KR101649142B1 - Mobile terminal and operation control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable terminal and a method for controlling the operation thereof. In the method of controlling an operation of the portable terminal, at least one folder icon is displayed on the display unit, and one of the displayed folder icons is selected. If there is an input for rotating and dragging the selected folder icon in the first direction after touching, the image corresponding to the file included in the folder icon is displayed on the display unit in a circular shape. According to the present invention, it is possible to conveniently control various operations in a portable terminal through a screen arrangement of a circular arrangement type suitable for a circular display unit.

Circle, display part, rotation, drag, mobile terminal

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and an operation control method thereof,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a portable terminal and a method of controlling the operation thereof, and more particularly, to a portable terminal and its operation control method that can perform various operation control using a circular display unit.

A portable terminal is a portable device having one or more functions capable of carrying out voice and video communication, capable of inputting and outputting information, and storing data, while being portable. As the functions of the portable terminal have diversified, they have complicated functions such as photographing and photographing, playing music files and video files, receiving games, receiving broadcasts, and wireless internet, and have developed a comprehensive multimedia player, .

In order to realize a complicated function, a mobile terminal implemented in the form of a multimedia device is being applied variously in terms of hardware and software. For example, there is a user interface environment in which a user can easily and conveniently search for or select a function. In addition, the portable terminal is considered to be a personal item for expressing the personality of the user, and various design changes such as a double-sided LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a front touch screen are required. watch phone, and the like.

However, in the case of a wristwatch type watch-phone or the like, it is difficult for the user to intuitively use the operation control method through the button, and there is a difficulty in constituting and arranging the button keys in the design aspect and the like. In addition, in the case of a watch phone having a circular display unit, it may be inconvenient to apply a generally used rectangular user interface to a circular display unit as it is.

Accordingly, in order to efficiently use various functions provided in the portable terminal using the circular display unit, it is necessary to control the operation of the portable terminal through a new input / output method suitable for the circular display unit.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal capable of controlling various operations using a circular display unit and an operation control method thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal, the method including displaying at least one folder icon on a display unit, selecting one of the at least one folder icon, And displaying an image corresponding to the file included in the folder icon by circularly spreading the image on the display unit if the user inputs an input to rotate and drag in the first direction after touching the folder icon.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal, the method including displaying a content of a message being created and a content folder icon on a display unit, A step of expanding and displaying an image corresponding to each of contents belonging to the content folder icon in a circular form when dragging one of the images to an area in which the content of the message is displayed; And inserting the content into the message.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal including a circular display unit displaying a list including a plurality of items and a button icon, an input for rotating and dragging the button icon in a first direction, Displaying a character key on the display unit in a circular form and displaying on the display unit an item including the character corresponding to the selected character key in the list when any one of the character keys is selected .

Meanwhile, the portable terminal according to the present invention may include a display unit for displaying at least one folder icon, and an input unit for selecting one of the at least one folder icon, if there is an input for rotating and dragging the selected folder icon in the first direction And a control unit for displaying an image corresponding to the included file in a circular shape on the display unit.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention further includes a circular display unit for displaying a message creation screen displaying a content folder icon, and a display unit for displaying the content icon on the display screen when the content icon is rotated and dragged in the first direction after touching, And a control unit for displaying the corresponding image in a circular shape and inserting a content corresponding to the dragged image into the area in which the content of the message is displayed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising: a circular display unit displaying a list in which a plurality of items are arranged and a button icon; And displaying an item including characters corresponding to the selected character key in the list on the display unit when any one of the character keys is selected.

According to the present invention, various operations can be conveniently controlled in a mobile terminal having a circular display unit by using a screen configuration of a circular arrangement type suitable for a circular display unit.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The portable terminal described in this specification includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), and navigation. In addition, suffixes "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given merely for convenience of description, and do not give special significance or role in themselves. Accordingly, the terms "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in terms of components according to functions.

