KR20090104469A - Portable terminal capable of sensing proximity touch and method for providing graphic user interface using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A portable terminal having a neighboring touch sensitive function and a graphic user interface providing method using the same are provided to prevent a user from inputting mistakenly due to inputting user instruction. CONSTITUTION: A portable terminal having a neighboring touch sensitive function and a graphic user interface providing method using the same include a touch screen(500) and a controller. The touch screen directly produces the touch input signal in which it is different to the touch interaction only the proximity touch of the input media. The touch screen displays the superior object. The controller displays the function connected to the superior object on the touch screen.

Description

PORTABLE TERMINAL CAPABLE OF SENSING PROXIMITY TOUCH AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE USING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal capable of detecting a proximity touch operation of an input medium and a method for providing a graphic user interface using the same.

In general, a portable terminal is a portable device that is portable and has one or more functions such as voice and video calling, input and output of information, and a function of storing data.

As the functions are diversified, for example, the mobile terminal has complex functions such as taking a picture or video, playing a music or video file, playing a game, and receiving a broadcast, and is realized in the form of a comprehensive multimedia player. It is becoming.

Many new attempts are being applied to these multimedia devices in terms of hardware or software to implement complex functions. For example, a user interface environment is provided for a user to search for or select a function easily and conveniently.

In addition, recently, in order to provide various user interface environments, a touch screen in which a touch pad is combined with a display module has been adopted in a portable terminal. As a result, a user may input various user commands or select a function while viewing a screen implemented in the display module. It became possible.

However, in a mobile terminal using a conventional touch screen, a user can select a function related to the menu or icon by simply touching a menu or icon displayed on a screen of the mobile terminal with a finger, and various user interfaces according to the user's operation. There is a problem that does not provide an environment.

In addition, the touch screen provided in the conventional portable terminal has a limitation on the number of menus and icons that can be formed in one screen due to the limitation on the size thereof.

Therefore, although various functions are conventionally provided through the portable terminal, the user must go through a multi-step menu search process to execute a specific function. That is, each function implemented in the conventional portable terminal includes a plurality of large category menus (for example, menus or icons formed on an initial screen of the portable terminal) and a plurality of small category menus associated with the respective large category menus. ) Form. However, in order for a user to execute a function corresponding to a specific menu among the multi-level menus configured in the portable terminal as described above, the user can search for and execute the specific menu by sequentially searching the large-class menu and the small-class menu composed of the multi-level depth. There is an inconvenience that must be done.

In addition, with the recent rapid increase in functions provided through the portable terminal, when the user selects one large category menu, a plurality of small category menus for performing all functions related to the large category menu are displayed on the portable terminal. However, most users frequently use only some of these functions, but often do not use other functions. Nevertheless, in order to perform a specific function related to the large category menu, a user has to inconvenience searching for a menu corresponding to the specific function by sequentially searching a plurality of small category menus configured under the large category menu. Therefore, there is a problem of lowering the desire for using a mobile terminal by an elderly user who is not accustomed to utilizing the functions of the mobile terminal.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, to provide a variety of user-friendly graphical user interface according to the user's different touch operation using a portable terminal having a proximity touch detection function.

In addition, the present invention provides a graphical user interface that can immediately execute a function frequently used by the user without the inconvenience of having to search all the menu of the multi-level, if the user wants to execute a specific function provided in the portable terminal It is for.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable terminal including a touch screen for generating different touch input signals and displaying predetermined upper objects according to a proximity touch or direct touch operation of an input medium, and the input medium. And a controller configured to identify an operation of proximity touching the touch screen for a predetermined time and display at least one lower object on the touch screen for providing a function connected to the upper object.

Accordingly, in the state where a predetermined upper object is displayed on the touch screen of the portable terminal, various graphic user interfaces corresponding to the upper object may be provided on the touch screen according to the proximity touch operation of the input medium.

The lower object may be configured to execute some frequently used functions of a plurality of functions connected to the upper object, and the controller may identify an operation of directly touching the lower object by the input medium. It is desirable to execute the function corresponding to the object.

Accordingly, the user can directly execute a function frequently used with respect to the higher object without searching for all of the plurality of functions connected to the higher object.

The controller may be further configured to distinguish between an operation of directly touching the upper object and a proximity touch by the input medium to display different lower objects on the touch screen according to the direct touch operation or the proximity touch operation. desirable.

