KR102380209B1 - Portable device and method for restricting use of portable device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for restricting the use of portable devices are disclosed. receiving, by the mobile device, a shortcut icon corresponding to an application to be operated in a concentration mode for limiting use of the mobile device through a screen of the mobile device; setting a time limit in the concentration mode; deactivating the selected shortcut icon in the concentration mode; and blocking a notification message provided by an application corresponding to the selected shortcut icon in the concentration mode.

Description

PORTABLE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RESTRICTING USE OF PORTABLE DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to portable devices, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for limiting the use of portable devices.

A portable device is an electronic device developed for user convenience, and may be implemented in various forms, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a video player, a feature phone, and a smart phone. A smart phone has good portability and has the advantage of being able to freely download and install desired applications according to the user's needs as well as a call function.

As smart phones become more common, side effects such as disruption of work or reduced concentration due to smart phones are appearing. As an example, when various game applications are installed on a smart phone, various push notification messages for inducing game participation through game applications may be output on the screen of the smart phone even when the game is not running. As another example, when an application having an advertisement reception function is installed in a smart phone, an advertisement notification message may be outputted on the screen of the smart phone at any time. As such, due to the notification message output on the screen of the smart phone, the user had to check the notification message output from time to time, and accordingly, concentration may be reduced.

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for limiting the use of electronic devices.

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for limiting the use of portable devices.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for restricting the use and execution of specific applications on a portable device.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for blocking push notifications and pop-ups in a smart phone.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for blocking multitasking and notification pop-ups when a specific application is executed in a smart phone.

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes; A method for limiting the use of a mobile device, the method comprising: receiving a selection of a shortcut icon corresponding to an application to be operated in a concentration mode for limiting use of the mobile device through a screen of the mobile device; and deactivating the selected shortcut icon in the concentration mode, and blocking a notification message provided by an application corresponding to the selected shortcut icon in the concentration mode.

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes; A method for limiting use of a portable device, the method comprising: receiving a first user input for selecting at least one application to be operated in a limited multitasking mode in a portable device; and blocking a user input through the remaining areas of the display screen of the portable device except for the work area of the application, and blocking a reception notification of a push notification message received from a network to the portable device.

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes; A portable device comprising: a display screen; and a controller for controlling a concentration mode of the portable device. receiving, by the controller, a shortcut icon corresponding to an application to be operated in a concentration mode for limiting use of the mobile device through a screen of the mobile device; setting a time limit in the concentration mode; and inactivating the selected shortcut icon in the mode and blocking a notification message provided by an application corresponding to the selected shortcut icon in the focused mode.

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes; A portable device, comprising: a display screen; an input unit for receiving a first user input for selecting at least one application to be operated in a multitasking limited mode; and a control unit configured to block a user input through an area of the screen other than the work area of the application and block a reception notification of a push notification message received from a network to the portable device.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a front perspective view of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a rear perspective view of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 illustrates various examples of a user interface (UI) for executing an application in a smart phone.
5 is a diagram illustrating a setting menu of a concentration improvement mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 and 7 show screens for application selection and time setting in the concentration enhancement mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 illustrates an application menu when a concentration improvement mode is activated according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view showing a status bar when the concentration improvement mode is activated according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 illustrates a notification window when the concentration improvement mode is activated according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a diagram illustrating a setting menu of a concentration improvement mode including release of use restrictions according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a view showing a screen for canceling the concentration improvement mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 illustrates an application menu when the concentration enhancement mode is released according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating an operation for limiting the use of a smart phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of canceling a concentration enhancement mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a diagram illustrating a setting menu of a limited multitasking mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 illustrates a screen for selecting an application in a multitasking limited mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 illustrates an execution screen when the multitasking limited mode is activated according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19A and 19B are diagrams for explaining an operation for releasing the limited multitasking mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a diagram illustrating an execution screen of an application when the multitasking limited mode is released according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for limiting multitasking in a smart phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of blocking reception notification of a push notification message according to an embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of displaying a blocked push notification message according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. And, the terms to be described later are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to intentions or customs of users and operators. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

In this specification, the portable device may be referred to as a portable terminal, a mobile terminal, a communication terminal, a portable communication terminal, a portable mobile terminal, and the like.

Portable devices include, for example, smartphones, feature phones, game consoles, TVs (Television), display devices, vehicle head units, notebook computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, PMPs (Personal Media Players), PDAs (Personal Digitals). Assistants) and the like, and may be implemented as a portable communication terminal having a wireless communication function.

A portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a smart phone, and in a typical configuration of such a portable device, some constituent elements may be omitted or changed as necessary.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the portable device 100 may be connected to an external electronic device (not shown) using at least one of the communication module 120 , the connector 165 , and the earphone connection jack 167 . These external electronic devices are detachable from the portable device 100 and connectable by wire, an earphone, an external speaker, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a charger, a cradle/dock, and a DMB. (Digital Mobile Broadcasting) may include one of various devices such as an antenna, a mobile payment-related device, a health management device (eg, a blood sugar meter), a game machine, and a car navigation device. In addition, the external electronic device may include a wirelessly connectable Bluetooth communication device, a Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a Wi-Fi Direct communication device, and a wireless access point (AP). In addition, the portable device 100 may be connected to one of another portable terminal or portable device, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a desktop PC, and a server using a wired or wireless connection.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the portable device 100 includes at least one touch screen 190 and at least one touch screen controller 195 . In addition, the portable device 100 includes a control unit 110 , a communication module 120 , a multimedia module 140 , a camera module 150 , an input/output module 160 , a sensor module 170 , and a storage unit 175 . and a power supply unit 180 .

The communication module 120 may include a mobile communication module 121 , a sub communication module 130 , and a broadcast communication module 141 .

The sub communication module 130 includes at least one of the wireless LAN module 131 and the short-range communication module 132 , and the multimedia module 140 uses at least one of the audio reproduction module 142 and the video reproduction module 143 . may include

The controller 110 stores the CPU 111 , a ROM 112 in which a control program for controlling the portable device 100 is stored, and signals or data input from the outside of the portable device 100 , or 100) may include a random access memory (RAM) 113 that is used as a storage area for a task performed in FIG. The CPU 111 may include a single core, a dual core, a triple core, or a quad core. The CPU 111 , the ROM 112 , and the RAM 113 may be interconnected through an internal bus.

In addition, the control unit 110 includes a communication module 120 , a multimedia module 140 , a camera module 150 , an input/output module 160 , a sensor module 170 , a storage unit 175 , and a power supply unit 180 . , the touch screen 190 and the touch screen controller 195 can be controlled.

In a state in which a plurality of objects are displayed on the touch screen 190 , the control unit 110 is configured to allow a touchable user input means such as the input unit 168 and a user's finger to touch, approach, or approach any one object. The user input is sensed according to the location, and an object corresponding to the location on the touch screen 190 where the user input is generated is identified. The user input through the touch screen 190 includes one of a direct touch input for directly touching an object, and a hovering input, which is an indirect touch input that approaches the object within a preset recognition distance but does not directly touch the object. For example, when the input unit 168 is positioned close to the touch screen 190 , an object positioned vertically below the input unit 168 may be selected. In the embodiments of the present invention, the user input is, in addition to the user input through the touch screen 190 , a gesture input through the camera module 150, a set of physical buttons 161a, 161b, 161c; hereinafter referred to as 161) or a keypad. It may include a switch/button input through 166 , a voice input through microphone 162 , and the like.

The object is displayed or can be displayed on the touch screen 190 of the portable device 100, for example, an application, a menu, a function item, a document, a widget, a photo, a video, an email, an SMS (Short Messaging Service). ) message and at least one of a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, and may be selected, executed, deleted, canceled, stored, and changed by a user input means. Such an object may also be used to encompass a button, a shortcut icon, a thumbnail image, or a folder storing at least one object in the mobile terminal. In embodiments of the present invention, a menu indicates an executable function, for example, an icon, a function item, and the like. In addition, such a function item may be displayed in the form of an icon, text, or the like.

