KR101887452B1 - Apparatus for unlocking mobile terminal and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an unlocking device for a mobile terminal and a method for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) capable of improving security against unlocking of a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) by releasing a lock mode of the mobile terminal The apparatus for releasing a lock mode of a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention includes: a flexible display unit of a mobile terminal; A sensing unit for sensing a folded position of the flexible display unit when the mobile terminal is in the locking mode; And a controller for releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal based on the detected folded position.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR UNLOCKING MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD THEREOF [0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an unlocking apparatus and method for a mobile terminal.

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

As the functions of such terminals are diversified, they are implemented in the form of a multimedia player having complex functions such as photographing and photographing of movies, reproduction of music and video files, games, and broadcasting reception . In order to support and enhance the functionality of such terminals, it may be considered to improve the structural and / or software parts of the terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art [0002] In general, terminals evolve into various types of designs, and accordingly, flexible displays are attracting attention due to their light and non-breakable characteristics. Flexible displays may be able to create new user interface areas that are limited or impossible to apply to existing glass substrate based displays.

However, a method for providing a user-friendly user interface using the characteristics of the flexible display in the field of mobile terminals has not yet been proposed variously.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a mobile terminal (or touch screen) capable of improving security against unlocking of a mobile terminal (or touch screen) by releasing a lock mode of the mobile terminal And an object thereof is to provide a releasing device and a method thereof.

The apparatus for releasing a lock mode of a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention includes: a flexible display unit of a mobile terminal; A sensing unit for sensing a folded position of the flexible display unit when the mobile terminal is in the locking mode; And a controller for releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal based on the detected folded position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit displays an icon for releasing the lock mode on the flexible display unit when the mobile terminal is in the lock mode, and when the icon is selected and the flexible display unit is folded, You can release the lock mode.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit displays a window for requesting a password for releasing the lock mode on the flexible display unit, inputs a password to the window, and when the flexible display unit is folded, Mode can be released.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit releases the lock mode of the mobile terminal when the flexible display unit is folded to a preset folding operation, and the predetermined folding operation is performed when the flexible display unit is folded in the horizontal or vertical direction , At least one of the edges of the flexible display unit may be folded, or the flexible display unit may be horizontally or vertically twisted.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit detects whether the flexible display unit is folded to a predetermined size based on the detected folded position, and the flexible display unit And if the flexible display unit is folded at the preset angle by the predetermined size, the lock mode can be canceled.

As an example related to the present specification, the control unit may release the lock mode if the flexible display unit is folded for a preset time when the flexible display unit is in the lock mode.

A method of releasing a lock mode of a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention includes: detecting a folded position of a flexible display of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is in a lock mode; And releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal based on the detected folded position.

An unlocking apparatus and method for a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that an icon for releasing a lock mode of a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) is selected by a user, and when the flexible display section is folded, (Or touch screen) by releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal (or the touch screen).

The unlocking device and method of a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention can be used for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) when a password is input and when the flexible display part is folded, There is also an effect that the security against unlocking of the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) can be improved by releasing the lock mode.

An apparatus and method for unlocking a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that an icon and / or a password for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) are input, and the flexible display unit displays, When the mobile terminal is folded at a predetermined angle, the lock mode is released, thereby further improving the security of unlocking the mobile terminal (or the touch screen).

An apparatus and method for unlocking a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that an icon and / or a password for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) are input, and the flexible display unit is folded The security of unlocking the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) can be further improved by releasing the lock mode.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to one embodiment disclosed herein.
2A is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary views showing a flexible display for explaining embodiments of the present invention. FIG.
4A to 4E are views showing other flexible displays for explaining embodiments of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating an unlocking control method of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an exemplary view showing an icon displayed on the flexible display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of a flexible display unit in which edges are folded according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an exemplary view showing a vertically folded flexible display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an unlocking control method of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart illustrating an unlocking control method of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating an unlocking control method of a mobile terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be blurred. In addition, it should be noted that the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical idea disclosed in the present specification by the attached drawings.

The mobile terminal described in this specification may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation and the like. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like, unless the configuration is applicable only to a mobile terminal.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an audio / video input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, A controller 170, a controller 180, a power supply 190, and the like. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, and a mobile terminal having more or fewer components may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components will be described.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for enabling wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and the network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast-related information may refer to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or information related to a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112. The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives radio signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 is a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built in or externally attached to the mobile terminal 100. 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 114 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 a short range communication technology.