1, the portable terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, A memory 160, an interface unit 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190. When such components are implemented in practical applications, two or more components may be combined into one component, or one component may be divided into two or more components as necessary.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 113, a wireless Internet module 115, a short distance communication module 117, and a GPS module 119.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. At this time, the broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, and the like. The broadcast management server may refer to a server for generating and transmitting at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information and a server for receiving at least one of the generated broadcast signal and broadcast related information and transmitting the broadcast signal to the terminal.

The broadcast-related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal. The broadcast-related information can also be provided through a mobile communication network, in which case it can be received by the mobile communication module 113. Broadcast-related information can exist in various forms. For example, an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) of DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) or an ESG (Electronic Service Guide) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems. In particular, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S) ), Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. In addition, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for all broadcasting systems that provide broadcasting signals, as well as the digital broadcasting system. The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 113 transmits and receives a radio signal to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data according to a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 115 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and the wireless Internet module 115 can be embedded in the mobile terminal 100 or externally. WLAN (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and the like can be used as wireless Internet technologies.

The short-range communication module 117 refers to a module for short-range communication. Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as the short distance communication technology.

A GPS (Global Position System) module 119 receives position information from a plurality of GPS satellites.

The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 123. 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. Then, the processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 151. [

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ The camera 121 may be equipped with two or more cameras according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone 123 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and processes it as electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 113 and output when the voice data is in the call mode. The microphone 123 may be a variety of noise reduction algorithms for eliminating noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates key input data that the user inputs to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static / static), a jog wheel, a jog switch, a finger mouse, and the like. Particularly, when the touch pad has a mutual layer structure with the display unit 151 described later, it can be called a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 senses the current state of the portable terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the portable terminal 100, the position of the portable terminal 100, Thereby generating a sensing signal. For example, when the portable terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it is possible to sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, a sensing function related to whether or not the power supply unit 190 is powered on, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device, and the like can be handled.

The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, a pressure sensor 143, a motion sensor 145, and the like. The proximity sensor 141 is capable of detecting an object to be approached or the presence or absence of an object in the vicinity without mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 can detect a nearby object by using a change in the alternating magnetic field or a change in the static magnetic field, or a rate of change in capacitance. The proximity sensor 141 may be equipped with two or more sensors according to the configuration.

The pressure sensor 143 can detect whether the pressure is applied to the portable terminal 100, the magnitude of the pressure, and the like. The pressure sensor 143 may be installed at a portion where the pressure of the portable terminal 100 is required depending on the use environment. When the pressure sensor 143 is installed on the display unit 151, the touch input through the display unit 151 and the pressure applied by the touch input The pressure touch input can be identified. Also, the magnitude of the pressure applied to the display unit 151 at the time of the pressure touch input can be determined according to the signal output from the pressure sensor 143. [

The motion sensor 145 detects the position and movement of the portable terminal 100 using an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like. An acceleration sensor that can be used for the motion sensor 145 is a device that converts an acceleration change in one direction into an electric signal and is widely used along with the development of MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technology. The acceleration sensor measures the acceleration of a small value built in the airbag system of an automobile and recognizes the minute motion of the human hand and measures the acceleration of a large value used as an input means such as a game There are a variety of types. Acceleration sensors are usually constructed by mounting two or three axes in one package. Depending on the usage environment, only one axis of Z axis is required. Therefore, when the acceleration sensor in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction is used instead of the Z-axis direction for some reason, the acceleration sensor may be mounted on the main substrate by using a separate piece substrate.

The gyro sensor is a sensor for measuring the angular velocity, and it can sense the direction of rotation with respect to the reference direction.

The output unit 150 is for outputting an audio signal, a video signal, or an alarm signal. The output unit 150 may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 153, an alarm unit 155, and a haptic module 157.