Accordingly, the portable terminal can provide various graphic user interfaces according to direct touch and proximity touch operations of the input medium.

The controller may determine that a proximity touch operation of the input medium exists when the input medium touches the upper object for more than a predetermined time.

As described above, by allowing the input medium to input a user command according to a proximity touch according to a proximity time, the portable terminal can be prevented from malfunctioning due to an operation not intended by the user.

The controller may display the lower object when the input medium touches a position where the upper object is formed on the touch screen in close proximity.

Accordingly, the user may touch the upper object in proximity to the upper object displayed on the touch screen by using an input medium (for example, the user's finger), thereby preventing a wrong input of a user command. Can be.

The controller may identify the touch screen to be out of a touch recognition effective distance capable of detecting a touch operation of the input medium without directly touching the sub-object. It is desirable to remove the object.

Accordingly, in a state where the sub-object is temporarily displayed on the touch screen according to the proximity touch operation of the input medium, the user may determine whether to execute a function corresponding to the sub-object, and at the same time, If the function corresponding to the object is not executed, there is a convenience of not having to go through a separate touch operation or returning to a higher menu.

The lower object may include at least one of a text object, an icon object, and a list object. In addition, when the upper object is a web page object, the lower object may be to execute some functions frequently used by a user among all functions of the web browser.

Accordingly, the portable terminal can provide various graphical user interfaces using the text object, icon object, and list object, and is optimized according to a specific function executed in the portable terminal such as a wireless internet connection. Can be provided.

In addition, a method for providing a graphic user interface using a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object includes a first step of detecting an operation in which an input medium touches a touch screen on which a predetermined upper object is displayed; A second step of measuring a time when the input medium touches the touch screen in proximity; and when the proximity touch time measured in the second step is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, the touch screen is connected to the upper object. And a third step of displaying at least one sub-object for providing a function.

Accordingly, various graphic user interfaces corresponding to the upper object may be provided on the touch screen in response to the input medium being in close contact with a predetermined upper object displayed on the touch screen of the portable terminal.

According to the mobile terminal and a graphic user interface providing method using the same according to the present invention configured as described above, a predetermined upper object is displayed on the touch screen of the mobile terminal according to the proximity touch operation of the input medium to the touch screen There is an advantage in that it is possible to provide various graphical user interfaces corresponding to the parent object.

In addition, according to the mobile terminal and a method for providing a graphical user interface using the same, a touch screen is a lower object for executing some of the functions frequently used among a plurality of functions connected to the upper object during a proximity touch operation of an input medium. The lower object is used as a shortcut menu for directly inputting a user command, so that the user can quickly and easily perform functions frequently used in association with the upper object without searching all the multi-level menus as in the prior art. There is an advantage to choosing and implementing.

In addition, according to the mobile terminal and a method for providing a graphic user interface using the same according to the present invention, the input medium distinguishes the operation of directly touching the touch screen from the proximity touch, and according to the direct touch operation or the proximity touch operation, This has the advantage of providing a graphical user interface environment.

In addition, according to the mobile terminal and a method for providing a graphical user interface using the same according to the present invention, the user can input a user command according to a proximity touch according to a time when the input medium is close to the touch screen. The mobile terminal can be prevented from malfunctioning, and in addition, the user can input a user command while looking at the upper object displayed on the touch screen, thereby preventing an incorrect input.

In addition, according to the mobile terminal and a method for providing a graphic user interface using the same according to the present invention, there is an advantage in that it is possible to provide a graphic user interface optimized according to a specific function to be executed in the mobile terminal such as a wireless Internet connection.

The portable terminal described herein includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like.

Hereinafter, a portable terminal related to the present invention and a screen control method using the same will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable terminal related to the present invention will be described in terms of components according to functions.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The illustrated mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, an operation unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a storage unit 160, The interface unit 170 may include a controller 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. It should be noted that the above components may be combined into one or more components, or one component may be subdivided into two or more components as necessary when implemented in actual application.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in turn.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, a GPS module 115, and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server (not shown) through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal having a data broadcast signal combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

Meanwhile, the broadcast related information may be provided through a mobile communication network, and in this case, may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast related information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal using various broadcasting systems, and in particular, digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), and media forward link (MediaFLO). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as only), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 is configured to be suitable for all broadcast systems providing broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcast system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the storage 160.

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

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access, and the wireless internet module 113 may be internal or external.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. As a short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like may be used.