The position information module 115 is a module for obtaining the position of the mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a Global Position System (GPS) module.

Referring to FIG. 1, an 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 122. The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or moving image obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. 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. [ Two or more cameras 121 may be provided depending on the use environment.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal through 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 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. Various noise reduction algorithms may be implemented in the microphone 122 to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for a user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static / static), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 senses the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of user contact, the orientation of the mobile terminal, And generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it is possible to sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. It is also possible to sense whether the power supply unit 190 is powered on, whether the interface unit 170 is connected to an external device, and the like. Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141 and a band sensor 145.

The band sensor 145 detects information (information about the folded position) about the position (including the direction and angle) that the flexible display portion 151 including the touch screen is folded or twisted (or twisted) To an electrical signal. Further, the band sensor 145 can output different signals according to the degree to which the flexible display unit 151 is bent, bent, or twisted. Accordingly, the control unit 180 can use the output signal of the band sensor 145 to control not only the position (including the direction and angle) at which the flexible display unit 151 is folded or bent but also the warping direction (for example, Vertical warpage, etc.). In general, the band sensor 145 is in close contact with the flexible display unit 151 and is uniformly distributed in the flexible display unit 151. Since the band sensor 145 is disclosed in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0086441, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The output unit 150 may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 153, an alarm unit 154, a haptic module 155, and the like in order to generate output related to visual, auditory, have.

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

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

Some of the displays (or display elements) may be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be viewed through the display. This can be referred to as a transparent display, and a typical example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparent OLED) and the like. The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be of a light transmission type. With this structure, the user can see an object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

There may be two or more display units 151 according to the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. For example, in the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of display portions may be spaced apart from one another or may be disposed integrally with each other, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

(Hereinafter, referred to as a 'touch screen') in which a display unit 151 and a sensor for sensing a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as 'touch sensor') form a mutual layer structure, It can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or a capacitance generated in a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor can be configured to detect not only the position and area to be touched but also the pressure at the time of touch.

If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. Thus, the control unit 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is surrounded by the touch screen. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing in the vicinity thereof (hereinafter, referred to as a sensing object) without mechanical contact by using electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The proximity sensor has a longer life span than the contact sensor and its utilization is also high.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. And a proximity of the sensing object is detected by a change of the electric field along the proximity of the sensing object when the touch screen is electrostatic. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Also, the display unit 151 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit 152 for displaying a stereoscopic image.

Here, a stereoscopic image represents a 3-dimensional stereoscopic image, and a 3-dimensional stereoscopic image represents a progressive depth and reality in which objects are located on a monitor or a screen, It is an image that makes you feel the same as the space. 3D stereoscopic images are implemented using binocular disparity. The binocular parallax means the parallax caused by the positions of two eyes, which are about 65 millimeters apart. When two eyes see two different images and the images are transmitted to the brain through the retina and are fused, the depth and real feeling of the stereoscopic image are felt .

The stereoscopic display unit 152 may be applied to a three-dimensional display system such as a stereoscopic system (glasses system), an autostereoscopic system (no-glasses system), and a projection system (holographic system). The stereoscopic method, which is widely used in home television receivers, includes a Wheatstone stereoscopic method.

Examples of the autostereoscopic method include a parallax barrier method, a lenticular method, and an integral imaging method. The projection method includes a reflection type holographic method and a transmission type holographic method.

Generally, 3D stereoscopic images consist of left image (left eye image) and right image (right eye image). A top-down method of arranging a left image and a right image in one frame according to a method in which a left image and a right image are combined into a three-dimensional stereoscopic image, A checker board system in which pieces of a left image and a right image are arranged in a tile form, a left-to-right (right-side) Or an interlaced method in which rows are alternately arranged, and a time sequential (frame-by-frame) method in which right and left images are alternately displayed in time.

In addition, the 3D thumbnail image can generate a left image thumbnail and a right image thumbnail from the left image and right image of the original image frame, respectively, and combine them to generate one 3D thumbnail image. In general, a thumbnail means a reduced image or a reduced still image. The left image thumbnail and the right image thumbnail generated in this way are displayed on the screen with a difference of the left and right distance by the depth corresponding to the parallax between the left image and the right image, thereby exhibiting a stereoscopic spatial feeling.

