KR102198472B1 - Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible mobile terminal and a control method thereof. A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a flexible display unit capable of being bent and receiving a touch input; And a controller configured to control the flexible display unit to bend in a preset shape in response to a state of the terminal and the touch input based on a preset touch input being applied to the flexible display unit when the terminal is in a preset state. Includes.

Description

Mobile terminal and its control method {MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a flexible mobile terminal and a control method thereof.

Terminals can be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals depending on whether they can be moved. Again, mobile terminals can be divided into handheld terminals and vehicle mounted terminals depending on whether the user can directly carry them.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversifying. For example, there are functions of data and voice communication, taking pictures and videos through a camera, recording voice, playing music files through a speaker system, and outputting images or videos to the display unit. Some terminals add an electronic game play function or perform a multimedia player function. In particular, recent mobile terminals can receive multicast signals providing visual content such as broadcasting and video or television programs.

As the functions are diversified, such a terminal is in the form of a multimedia player with complex functions such as, for example, taking photos or videos, playing music or video files, and receiving games and broadcasts. It is being implemented. In order to support and increase the function of the terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and/or the software part of the terminal.

In general, terminals are evolving into various types of designs, and accordingly, flexible displays are attracting attention because of their lightweight and unbreakable characteristics. The flexible display can create a new user interface area that has been limited or impossible to apply to the existing glass substrate-based display.

In addition, as the flexible display is attracting attention, the need for a user-friendly user interface using the characteristics of the flexible display has emerged.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above and other problems. Another object is to provide a mobile terminal in which a flexible display unit is bent based on a preset terminal state and a touch input, and a control method thereof.

In order to achieve the above or other objects, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible display unit capable of being bent and receiving a touch input; And a controller configured to control the flexible display unit to bend in a preset shape in response to a state of the terminal and the touch input based on a preset touch input being applied to the flexible display unit when the terminal is in a preset state. It provides a mobile terminal comprising a.

In an embodiment, the preset state is at least one of whether the flexible display unit is in an on or off state, whether a user is holding the terminal, and whether a preset event has occurred in the terminal It may include.

In an embodiment, the controller may control the flexible display to be rolled from an end to an inward along a direction in which the drag input is applied based on the application of the drag input.

In an embodiment, the control unit may control the flexible display unit to fold inward based on a preset boundary area based on a pinch-in input to which a finger is collected inward is applied. .

In an embodiment, the control unit applies the pinch-in input based on a pinch-in input to which a finger is gathered inward when the user does not lift the terminal. The flexible display unit may be controlled so that both ends are rolled inward by a predetermined amount along the losing direction.

In an embodiment, the controller may control the flexible display unit to be folded inward or outward based on a plurality of preset boundary regions according to a preset order based on the application of the preset touch input.

In an embodiment, when the user does not lift the terminal and the flexible display unit is in an off state, the controller is configured based on a preset boundary area based on a drag input. It is folded inward by a set degree, and the flexible display unit may be controlled to output preset screen information.

In an embodiment, the control unit is based on the application of the drag input when the preset event occurs when the user does not lift the terminal and the flexible display unit is in an off state. , It is possible to control the flexible display unit to be folded inward by the preset amount based on the preset boundary area and to output screen information corresponding to the generated event.

In an embodiment, the control unit applies the left or right drag input based on the left or right drag input being applied while the execution screen of a preset application is being output. The flexible display may be controlled so that the end is rolled inward by a predetermined amount along the direction.

In an embodiment, the controller may control the flexible display so that the end is unfolded again when a preset time elapses after the end is rolled inward.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, (a) when the terminal is in a preset state, detecting a preset touch input applied to a flexible display unit capable of bending and receiving a touch input; And (b) controlling the flexible display unit to bend in a preset shape in response to a state of the terminal and the touch input based on the detection of the preset touch input. Provides a control method of

In an embodiment, the preset state is at least one of whether the flexible display unit is in an on or off state, whether a user is holding the terminal, and whether a preset event has occurred in the terminal It may include.

In an embodiment, the step (b) includes: controlling the flexible display unit to be rolled from an end to an inward in a direction in which the drag input is applied based on a drag input being applied; I can.

In an embodiment, in the step (b), the flexible display unit is controlled to be folded inward based on a preset boundary area based on a pinch-in input to which fingers are gathered inward. It may include;

In an embodiment, in the step (b), when the user does not lift the terminal, the pinch-in is applied based on a pinch-in input to which a finger is gathered inward. And controlling the flexible display so that both ends are rolled inward by a predetermined amount along a direction in which the input is applied.

In an embodiment, the step (b) comprises controlling the flexible display unit to be folded inward or outward based on a plurality of preset boundary regions according to a preset order based on the application of the preset touch input. Step; may include.

In an embodiment, in the step (b), when the user does not lift the terminal and the flexible display unit is in an off state, based on a drag input, a preset boundary area is selected. It may include a step of controlling the flexible display to be folded inward by a predetermined degree as a reference and to output preset screen information.

In an embodiment, in the step (b), when the preset event occurs when the user does not lift the terminal and the flexible display unit is in an off state, the drag input is applied. And controlling the flexible display unit to be folded inward by the predetermined amount based on the predetermined boundary area and to output screen information corresponding to the generated event.