The display unit 151 displays and outputs the information processed by the portable terminal 100. For example, when the portable terminal 100 is in the call mode, a UI (User Interface) or a GUI (Graphic User Interface) associated with a call is displayed. When the portable terminal 100 is in the video communication mode or the photographing mode, the photographed or received images can be displayed individually or simultaneously, and the UI and the GUI are displayed.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the display unit 151 and the touch pad have a mutual layer structure to constitute a touch screen, the display unit 151 can be used as an input device in addition to the output device. If the display unit 151 is configured as a touch screen, it may include a touch screen panel, a touch screen panel controller, and the like. In this case, the touch screen panel is a transparent panel attached to the outside, and can be connected to the internal bus of the portable terminal 100. The touch screen panel keeps a watch on the contact result, and if there is a touch input, sends the corresponding signals to the touch screen panel controller. The touch screen panel controller processes the signals, and then transmits corresponding data to the controller 180 so that the controller 180 can determine whether the touch input has been made and which area of the touch screen has been touched.

Also, the display unit 151 may be formed of an e-paper. Electronic paper (e-Paper) is a kind of reflective display, and has excellent visual characteristics such as high resolution, wide viewing angle and bright white background as conventional paper and ink. The electronic paper (e-paper) can be implemented on any substrate such as plastic, metal, paper, and the image is retained even after the power is shut off, and the battery life of the portable terminal 100 is long Can be maintained. As the electronic paper, a hemispherical twist ball filled with a telephone can be used, or an electrophoresis method and a microcapsule can be used.

In addition, the display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a three- (3D display). There may be two or more display units 151 according to the implementation mode of the portable terminal 100. [ For example, the portable terminal 100 may include an external display unit (not shown) and an internal display unit (not shown) at the same time.

The audio output module 153 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output module 153 outputs sound signals related to functions performed in the portable terminal 100, for example, a call signal reception tone, a message reception tone, and the like. The sound output module 153 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 155 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the portable terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the portable terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, and key signal input. The alarm unit 155 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than an audio signal or a video signal. For example, it is possible to output a signal in a vibration mode. The alarm unit 155 can output a signal to notify when a call signal is received or a message is received. Also. When the key signal is inputted, the alarm unit 155 can output a signal as a feedback to the key signal input. The user can recognize the occurrence of an event through the signal output by the alarm unit 155. A signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in the portable terminal 100 may also be output through the display unit 151 or the sound output module 153. [

The haptic module 157 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 157 is a vibration effect. When the haptic module 157 generates vibration with a haptic effect, the intensity and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module 157 can be converted, and the different vibrations can be synthesized and output or sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 157 may be provided with a function of stimulating by a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, an effect of stimulating air through the injection or suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, The effect of stimulation through contact of an electrode (eletrode), the effect of stimulation by electrostatic force, and the effect of reproducing a cold sensation using a device capable of endothermic or exothermic can be generated. The haptic module 157 can be implemented not only to transmit the tactile effect through direct contact but also to feel the tactile effect through the muscular sense of the user's finger or arm. The haptic module 157 may include two or more haptic modules 157 according to the configuration of the portable terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the control unit 180 and may store a function for temporarily storing input or output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, .

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), a RAM , And a ROM. ≪ / RTI > Also, the portable terminal 100 may operate a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devices connected to the portable terminal 100. Examples of the external device connected to the portable terminal 100 include a wired / wireless headset, an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card, a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card, a UIM An audio input / output (I / O) terminal, a video I / O (input / output) terminal, and an earphone. The interface unit 170 receives data from the external device or receives power from the external device and transmits the data to each component in the portable terminal 100 so that data in the portable terminal 100 can be transmitted to the external device .

The interface unit 170 is a path through which power from the cradle connected when the portable terminal 100 is connected to the external cradle is supplied to the portable terminal 100 or various command signals inputted from the cradle by the user are carried And may be a passage to be transmitted to the terminal 100.

The controller 180 typically controls the operation of the respective units to control the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, voice communication, data communication, video communication, and the like. In addition, the control unit 180 may include a multimedia playback module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia playback module 181 may be configured in hardware in the controller 180 or separately from software in the controller 180. [

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 mobile terminal 100 having such a configuration can be configured to be operable in a communication system capable of transmitting data through a frame or a packet, including a wired / wireless communication system and a satellite-based communication system. have.