According to the example, the stereoscopic image processing unit 152a displays the left and right images necessary for realizing the three-dimensional stereoscopic image on the stereoscopic display unit 152. [ The stereoscopic processing unit 152a receives a 3D image and extracts a left image and a right image from the 3D image, or receives a 2D image and converts it into a left image and a right image.

In the case where the three-dimensional display unit 152 and the touch sensor have a mutual layer structure (hereinafter referred to as a 'three-dimensional touch screen') or a three-dimensional sensor that detects the touch operation and the stereoscopic display unit 152 are combined with each other The stereoscopic display unit 152 may also be used as a three-dimensional input device.

The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, a three-dimensional touch sensing unit 142, an ultrasonic sensing unit 143, and a camera sensing unit 144 as an example of the three-dimensional sensor.

The proximity sensor 141 measures the distance between the detection surface and a sensing object (for example, a user's finger or a stylus pen) that uses a force of an electromagnetic field or an infrared ray to apply a touch without mechanical contact. The terminal recognizes which part of the stereoscopic image has been touched using the distance. In particular, when the touch screen is of the electrostatic type, the proximity of the sensing object is detected by the change of the electric field along the proximity of the sensing object, and the three-dimensional touch is recognized using the proximity.

The stereoscopic touch sensing unit 142 senses the strength or duration of a touch applied to the touch screen. For example, the three-dimensional touch sensing unit 142 senses a pressure to apply a touch, and when the pressing force is strong, recognizes the touch as a touch to an object located further away from the touch screen toward the inside of the terminal.

The ultrasound sensing unit 143 is configured to recognize the position information of the sensed object using ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic sensor 143 may include, for example, an optical sensor 121 and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors.

The optical sensor is configured to sense light. For example, the light may be infrared, and the optical sensor may be an infrared data association (IRDA).

The ultrasonic sensor is configured to sense ultrasonic waves. The plurality of ultrasonic sensors are spaced apart from each other so that the plurality of ultrasonic sensors have a time difference in sensing ultrasonic waves generated from the same or adjacent points.

Ultrasonic waves and light are generated in the wave generation source. Such a wave source is provided in a sensing object, for example, a stylus pen. Since light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, the time it takes for light to reach the optical sensor is much faster than the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to reach the ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the position of the wave generating source using the time difference with the time when the ultrasonic wave reaches the reference signal.

The time at which the ultrasonic waves generated from the wave generating source reach the plurality of ultrasonic sensors is different. Therefore, when the stylus pen moves, the difference in the arrival time is changed. The position information can be calculated according to the movement path of the stylus pen.

The camera sensing unit 144 includes at least one of a camera, a photo sensor, and a laser sensor. For example, a camera and a laser sensor are combined with each other to sense a touch of a sensing object with respect to a three-dimensional stereoscopic image. When the distance information detected by the laser sensor is added to the two-dimensional image photographed by the camera, three-dimensional information can be obtained.

As another example, a photosensor may be stacked on a display element. The photosensor is configured to scan the movement of the sensing object proximate the touch screen. More specifically, the photosensor mounts photo diodes and TRs (Transistors) in a row / column and scans the contents loaded on the photosensor using an electrical signal that varies according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor performs coordinate calculation of the sensing object according to the change amount of the light, thereby acquiring the position information of the sensing object.

The audio output module 153 can output 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 also outputs sound signals related to functions (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. [ The sound output module 153 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events that occur in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, touch input, and the like. The alarm unit 154 may output a signal for informing occurrence of an event in a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 153 so that they may be classified as a part of the alarm unit 154.

The haptic module 155 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 155 is vibration. The intensity and the pattern of the vibration generated by the tactile module 155 are controllable. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 155 may be configured to perform various functions such as a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a spraying force or a suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, a touch on the skin surface, contact with an electrode, And various tactile effects such as an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using an endothermic or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 155 can be implemented not only to transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact but also to allow the user to feel the tactile effect through the muscular sense of the finger or arm. At least two haptic modules 155 may be provided according to the configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 160 may store data on vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

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 (Random Access Memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read- A disk, and / or an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or supplies power to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or transmits data to the external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip for storing various information for authenticating the usage right of the mobile terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a general user authentication module a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the port.

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

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, voice communication, data communication, video communication, and the like. The control unit 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the control unit 180 or may be implemented separately from the control unit 180. [

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively.

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

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays , Microprocessors, microprocessors, microprocessors, and other electronic units for carrying out other functions. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the controller 180 itself.