In an embodiment, in the step (b), in a state in which the execution screen of a preset application is displayed, the drag input to the left or right is applied based on a drag input to the left or the right. And controlling the flexible display so that the end is rolled inward by a predetermined amount along the applied direction.

In an embodiment, the step (b) may include controlling the flexible display so that the end is unfolded again when a preset time elapses after the end is rolled inward.

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

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage in that the terminal placed on the floor can be easily held and the size can be reduced for convenient portability.

As a result, user convenience may be improved.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention should be understood as being given by way of example only.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.
1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention viewed from different directions.
2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of a deformable mobile terminal according to the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4A and 4B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a flexible display unit rolls inward from an end in a direction in which a drag input is applied.
5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a flexible display unit is folded inward based on a preset boundary area based on a pinch-in input being applied.
6A and 6B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which both ends of a flexible display unit are rolled inward by a predetermined amount along a direction in which a pinch-in input is applied.
7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which the flexible display unit is folded inward or outward based on a plurality of preset boundary regions according to a preset order based on a preset touch input being applied.
8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate an embodiment in which the flexible display unit is folded inward by a preset amount based on a preset boundary area, and preset screen information is output based on the application of a drag input. It is a conceptual diagram showing.
9A and 9B illustrate an embodiment in which the flexible display unit is folded inward by a preset amount based on a preset boundary area, and screen information corresponding to an event occurred is output based on the application of a drag input. It is a conceptual diagram showing.
10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an end of a flexible display unit is rolled inward by a preset degree along a direction in which a drag input is applied when a preset application is executed.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but identical or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of preparation of the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinguished from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications included in the spirit and scope of the present invention It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Mobile terminals described in this specification include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, and slate PCs. , Tablet PC (tablet PC), ultrabook (ultrabook), wearable device (wearable device, for example, smartwatch, glass-type terminal (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)), etc. may be included. have.

However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiment described in the present specification may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, and digital signage, except when applicable only to mobile terminals. will be.

1A to 1C, FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190. ), etc. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential for implementing the mobile terminal, and thus, the mobile terminal described in the present specification may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, among the components, the wireless communication unit 110 may be configured between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between. In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast reception 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 input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting an image signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, or an audio input unit, and a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example, , A touch key, a mechanical key, etc.). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, information on surrounding environments surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 includes a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity. G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint sensor (finger scan sensor), ultrasonic sensor (ultrasonic sensor) , Optical sensor (for example, camera (see 121)), microphone (microphone, see 122), battery gauge, environmental sensor (for example, barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radiation detection sensor, It may include at least one of a heat sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating an output related to visual, auditory or tactile sense, and includes at least one of the display unit 151, the sound output unit 152, the hap tip module 153, and the light output unit 154 can do. The display unit 151 may implement a touch screen by forming a layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen can function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, and can provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage between various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and a device equipped with an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input/output (I/O) port, an input/output (video I/O) port, and an earphone port. The mobile terminal 100 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device in response to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications driven by the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of delivery for basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (eg, incoming calls, outgoing functions, message reception, and outgoing functions). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operation related to the application program, the controller 180 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to a user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170.

Also, in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components examined together with FIG. 1A. Furthermore, in order to drive the application program, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 with each other.

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

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

Hereinafter, before examining various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal 100 described above, the above-listed components will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast reception module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching of at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 includes technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000)), EV -DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc.), transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

The wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal, or various types of data according to transmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

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

Examples of wireless Internet technologies include WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc., and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology in a range including Internet technologies not listed above.

From the point of view that wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc. is made through a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network. ) May be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 112.

The short range communication module 114 is for short range communication, and includes Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and NFC. Near field communication may be supported by using at least one of (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-distance communication module 114 is, between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 through a wireless area network (Wireless Area Networks). ) And a network in which another mobile terminal 100 or an external server is located may support wireless communication. The local area wireless communication network may be a wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 is a wearable device capable of exchanging (or interlocking with) data with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, for example, a smartwatch, a smart glasses. (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)). The short-range communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 100 around the mobile terminal 100. Furthermore, when the sensed wearable device is a device that is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 transmits at least part of the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the short-range communication module ( 114) can be transmitted to the wearable device. Accordingly, a user of the wearable device can use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a call is received by the mobile terminal 100, the user performs a phone call through the wearable device, or when a message is received by the mobile terminal 100, the user receives the received call through the wearable device. It is possible to check the message.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and representative examples thereof include a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) module. For example, if the mobile terminal utilizes the GPS module, it can acquire the location of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite. As another example, if the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the mobile terminal may acquire the location of the mobile terminal based on information of the Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function among other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 in order to obtain data on the location of the mobile terminal as a substitute or additionally. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For inputting image information, the mobile terminal 100 Alternatively, a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or a video obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. On the other hand, a plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the camera 121 forming a matrix structure as described above, the mobile terminal 100 may have various angles or focus. A plurality of image information may be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to obtain a left image and a right image for implementing a stereoscopic image.

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

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from the user, and when information is input through the user input unit 123, the controller 180 can control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . Such, the user input unit 123 is a mechanical (mechanical) input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch (dome switch), a jog wheel, Jog switch, etc.) and a touch-type input means. As an example, the touch-type input means comprises a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a portion other than the touch screen On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key can be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms. For example, graphic, text ), icon, video, or a combination thereof.