In addition, the GPS module 115 receives navigation information from a plurality of satellites.

Meanwhile, the A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera module 121 and a microphone module 122. The camera module 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display module 151.

The image frame processed by the camera module 121 may be stored in the storage 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more camera modules 121 may be provided according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone module 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output in the call mode. The microphone module 122 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The operation unit 130 generates key input data input by the user for controlling the operation of the terminal. The operation unit 130 may be configured of a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like. In particular, when the touch pad forms a mutual layer structure with the display module 151 described later, this may be referred to as a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 controls the operation of the mobile terminal 100 by detecting the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, the location of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of a user contact, and the like. To generate a sensing signal. For example, when the portable terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, whether the slide phone is opened or closed may be sensed. In addition, it is responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power or whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. For example, wired / wireless headsets, external chargers, wired / wireless data ports, card sockets (e.g. memory cards, SIM / UIM cards), audio input / output (I / O) terminals, video I / O (Input / Output) terminal, earphone, etc. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits the data to each component inside the mobile terminal 100 or transmits the data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device.

The output unit 150 is for outputting an audio signal, a video signal, or an alarm signal. The output unit 150 may include a display module 151, a sound output module 152, an alarm output module 153, and the like.

The display module 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in a call mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a photographed and / or received image, a UI, or a GUI.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the display module 151 and the touch pad have a mutual layer structure and constitute a touch screen, the display module 151 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The display module 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, or a three-dimensional display. 3D display). In addition, two or more display modules 151 may exist according to the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the external display module (not shown) and the internal display module (not shown) may be simultaneously provided in the portable terminal 100.

The sound output module 152 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the storage unit 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. In addition, the sound output module 152 outputs a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm output module 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the portable terminal 100. Examples of the event generated in the mobile terminal 100 include a call signal reception requesting a phone call, a message reception, a key signal input, an alarm for notifying a predetermined time, and the like. The alarm output module 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event in a form other than an audio signal or a video signal. For example, the signal may be output in the form of vibration. When a call signal is received or a message is received, the alarm output module 153 may output a vibration to notify this. Alternatively, when a key signal is input, the alarm output module 153 may output a vibration in response to the key signal input. Through the vibration output as described above, the user can recognize the occurrence of the event. Of course, the signal for notification of event occurrence may be output through the display module 151 or the sound output module 152.

The storage unit 160 may store a program for processing and control of the controller 180, and a function for temporarily storing input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). You can also do

The storage unit 160 may include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (eg, SD or XD memory), It may include a storage medium of at least one type of RAM and ROM. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may operate a web storage that performs a storage function of the storage unit 150 on the Internet.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. In addition, the controller 180 may include a multimedia playback module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia playback module 181 may be configured as hardware in the controller 180 or may be configured as software separately from the controller 180.

In addition, the controller 180 identifies an operation in which an input medium (for example, a user's finger) touches the touch screen in proximity or directly, thereby providing different graphic user interfaces (GUIs) to the touch screen. . For example, the controller 180 may provide a function connected to the upper object when the input medium touches the upper object in close proximity or directly while a predetermined upper object is displayed on the touch screen. Can display sub-objects on the touch screen. In addition, the controller 180 may identify an operation of touching or directly touching the upper object and the lower object by activating the upper object and the lower object displayed on the touch screen. Detailed functions of the controller 180 will be described in more detail below.

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component.

In the above, the portable terminal related to the present invention has been described in terms of components according to functions. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the portable terminal related to the present invention will be further described in terms of components according to appearance. In the following description, a slider-type portable terminal is described as an example among various types of portable terminals such as a folder type, a bar type, a swing type, a slider type, and the like for clarity of explanation. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the slider type portable terminal, but can be applied to all types of portable terminals including the aforementioned type.

2 is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;

The portable terminal 100 of the present invention includes a first body 100A and a second body 100B configured to be slidable in at least one direction on the first body 100A.

A state in which the first body 100A is disposed to overlap with the second body 100B may be referred to as a closed configuration, and as shown in the drawing, the first body 100A is referred to as the second body 100B. The exposed state of at least a portion of the N may be referred to as an open configuration.

Although the portable terminal 100 operates mainly in the standby mode in the closed state, the standby mode may be released by a user's manipulation. In addition, the portable terminal 100 operates mainly in a call mode or the like in an open state, but may be switched to a standby mode by a user's manipulation or a lapse of a predetermined time.