According to a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented with separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. Software code can be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code is stored in the memory 160 and can be executed by the control unit 180. [

Hereinafter, a method of processing a user input to the mobile terminal will be described.

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may include a plurality of operation units. The operating units may also be referred to as manipulating portions and may be employed in any manner as long as the user is operating in a tactile manner with a tactile impression.

Various types of time information can be displayed on the display unit 151. [ These pieces of information can be displayed in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, icons, or the like, and can be formed as three-dimensional stereoscopic images.

At least one of the letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons may be displayed in a predetermined arrangement for inputting such information, thereby being implemented as a keypad. Such a keypad may be called a so-called " soft key ".

The display unit 151 may operate as an entire area or may be divided into a plurality of areas and operated. In the latter case, the plurality of areas can be configured to operate in association with each other.

For example, an output window and an input window may be displayed on the upper and lower portions of the display unit 151, respectively. The output window and the input window are areas allocated for outputting or inputting information, respectively. In the input window, a soft key with a number for entering a telephone number or the like may be output. When the soft key is touched, the number corresponding to the touched soft key is displayed on the output window. When the operating unit is operated, a call connection to the telephone number displayed in the output window may be attempted, or the text displayed in the output window may be entered into the application.

The display unit 151 or the touch pad may be configured to receive a touch input by scrolling. The user can move a cursor or a pointer located on an object displayed on the display unit 151, for example, an icon or the like, by scrolling the display unit 151 or the touch pad. Further, when the finger is moved on the display unit 151 or the touch pad, the path along which the finger moves may be visually displayed on the display unit 151. [ This will be useful for editing the image displayed on the display unit 151. [

One function of the terminal may be executed in response to a case where the display unit 151 (touch screen) and the touch pad are touched together within a predetermined time range. In the case of being touched together, there may be a case where the user clamps the terminal body using the thumb and index finger. The one function may be, for example, activation or deactivation of the display unit 151 or the touch pad.

Hereinafter, a mechanism for more accurately recognizing a touch input to the stereoscopic image in the mobile terminal 100 will be described in detail.

2A is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

The disclosed mobile terminal 200 has a bar-shaped mobile phone body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled.

The body includes a case (a casing, a housing, a cover, and the like) which forms an appearance. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 201 and a rear case 202. [ Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed between the front case 201 and the rear case 202. At least one intermediate case may be additionally disposed between the front case 201 and the rear case 202. [

The cases may be formed by injection molding a synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti) or the like.

The front body 201 mainly includes a stereoscopic display unit 252, a sensing unit 240, an audio output unit 253, a camera 221, user inputs 230/231 and 232, a microphone 222, 270, and the like.

The stereoscopic display unit 252 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 201. A sound output unit 253 and a camera 221 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the stereoscopic display unit 252 and a user input unit 231 and a microphone 222 are disposed in an area adjacent to the other end. The user input unit 232 and the interface 270 may be disposed on the side surfaces of the front case 201 and the rear case 202.

The user input unit 230 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 200 and may include a plurality of operation units 231 and 232. The operation units 231 and 232 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates in a tactile manner.

The contents inputted by the first or second operation units 231 and 232 can be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 231 receives commands such as start, end, scroll, and the like, and the second operation unit 232 controls the size of the sound outputted from the sound output unit 253, 252 to the touch recognition mode, and the like. The stereoscopic display unit 252 forms a stereoscopic touch screen together with the sensing unit 240 and the stereoscopic touch screen may be an example of the user input unit 230. [

The sensing unit 240 is configured to sense a three-dimensional position of a sensing object that applies a touch as a three-dimensional sensor. The sensing unit 240 may include a camera 221 and a laser sensor 244. The laser sensor 244 is mounted on the terminal body, scans the laser, detects the reflected laser, and detects the distance between the terminal body and the sensing object. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be in the form of a proximity sensor, a three-dimensional touch sensing unit, an ultrasonic sensing unit, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a camera 221 'may be further mounted on the rear surface of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 202. The camera 221 'may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 221 (see FIG. 2A), and may be a camera having different pixels from the camera 221.

For example, the camera 221 has a low pixel so that it is easy to capture a face of a user in the case of a video call or the like and transmits the face to the other party, and the camera 221 ' It is preferable to have a large number of pixels. The cameras 221 and 221 'may be installed in the terminal body such that they can be rotated or pop-up.