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

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing in the vicinity using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without mechanical contact. In the proximity sensor 141, the proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner area of the mobile terminal surrounded by the touch screen as described above or near the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 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 type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, and the like. When the touch screen is a capacitive type, the proximity sensor 141 may be configured to detect the proximity of the object by a change in the electric field according to the proximity of the conductive object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of explanation, the action of allowing an object to be recognized as being positioned on the touch screen by being approached without contacting an object on the touch screen is called "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching an object on the screen is referred to as "contact touch". A position at which an object is touched in proximity on the touch screen means a position at which the object is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the object is touched in proximity. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (eg, proximity touch distance, proximity touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch time, proximity touch position, proximity touch movement state, etc.). have. Meanwhile, as above, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern sensed through the proximity sensor 141, and further, provides visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be output on the touch screen. Furthermore, the controller 180 may control the mobile terminal 100 to process different operations or data (or information) according to whether a touch to the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a touch touch. .

The touch sensor applies a touch (or touch input) to the touch screen (or display unit 151) using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method. To detect.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or a change in capacitance generated at a specific portion of the touch screen into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a location, an area, a pressure upon touch, a capacitance upon touch, and the like at which a touch object applying a touch on the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, or a pointer.

In this way, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the signal(s) corresponding thereto is transmitted to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can know whether an area of the display unit 151 is touched. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the controller 180 or may be the controller 180 itself.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch object by touching the touch screen (or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen). Whether to perform different controls or to perform the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to an operating state of the mobile terminal 100 or an application program being executed.

Meanwhile, the touch sensor and the proximity sensor described above are independently or in combination, and a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi touch, and a drag touch on the touch screen. ), flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, etc. You can sense the touch.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize location information of a sensing target by using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the controller 180 may calculate the location of the wave generator through information sensed from the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The location of the wave generator may be calculated by using a property that the light is much faster than the ultrasonic wave, that is, the time that the light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generator may be calculated using a time difference between a time when the ultrasonic wave arrives using light as a reference signal.

On the other hand, the camera 121, viewed as the configuration of the input unit 120, includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to detect a touch of a sensing target for a 3D stereoscopic image. The photosensor may be stacked on the display device, and the photosensor is configured to scan a motion of a sensing object close to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor scans the contents placed on the photo sensor by mounting a photo diode and a transistor (TR) in a row/column and using an electrical signal that changes according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photosensor calculates the coordinates of the sensing target according to the amount of light change, and through this, the location information of the sensing target may be obtained.

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

In addition, the display unit 151 may be configured as a three-dimensional display unit that displays a three-dimensional image.

A three-dimensional display method such as a stereoscopic method (glasses method), an auto stereoscopic method (no glasses method), and a projection method (holographic method) may be applied to the stereoscopic display unit.

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

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

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 is used for stimulation such as an arrangement of pins that move vertically with respect to the contact skin surface, blowing force or suction force of air through the injection or inlet, grazing against the skin surface, contact of electrodes, and electrostatic force. It can generate various tactile effects, such as the effect by the effect and the effect by reproducing the feeling of coolness using an endothermic or heat generating element.

The haptic module 153 may not only deliver a tactile effect through direct contact, but may also be implemented so that a user can feel the tactile effect through muscle sensations such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided depending on the configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

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

The signal output from the light output unit 154 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits a single color or multiple colors of light to the front or rear. The signal output may be terminated when the mobile terminal detects the user's event confirmation.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage for all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits it to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an 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 equipped with an identification module. (port), an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 160.

Meanwhile, the identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the right to use the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), and universal user authentication. It may include a module (universal subscriber identity module; USIM). A device equipped with an identification module (hereinafter,'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160.

In addition, the interface unit 160 serves as a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or is input from the cradle by a user. It may be a path through which various command signals are transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. Various command signals or the power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and may temporarily store input/output data (eg, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 170 may store data on vibrations and sounds of various patterns output when a touch input on the touch screen is performed.

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

Meanwhile, as described above, the controller 180 controls an operation related to an application program and, in general, an overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute or release a lock state limiting input of a user's control command for applications.

In addition, the controller 180 performs control and processing related to voice calls, data communication, video calls, etc., or performs pattern recognition processing capable of recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively. I can. Furthermore, in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may control any one or a combination of a plurality of components described above.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 to supply power necessary for the operation of each component. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery configured to be rechargeable, and may be detachably coupled to a terminal body for charging or the like.

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

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

Meanwhile, hereinafter, various embodiments may be implemented in a recording medium that can be read by a computer or a similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal 100 has a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to various structures such as a watch type, a clip type, a glass type, or a folder type in which two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type. . Although it will relate to a specific type of mobile terminal, the description of a specific type of mobile terminal may be generally applied to other types of mobile terminals.

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

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

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

In some cases, electronic components may be mounted on the rear case 102 as well. Electronic components that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include a removable battery, an identification module, and a memory card. In this case, a rear cover 103 for covering the mounted electronic component may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Accordingly, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic components mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproof unit (not shown) that prevents water from permeating into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof unit is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, and the combination thereof It may include a waterproof member for sealing the inner space.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a display unit 151, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, a light output unit 154, and first and second sound output units. Cameras 121a and 121b, first and second operation units 123a and 123b, microphone 122, interface unit 160, and the like may be provided.

