the joystick halfway according to the pressing distance of the joystick. When it is selected, it is possible to determine the first mode and when the joystick is completely pressed, it is possible to determine the second mode.

On the other hand, the above object according to another field of the present invention, the stick portion for the user's push and direction selection; A first selection signal output unit configured to output a first mode signal when the pressing distance is relatively short according to the pressing distance of the stick part; A second selection signal output unit configured to output a second mode signal when the pressing distance is relatively longer than the first selection signal output unit; It can also be achieved by a mobile communication terminal having a joystick, characterized in that it comprises a direction key signal output unit for outputting a direction key signal according to the direction indicated by the stick unit.

Here, the display unit for displaying the menu screen; According to a user's menu view selection, a plurality of menu icons are arranged and displayed on the display unit, and when the first mode signal is input from the first selection signal output unit, at least one of the menu icons is included in the menu together with the selected menu icon. It is possible to further include a control for displaying one or more submenus.

Meanwhile, the controller moves the cursor on each submenu displayed on the display unit according to the direction selection through the joystick, and corresponds to the selected submenu when the second mode signal is input from the second selection signal output unit. It is possible to control the function to be executed.

A display unit for displaying a menu screen; According to a user's menu view selection, a plurality of menu icons are arranged and displayed on the display unit, and when the second mode is selected, the menu icon is extended to an area of the cursor that is selected to be associated with the menu in the extended cursor area. It is possible to further include a control unit for displaying information.

Hereinafter, a mobile communication terminal having a joystick and an input processing method will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a mobile communication terminal having an input device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile communication terminal includes a display unit 7 for displaying a user input and a menu, a keypad 12 for selecting letters, numbers, functions, and the like as the input device 10; Joystick 20 is provided for selection of direction, function, and the like.

Unlike the keypad 12 that is pressurized and selected in a planar shape, the joystick 20 may be rotatably installed around the fixed end of the stick to indicate a position according to the pressing direction of the user. Thus, the joystick 20 may be used as a direction key when selecting a menu or executing a game function.

In addition, the joystick 20 as the input device 10 of the present invention can be multi-stage selected, so that when the push is selected, the input can be diversified by dividing the input into a first select input that is half pressed and a second select input that is fully pressed. Can be. Thus, one joystick 20 indicates four or eight direction key inputs, a first selection input in a half-pressed state, a second selection input in a fully-pressed state, and a direction after the first selection input and a second direction. The input may be diversified to indicate the direction after the selection input.

On the other hand, the input using the joystick 20 is directed to the direction in the half-pressed state or the fully pressed state, so that the continuity of the input operation is guaranteed, so that the predetermined function on the menu can be executed through the continuous input operation using the joystick 20. To help. Thus, the user can easily access each menu step to go through to execute a predetermined function provided through the lower menu.

2 is a control block diagram of a mobile communication terminal having an input device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile communication terminal includes an RF module 1 for wireless transmission and reception, an audio processor 3 for processing audio signals input and output through a microphone MIC and a speaker SPK, and a user. A display unit 7 on which inputs and menus are displayed, a memory 9 storing various control information for driving a mobile communication terminal, an input device 10 for user input, and an input device 10 Control unit 5 for controlling each of these components in accordance with the user's selection through the mobile communication terminal function.

The display unit 7 displays text such as a state of a mobile communication terminal, a user input, and graphic data such as a standby screen, a menu screen, a picture, and a video under the control of the controller 5.

The memory 9 stores various data for controlling the function of the mobile communication terminal. In particular, in order to support the input processing method according to the present invention, the function setting information according to the input signal generated from the input device 10 is stored. do.

The input device 10 includes a keypad 12 to which character keys, numeric keys, special keys, menu keys, and the like are assigned, and a joystick 20 to which functions such as direction keys, zoom in / zoom out, and confirmation keys are assigned. Here, the joystick 20 is a direction key signal output unit 22 in four directions or more, a first selection signal output unit 24 for outputting a first selection signal in a half pressing state, and a second selection signal in a fully pressing state. It includes a second selection signal output unit 26 for outputting. Accordingly, the direction key signal output from the joystick 20 has three modes. When only the direction key signal is output, when the direction key signal is output together with the first selection signal which is a half-press signal, the second selection that is a full push signal is performed. The direction key signal may be combined and output together with the signal.

The controller 5 controls the RF module 1 and the audio processor 3 based on data stored in the memory 9 according to a user's selection through the keypad 12 of the input device 10 or the like. Can provide functionality. In addition, the controller 5 displays a screen on the display 7 according to a user's selection through the joystick 20 and executes corresponding functions.

For example, the controller 5 moves the cursor in the corresponding direction when only the direction key signal is output from the joystick 20, and selects a lower menu of the menu where the current cursor is located when the direction key signal is output together with the first selection signal. When the direction key signal is output together with the second selection signal, the focus of the cursor is adjusted to check the contents of the selected menu. That is, by half-pressing and fully pressing the joystick 20 by a function key, the input is diversified by switching the mode of the direction key signal when the first selection signal or the second selection signal is output.

Accordingly, the user may switch the input mode by operating the joystick 20 in a half-pressed or fully pressed state, and then select a desired function by manipulating the direction of the joystick 20. Therefore, the continuity of the menu selection operation can be guaranteed, thereby enhancing the convenience of use.

3 is a flowchart illustrating an input processing method of a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates an input processing method when a direction is indicated in a half-pressed state of the joystick 20.