A flash 223 and a mirror 224 are additionally disposed adjacent to the camera 221 '. The flash 223 illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera 221 '. The mirror 224 allows the user to illuminate the user's own face or the like in the case where the user intends to photograph (self-photograph) himself / herself using the camera 221 '.

An acoustic output may be additionally disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rear audio output unit may implement a stereo function together with the front audio output unit 253 (see FIG. 2A), and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode in a call.

A power supply unit 290 for supplying power to the portable terminal 200 is mounted on the terminal body. The power supply unit 290 may be built in the terminal body or may be detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The terminal body may be additionally provided with an antenna for communication, a broadcast signal reception antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, a satellite signal reception antenna, and a wireless Internet data reception antenna. The terminal body includes a mechanism for implementing the mobile terminal shown in FIG.

The terminal 100 may be configured to be operable in a communication system capable of transmitting data over a frame or packet, including wired and wireless communication systems and satellite based communication systems.

Hereinafter, the flexible display will be described.

In general, CRTs, LCDs, and PDPs are all implemented on a rigid substrate, and thus can not be used as a display on a curved surface. In order to overcome this disadvantage, a flashable display has been developed as a flexible display device. The flexible display having the bending characteristic uses a plastic substrate instead of a rigid glass substrate. Therefore, the flexible display has the advantage of being capable of folding (folding, folding) and rolling (winding). The flexible display may be a flexible organic light emitting diode (FOLED) or a curved LCD.

The band sensor 145 outputs different signals to the controller 180 according to the polling position (including direction and angle) of the flexible display, and the controller 180 controls the output of the band sensor 145 The folding position (including the folding direction and the poling angle) of the flexible display can be detected.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary views showing a flexible display for explaining embodiments of the present invention. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the left and right or upper and lower edge surfaces of the flexible display are folded in an unfixed state, and the inner portion of the folded flexible display can be fixed to ensure safety.

On the other hand, the flexible display is formed of a plastic substrate, so that not only the curved folding (3a and Fig. 3b) but also the folding folding (flat folding) is possible. The division folding means dividing the front surface of the flexible display into a plurality of surfaces and folding the divided portions. The split folding includes folding in the form of a glove, folding structure folding, and sector folding. The folding of the flexible display includes folding according to a user's input (button or key) or by touching (touching, touching, dragging, flicking) of an area to be folded.

4A to 4E are views showing other flexible displays for explaining embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the flexible display can be dividedly folded in the form of an oversized pocket. For example, a folding-type folding can be folded to fold the left and right wings (edge surface) of a plurality of divided flexible displays at a certain angle inward, or to form a long pocket if folded several times. At this time, it is possible to lock in hardware according to the angle of folding the left and right wings, and the surface fixed according to the number of divided surfaces to be folded can be changed.

As shown in Fig. 4C, the flexible display can be fold-folded into a screen structure. For example, the divided display can be folded as if the folded screen is expanded in a state in which the edges of the left or right powder are fixed by multiplying the flexible display (N division). When the user selects a divided area, the controller 180 may display the folded lines on the flexible display in a predetermined color or shape.

The controller 180 may lock the terminal 100 in accordance with the folding angle of the flexible display of the screen structure.

As shown in Fig. 4D, the flexible display can be divided folded into a fan-shaped structure. For example, the flexible display may be folded in a fan shape and folded to the left and right. The area expanded in the structure may be adjusted according to user setting or input, and the controller 180 may lock the terminal 100 in hardware according to the degree of unfolding.

As shown in FIG. 4E, the flexible display can be folded along the outer periphery of the terminal 100. FIG. This structure has the advantage that images can be displayed in various directions through each folded surface. The outer folding structure can fold and fold at least one face in a state where one face is fixed, and an image can be displayed by selecting each folded face.

Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for unlocking a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Fig.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an unlocking control method of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the controller 180 determines whether the touch screen of the flexible display unit 151 (touch screen flexible display unit) is in a lock state (touch screen lock mode or mobile terminal lock mode) (S11).

The control unit 180 displays an icon for releasing the lock mode of the touch screen on the flexible display unit 151 when the touch screen is in the lock mode (S12).

6 is an exemplary view showing an icon displayed on the flexible display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6, the controller 180 displays an icon 6-1 for releasing the lock mode of the touch screen on the flexible display unit 151 when the touch screen is in the lock mode.

The control unit 180 determines whether the icon 6-1 for releasing the lock mode of the touch screen is selected by the user (S13). For example, the control unit 180 determines whether the icon 6-1 for releasing the lock mode of the touch screen is touched by the user on the touch screen.