In the following, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, and a light output unit ( 154), a first camera 121a and a first operation unit 123a are disposed, a second operation unit 123b, a microphone 122, and an interface unit 160 are disposed on the side of the terminal body, and the terminal body The mobile terminal 100 in which the second sound output unit 152b and the second camera 121b are disposed on the rear surface of will be described as an example.

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

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

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

In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist depending on the implementation type of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may have a plurality of display units spaced apart or integrally disposed on one surface, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display unit 151 so as to receive a control command by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 180 may be configured to generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on this. Content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers, or menu items that can be indicated or designated in various modes.

On the other hand, the touch sensor is configured in the form of a film having a touch pattern and is disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or a metal wire patterned directly on the rear surface of the window 151a. May be. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or may be provided inside the display.

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

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver that transmits a call sound to the user's ear, and the second sound output unit 152b is a loud speaker that outputs various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ) Can be implemented.

A sound hole for emitting sound generated from the first sound output unit 152a may be formed in the window 151a of the display unit 151. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between structures (eg, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101). In this case, the externally formed hole for sound output is not visible or hidden, so that the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 may be more simple.

The light output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying when an event occurs. Examples of the event include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, e-mail reception, and information reception through an application. When the user's event confirmation is detected, the controller 180 may control the light output unit 154 to terminate the light output.

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

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

In this drawing, the first manipulation unit 123a is illustrated as being a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a push key (mechanical key) or may be configured as a combination of a touch key and a push key.

Contents input by the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives commands such as menu, home key, cancel, search, etc., and the second operation unit 123b is output from the first or second sound output units 152a, 152b. Commands such as adjusting the volume of sound and switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 may be input.

Meanwhile, as another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body. This rear input unit is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and input contents may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on/off, start, end, scroll, etc., control the volume of sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, and touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 You can receive commands such as conversion of. The rear input unit may be implemented in a form capable of inputting by a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.

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

When the rear input unit is provided on the rear of the terminal body, a new type of user interface can be implemented using this. In addition, when the touch screen or the rear input unit described above replaces at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front of the terminal body, and the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured as a larger screen.

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

The microphone 122 is configured to receive a user's voice and other sounds. The microphone 122 may be provided in a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 becomes a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 is a connection terminal for connection with another device (eg, earphone, external speaker), a port for short-range communication (eg, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port (Bluetooth Port), a wireless LAN port, etc.], or at least one of a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket for accommodating an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM), or a memory card for storing information.

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

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

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 illuminates light toward the subject when photographing the subject with the second camera 121b.

A second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed on the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a, and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

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

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

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

On the other hand, in this drawing, the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to limit the separation of the battery 191, and to protect the battery 191 from external shock and foreign substances. It is illustrated. When the battery 191 is configured to be detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory that protects the exterior of the mobile terminal 100 or assists or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100 may be added to the mobile terminal 100. An example of such an accessory may be a cover or a pouch that covers or accommodates at least one surface of the mobile terminal 100. The cover or pouch may be configured to interlock with the display unit 151 to expand functions of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of an accessory may be a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, information processed by a mobile terminal can be displayed using a flexible display. Hereinafter, this will be described in more detail based on the accompanying drawings.

2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of a deformable mobile terminal 200 according to the present invention.

As shown, the display unit 251 may be configured to be deformable by an external force. The deformation may be at least one of bending, bending, folding, twisting, and curling of the display unit 251. Such a deformable display unit 251 may be referred to as a'flexible display unit'. Here, the flexible display unit 251 may include all of a general flexible display, an e-paper, and a combination thereof. In general, the mobile terminal 200 may include features of the mobile terminal 100 of FIGS. 1A to 1C or similar features.

A general flexible display refers to a light and sturdy display that is not easily broken because it is manufactured on a thin and flexible substrate that can be bent, bent, folded, twisted or rolled like paper while maintaining the characteristics of a conventional flat panel display.

In addition, electronic paper is a display technology to which the characteristics of general ink are applied, and the point of using reflected light may be different from the conventional flat panel display. As for the electronic paper, information can be changed by using a twist ball or electrophoresis using a capsule.

In a state in which the flexible display unit 251 is not deformed (eg, a state having an infinite radius of curvature, hereinafter referred to as a first state), the display area of the flexible display unit 251 becomes a flat surface. In a state deformed by an external force in the first state (eg, a state having a finite radius of curvature, hereinafter referred to as a second state), the display area may be a curved surface. As shown, information displayed in the second state may be visual information output on a curved surface. This visual information is implemented by independently controlling light emission of sub-pixels arranged in a matrix form. The unit pixel means a minimum unit for implementing one color.

In the first state, the flexible display unit 251 may be placed in a curved state (eg, a vertically or horizontally curved state) rather than a flat state. In this case, when an external force is applied to the flexible display unit 251, the flexible display unit 251 may be deformed into a flat state (or a less curved state) or a more curved state.

Meanwhile, the flexible display unit 251 may be combined with a touch sensor to implement a flexible touch screen. When a touch is made to the flexible touch screen, the controller 180 (refer to FIG. 1A) may perform a control corresponding to such a touch input. The flexible touch screen may be configured to sense a touch input not only in the first state but also in the second state.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 200 according to the present modified example may be provided with a deformation detecting means capable of detecting deformation of the flexible display unit 251. Such deformation detecting means may be included in the sensing unit 140 (see FIG. 1A).