The shortcut icon is displayed on the touch screen 190 of the portable device 100 for quick execution of calls, contacts, menus, etc. which are basically provided in each application or portable device 100, and commands for executing them Or, when a selection is entered, the corresponding application is executed.

In addition, the controller 110 may detect a user input event such as a hovering event when the input unit 168 approaches or is located close to the touch screen 190 .

When a user input event is generated for a preset object or according to a preset method, the controller 110 may provide a preset haptic effect corresponding to the user input event. Such a haptic effect may be provided in response to an input through the user's finger or the input unit 168 .

In order to provide a haptic effect, the controller 110 may output a control signal to the input unit 168 or the vibration element 164 . This control signal may include information on the vibration pattern, and the input unit 168 or the vibration element 164 generates vibration according to the vibration pattern. Information on the vibration pattern may indicate the vibration pattern itself, an identifier of the vibration pattern, and the like. Alternatively, such a control signal may simply include a request for vibration generation.

The portable device 100 may include at least one of a mobile communication module 121 , a wireless LAN module 131 , and a short-range communication module 132 according to performance.

The mobile communication module 121 may allow the portable device 100 to be connected to an external electronic device through mobile communication using at least one-one or a plurality of antennas (not shown) under the control of the controller 110 . there is. The mobile communication module 121 communicates with a mobile phone (not shown), a smart phone (not shown), a tablet PC, or other electronic device (not shown) having a phone number input to the portable device 100 for voice calls and video Transmits/receives radio signals for calls, text messages (SMS) or multimedia messages (MMS).

The sub communication module 130 may include at least one of a wireless LAN module 131 and a short-range communication module 132 . For example, it may include only the wireless LAN module 131 , only the short-range communication module 132 , or include both the wireless LAN module 131 and the short-range communication module 132 .

The wireless LAN module 131 may be connected to the Internet at a location where a wireless access point (AP) (not shown) is installed under the control of the controller 110 . The wireless LAN module 131 supports the wireless LAN standard (IEEE802.11x) of the American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The short-range communication module 132 may perform wireless short-distance communication between the portable device 100 and an external electronic device under the control of the controller 110 . The short-distance communication method may include Bluetooth, infrared data association (IrDA), WiFi-Direct communication, near field communication (NFC), and the like.

Through the sub communication module 130 , the control unit 110 may transmit a control signal according to the haptic pattern to the input unit 168 .

The broadcasting communication module 141 includes a broadcasting signal (eg, a TV broadcasting signal, a radio broadcasting signal or a data broadcasting signal) transmitted from a broadcasting station through a broadcasting communication antenna (not shown) under the control of the controller 110 and the broadcasting unit information (eg, an Electric Program Guide (EPS) or an Electric Service Guide (ESG)) may be received.

The multimedia module 140 may include an audio playback module 142 or a video playback module 143 . The audio reproduction module 142 may reproduce a digital audio file (eg, a file having a file extension of mp3, wma, ogg, or wav) stored or received in the storage unit 175 under the control of the controller 110 . The video playback module 143 may play a stored or received digital video file (eg, a file having a file extension of mpeg, mpg, mp4, avi, mov, or mkv) under the control of the controller 110 . The multimedia module 140 may be integrated into the controller 110 .

The camera module 150 may include at least one of a first camera 151 and a second camera 152 for capturing still images or moving images under the control of the controller 110 . In addition, the camera module 150 includes a barrel 155 for zooming in/out to photograph a subject, a motor 154 for controlling the movement of the barrel 155 , and an auxiliary light source for photographing a subject. It may include at least one of the flashes 153 that provide The first camera 151 may be disposed on the front side of the portable device 100 , and the second camera 152 may be disposed on the back side of the portable device 100 . In a manner taken otherwise, the first camera 151 and the second camera 152 are adjacent (eg, the distance between the first camera 151 and the second camera 152 is greater than 1 cm and less than 8 cm). It may be arranged to take a 3D still image or a 3D moving picture.

Also, each of the first and second cameras 151 and 152 may include a lens system, an image sensor, and the like. The first and second cameras 151 and 152 each convert an optical signal input (or photographed) through the lens system into an electrical image signal and output it to the controller 110, and the user can use the first and second cameras (151, 152) you can shoot a moving image or still image.

The input/output module 160 includes at least one button 161 , at least one microphone 162 , at least one speaker 163 , at least one vibration element 164 , a connector 165 , and a keypad 166 . , may include at least one of the earphone connection jack 167 and the input unit 168. In addition, the input/output module 160 is not limited thereto, and a cursor control such as a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, or cursor direction keys may be provided to control the movement of the cursor on the touch screen 190 . there is.

The button 161 may be formed on the front, side, or rear of the housing (or case) of the portable device 100 , and may include a power/lock button, a volume button, a menu button, a home button, a back button, and a back button. It may include at least one of the search buttons.

The microphone 162 receives a voice or sound under the control of the controller 110 and generates an electrical signal.

The speaker 163 transmits sounds corresponding to various signals or data (eg, wireless data, broadcast data, digital audio data, digital video data, etc.) to the outside of the portable device 100 according to the control of the controller 110 . can be printed out. The speaker 163 may output a sound corresponding to a function performed by the portable device 100 (eg, a button operation sound corresponding to a phone call, a call connection sound, a voice of a counterpart user, etc.). One or a plurality of speakers 163 may be formed at an appropriate location or locations in the housing of the portable device 100 .

The vibration element 164 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical vibration under the control of the controller 110 . For example, in the mobile device 100 in the vibration mode, when a voice or video call is received from another device (not shown), the vibration element 164 operates. One or more vibration elements 164 may be formed in the housing of the portable device 100 . The vibration element 164 may operate in response to a user input through the touch screen 190 .

The connector 165 may be used as an interface for connecting the portable device 100 and an external electronic device or a power source (not shown). The controller 110 may transmit data stored in the storage unit 175 of the portable device 100 to an external electronic device or receive data from the external electronic device through a wired cable connected to the connector 165 . The portable device 100 may receive power from a power source through a wired cable connected to the connector 165 or charge a battery (not shown) using the power source.

The keypad 166 may receive a key input from a user to control the portable device 100 . The keypad 166 includes a physical keypad (not shown) formed on the portable device 100 or a virtual keypad (not shown) displayed on the touch screen 190 . The physical keypad formed in the portable device 100 may be excluded depending on the performance or structure of the portable device 100 .

An earphone (not shown) may be inserted into an earphone connecting jack 167 to be connected to the portable device 100 .

The input unit 168 may be inserted and stored inside the portable device 100 , and may be withdrawn or separated from the portable device 100 when in use. A detachment/attachment recognition switch 169 that operates in response to mounting and detachment of the input unit 168 is provided in an area inside the portable device 100 into which the input unit 168 is inserted. The attachment recognition switch 169 may output a signal corresponding to the attachment and detachment of the input unit 168 to the controller 110 . The detachment/attachment recognition switch 169 may be configured to be directly or indirectly contacted when the input unit 168 is mounted. Accordingly, the detachment/attachment recognition switch 169 receives a signal corresponding to the attachment or detachment of the input unit 168 based on whether or not the input unit 168 is in contact (ie, the attachment of the input unit 168 ). or a signal notifying separation) is generated and output to the control unit 110 .

The sensor module 170 includes at least one sensor that detects the state of the portable device 100 . For example, the sensor module 170 may include a proximity sensor that detects whether the user approaches the portable device 100 , an illuminance sensor (not shown) that detects the amount of light around the portable device 100 , or a portable device. A motion sensor (not shown) that detects the motion of the device 100 (eg, rotation of the portable device 100 , acceleration or vibration of the portable device 100 ), and the magnetic field of the portable device 100 Geo-magnetic sensor that detects the point of the compass, Gravity Sensor that detects the direction of gravity, Altimeter that detects altitude by measuring atmospheric pressure, GPS module It may include at least one sensor such as (157).