If the icon 6-1 is selected by the user, the control unit 180 determines whether the flexible display unit 151 is folded by the user (S14). For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a band sensor (not shown) for outputting different signals according to a folded position (including a folded direction and an angle) and / or a twisted direction of the flexible display unit 151 The control unit 180 controls the display unit 150 based on the output signal of the band sensor 145 so that the flexible display unit 151 is not only in a folded position (including a direction and an angle) , Horizontal warpage, vertical warp, etc.).

If the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display unit 151 is folded, the controller 180 releases the lock mode of the touch screen (S15). The control unit 180 may release the lock mode of the touch screen when the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display unit 151 is folded into a predetermined folding operation. The predetermined folding operation may be performed when the flexible display unit 151 is folded in the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction or at least one of the four corners of the flexible display unit 151 is folded, Various operations can be performed in addition to the twisting motion in the direction.

When the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display unit 151 is folded in the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction or at least one of the four corners is folded The user can cancel the lock mode of the touch screen by twisting in the horizontal direction or by twisting in the vertical direction.

The controller 180 cancels the lock mode of the touch screen when the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display 151 is folded or the flexible display 151 is folded The user may release the lock mode of the touch screen if the icon 6-1 is selected by the user.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of a flexible display unit in which edges are folded according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

7, when the icon 6-1 is selected by the user, the controller 180 selects one of the four corners of the four corners of the flexible display unit 151, The user releases the lock mode of the touch screen.

8 is an exemplary view showing a vertically folded flexible display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

8, when the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display unit 151 is folded horizontally or vertically by the user 8-1, The lock mode of the touch screen is released.

Therefore, in the unlocking apparatus and method of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an icon for releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal (or touch screen) is selected by the user, and the flexible display section is folded The security of unlocking the mobile terminal (or touch screen) can be improved by releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal (or touch screen). Also, it is possible to prevent the lock from being released by an operation that the user does not want (when the user mistake or the other person selects the icon for unlocking).

Hereinafter, an unlocking apparatus and method of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. Fig.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an unlocking control method of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First, the control unit 180 determines whether the touch screen of the flexible display unit 151 (touch screen flexible display unit) is in a locked state (a touch screen lock mode or a mobile terminal lock mode).

When the touch screen is in the lock mode, the control unit 180 displays an icon 6-1 on the flexible display unit 151 to release the lock mode of the touch screen.

The controller 180 determines whether the icon 6-1 for releasing the lock mode of the touch screen has been selected by the user. For example, the control unit 180 determines whether the icon 6-1 for releasing the lock mode of the touch screen is touched by the user on the touch screen.

When the icon 6-1 is selected by the user, the controller 180 determines whether the flexible display unit 151 is folded by the user. For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a band sensor (not shown) for outputting different signals according to a folded position (including a folded direction and an angle) and / or a twisted direction of the flexible display unit 151 The control unit 180 controls the display unit 150 based on the output signal of the band sensor 145 so that the flexible display unit 151 is not only in a folded position (including a direction and an angle) , Horizontal warpage, vertical warp, etc.).

The control unit 180 cancels the lock mode of the touch screen when the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display unit 151 is folded. The control unit 180 may release the lock mode of the touch screen when the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display unit 151 is folded into a predetermined folding operation. The predetermined folding operation may be performed by the flexible display unit 151 in various ways such as folding in the horizontal direction, folding in the vertical direction, folding at least one of the four corners, warping in the horizontal direction or warping in the vertical direction It is possible.

When the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display unit 151 is folded in the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction or at least one of the four corners is folded The user can cancel the lock mode of the touch screen by twisting in the horizontal direction or by twisting in the vertical direction.

The controller 180 cancels the lock mode of the touch screen when the icon 6-1 is selected by the user and the flexible display 151 is folded or the flexible display 151 is folded The user may release the lock mode of the touch screen if the icon 6-1 is selected by the user.

Meanwhile, when the password is previously set by the user in the mobile terminal, the control unit 180 transmits a window for requesting a password for releasing the lock mode to the flexible display unit 151). On the other hand, when the touch screen is touched by the user or the specific button is selected by the user when the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) is in the lock mode, the controller 180 activates the password May be displayed on the flexible display unit 151 (S21).