The deformation detecting means may be provided in the flexible display unit 251 or the case 201 and may detect information related to deformation of the flexible display unit 251. Here, the information related to the deformation may include a direction in which the flexible display unit 251 is deformed, a deformed degree, a deformed position, a deformed time, and an acceleration at which the deformed flexible display unit 251 is restored, and the like, In addition, it may be various pieces of information that can be detected due to the bending of the flexible display unit 251.

In addition, the controller 180 may change information displayed on the flexible display unit 251 or change the information displayed on the flexible display unit 251 based on information related to the deformation of the flexible display unit 251 detected by the deformation detecting means. It is possible to generate a control signal to control the function of.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 200 according to the present modified example may include a case 201 accommodating the flexible display unit 251. The case 201 may be configured to be deformable together with the flexible display unit 251 by an external force in consideration of the characteristics of the flexible display unit 251.

In addition, a battery (not shown) provided in the mobile terminal 200 may also be configured to be deformable together with the flexible display unit 251 by an external force in consideration of the characteristics of the flexible display unit 251. In order to implement the battery, a stack and folding method in which battery cells are stacked on top may be applied.

The state transformation of the flexible display unit 251 is not limited to being caused by an external force. For example, when the flexible display unit 251 has the first state, it may be transformed into the second state by a command of a user or an application.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control method that can be implemented in a mobile terminal configured as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, first, when the terminal 200 is in a preset state, the step of detecting a preset touch input applied to the flexible display unit 251 capable of bending and receiving a touch input (S310) Proceeds.

The predetermined state of the terminal 200 may be defined by a control operation being executed or completed in the terminal 200 or a relationship between the terminal 200 and an external environment. As an embodiment, whether the flexible display unit 251 is in an on or off state, whether a user is holding the terminal 200, whether a preset event has occurred in the terminal 200 It may include at least one of.

Examples of the event may be message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, e-mail reception, information reception through an application, and the like.

The preset touch input is a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, and a pinch-in. It can be set in various ways, such as a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

Subsequently, based on the detection of the preset touch input, the step of controlling the flexible display unit 251 to bend in a preset shape in response to the state of the terminal 200 and the touch input (S320) proceeds. do.

As an embodiment, the controller 180 may control the flexible display unit 251 to curl inward from an end along a direction in which the drag input is applied, based on the application of the drag input. .

In another embodiment, the control unit 180 is the flexible display unit to be folded inward based on a preset boundary area based on a pinch-in input to which a finger is gathered inward. You can control (251).

In another embodiment, the controller 180, when the user does not lift the terminal 200, based on a pinch-in (pinch-in) input that the finger is collected inward is applied, The flexible display unit 251 may be controlled such that both ends are rolled inward by a predetermined amount along a direction in which the pinch-in input is applied.

In another embodiment, the controller 180 may include the flexible display unit to be folded inward or outward based on a plurality of preset boundary regions according to a preset order based on the application of the preset touch input ( 251) can be controlled.

In another embodiment, when the user does not hold the terminal 200 and the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, the controller 180 responds to a drag input being applied. Based on this, the flexible display unit 251 may be controlled to be folded inward by a preset degree based on a preset boundary area and to output preset screen information.

As another embodiment, when the preset event occurs when the user does not lift the terminal 200 and the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, the controller 180 Based on the application of a drag input, the flexible display unit 251 is controlled to be folded inward by the preset amount based on the preset boundary area and to output screen information corresponding to the generated event. can do.

In another embodiment, the controller 180 is configured to drag the left or right side based on a left or right drag input applied while the execution screen of a preset application is displayed. The flexible display unit 251 may be controlled so that the end is rolled inward by a predetermined amount along the direction in which the input is applied.

In addition, when a preset time elapses after the end is rolled inward, the flexible display unit 251 may be controlled so that the end is unfolded again.

As described above, the controller 180 may control the flexible display unit 251 to be rolled inward from the end along the direction in which the drag input is applied, based on the application of the drag input. have.

4A and 4B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a flexible display unit rolls inward from an end in a direction in which a drag input is applied.

Referring to FIG. 4A, when the flexible display unit 251 is in an on state, a user may apply a drag input 410 downward from the status bar. Accordingly, the flexible display unit 251 may be rolled inward from the upper end 420 in the same direction as the downward drag input 410.

In another embodiment, when the user applies an upward drag input 440, the flexible display unit 251 is rolled inward from the lower end 450 in the same direction as the upward drag input 440 I can go.

As a result, the size of the terminal 200 is reduced in the form of a roll 430 rolled up and down, so that portability can be made convenient, and the flexible display unit 251 can be turned into a locked state as it is rolled up.

As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 4B, when the flexible display unit 251 is in an on state, a user may apply a drag input 460 to the left. Accordingly, the flexible display unit 251 may be rolled inward from the right end 470 in the same direction as the drag input 460 toward the left.

As another embodiment, when the user applies the drag input 480 to the right, the flexible display unit 251 is rolled inward from the left end 490 in the same direction as the drag input 480 to the right. I can go.

As a result, the size of the terminal 200 may be reduced in the form of a roll 400 rolled to the side, so that portability may be facilitated, and the flexible display unit 251 may be rolled up and switched to a lock state.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 controls the flexible display unit 251 to be folded inward based on a preset boundary area based on a pinch-in input to which fingers are gathered inward. Can be controlled.