The GPS module 157 receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites (not shown) on Earth's orbit, and uses the time of arrival from the GPS satellites to the portable device 100 to the portable device ( 100) can be calculated.

The storage unit 175 is a communication module 120 , a multimedia module 140 , a camera module 150 , an input/output module 160 , a sensor module 170 or a touch screen 190 according to the control of the controller 110 . ), input/output signals or data can be stored according to the operation. The storage unit 175 may store control programs and applications for controlling the portable device 100 or the controller 110 .

The term “storage unit” refers to any of the storage unit 175 , the ROM 112 in the control unit 110 , the RAM 113 , or a memory card (eg, SD card) mounted in the portable device 100 . Used as a term to refer to data storage devices. The storage unit 175 may include a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

In addition, the storage unit 175 includes images for providing applications of various functions such as navigation, video call, game, and a time-based alarm application to the user and a graphic user interface (GUI) related thereto. , user information, documents, databases or data related to a method of processing a touch input, background images (menu screen, standby screen, etc.) or operating programs required to drive the portable device 100 , and the camera module 150 . Images taken by the camera may be stored. The storage unit 175 is a machine (eg, computer) readable medium, and the term machine readable medium may be defined as a medium that provides data to the machine so that the machine can perform a specific function. can The storage unit 175 may include non-volatile media and volatile media. All such media must be tangible so that the instructions carried by the medium can be detected by a physical device that reads the instructions into the machine.

The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and an optical disk. , punch card, paper tape, RAM, PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory: PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM) and flash-EPROM (FLASH-EPROM) include

The power supply unit 180 may supply power to one or a plurality of batteries disposed in the housing of the portable device 100 under the control of the controller 110 . One or more batteries supply power to the portable device 100 . Also, the power supply unit 180 may supply power input from an external power source to the portable device 100 through a wired cable connected to the connector 165 . Also, the power supply unit 180 may supply power wirelessly input from an external power source to the portable device 100 through wireless charging technology.

In addition, the portable device 100 may include at least one touch screen 190 that provides a user graphic interface corresponding to various services (eg, call, data transmission, broadcasting, photo taking) to the user.

The touch screen 190 may output an analog signal corresponding to at least one user input input to the user graphic interface to the touch screen controller 195 .

The touch screen 190 may receive at least one user input through the user's body (eg, a finger including a thumb) or the input unit 168 (eg, a stylus pen or an electronic pen).

The touch screen 190 may receive continuous movement of one touch (ie, a drag input). The touch screen 190 may output an analog signal corresponding to the continuous movement of the input touch to the touch screen controller 195 .

In embodiments of the present invention, the touch is not limited to the contact between the touch screen 190 and the finger or the input unit 168 , but a non-contact (eg, a user input means without direct contact with the touch screen 190 ). When the user input means is located within a detectable recognition distance (eg, 1 cm)) may be included. The distance or interval at which the touch screen 190 can recognize the user input means may be changed according to the performance or structure of the portable device 100 . In particular, the touch screen 190 may be directly connected to the user input means by contact with the user input means. A value detected by the direct touch event and the hovering event (eg, an analog value including a voltage value or a current value) may be output differently so that the touch event and the indirect touch event (ie, hovering event) can be detected separately. It can be configured to

The touch screen 190 may be implemented by, for example, a resistive method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an acoustic wave method, or a combination thereof.

In addition, the touch screen 190 may include at least two touch panels capable of sensing a touch or approach of a finger and an input unit 168, respectively, so as to receive an input by a finger and an input unit 168, respectively. can The at least two touch panels provide different output values to the touch screen controller 195, and the touch screen controller 195 recognizes values input from the at least two touch screen panels differently, and the touch screen 190 It is possible to distinguish whether the input from is an input by a finger or an input by the input unit 168 .

The touch screen controller 195 may convert an analog signal input from the touch screen 190 into a digital signal and transmit it to the controller 110 . The controller 110 may control the touch screen 190 using a digital signal received from the touch screen controller 195 . For example, the controller 110 may select or execute a shortcut icon (not shown) or an object displayed on the touch screen 190 in response to a direct touch event or a hovering event. Also, the touch screen controller 195 may be integrated into the controller 110 .

The touch screen controller 195 may detect a value (eg, a current value, etc.) output through the touch screen 190 to check a hovering interval or distance as well as a user input position, and convert the checked distance value to a digital signal (eg, , Z-coordinate) may be converted and provided to the control unit 110 . In addition, the touch screen controller 195 may detect a value (eg, a current value, etc.) output through the touch screen 190 to detect the pressure at which the user input means presses the touch screen 190 , and the confirmed pressure The value may be converted into a digital signal and provided to the controller 110 .

2 is a front perspective view of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3 , the touch screen 190 is disposed in the center of the front surface 101 of the portable device 100 . The touch screen 190 may be formed to occupy most of the front surface 101 of the portable device 100 . 2 shows an example in which a main home screen is displayed on the touch screen 190 . The main home screen is the first screen displayed on the touch screen 190 when the portable device 100 is turned on. Also, when the portable device 100 has different home screens of multiple pages, the main home screen may be a first home screen among the home screens of multiple pages. Shortcut icons 191-1, 191-2, and 191-3 for executing frequently used applications, a main menu switching key 191-4, time, weather, etc. may be displayed on the home screen. When the user selects the main menu switching key 191-4, a menu screen is displayed on the touch screen 190. In addition, a status bar 192 may be formed at the upper end of the touch screen 190 , and the status bar 192 may include, for example, a battery charge state, a received signal strength, and a mobile device such as the current time. Information indicating the current state of the device 100, symbols, icons, characters, and the like are displayed.

A home button 161a, a menu button 161b, and a back button 161c may be formed under the touch screen 190 .

The home button 161a displays a main home screen on the touch screen 190 . For example, when the home button 161a is selected while a home screen or menu screen different from the main home screen is displayed on the touch screen 190 , the main home screen is displayed on the touch screen 190 . can be displayed. Also, if the home button 161a is selected while applications are being executed on the touch screen 190 , the main home screen shown in FIG. 2 may be displayed on the touch screen 190 . Also, the home button 161a may be used to display recently used applications on the touch screen 190 or to display a task manager.

The menu button 161b provides a connection menu that can be displayed on the touch screen 190 . The connection menu may include a widget addition menu, a background screen change menu, a search menu, an edit menu, an environment setting menu, and the like.

The back button 161c may be used to display a screen that was executed immediately before the currently executed screen or to terminate the most recently used application.

A first camera 151 , an illuminance sensor 170a , and a proximity sensor 170b may be disposed on the edge of the front surface 101 of the portable device 100 . A second camera 152 , a flash 153 , and a speaker 163 may be disposed on the rear surface 103 of the portable device 100 .

On the side surface 102 of the portable device 100, for example, a volume button 161e having a power/lock button 161d, a volume up button 161f and a volume down button 161g, and a terrestrial DMB antenna for receiving broadcasts. 141a, one or a plurality of microphones 162 may be disposed. The DMB antenna 141a may be fixed to the portable device 100 or may be formed detachably.

Also, a connector 165 may be formed on the lower side of the portable device 100 . A plurality of electrodes are formed in the connector 165 and may be connected to an external device by wire. An earphone connection jack 167 may be formed on the upper side of the portable device 100 . An earphone may be inserted into the earphone connection jack 167 .

Also, the input unit 168 may be mounted on the lower side of the portable device 100 . The input unit 168 may be inserted and stored in the portable device 100 , and may be pulled out and separated from the portable device 100 when in use.