If the password is entered by the user in the window requesting the password (password for releasing the lock mode) (S22), the control unit 180 determines whether the flexible display unit 151 is folded by the user S23). For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a band sensor (not shown) for outputting different signals according to a folded position (including a folded direction and an angle) and / or a twisted direction of the flexible display unit 151 The control unit 180 controls the display unit 150 based on the output signal of the band sensor 145 so that the flexible display unit 151 is not only in a folded position (including a direction and an angle) , Horizontal warpage, vertical warp, etc.).

The control unit 180 releases the lock mode of the touch screen when the password is entered in the window for requesting the password (password for releasing the lock mode) and the flexible display unit 151 is folded (S24). When the password is entered in the window for requesting the password (password for releasing the lock mode) and the flexible display unit 151 is folded by the predetermined folding operation, the controller 180 releases the lock mode of the touch screen It is possible. The predetermined folding operation may be performed by the flexible display unit 151 in various ways such as folding in the horizontal direction, folding in the vertical direction, folding at least one of the four corners, warping in the horizontal direction or warping in the vertical direction It is possible.

The control unit 180 receives a password in a window for requesting the password (password for releasing the lock mode), the flexible display unit 151 is folded in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction is folded, or the four corners If one or more of them is folded, twisted in the horizontal direction, or twisted in the vertical direction, the lock mode of the touch screen may be released.

When the password is input to the window for requesting the password (password for releasing the lock mode) and the flexible display unit 151 is folded, the controller 180 releases the lock mode of the touch screen, When the password is inputted into the window requesting the password (password for releasing the lock mode) after folding the unit 151, the lock mode of the touch screen may be released.

Accordingly, the unlocking apparatus and method of a mobile terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention can prevent unlocking of a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) when a password is input and when the flexible display unit is folded, Screen) of the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) by releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal (or the touch screen).

Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for unlocking a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an unlocking control method of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

First, the control unit 180 determines whether the touch screen of the flexible display unit 151 (touch screen flexible display unit) is in a locked state (touch screen lock mode or mobile terminal lock mode) (S31).

The control unit 180 detects the folded position and angle of the flexible display unit 151 when the touch screen is in a locked state (a touch screen lock mode or a mobile terminal lock mode) (S32).

The controller 180 controls the flexible display unit 151 based on the folded position to a predetermined size (for example, 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, etc. of the flexible display unit 151) It is judged whether or not it is folded (S33). The control unit 180 may release the lock mode when the icon 6-1 and / or the password are input and the flexible display unit 151 is folded to a preset size.

When the flexible display unit 151 is folded to a preset size, the controller 180 controls the flexible display unit 151 to display a predetermined angle (for example, 35 to 90 degrees) based on the detected folded angle Etc.) (S34). The control unit 180 may release the lock mode when the icon 6-1 and / or the password are input and the flexible display unit 151 is folded at a predetermined angle.

The controller 180 releases the lock mode when the flexible display unit 151 is folded at the preset angle by the predetermined size (S35). The control unit 180 may release the lock mode when the icon 6-1 and / or the password are input and the flexible display unit 151 is folded at the preset angle by the preset size have.

Accordingly, an unlocking apparatus and method for a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an icon and / or a password for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) are input, The security for unlocking the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) can be further improved by releasing the lock mode when the mobile terminal is folded at the predetermined angle by the size.

Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for unlocking a mobile terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG.

11 is a flowchart illustrating an unlocking control method of a mobile terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

First, the control unit 180 determines whether the touch screen of the flexible display unit 151 (touch screen flexible display unit) is in a locked state (touch screen lock mode or mobile terminal lock mode) (S41).

The control unit 180 determines whether the flexible display unit 151 is folded when the touch screen is in a locked state (a touch screen lock mode or a mobile terminal lock mode) (S42). For example, when the touch screen is in the locked state (touch screen lock mode or mobile terminal lock mode), the controller 180 determines whether the flexible display unit 151 is folded to the predetermined folding operation. The control unit 180 may determine whether the icon 6-1 and / or the password are input and the flexible display unit 151 is folded at the preset angle by the predetermined size.

If the flexible display unit 151 is folded, the control unit 180 determines whether the flexible display unit 151 has been folded for a preset time (for example, 3 to 5 seconds) (S43). The predetermined time may be changed by the user at various times.

If the flexible display unit 151 is folded for a preset time (e.g., 3 to 5 seconds), the control unit 180 cancels the lock mode (S44).