When the menu screen 100 is displayed on the display unit 7, the user may select a menu by pressing the joystick 20 halfway. When the user presses the joystick 20 halfway, the first selection signal is generated from the first selection signal output unit 24 to the lower menu screen 110 in which the submenu 112 is displayed together with the menu screen 100. Is switched. The submenu 112 may be selected in various ways, and FIG. 3 illustrates a case in which the submenu 112 is arranged in four directions based on a menu selected to correspond to a direction key of the joystick 20.

Accordingly, the user can select a function displayed in the submenu by indicating the direction while pressing the joystick 20 half, and the function of the submenu 112 selected by the user is displayed as a highlight or a shade and the function selection screen 120 ) Is displayed.

After the user selects a predetermined function through the function selection screen 120 and the user presses the joystick 20 completely, the second selection signal is output from the second selection signal output unit 26, whereby the controller 5 controls the user. Recognizes that the function is selected as "OK" and executes the function, and displays the function execution screen 130 on the display unit (7).

As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user presses the joystick 20 halfway to directly access the submenu 112 of the selection menu, and then completely presses the desired function on the submenu 112. This function can be executed. Accordingly, the user may continuously enter the submenu 112 of the menu and select a desired function.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an input processing method of a mobile communication terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates an input processing method when a direction is indicated when the joystick 20 is fully pressed.

When the menu screen 200 is displayed on the display unit 7, the user may select the menu by pressing the joystick 20 completely. When the user presses the joystick 20 completely, the second selection signal is output from the second selection signal output unit 26 so that the information display window 212 is displayed on the menu screen 200. Is switched to. The display method, the display contents, etc. of the information display window 212 can be applied in various ways, and FIG. 4 illustrates a case in which the size of a cursor for selecting a menu is expanded to secure an area for information display.

Thus, when the user instructs the direction while the joystick 20 is fully pressed, the menu information screen 220 is displayed in which information related to the menu is scrolled. The information provided through the menu information screen 220 may be user data stored in the menu, for example, a picture, a memo, a phone number, or the like, or a description of the menu may be displayed. After confirming the information through the menu information screen 220 and then releasing the pressurized state of the joystick 20, the menu screen 200 which was initially displayed again is switched to allow the user to check information of another menu.

As described above, the present invention is to set the input mode of the direction key according to the pressing state of the joystick-type key differently, thereby ensuring the continuity of all the switching and selection operations to enhance the convenience of use.

As described above, the embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made within the scope apparent to those skilled in the art in connection with the present invention.

According to the mobile communication terminal and the input processing method having a joystick of the present invention as described above, it is possible to select a variety of functions while ensuring the continuity of the input operation by setting the input mode of the direction keys differently according to the pressing state of the joystick-type key Make sure

Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the continuity of the input operation of the user to enter the submenu of the menu or to execute a related function, thereby enhancing the convenience of using the menu.

Claims (11)

delete delete Displaying a plurality of selectable menu icons on the display unit by adjusting the joystick; When one of the plurality of menu icons is selected through the joystick, determining whether to select a first mode or a second mode according to a pressing distance of the joystick; If the pressing distance of the joystick with respect to the selected menu icon corresponds to half pressing, it is determined that the first mode selection, and the selected menu so that at least one sub-menu of the selected menu icon does not overlap the selected menu icon Displaying around the icon; And In the first mode selection, when a submenu of any one of the at least one submenu is selected by adjusting the direction of the joystick, and the pressing distance of the joystick with respect to the submenu corresponds to a complete pressing, the submenu Executing a function corresponding to a menu; Input processing method of a mobile communication terminal comprising a. The method of claim 3, wherein If the pressing distance of the joystick with respect to the selected menu icon corresponds to the complete pressing, it is determined as the second mode selection, In the second mode selection, when a predetermined direction is selected through the joystick, expanding and displaying the size of the selected menu icon in the selected direction so as to secure an area for displaying information related to the selected menu icon; And Scrolling and displaying information related to the selected menu icon on the reserved area; Input processing method of a mobile communication terminal comprising a. delete Stick portion for the user's push selection and direction selection; A first selection signal output unit configured to output a first mode signal when the pressing distance is relatively short according to the pressing distance of the stick part; A second selection signal output unit outputting a second mode signal when the pressing distance is relatively longer than the first selection signal output unit; A direction key signal output unit configured to output a direction key signal in a direction indicated by the stick unit; A display unit which displays a plurality of menu icons selectable by adjusting the joystick; And When the first mode signal is input from the first selection signal output unit, at least one submenu included in the menu is displayed together with the selected menu icon, and at least one submenu of the selected menu icon is selected. A submenu of any one of the at least one submenu is selected by adjusting the direction of the joystick while displaying the selected menu icon around the selected menu icon so as not to overlap with a menu icon, and the first mode signal is input; A controller configured to execute a function corresponding to the sub menu when the pressing distance of the joystick with respect to the sub menu corresponds to a full press; Mobile communication terminal having a joystick, comprising a. delete delete The method of claim 6, Wherein, In the state where the second mode signal is input from the second selection signal output unit, when a predetermined direction is selected through the joystick, an area for displaying information related to the selected menu icon is secured in the selected direction. And expanding and displaying a selected menu icon size and scrolling and displaying information related to the selected menu icon in the reserved area. 5. The method of claim 4, Information related to the selected menu icon, And at least one of user data stored corresponding to the selected menu icon and description information about the selected menu icon. The method of claim 9, Information related to the selected menu icon, And at least one of user data stored corresponding to the selected menu icon and description information about the selected menu icon.

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