The portable device 100 configured as described above is portable and has various functions so that it can be always carried by the user, whereas the user's It can impair concentration and lead to excessive use.

In order to prevent such a problem, an operation in which the portable device 100 blocks at least a portion of use of the portable device 100 according to a user's request or setting will be described below. As a specific example, an operation of blocking or ignoring execution of an application, display of a notification message, and/or message pop-up will be described.

The control unit 110 controls the overall operation of the portable device 100 , and the control unit 110 controls other components in the portable device 100 to block the use of the portable device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. perform the action

A portable device, particularly a smart phone, may install various applications and execute the applications according to a user's request or other conditions.

4 illustrates various examples of a user interface (UI) for executing an application in a smart phone.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the mobile device 400 provides a home screen through a display screen 400a, which includes at least one widget 402 and one or more icons 404 and 406 related to applications. It may include at least one page. Additionally, a dock area 408 including icons of frequently used functions, such as phone calls, contacts, SMS, Internet, application menus, and the like, may be further displayed at the bottom of the home screen.

When the mobile device 400 detects a user gesture, for example, a touch, on any one of the widgets 402 or icons 404 and 406 of the home screen or the icons in the dock area 408, the mobile device 400 responds to the detection of the touch. Executes the application related to the widget or icon. In the example of FIG. 4 , the portable device 400 may detect a touch 410 on the icon 406 related to the instant messenger, execute the instant messenger, and output an execution screen of the instant messenger on the display screen 400a. (not shown)

Although not shown, the portable device 400 may display an application menu including a list of a plurality of icons related to a plurality of applications installed in the portable device 400 on the display screen 400a. As an example of the application menu, when a touch is detected on an icon related to an instant messenger, the portable device 400 may execute the instant messenger and output an execution screen of the instant messenger on the display screen 400a (not shown).

The portable device 400 receives a push notification message related to any one of the applications installed in the portable device 400 from the network, and displays a notification symbol 432 that is a small image for indicating that the push notification message has been received on the display screen. It can be displayed on the status bar 430 located at the upper end of 400a. As an example, the notification symbol 432 may be implemented as a representative image of a related application. In addition, the portable device 400 may output a predetermined operation, for example, a notification sound, a vibration, a pop-up message, etc. to notify that the received push notification message exists.

When a predetermined user gesture, for example, a touch and drag in a downward direction, is detected on the status bar 430 , the portable device 400 displays a quick panel 436 that provides simple settings for functions of the portable device 400 . ) and a notification window 438 are displayed on the display screen 400a. The quick panel 436 provides menu buttons for on/off of Wi-Fi and data networks, sound settings, screen rotation settings, and screen brightness settings.

The notification window 438 includes a notification line 442 indicating details of the received push notification message. When a touch is detected on the notification line 442 , the portable device 400 performs a predetermined specific activity while deleting the push notification message. As an example, when a touch is detected on the notification line 442 of a push notification message related to the game application, the mobile device 400 executes the game application to output the execution screen of the game application on the display screen 400a. Yes (not shown)

Although not shown, the portable device 400 may allow a user to access an execution file of the application through a separate application such as a launcher or a file explorer.

The portable device is configured to be able to download and install an application from a network or from a local computer. The developer of the application may include the push messaging service in the application, and the application server may transmit a notification message to the portable device in which the application is installed through the push messaging server. The push messaging server receives the notification message from the application server and delivers it to the registered portable device.

As an example, a message reception notification of an instant messenger, a game invitation of a game application, an advertisement notification of a paid application, etc. may be delivered to the portable device through the push notification message as described above.

In the embodiments to be described below, when the user wants to focus on a specific task or block the use of the mobile device, the mobile device prevents the application unrelated to the task from being executed, and in particular, accesses the application. Block the available UI in various ways. In the present specification, the operation mode in which the use of the portable device is blocked as described above will be referred to as a concentration improvement mode.

In the concentration enhancement mode, the mobile device blocks all UIs that can access at least one application. As an example, the portable device hides icons of specific applications from the application list, home screen, launcher, file explorer, and the like. As another example, the portable device blocks or ignores push notification messages received from the network related to a specific application and pop-up messages generated from the portable device, and does not output an image symbol or a notification sound indicating that the messages have occurred. does not An application whose use is to be restricted through the concentration enhancement mode may be set by default or may be designated by a user.

The concentration enhancement mode may be initiated through environment setting of the portable device or may be initiated by executing an application for the concentration enhancement mode on the portable device. Concentration enhancement mode consists of two procedures: setting and operation.

5 is a diagram illustrating a setting menu of a concentration improvement mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated setting menu 500 may be executed through environment setting of the portable device or may be provided by executing an application for concentration enhancement mode. The portable device displays the illustrated setting menu 500 on the display screen according to a user's request.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the setting menu 500 includes an “application” item 502 for limiting the use of a specific application(s) for the concentration enhancement mode, and a “notification” item 510 for limiting reception of a notification. ) contains at least one of The "application" item 502 includes a "constant time limit" item 504 for restricting the use of a specific application(s) for a specified time. The "use limited time" item 504 may include at least one of an "application selection" item 506 and a "time setting" item 508 .

The "application selection" item 506 is used to allow the user to specify at least one application to be restricted in use. The “time setting” item 508 is used to allow the user to set a time to limit the use of a specified application.

6 and 7 show screens for application selection and time setting in the concentration enhancement mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , when a user gesture, for example, a touch, is detected in the “application selection” item 506 of the setting menu 500 of FIG. 5 , the mobile device displays a list 600 of restrictable applications on the display screen. displayed on In the illustrated example, the application list 600 lists the icons 602 and 604 of the applications in a grid form. As an example, the portable device may display icons of all installed applications. As another example, the portable device may display icons of applications supporting notification reception. As another example, the portable device may display icons of all applications installed by the user. When the concentration enhancement mode is supported by the dedicated application, the icon of the concentration enhancement mode application must be excluded from the application list 600 . As another embodiment, the application list 600 may be displayed in various forms such as text and small icons.

When a user gesture, e.g., a touch, is detected on one of the icons 602 and 604 among the icons displayed in the application list 600, the mobile device displays small markers 602a and 604a on top of the icons 602 and 604, , so that the user can recognize that the icons 602 and 604 have been selected. Here, as an example, the "Game Hub" application and the "TALK" application are selected to be restricted in use. When a touch is input on a soft key 606 indicating setting completion displayed at the bottom of the application list 600 , for example, an “Apply” button, the portable device displays an application corresponding to the selected icons 602 and 604 . Stores the information, and returns to the setting menu 500 after removing the application list 600 from the display screen. The information on the applications may include, for example, at least one of identification information, a name, a storage location, a name of a corresponding shortcut icon, and a storage location of a corresponding shortcut icon of an application to which the concentration enhancement mode is applied.

Referring to FIG. 7 , when a user gesture, e.g., a touch is sensed on the “time setting” item 508 of the setting menu 500 of FIG. The setting screen 700 is displayed on the display screen. In the illustrated example, the time setting screen 700 includes a circular dial 702 that can be set from 0 hours to 8 hours. When the dial 702 rotates in response to the user's touch and rotation movement, a phrase indicating the set time, for example, "3 hours and 10 minutes" is displayed on the upper part of the time setting screen 700 . When a touch is input on a soft key indicating completion of setting displayed at the bottom of the time setting screen 700, for example, an “OK” button, the portable device stores the set time and displays the time setting screen 700 on the display screen After removing from, it returns to the setting menu (500).

When returning to the setting menu 500, or while the setting menu 500 is being displayed, when a user input, for example, a touch is detected from the back button (161c in FIG. 2), or the setting menu 500 is displayed When the home button ( 161a in FIG. 2 ) is pressed while being displayed, the portable device may complete the setting for the concentration improvement mode. As another embodiment, the setting menu 500 provides a soft key for completing the setting of the concentration enhancement mode and starting the concentration enhancement mode, as an example, a "start concentration enhancement mode" button, and on the "concentration enhancement mode start" button When a user input, for example, a touch is sensed, the portable device may complete the setting for the concentration improvement mode.