The control unit 180 receives the icon 6-1 and / or the password when the touch screen is in a locked state (a touch screen lock mode or a mobile terminal lock mode), and the flexible display unit 151 And can release the lock mode if it is folded for the preset time with a preset folding operation.

The controller 180 receives the icon 6-1 and / or the password when the touch screen is in a locked state (a touch screen lock mode or a mobile terminal lock mode), the flexible display 151, May cancel the lock mode if the predetermined angle is folded for the preset time with the predetermined angle.

Accordingly, an apparatus and method for unlocking a mobile terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention are characterized in that an icon and / or a password for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) are input, The security of unlocking the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) can be further improved by releasing the lock mode when folded.

As described above, the unlocking device and method of the mobile terminal according to the embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that an icon for releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal (or touch screen) is selected by the user, It is possible to improve the security of unlocking the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) by releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) when the additional folded.

The unlocking device and method of a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention can be used for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) when a password is input and when the flexible display part is folded, By releasing the lock mode, the security for unlocking the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) can be improved.

An apparatus and method for unlocking a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that an icon and / or a password for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) are input, and the flexible display unit displays, The security for unlocking the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) can be further improved by releasing the lock mode when folded at a preset angle.

An apparatus and method for unlocking a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that an icon and / or a password for unlocking a mobile terminal (or a touch screen) are input, and the flexible display unit is folded The security for unlocking the mobile terminal (or the touch screen) can be further improved by releasing the lock mode.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

110: wireless communication unit 111: broadcast receiving module
112: mobile communication module 113: wireless internet module
115: Position information module 150: Output section
151: display unit 160: memory
180:

Claims (12)

A flexible display unit of the mobile terminal;
A sensing unit for sensing a folded position of the flexible display unit when the mobile terminal is in the locking mode;
And a controller for releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal based on the detected folded position,
Wherein,
Wherein when the mobile terminal is in the lock mode, an icon for releasing the lock mode is displayed on the flexible display unit, a predetermined touch input is applied to the icon, and the lock mode is released when the flexible display unit is folded The lock mode releasing device of the mobile terminal. delete The apparatus of claim 1,
Wherein the display unit displays a window for requesting a password for releasing the lock mode on the flexible display unit, inputs a password to the window, and releases the lock mode when the flexible display unit is folded. Mode release device. The apparatus of claim 1,
Wherein the folding operation of the mobile terminal is canceled when the flexible display unit is folded to a predetermined folding operation, and the predetermined folding operation is performed when the flexible display unit is folded in the horizontal or vertical direction or at least one of the corners of the flexible display unit Wherein the flexible display unit is folded or twisted in the horizontal or vertical direction of the flexible display unit. The apparatus of claim 1,
Detecting whether the flexible display unit is folded to a predetermined size based on the detected folded position, detecting whether the flexible display unit is folded at a predetermined angle based on the folded angle of the flexible display unit, Wherein the control unit releases the lock mode when the unit is folded at the preset angle by the predetermined size. The apparatus of claim 1,
Wherein the controller releases the lock mode when the flexible display unit is folded for a preset time when the flexible display unit is in the lock mode. Detecting a folded position of the flexible display of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is in the locked mode;
And releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal based on the detected folded position,
Wherein releasing the lock mode comprises:
Displaying an icon for releasing the lock mode on the flexible display unit when the mobile terminal is in a lock mode;
And releasing the lock mode when a predetermined touch input is applied to the icon and the flexible display unit is folded. delete 8. The method of claim 7, wherein releasing the lock mode comprises:
Displaying a window for requesting a password for releasing the lock mode on the flexible display unit;
And releasing the lock mode when a password is entered in the window and the flexible display unit is folded. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein releasing the lock mode comprises:
And releasing the lock mode of the mobile terminal when the flexible display unit is folded to a preset folding operation, wherein the predetermined folding operation is performed by folding the flexible display unit in the horizontal or vertical direction, Wherein at least one of the folding of the flexible display unit and the flexible display unit is folded or the flexible display unit is twisted in the horizontal or vertical direction. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein releasing the lock mode comprises:
Detecting whether the flexible display unit has been folded to a predetermined size based on the detected folded position;
Detecting whether the flexible display unit is folded at a preset angle based on the folded angle of the flexible display unit;
And releasing the lock mode when the flexible display unit is folded at the preset angle by the predetermined size. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein releasing the lock mode comprises:
And releasing the lock mode when the flexible display unit is folded for a preset time when the flexible display unit is in the lock mode.

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