5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a flexible display unit is folded inward based on a preset boundary area based on a pinch-in input being applied.

Referring to FIG. 5A, when the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, a user may apply a pinch-in input 510 in which fingers touching up and down are gathered inward.

Accordingly, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward based on the boundary line 520 that divides the flexible display unit 251 into regions of the same size above and below. In this way, as the upper and lower half is folded, the size of the terminal 200 is reduced, so that portability may be convenient.

As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 5B, when the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, a user inputs a pinch-in input 540 in which fingers touching left and right are gathered inward. ) Can be added.

Accordingly, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward based on the boundary line 550 in the middle divided into left and right equally sized regions. In this way, as the terminal 200 is folded in half, the size of the terminal 200 may be reduced, thereby making it convenient to carry.

On the other hand, the controller 180, when the user does not lift the terminal 200, based on the pinch-in (pinch-in) input that the finger is collected inward is applied, the pinch-in The flexible display unit 251 may be controlled so that both ends are rolled inward by a predetermined amount along the direction in which the input is applied.

6A and 6B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which both ends of a flexible display unit are rolled inward by a predetermined amount along a direction in which a pinch-in input is applied.

Referring to FIG. 6A, when the flexible display unit 251 of the terminal 200 placed on a flat surface (table, floor, etc.) is in an off state, the user pinches the fingers touching the left and right inward. -Pinch-in input 610 can be applied.

Accordingly, in the same direction as the direction in which the pinch-in input 610 is applied, the left and right ends 620 and 630 of the flexible display unit 251 are lifted inward by a preset angle. I can. In this way, as the both ends 620 and 630 of the terminal 200 are lifted up, the user can easily hold the terminal 200 placed on a flat surface.

As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 6B, when the flexible display unit 251 of the terminal 200 placed on a flat surface (table, floor, etc.) is in an off state, the user touches the upper and lower fingers. A pinch-in input 640 that is collected inward may be applied.

Accordingly, in the same direction as the direction in which the pinch-in input 640 is applied, the ends 650 and 660 of the upper and lower sides of the flexible display unit 251 are lifted inward by a preset angle. I can. In this way, as both ends 650 and 660 of the terminal 200 are lifted, the user can easily hold the terminal 200 placed on a flat surface.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 controls the flexible display unit 251 to be folded inward or outward based on a plurality of preset boundary regions according to a preset order based on the application of the preset touch input. can do.

7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which the flexible display unit is folded inward or outward based on a plurality of preset boundary regions according to a preset order based on a preset touch input being applied.

Referring to FIG. 7A, when the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, a user may apply an upward drag input 700.

Accordingly, the flexible display unit 251 of the first boundary line 710 and the second boundary line 720 that divides the flexible display unit 251 into three equally-sized areas above and below the first boundary line 710 Can be folded inward.

Subsequently, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward based on the second boundary line 720. As a result, the size of the terminal 200 is reduced to a third of the top and bottom, and the terminal 200 can be conveniently carried in a terminal case tailored to this size.

As another embodiment, the order in which the terminal 200 is folded may vary depending on the direction in which the drag input is applied. Specifically, when the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, the user may apply a downward drag input.

Accordingly, the flexible display unit 251 of the first boundary line 710 and the second boundary line 720 that divides the flexible display unit 251 into three equally-sized areas above and below the second boundary line 720 Can be folded inward.

Subsequently, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward based on the first boundary line 710. As a result, the size of the terminal 200 is reduced to a third of the top and bottom, and the terminal 200 can be conveniently carried in a terminal case tailored to this size.

As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 7B, when the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, a user may apply a drag input 730 to the right.

Accordingly, among the third boundary line 740 and the fourth boundary line 750 dividing the flexible display unit 251 into regions having the same size on the left and right, the flexible display unit 251 is based on the third boundary line 740. Can be folded inward.

Subsequently, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward based on the fourth boundary line 750. As a result, the size of the terminal 200 is reduced to a third of the left and right, and the terminal 200 can be conveniently carried in a terminal case adapted to this size.

As another embodiment, the order in which the terminal 200 is folded may vary depending on the direction in which the drag input is applied. Specifically, when the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, the user may apply a drag input to the left.

Accordingly, among the third boundary line 740 and the fourth boundary line 750 dividing the flexible display unit 251 into regions of the same size on the left and right, the flexible display unit 251 is based on the fourth boundary line 750. Can be folded inward.

Subsequently, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward based on the third boundary line 740. As a result, the size of the terminal 200 is reduced to a third of the left and right, and the terminal 200 can be conveniently carried in a terminal case adapted to this size.

On the other hand, when the user does not lift the terminal 200 and the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, the controller 180 is configured based on a drag input being applied. The flexible display unit 251 may be controlled to be folded inward by a preset amount based on the set boundary area and to output preset screen information.

8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate an embodiment in which the flexible display unit is folded inward by a preset amount based on a preset boundary area, and preset screen information is output based on the application of a drag input. It is a conceptual diagram showing.

Referring to FIG. 8A, when the flexible display unit 251 of the terminal 200 placed on a flat surface (table, floor, etc.) is in an off state, a user drags downwards with two fingers. Input 810 can be applied.

Accordingly, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward by a predetermined angle with respect to the boundary line 820, which is divided into areas of the same size above and below. In addition, a partial area of the flexible display unit 251 is turned on, and information 822 such as the current date and time, schedule information 824, a call icon 826, and a message creation icon 828 ), etc. can be output.