The portable terminal according to the present invention has been described in terms of components according to functions. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the portable terminal related to the present invention will be described in more detail from the viewpoint of the components according to the external form. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a wristwatch-type portable terminal that can be worn on the wrist of a user among various types of portable terminals such as a folder type, a bar type, a swing type, a slider type, etc. will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to a wristwatch type portable terminal, but can be applied to all types of portable terminals including the above-described type using a circular display unit.

2 is a perspective view of a wristwatch type portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2, the portable terminal includes a case formed by the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2, and a band 100B extending from the case so as to be worn on the user's wrist. .

Various electronic components are incorporated in the space formed by the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2. At least one intermediate case may be additionally disposed between the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2. Such cases may be formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin, or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

A circular display unit 151, a first sound output module 153a, a first camera 121a, and a microphone 123 may be disposed in the main body, specifically, the front case 100A-1.

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), and the like that visually express information. The display unit 151 may be constructed such that the touch pad is overlapped with the layer structure so that the display unit 151 operates as a touch screen so that information can be input by a user's touch. The first acoustic output module 153a may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker. The first camera 121a may be adapted to photograph an image or a moving image of a user or the like. The microphone 123 may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The first to third user input units 130a, 130b, and 130c may be disposed on the side of the front case 100A-1. An interface unit (not shown) may be disposed in the front case 100A-1 or the rear case 100A-2.

The first to third user input units 130a, 130b, and 130c may be collectively referred to as a user input unit 130 and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates in a tactile manner with a tactile impression. For example, the user input unit 130 may be embodied as a dome switch or a touch pad capable of receiving a command or information by a push or touch operation of a user, or may be a wheel, a jog type, a joystick, Or the like. In a functional aspect, the user input unit 130 is for inputting commands such as start, end, and scroll, or inputting numbers, letters, symbols, and the like. In addition, the user input unit 130 may operate as a hot-key for activating a specific function in the portable terminal 100. [

3 is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 3, a second camera (not shown) may be additionally disposed on the side of the rear case 100A-2. The second camera has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a, and may have different pixels from the first camera 121a.

A flash (not shown) and a mirror (not shown) may be further disposed adjacent to the second camera. The flash illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera. The mirror enables the user to illuminate the user's own face or the like when the user intends to take a picture of himself / herself (self-photographing) using the second camera.

A second sound output module (not shown) may be further disposed in the rear case 100A-2. The second sound output module may implement the stereo function together with the first sound output module 153a, and may be used for talking in the speakerphone mode.

An antenna (not shown) for receiving broadcast signals may be disposed on one side of the rear case 100A-2 in addition to the antenna for communication. The antenna may be installed to be capable of being drawn out from the rear case 100A-2.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the portable terminal is mounted on the rear case 100A-2. The power supply unit 190 may be a rechargeable battery, for example, and may be detachably coupled to the rear case 100A-2 for charging or the like.

In the above description, the second camera or the like is disposed in the rear case 100A-2, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible that at least one of the configurations described as being arranged in the rear case 100A-2, such as the second camera, is mounted on the front case 100A-1. Also, the first camera 121a may be configured to be rotatable so that the first camera 121a can be photographed up to the photographing direction of the second camera, even if the second camera is not separately provided.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operation of a portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 180 displays one or more folder icons on the circular display unit 151 according to a user command, a selected menu, or the like (S200). If any one of the folder icons displayed on the display unit 151 is selected and the selected folder icon is input to rotate and drag in the clockwise direction after touching (S205), the control unit 180 corresponds to the files belonging to the selected folder icon Are displayed in a circular shape in a boundary area of the display unit 151 (S215).

At the same time, the control unit 180 displays a function icon having functions such as 'delete', 'attach', 'move', etc. in the center of the display unit 151 (S220). However, if the operation end is selected instead of the rotary drag input, the process is terminated (S210).