The case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming the exterior of the first body 100A is formed by the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2.

The cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material, for example, stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

In the first body 100A, specifically, the first front case 100A-1, the display module 151, the first sound output module 152-1, the first camera module 121-1, or the first manipulation unit ( 130-1) may be disposed.

The display module 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), and the like, which visually express information.

In addition, since the touch pad is superimposed on the display module 151 in a layer structure, the display module 151 may operate as a touch screen to enable input of information by a user's touch.

The first sound output module 152-1 may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker.

The first camera module 121-1 may be implemented to be suitable for capturing an image or a video of a user.

Like the first body 100A, the case forming the external appearance of the second body 100B is formed by the second front case 100B-1 and the second rear case 100B-2.

The second manipulation unit 130-2 may be disposed on the front surface of the second body 100B, specifically, the second front case 100B-1.

The third operation unit 130-3, the microphone module 122, and the interface unit 170 may be disposed on at least one of the second front case 100B-1 or the second rear case 100B-2). .

The first to third manipulation units 130-1, 130-2, and 130-3 may be collectively referred to as manipulating portions 130, and may be manipulated while the user gives a tactile feeling. Can be employed in any manner.

For example, the operation unit 130 may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch pad that may receive a command or information by a user's push or touch operation, or may be operated by a wheel or jog method or a joystick that rotates a key. Or the like.

In the functional aspect, the first operation unit 130-1 is for inputting a command such as start, end, scroll, etc., and the second operation unit 130-2 is for inputting numbers, letters, symbols, and the like. will be.

In addition, the third operation unit 130-3 may operate as a hot-key for activating a special function in the mobile terminal.

The microphone module 122 may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface unit 170 serves as a passage for allowing the portable terminal 100 according to the present invention to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface unit 170 is wired or wirelessly, a connection terminal for connecting with an earphone, a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA port), a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN) Port (wireless Lan port, etc.), or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to each component inside the portable terminal 100.

The interface unit 170 may be a card socket that accommodates an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) and a memory card for storing information.

The power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the portable terminal 100 is mounted on the second rear case 100B-2.

The power supply unit 190 may be detachably coupled for charging, for example, as a rechargeable battery.

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

Referring to FIG. 3, a second camera module 121-2 may be additionally mounted on the rear surface of the second rear case 100B-2 of the second body 100B. The second camera module 121-2 may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera module 121-1 (see FIG. 1), and may have different pixels from the first camera module.

For example, the first camera module 121-1 has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call, and the second camera module 121-2 is a general subject. It is preferable to have a high pixel because it is not often photographed and transmitted immediately.

The flash 121-3 and the mirror 121-4 may be further disposed adjacent to the second camera module 121-2. When the flash 121-3 photographs the subject with the second camera module 121-2, light is emitted toward the subject. The mirror 121-4 allows the user to see his / her face or the like when the user wants to photograph himself (self-photographing) using the second camera module 121-2.

The second sound output module 152-2 may be further disposed on the second rear case 100B-2.

The second sound output module 152-2 may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output module 152-1 (see FIG. 2), and may be used for a call in a speakerphone mode.

In addition, an antenna 111-1 for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed on one side of the second rear case 100B-2 in addition to an antenna for a call. The antenna 111-1 may be installed to be pulled out of the second body 100B and 2.

A portion of the slide module 100C for slidably coupling the first body 100A and the second body 100B to the first rear case 100A-2 side of the first body 100A is disposed.

The other part of the slide module 100C may be disposed on the side of the second front case 100B-1 of the second body 100B and may not be exposed to the outside as shown in the drawing.

In the above description, the second camera module 121-2) and the like are disposed on the second body 100B, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

For example, at least one of the elements 111-1, 121-2 to 121-3, and 152-2 described as disposed on the second rear case 100B-2, such as the second camera module 121-2. At least one may be mounted to the first body 100A, mainly the first rear case 100A-2. In such a case, there is an advantage that the configuration (s) arranged in the first rear case 100A-2 in the closed state are protected by the second body 100B. Furthermore, even if the second camera module 121-2 is not separately provided, the first camera module 121-1 is formed to be rotatable so that shooting can be performed up to the shooting direction of the second camera module 121-2. May be

The above-described portable terminal is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or some of the embodiments so that various modifications can be made. It may be.