On the other hand, when the terminal 200 is placed on a flat surface, the liquid crystal is reflected by light, so that the output contents are difficult to see. As a result, in the past, the terminal 200 had to be lifted or placed on a cradle in order to check information such as time or schedule, and received calls or messages. However, according to the above embodiment, information such as time and schedule can be easily checked without the need to lift the terminal 200 placed on the floor.

Subsequently, when the user applies a long touch input to the output schedule information 824, the entire flexible display unit 251 is switched to an off state, and a calendar screen 830, detailed schedule information 832, etc. Can be output. In addition, the status bar 834 of the terminal 200 may be output below.

As an embodiment, when the user applies a double touch input to the status bar 834, the screen 251 folded inwardly is opened again, and the screen 251 may be turned off.

In another embodiment, when the flexible display unit 251 is folded inward by a predetermined angle with respect to the center boundary line 820, a double touch input may be applied to an arbitrary area of the screen 251. Accordingly, the screen 251 folded inward may be opened again and switched to the off state.

As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 8B, when a drag input 840 is applied to the call icon 826, a screen 842 for making a call may be displayed. Accordingly, when a number is input and a call is made by applying a touch input to the call button 844, a call is made in speaker phone mode.

Alternatively, when a number is input and a drag input with two fingers is applied to the call button 844, the screen 251 folded inward is opened again and a call is made.

In this case, as described above, when the user applies a double touch input to the status bar 834 output at the bottom, the screen 251 folded inwardly opens again and may be switched to the off state.

As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 8C, when a drag input 850 is applied to the message creation icon 828, a screen 852 in which a message can be written may be displayed.

Accordingly, after writing a message, use two fingers in the status bar 834 displayed at the bottom or in an arbitrary area (for example, an area in which visual information between the keypad and the bottom status bar 834 is not output). When a drag input is applied, a message can be transmitted. In addition, when the message is transmitted, the screen 251 folded inward is opened again and may be switched to the off state.

In this case, as described above, when the user applies a double touch input to the status bar 834 output at the bottom, the screen 251 folded inwardly opens again and may be switched to the off state.

Meanwhile, when the preset event occurs when the user does not lift the terminal 200 and the flexible display unit 251 is in an off state, the controller 180 performs the drag Based on the application of an input, the flexible display unit 251 may be controlled to be folded inward by the preset amount based on the preset boundary area and to output screen information corresponding to the generated event.

9A and 9B illustrate an embodiment in which the flexible display unit is folded inward by a preset amount based on a preset boundary area, and screen information corresponding to an event occurred is output based on the application of a drag input. It is a conceptual diagram showing.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when a message is received when the flexible display unit 251 of the terminal 200 placed on a flat surface (table, floor, etc.) is in an off state, a pop-up window indicating message reception ( 900) can be output. Subsequently, the user may apply a downward drag input 910 using two fingers.

As a result, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward by a predetermined angle based on the boundary line 920 in the middle divided into areas of the same size above and below. In addition, the received message content 922 and a keypad 924 for inputting a reply message may be output.

Subsequently, after the user inputs the reply message, two fingers are placed on the lower status bar 834 or in an arbitrary area (for example, an area in which visual information is not output between the keypad 924 and the lower status bar 834). When a drag input to is applied, a reply message may be transmitted. In addition, when the message is transmitted, the screen 251 folded inward is opened again and may be switched to the off state.

In another embodiment, when a drag input 910 with two fingers is applied while the pop-up window 900 for receiving the message is displayed, only the sender of the message, the time received, or a part of the message A screen showing may be displayed. Subsequently, the message content can be output only when the user selects the message content confirmation button.

As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 9B, when a call is received when the flexible display unit 251 of the terminal 200 placed on a flat surface (table, floor, etc.) is off, a call is received. A pop-up window 930 informing is displayed. Subsequently, the user may apply a downward drag input 910 using two fingers.

As a result, the flexible display unit 251 may be folded inward by a predetermined angle based on the boundary line 920 in the middle divided into areas of the same size above and below. In addition, a screen 840 showing the caller, a call rejection message 950, a call icon 960, a silence icon 970, a hang up icon 980, and the like may be displayed.

As an embodiment, when an incoming call is hung up, the screen 251 folded inward may be opened again and switched to an off state.

In another embodiment, when an upward drag input by two fingers is applied to the call icon 960, the screen 251 folded inward is opened again and a call can be received.

In another embodiment, when a long touch input is applied to the call icon 960, a call is received in speakerphone mode while the flexible display unit 251 is folded inward.

In another embodiment, when an upward drag input by two fingers is applied to the silent icon 970, the silent state is converted and the screen 251 folded inward is opened again. Alternatively, when a long touch input is applied to the silent icon 970, the flexible display unit 251 may only be switched from the inwardly folded state to the silent state.

In another embodiment, when a two-finger drag input is applied to the hang up icon 980 or a long touch input is applied, the phone is disconnected. Also, the screen 251 folded inward may be opened again.

As another embodiment, the user may select the content of the call rejection message by applying a swipe input or a flicking input to the call rejection message 950. Specifically, when a left or right swipe input is applied to the call rejection message 950 indicating that the conference is in progress, a call rejection message indicating that the vehicle is driving may be output.