When any one of the displayed images is selected by touching (S225), the control unit 180 displays information related to the selected image corresponding to the selected image (S230). At this time, the touched selected image can be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other images, and information related to the file corresponding to the selected image can be displayed in a speech balloon form or the like.

In addition, if any of the images displayed in the circular shape is dragged to the function icon (S235), the control unit 180 controls the function corresponding to the function icon to be executed for the file corresponding to the dragged image (S240) . For example, an image may be dragged onto a function icon to perform functions such as deleting or attaching a file corresponding to the dragged image.

If there is an input for rotating and dragging the boundary region in the counterclockwise direction (S245), the control unit 180 determines whether or not there is an input for rotating and dragging the boundary region in the counterclockwise direction, The expanded image disappears and only the folder icon is displayed (S250). At this time, the images may be configured to overlap with each other and disappear under the selected folder icon.

In this way, a menu related to a folder, a file, and the like can be displayed in accordance with the shape of the circular display unit 151 and related operations can be performed.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the controller 180 displays a message creation screen on a circular display 151 according to a user command or the like (S300). At this time, the content of the message being created and one or more content folder icons are displayed on the message creation screen.

If there is a character input for creating a message, an editing function or the like is performed (S305), the control unit 180 displays the corresponding message content on the display unit 151 (S310).

If any one of the content folder icons displayed on the display unit 151 is selected and the selected content folder icon is touched and dragged in a first direction such as a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction (S315) The control unit 180 spreads the image corresponding to the content belonging to the content folder in a circular shape in the boundary area of the display unit 151 and displays it (S325). However, if message creation end is selected, the process is terminated (S320).

If any one of the expanded images is dragged to the area where the content of the message is displayed (S330), the control unit 180 inserts the content corresponding to the dragged image at the position of the message corresponding to the dragged position (S335). If the dragged image is dragged to the border area again in the area where the message content is displayed, the inserted content may be configured to be removed.

The process of inserting the content by dragging the image continues until there is an input for rotating and dragging the bordered area in which the image is displayed in the second direction opposite to the first direction and the bordered area is rotated and dragged in the second direction If there is an input (S340), the controller 180 causes the expanded image to disappear and display a content folder icon (S345). In this case as well, the expanded image can be configured to overlap and disappear under the selected content folder icon.

By this process, when a message is created on the circular display unit 151, a desired content can be conveniently attached.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operation of a portable terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the controller 180 displays a list screen in which a plurality of items are listed and a list screen in which button icons are displayed, on the circular display unit 151 (S400).

If there is an input to rotate and drag clockwise after touching the button icon (S405), the controller 180 spreads the character key circularly on the boundary area of the display unit 151 (S410).

If any one of the character keys is touched and selected (S415), the controller 180 displays the item including the character corresponding to the touched character key on the display unit 151 among the list items (S420). At this time, the selected character key can be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other character keys.

The process of displaying the item including the character corresponding to the selected character key is repeatedly performed until there is an input for rotating and dragging the boundary area in which the image is displayed in the counterclockwise direction and the boundary area is rotated and dragged counterclockwise If there is an input (S425), the controller 180 causes the expanded image to disappear and display a button icon (S430). In this case as well, the expanded image can be configured to overlap and disappear below the button icon.

If there is a user input such as a touch input or a key input (S435), the controller 180 controls the operation corresponding to the user input to be performed (S440). Depending on the setting items, even when a communication event such as a call or message reception occurs, an operation corresponding to the occurrence of a communication event may be performed.

This process is repeatedly performed until the end of operation is selected (S445). In this way, a desired item can be quickly searched on a screen in which a list in which a plurality of items are displayed on the circular display unit 151 is displayed.

In the meantime, although the circular display unit has been described as an example in the above embodiments, the present invention can be applied in the same manner even when the display unit is a square or any other form.