When the setting for the concentration improvement mode is completed through the above procedure, the concentration improvement mode is activated for a set time from the time when the setting is completed, that is, for 3 hours and 10 minutes, and the use of the selected applications is restricted during the concentration improvement mode. As another embodiment, the setting menu may further include a "start concentration enhancement mode" item for activating the concentration enhancement mode, and when a user input, for example, a touch is detected on the "start concentration enhancement mode" item, the mobile device is Initiate concentration improvement mode.

During the concentration enhancement mode, the portable device hides or disables shortcut icons for executing the selected applications from the home screen, application menu, launcher, and file explorer. Also, the portable device blocks the screen output of a push notification message received from a network related to the selected applications and a pop-up message generated in the portable device, and does not output a notification sound by the messages. As an embodiment, the push notification message and the pop-up message may be stored to be output after the concentration improvement mode is released.

8 illustrates an application menu when a concentration improvement mode is activated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the portable device displays an application menu 800 on a display screen, and the application menu 800 includes icons of a plurality of applications. Among the applications installed in the mobile device, icons of applications selected to be restricted in use by the concentration enhancement mode are not shown (hidden) in the application menu 800, are displayed in empty spaces 804, 806, or are inactive (translucent display) )do. The portable device ignores selection (click, touch, etc.) of an inactive icon, and does not execute an application corresponding to the icon. As another embodiment, the application menu 800 includes only icons of applications other than the restricted applications, and an empty space corresponding to the icons of the restricted applications or inactive icons may not be displayed.

9 is a view showing a status bar when the concentration improvement mode is activated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the portable device may display an indicator 902 indicating that the concentration enhancement mode is activated, for example, an image symbol, on the status bar 900 . As mentioned above, when a downward drag 904 is detected on the status bar 900, the portable device may display a quick panel and a notification window on the display screen.

10 illustrates a notification window when the concentration improvement mode is activated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10 , while the concentration enhancement mode is activated, the notification window 1000 may include a notification line 1010 informing that the concentration enhancement mode is activated. The notification line 1010 may include, for example, phrases such as "concentration enhancement mode is in operation" or "concentration enhancement mode remains in 3 hours and 10 minutes." As an embodiment, when a user gesture, eg, a touch, is input on the notification line 1010 , the portable device may display a setting menu of the concentration enhancement mode on the display screen. As another embodiment, when a touch is detected on the notification line 1010 , the portable device may display a screen for canceling the setting of the concentration enhancement mode on the display screen.

As another embodiment, instead of selecting applications to be restricted, the portable device may use the portable device itself in the concentration enhancement mode (that is, all functions of the portable device including calls and execution of applications, for example, emergency call functions may be excluded. ) can be blocked. In this case, the setting menu may not include an "application selection" item. In the concentration enhancement mode according to the present embodiment, the mobile device may display a blocking guidance screen or display an inactive home screen, and does not respond to a blocking guidance screen, a deactivated home screen, or a user input through physical buttons. does not As an embodiment, the blocking guidance screen or the inactivated home screen may include a soft key for “removing use restrictions”, and the mobile device displays a release screen on the display screen in response to a request to release usage restrictions through the soft key. can do. As another embodiment, the portable device may display a release screen on the display screen in response to a user input through one of the physical buttons, for example, a menu button or a back button. In addition, in this embodiment, the portable device blocks, that is, ignores, and stores in the storage unit a notification message received from the outside or generated inside during the concentration enhancement mode, and displays an image symbol indicating that the notification message has been received or occurred on the display screen. may not be displayed in In addition, the portable device may not output a notification sound or vibration indicating that the notification message has been received or generated.

The concentration enhancement mode is automatically released after the set time has elapsed, and when the set time elapses, the mobile device may display a pop-up message such as “the concentration enhancement mode has been canceled” on the display screen.

As an embodiment, the portable device may allow the user to immediately release the concentration enhancement mode through a setting menu of the concentration enhancement mode.

11 is a diagram illustrating a setting menu of a concentration improvement mode including release of use restrictions according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated setting menu 1100 is similar to the setting menu 500 of FIG. 5 , but further includes a “use restriction release” item 1110 .

Referring to FIG. 11 , an "application" item 1102 of the setting menu 1100, a "notification" item 1112, and a "call" item 1114 for limiting call transmission/reception are included. The "application" item 1102 includes a "constant time use restriction" item 1104, and the "constant time use restriction" item 1104 includes an "application selection" item 1106 and a "time setting" item 1108 and "removal of use restrictions" item 1110 may be included. Additionally, the setting menu 1100 may further include a “password setting” item for setting a password for authenticating release of use restrictions.

The "use restriction release" item 1110 allows the user to immediately release the concentration enhancement mode and allow the use of a designated application. As an embodiment, when the concentration enhancement mode is not activated, the “use restriction release” item 1110 may be deactivated (translucent display). As another embodiment, when the concentration enhancement mode is activated, items 1106 and 1108 other than the item 1110 “remove usage restrictions” may be inactivated (translucent display). The portable device does not respond to a user input, for example, a touch, etc. with respect to an inactive item.

When a user gesture, for example, a touch, is detected on the "use restriction release" item 1110 , the portable device displays a release screen for canceling the concentration enhancement mode on the display screen.

12 is a view showing a screen for canceling the concentration improvement mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 , when a touch is detected in the “use restriction release” item 1110 of the setting menu 1100 of FIG. 11 , the portable device displays the release screen 1200 as a display screen. In the illustrated example, the release screen 1200 includes a phrase 1202 for requesting input of a password (Personal Identification Number: PIN), an input field 1204 for displaying the entered password, and a virtual screen for receiving a password. and a keypad 1206 . The virtual keypad 1206 may include, for example, alphanumeric keys, a delete key, and a completion key, and the input field 1204 may include letters/numbers input through the virtual keypad 1206, or hidden characters corresponding thereto. (1208) is indicated.

When the password input through the virtual keypad 1206 matches the password preset for releasing the concentration enhancement mode, the portable device displays a pop-up window 1210 including a phrase informing that the concentration enhancement mode is released, You can turn off (i.e. disable) Concentration Enhancement Mode. As an example, the preset password may be set through a “password setting” item of the setting menu 1100 . When the concentration enhancement mode is released, the portable device returns to the setting screen 1100 or to a previous screen (eg, a home screen).

When the use restriction of the portable device by the concentration enhancement mode is released, the use and execution of applications selected for the concentration enhancement mode are permitted. Specifically, the portable device displays the icons for executing the selected applications again on the home screen, the application menu, the launcher, and the file explorer. In addition, the portable device may output a push notification message received from a network related to the selected applications and a pop-up message generated in the portable device on the display screen, and output a notification sound according to the messages.

13 illustrates an application menu when the concentration enhancement mode is released according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the portable device displays an application menu 1300 on the display screen, and the application menu 1300 includes icons of a plurality of applications including icons 1304 and 1306 of applications selected to be restricted in use. list 1302 .

As an improved embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent the concentration enhancing mode from being frequently released by the user, the portable device may limit the number of times the concentration enhancing mode is released. For example, the number of times the concentration enhancement mode can be canceled may be limited to three times a day, and the limited number of times may be fixedly determined by the portable device or set by the user through a setting menu.

When the number of times the concentration enhancement mode is released reaches a limited value, the mobile device does not allow the user to release the concentration enhancement mode, and releases the concentration enhancement mode only after a time set for releasing the concentration enhancement mode has elapsed.