4 illustrates a structure of a touch screen related to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display module 151 according to the present invention forms a mutual layer structure with the touch pad 400 and is configured as a touch screen 500.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the touch pad 400 includes a quadrangular conductive film 411 made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and metal electrodes formed at each corner of the conductive film 411. 412-1 to 412-4). The passivation layer 420 may be formed on the conductive layer 411.

The touch pad 400 is a capacitive sensing type position detecting apparatus, and the transmitting side metal electrode is applied by an alternating voltage applied to the transmitting side metal electrodes T: 412-1 and 412-4. Electrical field lines are formed between the electrodes T: 412-1 and 412-4 and the receiving metal electrodes R: 412-2 and 412-3. The formed electric line of force extends to the outside of the touch panel 400 through the passivation layer 420. Accordingly, when the input medium (for example, a user's finger) closes the electric field line by approaching the touch pad 400 or directly touching the touch pad 400, the receiving side metal electrodes R: A change occurs in the phase and magnitude of the current flowing to 412-2 and 412-3. This is because the human body has a capacitance of several pF with respect to the ground, and thus distorts electric force lines formed on the touch panel 400 when the user approaches or touches the finger with the touch panel 400.

In addition, the processors (not shown) configured in the portable terminal 100 may change the input medium by using a current change of the receiving metal electrodes R 412-2 and 412-3 according to a touch operation of the input medium. It is possible to detect the distance close to the position where the touch occurred.

In addition, the input medium may include any object not only a user's finger but also an object capable of recognizing a touch input by distorting an electric force line formed on the touch pad 400.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a principle of detecting a proximity distance of an input medium using the touch screen of FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the AC voltage 430 is applied to the transmitting side metal electrode 412-1 among the metal electrodes 412-1 to 412-4 formed on the transparent conductive film 411, thereby transmitting the above-described voltage. Electrical force lines 501 to 503 are formed between the side metal electrode 412-1 and the receiving side metal electrode 412-2. The electric field lines 501 to 503 extend in a vertically upward direction (ie, z direction) of the touch screen 500.

In addition, according to the distance between the user's finger 510 and the touch screen 500, the amount of electric field lines 501 to 503 blocked by the finger 510 is changed. That is, as the finger 510 gets closer to the touch screen 500, the influence of the finger 510 on the electric field lines 501 to 503 increases.

As described above, the influence applied to the electric field lines 501 to 503 by the finger 510 may affect the current applied to the current detectors 440-1 and 440-2 connected to the metal electrodes 412-1 and 412-2. The current detectors 440-1 and 440-2 detect the change in the current and provide it to an analog-digital converter (ADC) 450. Then, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 450 converts the amount of change of the current input in the form of an analog signal into a digital value, and provides it to the touch time measuring unit 460.

Then, the touch time measuring unit 460 may recognize that the finger 510 is close to the touch screen 500 from the information on the amount of current change provided from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 450. The time that the finger 510 stays within the touch recognition effective distance (ie, 'd1' in FIG. 5) is measured. Accordingly, when the finger 510 stays within the proximity touch recognition effective distance (ie, 'd1' in FIG. 5) for more than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), the touch time measuring unit 460 according to the present invention. It may be recognized that the proximity touch or direct touch operation according to the present invention is performed. On the other hand, the touch time measuring unit 460 may keep the finger 510 within a proximity touch recognition effective distance (ie, 'd1' in FIG. 5) for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). In this case, it may be determined that the proximity touch or the direct touch operation according to the present invention is not performed.

As such, when it is determined by the touch time measuring unit 460 that the finger 510 has a touch input based on a proximity touch or a direct touch operation on the touch screen 500, the touch time measuring unit 460 ) Provides the distance detection unit 470 with information about the touch input generation information and the current change amount.

Then, the distance detection unit 460 is a distance between the finger 510 and the touch screen 500 from the information on the amount of current change, that is, the finger 510 is vertically upward from the touch screen 500 ( That is, the distance spaced in the z direction) is calculated.

Specifically, when the finger 510 is located closer than d1 (eg, 30 mm) and farther than d2 (eg, 20 mm) from the vertical upward direction (ie, z direction) of the touch panel 400. (Ie, located between d1 and d2), the distance detection unit 460 indicates that the finger 510 is within a touch recognition effective distance at which the touch screen 500 starts to detect whether the external input medium is touched. By determining, a function corresponding to the proximity touch operation according to the present invention may be provided. Here, the proximity touch refers to a state in which an input medium (for example, a user's finger) is located within the touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500 for inputting a user command. The input medium is distinguished from a direct touch operation in which the input medium directly touches the touch screen 500 in that the touch screen 500 is not directly touched.