FIGS. 7 to 19 are diagrams for explaining a method of controlling an operation of the portable terminal according to the present invention, together with a screen displayed on the display unit. First, FIGS. 7 to 10 are views referred to explain operations related to a folder icon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 (a) shows a screen 500 in which four folder icons 'F01', 'F02', 'F03', and 'F04' are displayed. A selection area 503 is set at the lower end of the screen 500 and a desired folder icon can be dragged to the selection area 503 and selected from among the folder icons. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the 'F01' folder icon is selected by the input 505 for dragging the 'F01' folder icon to the selection area 503.

8 (a) shows a screen 520 displayed when an input 523 for rotating and dragging clockwise after touching a selected folder icon is present. When there is an input 523 to rotate and drag in the clockwise direction, the images corresponding to the files belonging to the selected folder are displayed in a circular shape in the boundary area of the display unit 151. If it is not possible to display an image corresponding to all the files belonging to the folder icon selected on one screen, an image corresponding to the other files belonging to the selected folder icon can be displayed according to the rotational drag input in the same direction.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the image is displayed in a circular shape, a screen 530 displaying a function icon 533 such as delete, attach, or the like is displayed. Also, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), a screen 540 in which images are superimposed and disappears below the selected folder icon is displayed by an input 543 rotating and dragging in a direction opposite to the unfolding direction.

9A shows a case where an image is selected by the touch input 553 on the screen 550 in which the image is displayed in an expanded state. As described above, when an image is selected by touch input, a screen 550 in which information 553 related to a file corresponding to the touched image appears in a balloon shape is displayed do.

FIG. 10 shows a screen 560 with an input 563 for dragging the selected image on the delete function icon on the screen 560 in which the image is displayed expanded. If there is such a drag input, the file corresponding to the dragged image is deleted. In addition, various function icons can be displayed to perform desired functions.

Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams that are referenced to illustrate operations related to message creation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A shows a message creation screen 600. FIG. When the content of the message being created is displayed on the message creation screen 600, content folder icons 603 and 605 such as images and music are displayed at the bottom.

FIG. 11B shows a screen 610 displayed when there is an input 613 rotating and dragging clockwise after touching the selected content folder icon. When there is an input 613 rotating and dragging in the clockwise direction, the images corresponding to the contents belonging to the selected content folder icon are displayed in a circular shape in the boundary area of the display unit 151.

11C is a screen 620 showing a case where there is an input 623 for dragging an image corresponding to a content to be attached to an area in which the content of the message is displayed in the displayed image. When the image is dragged to the area where the message content is displayed, a screen 630 in which the content corresponding to the dragged image is inserted into the message is displayed as shown in (d) of FIG.

12 (a) shows a screen 640 in which the images are superimposed and disappear under the selected content folder icon by the rotation-drag input 643 in the counterclockwise direction opposite to the unfolding direction.

12B shows a screen 650 displayed when an input 653 for rotating and dragging the other content folder icon in the counterclockwise direction is present. Also in this case, the images corresponding to the contents belonging to the selected content folder icon are displayed in a circular shape in the boundary area of the display unit 151.

FIG. 12C shows a screen 660 showing a state in which a music file corresponding to the dragged image is inserted into the message content by dragging an image corresponding to the content to be attached from the displayed image. In this way, when composing a message, a corresponding image corresponding to a desired image, music file, or the like can be dragged and inserted into the message.

13 and 14 are diagrams that are referenced to illustrate operations associated with the list screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

13 (a) shows a list screen 700 in which a plurality of items are listed. A button icon 703 is displayed at the bottom of the list screen 700. As shown in FIG. 13B, when there is an input 715 for rotating and dragging the button icon 703 in the clockwise direction, the character key and the circular screen 710 are displayed.

14 (a) shows a case where a character key is selected by the touch input 723 on the screen 720 in which the character key is displayed expanded. As described above, when a character key is selected by the touch input, a screen 730 in which items including characters corresponding to the touched character key are displayed, as shown in Fig. 14 (b).