When a touch is sensed in the "use restriction release" item 1110 of the setting menu 1100 of FIG. 11 , the portable device displays the release screen. When the unlock screen is displayed, the mobile device displays a pop-up message on the unlock screen indicating whether the unlock is possible, for example, "You have 1 unlockable count left." Alternatively, you can temporarily display "The Concentration Enhancement Mode cannot be canceled because the number of unlockable times has been exceeded."

The pop-up message informing that cancellation is possible may be removed automatically or according to a user's input after being displayed for a predetermined period of time, and then, the portable device may receive a password input from the user through the unlock screen. The pop-up message informing that cancellation is impossible may be removed automatically or according to a user's input after being displayed for a predetermined period of time, and the portable device may return to a setting menu or a previous screen (eg, a home screen).

If the password entered through the unlock screen does not match the pre-stored password, the mobile device outputs a pop-up message indicating that unlocking has failed, for example, "Cannot cancel concentration enhancement mode because the password does not match." and stay in concentration-enhancing mode.

As a selectable embodiment, when the concentration improvement mode is activated, the mobile device displays the remaining time and/or the remaining number of possible cancellations of the concentration enhancement mode through the notification line 1010 of the notification window (1000 in FIG. 10 ). can be displayed

14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating an operation for restricting the use of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14A , in step 1405 , the portable device receives a request for setting a concentration enhancement mode for limiting use of the portable device from the user. As an embodiment, the portable device may recognize that the user intends to set the concentration enhancement mode through the environment setting menu or through the execution of an application for the concentration enhancement mode. In step 1410, in response to the setting request, the portable device displays a setting menu for the concentration improvement mode on the display screen.

In step 1415, the portable device determines whether an application selection is required through the setting menu. As an example, when a touch is detected on the "application selection" item in the setting menu, the portable device determines that the application selection is requested and proceeds to step 1420. Otherwise, the mobile device proceeds to step 1440.

In step 1420, an application list including icons of limitable applications is displayed on the display screen of the portable device. In step 1425, the portable device detects an input for selecting at least one application from the user through the application list, and stores information on the at least one application corresponding to the input. If a user input indicating that the selection of an application is complete is detected in step 1430, the portable device proceeds to step 1460, otherwise, in step 1425, an application to be restricted in use is continuously selected. As an example, the portable device displays an “apply” button at the bottom of the application list, and returns to step 1410 when a touch is detected on the “apply” button.

Meanwhile, in step 1440, the portable device determines whether it is required to set a time limit for use of the portable device (hereinafter referred to as a time limit) on the setting menu. As an example, when a touch is sensed on the “time setting” item in the setting menu, the portable device determines that the time limit setting is requested and proceeds to step 1445. Otherwise, the setting operation is terminated. In step 1445, a “set time” screen for setting a time limit for use of the portable device is displayed on the display screen of the portable device. In step 1450, the portable device receives an input of a time to restrict the use of the portable device from the user through the “time setting” screen, stores information about the set time, and then proceeds to step 1460.

Referring to FIG. 14B , in step 1460, the portable device determines whether the setting of the concentration enhancement mode is completed. As an example, the portable device displays a setting menu including a “Done” button at the bottom, and when a touch is detected on the “Done” button, it is determined that the setting is complete. As another example, when a “back” button is input while the setting menu is being displayed on the display screen, the portable device may determine that the setting is complete. If the completion of the setting for the concentration enhancement mode is not detected, the portable device returns to step 1415 . On the other hand, if it is detected that the setting for the concentration improvement mode has been completed, the process proceeds to step 1465 .

In step 1465, the portable device limits the use of the selected applications according to the concentration improvement mode for the set time. If the user requests that the concentration enhancement mode be started in a state where time setting or application selection input does not exist, the portable device may limit the default applications for the default time set according to the concentration enhancement mode . Specifically, the mobile device hides the icons of the corresponding applications from the home screen, the application menu, the launcher, the file explorer, and the like. A push notification message received from a network related to the selected applications and a pop-up message generated in the portable device are not output to the screen of the portable device, and a notification sound generated by the messages is not output.

In step 1470, it is determined whether a time set for the operation of the concentration enhancement mode of the portable device has elapsed. If the set time has not elapsed, the portable device returns to step 1465 and continues to operate in the concentration improvement mode. When the set time elapses, in step 1475, the portable device deactivates the concentration enhancement mode and releases the restrictions on use of the selected applications.

At the time of deactivating the concentration enhancement mode, the portable device determines whether a push notification message received from a network related to restricted applications and a pop-up message generated from the portable device exist while the concentration enhancement mode is activated. If any one message exists, the portable device may display the existence of the corresponding message through a status bar or a pop-up message, and output a notification sound/vibration indicating that the message exists.

15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of canceling a concentration enhancement mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, an operation for immediately canceling the concentration enhancement mode before the set time elapses will be described.

Referring to FIG. 15 , in step 1505 , while limiting the use of the portable device by the concentration enhancement mode, in step 1510 , a request for setting the concentration enhancement mode is detected. As an embodiment, the mobile device enables the user to set the concentration enhancement mode through the environment setting menu, through the execution of the application for concentration enhancement mode, or through a notification line informing that the concentration enhancement mode is activated in the notification window. can recognize that

In step 1515, in response to the setting request, the portable device displays a setting menu for the concentration improvement mode on the display screen. In this case, since the portable device is already operating in the concentration enhancement mode, items other than the “remove usage restrictions” item in the setting menu may be inactivated.

In step 1520, the portable device receives a request to release the usage restriction from the user through the setting menu. As an example, when a touch is detected on the "Release Use Restriction" item in the setting menu, the portable device determines that immediate release of the usage restriction of the portable device by the concentration enhancement mode is requested and proceeds to step 1530; otherwise, the procedure proceeds to step 1530. Return to 1505.

In step 1530, the portable device determines whether the number of times the concentration enhancement mode is released (hereinafter, referred to as the number of times of release) exceeds a predetermined number (hereinafter, referred to as a limited number of times). The number of times of release refers to the number of times the concentration enhancement mode is released through the “use restriction release” item in the setting menu from the time when the mobile device starts the concentration enhancement mode. As an embodiment, when the concentration enhancement mode is released by the set time of the concentration enhancement mode, the number of times of release may be initialized to zero.

If the number of times of release exceeds the number of times of release, in step 1535, in step 1535, the mobile device receives a pop-up message indicating that it is impossible to release the limit on the use of the mobile device due to the concentration enhancement mode, for example, “The number of times of release has been exceeded to improve concentration. The mode cannot be released." is displayed and the operation is terminated.

If the number of unlocks does not exceed the limit, in step 1540, the portable device displays a release screen for inputting a password on the display screen to receive the password from the user. In this case, when displaying the release screen, the portable device may display a pop-up message informing of the remaining number of possible releases, for example, “the number of possible releases remains 0.”

In step 1545, the portable device checks whether the password received from the user through the release screen matches a preset password for canceling the concentration enhancement mode. As an example, the preset password may be set through a “password setting” item of the setting menu 1100 . If they do not match, the mobile device proceeds to step 1560, displays a pop-up message indicating that the release has failed, for example, “password does not match” on the display screen, and then ends the operation. On the other hand, if the received password matches the preset password, the portable device proceeds to step 1550, increases the number of unlocks by 1, and then releases the restriction on use of the portable device by the concentration enhancement mode in step 1555. When the concentration enhancement mode is released, the mobile device may display a pop-up message such as “Concentration enhancement mode is off.” Notify users through bars and notifications.

In the embodiments to be described below, while a user is executing a specific application, various operations (eg, push notification) that may prevent other tasks or applications from being executed through the portable device and may interfere with operations through the specific application or pop-ups). In the present specification, as described above, an operation mode in which use other than a specific application is blocked will be referred to as a multitasking limited mode.