Further, when the finger 510 is located closer than d2 (for example, 20 mm) and farther than d3 (for example, 10 mm) from the vertical upward direction (ie, z direction) of the touch screen 500 ( That is, when the distance is between d2 and d3), the distance detector 460 may determine that the finger 510 is very close to the touch screen 500.

Further, when the finger 510 is positioned at a distance closer to d3 (eg, 10 mm) from the vertically upward direction (ie, z direction) of the touch screen 500 (ie, located within d3) or the finger ( When the 510 directly touches the surface of the touch screen 500, the distance detector 460 determines that the finger 510 directly touches the touch screen 500 within an error range.

In FIG. 5, the touch operation of the finger 510 is divided into three steps according to the distance between the finger 510 and the touch screen 500, but the touch operation is more precisely performed in four or more steps. Can be distinguished.

Next, the position detection unit 480 is a position on the touch screen 500 which the finger 510 indicates from the information on the amount of current change, that is, horizontal coordinates in the x and y directions on the touch screen 500. Calculate The y direction is a direction perpendicular to the x and z directions shown in FIG. 5.

The measured vertical distance between the finger 510 and the touch screen 500 and the horizontal coordinates of the finger 510 on the touch panel 400 are provided to the controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 determines a user's command according to the vertical distance and the horizontal coordinate, performs a control operation according to the user command, and also has a predetermined graphical user interface (GUI) on the display module 151. ).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a principle of position detection of an input medium using the touch screen of FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, when an AC voltage is applied from an AC voltage source to the transmitting side metal electrodes T 412-1 and 412-4 of the touch panel 400, the transmitting side metal electrodes T 412. Electric field lines (not shown) are formed between the -1 and 412-4 and the receiving metal electrodes R 412-2 and 412-3.

When the user's finger 510 is close to the touch panel 400 or directly touches the touch panel 400, a current change occurs in the metal electrodes 412-1 to 412-4. Then, the current detectors 440-1 to 440-4 measure the change in the amount of current, and as described above, the position detector 470 uses the finger 510 to change the amount of current. The horizontal coordinate (ie, xy coordinate) located on the 400 is detected and provided to the controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 recognizes a horizontal coordinate on the touch screen 500 that the finger 510 is touching, performs a user command corresponding to the touch operation, and performs an operation on the display module 151. It is possible to provide a predetermined graphical user interface (GUI).

In addition, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the touch time measuring unit 460, the distance detector 470, and the position detecting unit 480 are illustrated separately from each other according to respective functions, but the touch time measuring unit 460 is illustrated. The distance detector 470 and the position detector 480 may be formed in the controller 180.

In addition, in FIGS. 4 to 6, the touch screen 500 including the touch panel 400 according to the capacitive sensing method is taken as an example, and whether the input medium is close to the touch screen 500 and whether the input medium is directly touched. Although the principle of determining the electronic device has been described, as long as it can provide a function of detecting a distance between the input medium and the touch screen 500 and the position indicated by the input medium, the type of the touch panel 400 or the touch panel ( The arrangement of the metal electrodes 412-1 to 412-4 constituted by 400 is not limited.

For example, the touch panel 400 uses the photoelectric sensor using a laser diode and a light emitting diode, a high frequency oscillating proximity sensor, and a magnetic proximity sensor to touch the input medium and the touch. In addition to being able to detect a proximity position between the panels 400, a resistive film sensing method for forming a metal electrode on the upper or lower plate and detecting a change in voltage according to the position pressed by the input medium (Resistive Sensing) Type) and the capacitive sensing scheme may be implemented by combining with each other.

7A to 7D illustrate a method of providing a graphical user interface using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7D has a structure in which the touch pad 400 forms a mutual layer structure on the display module 151 so that a user may input a user command through the screen while viewing the screen. A touch screen 500 is provided. In particular, the touch screen 500 may distinguish a proximity touch action and a direct touch action of an input medium (for example, a user's finger) 510, and thus may be different from each other according to the proximity touch action and the direct touch action. An input signal can be generated. Accordingly, the user may input different user commands by touching or touching the touch screen 500 directly using the input medium 510.