When a desired item is to be searched for on the screen displaying the list in this way, a corresponding character key can be touched to display a desired item.

FIGS. 15 through 19 are diagrams referred to explain various circular array arrangements according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A shows an MMS receiving screen 740 arranged in a circular shape. MMS messages can be transmitted or received by dividing message contents, pictures, and music files into several pages. When such an MMS message is received, an icon corresponding to each page in which message content, music, image, flash, picture memo, and the like are stored is displayed in a circular shape.

15B shows a screen 750 on which a message content 753 is selected by selecting a first page icon and FIG. 15C shows a case where a second page icon is selected to reproduce and reproduce a music file And a screen 760 on which information 763 relating to a music file is displayed. 15 (c) shows a screen 770 in which the third page icon is selected and the image 773 is displayed.

As described above, when any one of the page icons displayed in a circular shape is selected, reproduction of messages, music files, and images can be displayed. Each page can be selected in sequence, or selected in any order, to perform related actions.

16 (a) shows a screen 800 on which a dial icon 803 is displayed. As shown in Fig. 16B, if there is an input 813 for dragging and rotating the dial icon 803 to the lower end in the clockwise direction, the screen 810 in which the numeric keys are arranged in a circular shape Is displayed. If there is an input to rotate and drag again in the clockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 16C, a screen 820 arranged in a key circle in which English can be input is displayed. In this manner, various input keys can be displayed according to the number of times the dial icon 803 is selected and rotated. For example, the dial icon 803 can display a numeric key for one rotation, a lowercase key for two revolutions, an uppercase key for three revolutions, and the like.

17 (a) shows a screen 830 in which a button icon 833 displays a number key. 17 (b) and (c), when the button icon 833 is touched and rotated in the clockwise direction on the screen 830, Instead of the key, screens 840 and 850 on which an English key is displayed are displayed.

When the button icon 833 is touched and dragged to the center of the screen, a screen 860 displaying an icon for selecting an option function is displayed.

18A shows a dialpad screen 900 in which numeric keys are arranged in a circle and a search key 903 is displayed in the center. 18 (a), the search key 903 disappears and the 'C' key 913, which is a delete key, and the 'Send' key 913, which are the deletion keys, Key 915 is displayed.

In the state where only one number is input, information 917 of the abbreviated number corresponding to the currently input number is displayed. In this state, when the 'Send' key is selected, the abbreviated number call is performed. Further, when the numbers are continuously inputted, as shown in Fig. 18C, a screen 920 on which the inputted numeral is displayed is displayed. When the arrow key 923 is touched, a key for selecting an option function is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 19 (a), in accordance with the input 963 of rotating and dragging the arrow key in the clockwise direction on the dial pad screen 960, as shown in FIG. 19 (b) It may display a screen 970 on which a key for selecting a menu is displayed. In addition, the dial pad screen can be configured in various ways.

Meanwhile, the present invention can be implemented as a processor-readable code on a processor-readable recording medium such as an MSM (Mobile Station Modem). The processor-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording apparatuses in which data that can be read by the processor is stored. Examples of the recording medium readable by the processor include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and the like, and also a carrier wave such as transmission over the Internet. In addition, the processor readable recording medium may be distributed over networked computer systems so that code readable by the processor in a distributed manner can be stored and executed.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 through 10 are diagrams that are referenced to illustrate operations associated with folder icons in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

11 and 12 are diagrams that are referenced to illustrate operations associated with message creation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

13 and 14 are drawings referred to illustrate operations associated with a list screen according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

FIGS. 15 through 19 are diagrams referred to explain various circular array arrangements according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Related Art [0002]

110: wireless communication unit 120: A / V input unit

130: user input unit 140: sensing unit

150: output unit 151: display unit

160: memory 170: interface section

180:

Claims (15)