The multitasking limited mode may be provided as a sub-function of the concentration enhancement mode described above, or may be provided as a separate function. When the multitasking limited mode is activated, the mobile device blocks user input through the UI other than the task screen of a specific application, that is, the status bar, home button, back button, etc. It does not notify the user that the device's pop-up message has occurred. That is, all kinds of push notification messages and pop-up messages are blocked during multitasking limited mode. As a selectable embodiment, all input/output except for the application's work may be blocked during the multitasking limited mode. An application to be operated in the multitasking limited mode may be designated by default or may be designated by a user.

16 is a diagram illustrating a setting menu of a limited multitasking mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated setting menu 1600 may be executed through environment setting of the portable device or may be provided by execution of an application for limited multitasking mode. As another embodiment, the setting menu 1600 of the multitasking limited mode may be provided as a sub-menu of the setting menu 600 or 1100 of the concentration enhancement mode.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the setting menu 1600 may include at least one of an “application selection” item 1602 and a “time setting” item 1604 .

The "application selection" item 1602 allows the user to designate at least one application to be used in the multitasking limited mode. The "time setting" item 1604 is used to set a time for the designated application to operate in the multitasking limited mode.

17 illustrates a screen for selecting an application in a multitasking limited mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17 , when a user gesture, for example, a touch, is detected in the “application selection” item 1602 of the setting menu 1600 of FIG. 1700) is displayed on the display screen. In the illustrated example, the application list 1700 lists icons of applications in a grid form. As an example, the portable device may display icons of all installed applications. As another example, the portable device may display icons of applications capable of operating in the multitasking limited mode. As another example, the portable device may display icons of all applications installed by the user. As another embodiment, the application list 1700 may indicate applications in various forms such as text and small icons.

When a user gesture, e.g., a touch, is detected on one of the icons 1702 among the icons displayed in the application list 1700, the portable device displays a small marker 1704 at the top of the icon 1702, It allows the user to recognize that 1702 is selected. Here, as an example, the "E-Book" application has been selected to be used in multitasking limited mode. When a touch is input on a soft key 1706 indicating setting completion displayed at the bottom of the application list 1700, for example, an “Apply” button, the portable device displays the application corresponding to the selected icon 1702. After saving the information, the application list 1700 is removed from the display screen, and the setting menu 1600 is returned.

When a user gesture or a touch is detected on the “time setting” item 1604 of the setting menu 1600 of FIG. 16 , the mobile device displays a time setting screen for setting the time for executing the concentration enhancement mode on the display screen indicate The configuration of the time setting screen and the time setting method may be as described with reference to FIG. 7B as an example.

When the setting for the limited multitasking mode is completed through the above procedure, the limited multitasking mode is activated when the application designated through the setting is executed. During the multitasking limited mode, tasks other than the tasks of the running application are limited.

18 illustrates an execution screen when the multitasking limited mode is activated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18 , a work screen 1810 when an application set in the multitasking limited mode, for example, an E-Book application, is executed is displayed on the display screen of the portable device. Since the E-Book application is set to the multitasking limited mode, the remaining area except the work screen 1810 of the display screen, for example, the status bar 1800 is blocked. In detail, even if a touch and drag in the downward direction is sensed on the status bar 1800 , the portable device does not open the quick panel. In addition, in order to prevent switching to an application other than the E-Book application, the home button 1820a and the back button 1820b are deactivated. In other words, the portable device does not perform any operation even when the home button 1820a is pressed or a touch is detected on the back button 1820b. The user may execute unique functions of the E-Book application, such as turning pages of the E-Book content or displaying a highlight, through the work screen 1810 . As an embodiment, the portable device may display an indicator 1800a indicating that the limited multitasking mode is activated, for example, an image symbol, on the status bar 1800 .

The multitasking limited mode may be automatically released after a set time has elapsed, and as an embodiment, when the set time has elapsed, the mobile device displays a pop-up message such as “Multitasking limited mode has been released” on the display screen, A user operation through the status bar 1800 , the home button 1820a , and the back button 1820b is allowed.

As an embodiment, the portable device may allow the user to immediately release the limited multitasking mode through a menu button while the limited multitasking mode is activated.

19A and 19B are diagrams for explaining an operation for releasing the limited multitasking mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19A , when the E-Book application 1910 detects a user input 1900a, for example, a touch on the menu button 1900 while operating in the multitasking limited mode, the portable device displays the same as in FIG. 19B . The menu area 1920 is displayed on the display screen. The menu area 1920 may include a “use restriction release” item 1920a together with menu items (displayed only when existing) provided by the E-Book application 1910 . When a user input 1930, for example, a touch is sensed on the "use restriction release" item 1920a, the portable device displays a release screen for receiving a password on the display screen.

When the password input through the unlock screen matches the password preset for releasing the multitasking restriction mode, the portable device displays a pop-up window including a text indicating that the multitasking restricted mode is released, and multitasking restriction Mods can be turned off (ie disabled). When the limited multitasking mode is released, the portable device allows a user operation through the status bar 1800 , the home button 1820a , and the back button 1820b .

As another embodiment, in FIG. 19B , the menu area 1920 may include an “application end” item 1920b, and the mobile device terminates the E-Book application when a touch is detected on the “application end” item 1920b And, you can immediately turn off multitasking limited mode. In another embodiment, the portable device may display the release screen 1930 when a touch is detected on the "application end" item 1920b.

20 is a diagram illustrating an execution screen of an application when the multitasking limited mode is released according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20 , the mobile device displays a work screen 2010 of an application on the display screen, and operates in response to a user input by a status bar 2000 and physical buttons 2020. Specifically, when a downward touch and drag is sensed on the status bar 1800 , the portable device opens a quick panel and a notification window. Also, when the home button is pressed or a touch is sensed on the back button, the portable device performs corresponding operations, ie, switching to the home screen and terminating the application.

21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for limiting multitasking in a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 21 , in step 2105, the portable device detects a request for setting the multitasking limited mode. As an embodiment, the portable device may recognize that the user wants to set the limited multitasking mode through the environment setting menu or through execution of a dedicated application for controlling the multitasking limited mode. In step 2110, in response to the setting request, the portable device displays a setting menu for the limited multitasking mode on the display screen.

In step 2115, the portable device determines whether selection of an application to be set in the multicasting limited mode is required through the setting menu. As an example, when a touch is detected on the “application selection” item in the setting menu, the portable device determines that the application selection is requested and proceeds to step 2120, otherwise proceeds to step 2140.

In step 2120, an application list including icons of applications capable of operating in the multitasking limited mode is displayed on the display screen of the portable device. In step 2125, the portable device detects an input for selecting at least one application from the user through the application list, and stores information on the at least one application corresponding to the input. If the user input indicating that the selection of the application is complete is detected in step 2130, the portable device proceeds to step 2140; otherwise, in step 2125, an application to be operated in the multitasking mode is continuously selected. As an example, the portable device displays an “apply” button at the bottom of the application list, and returns to step 2110 when a touch is detected on the “apply” button.

Meanwhile, in step 2140, the portable device determines whether the multitasking limited mode setting is completed. As an example, the portable device displays a setting menu including a “Done” button at the bottom, and when a touch is detected on the “Done” button, it is determined that the setting is complete. As another example, when a “back” button is input while the setting menu is being displayed on the display screen, the portable device may determine that the setting is complete. If the completion of the setting for the limited multitasking mode is not detected, the portable device returns to step 2115 . On the other hand, if it is detected that the setting for the multitasking limited mode has been completed, the process proceeds to step 2145 .

In step 2145, the portable device monitors whether execution of an application set to operate in the limited multitasking mode is required. Execution of the application may be requested by the user through a home screen, an application menu, a launcher, a file explorer, and the like. When execution of the application is requested, in step 2150, the portable device executes the application and displays a work screen of the application on the display screen while operating in the multitasking limited mode. In the multitasking limited mode, user gestures detected in areas other than the work screen are ignored, and inputs through the home button and back button are also ignored. In addition, even when a push notification message is received from the network or a pop-up message is generated in the portable device, the portable device does not display the occurrence of the message on the status bar and does not output a notification sound notifying the occurrence of the messages. However, the portable device stores the push notification message or the pop-up message internally (that is, not to be recognized by the user).