When a two-finger drag input or a long touch input is applied to the selected call rejection message, the call rejection message is transmitted, and the screen 251 folded inward may be opened again.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 applies the left or right drag input based on the left or right drag input being applied while the execution screen of the preset application is being output. The flexible display unit 251 may be controlled so that the end is rolled inward by a predetermined amount along the direction.

In addition, when a preset time elapses after the end is rolled inward, the flexible display unit 251 may be controlled so that the end is unfolded again.

10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment in which an end of a flexible display unit is rolled inward by a preset degree along a direction in which a drag input is applied when a preset application is executed.

Referring to FIG. 10, while the first page 1010 of the e-book application is being output, the user may apply a drag input 1020 to the left. Accordingly, in the same direction as the direction in which the drag input 1020 is applied, the right end 1030 of the flexible display unit 251 may be lifted inward by a preset angle.

At this time, while being lifted inward by the predetermined angle, a sound effect of turning the page is output, and a second page 1040, which is a next page of the first page 1010, may be output.

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

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage in that the terminal placed on the floor can be easily held and the size can be reduced for convenient portability.

As a result, user convenience may be improved.

The present invention described above can be implemented as a computer-readable code in a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Disk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. There is also a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet). Also, the computer may include the controller 180 of the terminal. Therefore, the detailed description above should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

100: mobile terminal
110: Ministry of Wireless Communication
120: input
140: sensing unit
150: output
160: interface unit
170: memory
180: control unit
190: power supply

Claims (20)

A flexible display unit capable of being bent and receiving a touch input; And
When the terminal is in a preset state, based on applying a preset touch input to the flexible display unit,
Including; a control unit for controlling the flexible display unit to be bent in a predetermined shape in response to the state of the terminal and the touch input,
The preset state is,
Including at least one of whether the flexible display unit is in an on or off state, whether a user is holding the terminal, and whether a preset event has occurred in the terminal,
The control unit,
When the user does not lift the terminal, both ends are preset according to the direction in which the pinch-in input is applied, based on a pinch-in input in which fingers are gathered inward. And controlling the flexible display unit to be rolled inward by an amount. delete The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And controlling the flexible display unit to be rolled from an end to an inward along a direction in which the drag input is applied, based on the application of the drag input. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the flexible display unit is controlled to fold inward based on a preset boundary area based on a pinch-in input to which a finger is gathered inward. delete The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And controlling the flexible display unit to fold inward or outward based on a plurality of preset boundary regions according to a preset order based on the application of the preset touch input. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
When the user is not holding the terminal and the flexible display unit is in an off state, based on a drag input being applied,
A mobile terminal, characterized in that the flexible display unit is controlled to be folded inward by a preset amount based on a preset boundary area and to output preset screen information. The method of claim 7,
The control unit,
When the preset event occurs when the user is not holding the terminal and the flexible display unit is in an off state, based on the application of the drag input,
And controlling the flexible display unit to be folded inward by the preset amount based on the preset boundary area and to output screen information corresponding to the generated event. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
Based on the application of a drag input to the left or right while the execution screen of the preset application is displayed,
And controlling the flexible display unit so that the end is rolled inward by a predetermined amount along a direction in which the left or right drag input is applied. The method of claim 9,
The control unit,
And when a preset time elapses after the end is rolled inward, the flexible display unit is controlled so that the end is unfolded again. (a) detecting a preset touch input applied to a flexible display unit capable of bending and receiving a touch input when the terminal is in a preset state; And
(b) controlling the flexible display to bend in a preset shape in response to the state of the terminal and the touch input based on the detection of the preset touch input; and
The preset state is,
Including at least one of whether the flexible display unit is in an on or off state, whether a user is holding the terminal, and whether a preset event has occurred in the terminal,
The step (b),
When the user does not lift the terminal, both ends are preset according to the direction in which the pinch-in input is applied, based on a pinch-in input in which fingers are gathered inward. And controlling the flexible display unit to be rolled inward by an amount. delete The method of claim 11,
The step (b),
And controlling the flexible display unit to be rolled from an end to an inward along a direction in which the drag input is applied, based on the application of the drag input. The method of claim 11,
The step (b),
And controlling the flexible display unit to be folded inward based on a preset boundary area based on a pinch-in input to which a finger is gathered inward is applied; and a mobile terminal comprising: Control method. delete The method of claim 11,
The step (b),
And controlling the flexible display unit to fold inward or outward based on a plurality of preset boundary regions according to a preset order based on the application of the preset touch input. Control method. The method of claim 11,
The step (b),
When the user is not holding the terminal and the flexible display unit is in an off state, based on a drag input being applied,
And controlling the flexible display unit to be folded inward by a preset amount based on a preset boundary area and to output preset screen information. The method of claim 17,
The step (b),
When the preset event occurs when the user is not holding the terminal and the flexible display unit is in an off state, based on the application of the drag input,
And controlling the flexible display unit to be folded inward by the preset amount based on the preset boundary area and to output screen information corresponding to the generated event. The method of claim 11,
The step (b),
Based on the application of a drag input to the left or right while the execution screen of the preset application is displayed,
And controlling the flexible display unit such that the end is rolled inward by a predetermined amount along a direction in which the left or right drag input is applied. The method of claim 19,
The step (b),
And when a predetermined time elapses after the end is rolled inward, controlling the flexible display so that the end is unfolded again.

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