Displaying at least one folder icon on a display unit; Selecting one of the at least one folder icon; Wherein the display unit displays an image corresponding to each of the files belonging to the selected folder icon on the display unit in a circular shape along the first direction when there is an input for rotating and dragging the selected folder icon in the first direction, Displaying a function icon associated with the image in a region; When the user touches the area where the expanded image is displayed and then rotates and drag in the second direction, the images are superimposed on each other and disappear under the selected folder icon; And Returning to displaying the at least one folder icon; And controlling the operation of the portable terminal. The method according to claim 1, And dragging any one of the images to the function icon to execute a function defined in the function icon for a file corresponding to the dragged image. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the first direction is a clockwise direction and the second direction is a counterclockwise direction. The method according to claim 1, And displaying information related to a file corresponding to the selected image when any one of the images is selected by touching. The method according to claim 1, Wherein a folder icon to be dragged to a selection area set in one area of the display unit among the at least one folder icon is selected. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the display unit is circular. A display unit displaying at least one folder icon; And When a user touches a selected folder icon of the at least one folder icon and rotates and drag in a first direction, an image corresponding to each of the files belonging to the folder icon is displayed on the display unit in a circular shape, And a control unit for displaying a function icon related to the image and controlling the image to disappear under the selected folder icon when the user touches the area where the expanded image is displayed and rotates and drag in the second direction, Mobile terminal. Displaying a message content and a content folder icon on a display unit to display a message creation screen; Displaying an image corresponding to the content belonging to the content folder icon in a circular shape along the first direction when there is an input for rotating and dragging the content folder icon in the first direction after touching; Inserting a content corresponding to the dragged image into the message when dragging any one of the images to an area where the content of the message is displayed; When the user touches the area where the expanded image is displayed and then rotates and drag in the second direction, the images disappear under the selected content folder icon while being overlapped with each other; And Returning to displaying the at least one folder icon; A method for controlling an operation of a portable terminal Claim 9 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. 9. The method of claim 8, Wherein the content corresponding to the dragged image is inserted at a position of the message corresponding to the dragged position. Claim 10 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. 9. The method of claim 8, Wherein the first direction is a clockwise direction and the second direction is a counterclockwise direction. Claim 11 has been abandoned due to the set registration fee. 9. The method of claim 8, The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying the icon corresponding to the message content, the music file, and the image in a circular shape when receiving or transmitting the multimedia related message. Claim 12 is abandoned in setting registration fee. A circular display unit for displaying a message creation screen displaying a content folder icon; And And displaying the image corresponding to the content belonging to the content folder icon in a circular form when the user rotates the content folder icon in the first direction after the touch icon is dragged in the first direction and displays the dragged image And a control unit for inserting the content corresponding to the selected content into the message and controlling the images to disappear under the selected content folder icon when the user touches the area where the expanded image is displayed and rotates and drags in the second direction . Claim 13 has been abandoned due to the set registration fee. Displaying a list including a plurality of items in a circular display unit and a button icon; When the button icon is touched and rotated and dragged in the first direction, if the input key is displayed on the display unit of the path of the moved button icon, Displaying an item including characters corresponding to the selected character key in the list on the display unit when any one of the character keys is selected; And And dragging the area where the character key is displayed in a second direction after touching the character key, the character keys overlapping and disappearing below the button icon. Claim 14 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. Displaying a dial icon on a circular display portion; If the input of the dial icon is dragged by one rotation in the first direction after touching, a step of circularly displaying the numeric key on the display unit; If there is an input for rotationally dragging in two rotations in the first direction, displaying a lowercase English key in a circular shape; And And expanding and displaying the uppercase English key in a circle when there is an input for rotating and rotating in three rotations in the first direction. Claim 15 is abandoned in the setting registration fee payment. A circular display unit displaying a list in which a plurality of items are listed and a button icon; And When the button icon is touched and rotated and dragged in the first direction, a character key is arranged in a circle on a display unit of a path of the moved button icon, and when any one of the character keys is touched, If there is an input for rotating and dragging the area in which the character key is displayed in the second direction after the touch key is pressed, the expanded character key is superimposed on the button, And disappear to the bottom of the icon.

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