In step 2155, the portable device determines whether release of the limited multitasking mode is required. For example, when a preset time has elapsed since the multitasking limited mode was executed, the portable device determines that the multitasking limited mode has been released. As another example, when a user input for canceling the limited multitasking mode is detected while the portable device operates in the limited multitasking mode, it is determined that release of the limited multitasking mode is requested. The user input for canceling the multitasking restriction mode may be, for example, selection of a "use restriction release" item through a menu button.

If release of the limited multitasking mode is not requested, the portable device returns to step 2150 and continues to execute the unique operation by the application, and operates in the limited multitasking mode. On the other hand, when release of the limited multitasking mode is requested, in step 2160, the mobile device deactivates the limited multitasking mode, a user input detected in an area other than the work area of the application (eg, a status bar), and a home button/ It can respond to user input via the back button.

When the limited multitasking mode is deactivated, the portable device determines whether a push notification message received from the network and/or a pop-up message generated by the portable device exists while the limited multitasking mode is activated. If any one message exists, the portable device displays the existence of the corresponding message through a status bar or a pop-up message when the multitasking limited mode is deactivated, and outputs a notification sound indicating that the message exists. can do.

Although not shown, when an end of the application is requested by the user while the application is being executed, the portable device may terminate the application and release the multitasking limited mode.

22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of blocking reception notification of a push notification message according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, an operation of blocking the reception notification of the push notification message according to the concentration enhancement mode or the multitasking limit mode described above will be described.

Referring to FIG. 22 , in step 2205, the mobile device receives a push notification message related to a specific application from the network, and in step 2210, the push notification message relates to a first application preset to operate limitedly by the concentration enhancement mode. It is determined whether the concentration improvement mode is activated. Specifically, the mobile device stores the applications selected through the “application selection” items 506 and 1106 of the setting menu 500 and 1100 as shown in FIG. 5 or 11 as first applications set to operate limitedly by the concentration enhancement mode, and , when a push notification message is received or generated, it may be determined whether the push notification message is related to the first application based on the stored information.

If the push notification message is related to the first application set to the concentration enhancement mode, the portable device proceeds to step 2220, otherwise proceeds to step 2215.

In step 2215, when the push notification message is received, the portable device determines whether a second application preset to operate in the limited multitasking mode is running. Specifically, the portable device stores applications selected through the setting menu 1600 as shown in FIG. 16 as second applications set to limit operation by the multitasking limit mode, and when a push notification message is received or generated, based on the stored information Thus, it can be determined whether at least one of the second applications is running at the time the push notification message is received. If the second application is running, the portable device proceeds to step 2220, otherwise it proceeds to step 2225.

In step 2220, the portable device stores the push notification message without displaying information indicating that the push notification message has been received. Specifically, the portable device does not display a notification symbol indicating that the push notification message has been received on the status bar, and does not output a notification sound or vibration. On the other hand, in step 2225, the portable device displays a notification symbol indicating that the push notification message has been received on the status bar and outputs a notification sound or vibration so that the user recognizes that the push notification message exists.

Even when a pop-up message is generated in the portable device while the concentration enhancement mode or the multitasking limited mode is activated, the portable device may ignore the pop-up message by operating similarly to that illustrated in FIG. 22 .

23 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of displaying a blocked push notification message according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, an operation of notifying reception of a blocked push notification message according to the aforementioned concentration enhancement mode or multitasking limited mode will be described.

Referring to FIG. 23 , in step 2305 , the portable device determines whether the concentration enhancement mode is released. As an example, the portable device determines whether the time set for the concentration enhancement mode has expired or whether the release of the concentration enhancement mode has been instructed by the user. If the concentration enhancement mode is cancelled, the process proceeds to step 2320, otherwise, the portable device proceeds to step 2310. In step 2310, the portable device determines whether the multitasking limited mode is released. As an embodiment, the portable device determines whether a time set for the limited multitasking mode has expired or whether release of the limited multitasking mode has been instructed by the user. If the multitasking limited mode is released, the process proceeds to step 2320; otherwise, the portable device proceeds to step 2315.

In step 2315, the portable device determines whether the execution of the application being operated in the multitasking limited mode is terminated. If the application is terminated, the portable device proceeds to step 2320, otherwise it returns to step 2305.

In step 2320, the portable device determines whether a stored push notification message or a pop-up message exists without notifying the user. Specifically, the portable device determines whether there is a push notification message or a pop-up message blocked by the concentration enhancement mode or the multitasking limit mode. If the stored push notification message or pop-up message exists, proceeding to step 2325, the portable device outputs a notification symbol and/or a notification sound/vibration indicating that the push notification message or pop-up message exists. On the other hand, when the stored push notification message or pop-up message does not exist, the portable device ends the operation.

Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present invention, various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims described below as well as the claims and equivalents.

Claims (12)

In an electronic device,
a touch screen display, and
at least one processor, the at least one processor comprising:
Displaying a first screen including a plurality of icons corresponding to each of a plurality of applications on the touch screen display,
receiving a first user input for selecting an application corresponding to one of the plurality of icons from among the plurality of applications;
Displaying the first screen on the touch screen display that does not include the icon corresponding to the application selected according to the first user input, and includes icons other than the icon from among the plurality of icons, on the touch screen display, Based on the occurrence of an event related to an application, while the first screen except for the icon corresponding to the selected application is being displayed on the touch screen display, information indicating the occurrence of the event is set not to be output with an electronic device.
According to claim 1,
The first screen may include a home screen. According to claim 1,
wherein the at least one processor is further configured to identify whether a password has been received, and to display the icon corresponding to the selected application on the touch screen display when it is identified that the password has been received, electronic device. According to claim 1,
The at least one processor is further configured to output information indicating the occurrence of the event by outputting a push notification related to the event. 5. The method of claim 4,
The at least one processor is set not to output information indicating the occurrence of the event by not displaying the push notification on a notification window. 3. The method of claim 2,
The at least one processor identifies whether a second user input for displaying the icon corresponding to the selected application has been received, and when it is identified that the second user input has been received, the selected application is displayed on the home screen. The electronic device, characterized in that it is further set to display the icon corresponding to the application again. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising:
displaying a first screen including a plurality of icons corresponding to each of a plurality of applications on a touch screen display of the electronic device;
receiving a first user input for selecting an application corresponding to one of the plurality of icons from among the plurality of applications;
displaying, on the touch screen display, the first screen that does not include the icon corresponding to the application selected according to the first user input, but includes icons other than the icon from among the plurality of icons;
Based on the occurrence of an event related to the selected application, while the first screen except for the icon corresponding to the selected application is being displayed on the touch screen display, not outputting information indicating the occurrence of the event A method of controlling an electronic device, comprising:
8. The method of claim 7,
The method of controlling an electronic device, characterized in that the first screen includes a home screen. 8. The method of claim 7,
A method of controlling the electronic device,
identifying whether a password has been received;
The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the icon corresponding to the selected application on the touch screen display when it is identified that the password has been received. 8. The method of claim 7,
The method of claim 1, further comprising outputting information indicating the occurrence of the event by outputting a push notification related to the event. 11. The method of claim 10,
The operation of not outputting the information indicating the occurrence of the event includes an operation of not outputting information indicating the occurrence of the event by not displaying the push notification on a notification window. How to control. 9. The method of claim 8,
A method of controlling the electronic device,
identifying whether a second user input for displaying the icon corresponding to the selected application has been received;
and displaying the icon corresponding to the selected application again on the home screen when it is identified that the second user input has been received.

Images