First, FIG. 7A illustrates a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a direct touch operation of an input medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 7A, a predetermined initial object is displayed on the standby screen of the mobile terminal 100. Here, the standby screen refers to the first screen displayed on the touch screen 500 when the portable terminal 100 is turned on. In addition, an object defined in the present invention may be displayed on the touch screen 500 such as a text, a menu, an icon, or a list composed of letters, numbers, symbols, symbols, figures, pictures, images, videos, or a combination thereof. All forms of user interface means.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a predetermined initial object (eg, Mile Post) 601 is displayed on the entire viewing area of the touch screen 500 on the standby screen of the mobile terminal 100. At the bottom of the touch screen 500, a plurality of icon objects 602 to 605, such as a menu execution icon 602, a dial execution icon 603, a message execution icon 604, and a phone book execution icon 605. Is displayed. In addition, in the indicator area on the top of the touch screen 500, an icon 606 indicating the reception sensitivity of the mobile terminal 100, an icon 606 indicating the remaining battery power, and an icon 608 indicating the current time are displayed on the indicator area. Indicator objects such as are overlayed on the initial object 601 and displayed. In addition, an object 609 indicating a current time is displayed directly below the indicator objects.

In FIG. 7A, a check mark (√) 511 indicates that the input medium (eg, a user's finger) directly touches the menu execution icon 602.

As such, when the input medium directly touches the menu execution icon 602, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation and displays a large classification menu on the touch screen 500. The icons 710 to 718 that make up are displayed. In the large category menu, 'T service' icon 710 for various additional services, 'sound / vibration' icon 711 for sound and vibration setting, 'screen' icon 712 for screen setting, and various contents storage 'Content Library' icon (713), 'Multimedia' icon (714) for picture taking and multimedia execution, 'Diary' icon (715) for schedule management, 'Message' icon for sending and receiving messages (716) The 'phone book' icon 717 for managing the phone book and the 'user environment' icon 718 for setting the user environment for the mobile terminal 100 may be included.

Here, the menu execution icon 502 of FIG. 7A corresponds to a parent object. When the input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the menu execution icon 502, the icon objects (displayed on the touch screen 500, as shown in FIG. 7B). 710 to 718 correspond to sub-objects connected to the menu execution icon 502.

As such, the input medium (for example, the user's finger) directly touches the parent object displayed on the touch screen 500 (that is, the menu execution icon 602), thereby lowering the object corresponding to the parent object. (Ie, the icon objects 710 to 718) may be displayed on the touch screen 500.

Meanwhile, when the input medium (for example, the user's finger) directly touches the return icon 719 formed at the bottom of the touch screen 500 of FIG. 7B, the screen may be returned to the previous screen state as shown in FIG. 7A. .

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a multi-level menu tree structure formed in the portable terminal 100 according to the present invention and a function executed by each menu will be described.

8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of icon objects and sub-objects of the icon objects included in a large category menu of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the large category menu includes a 'T service' icon object 710, a 'sound / vibration' icon object 711, a 'screen' icon object 712, and a 'content library' icon object 713. ), A 'multimedia' icon object 714, a 'diary' icon object 715, a 'message' icon object 716, a 'phone book' icon object 717, a 'user preference' icon object 718 May be included. Sub-objects composed of one or more steps are connected to each of the icon objects 710 to 718, and the configuration and function of each sub-object are as follows.

First, as a sub-object of the 'T service' icon object 710, '1.global roaming' for providing global roaming function, '2.additional service' for registering and executing an additional service of a mobile carrier, and wireless Internet access Text objects such as '3.Wireless Internet' can be connected. The set of text objects may be classified into one list object. In addition, a set of text objects to be described below may also be classified as a list object.

As sub-objects of the 'Sound / Vibration' icon object 711, '1.Select ringtone' for setting the type and volume of the ringtone, '2.Download ringtone' for downloading the desired ringtone by accessing the wireless Internet, the ringtone Or '3.Manual mode setting' to set the size of vibration, '4.bell / vibration setting' to select whether to provide ringtone or vibration, and to set sound effects such as power on sound and power off sound. 5. Text objects such as 'Select sound effect', '6.Situation notification sound' for setting battery warning sound or ring back tone, '7.Notification call notification' for notifying the user of missed call can be connected. .

As a sub-object of the 'screen' icon object 712, '1. wallpaper decorating' for setting up a screen by dividing a standby screen, a telephone reception screen, a telephone call screen, etc. '2.Download wallpaper' for display on the screen after the '3.Font / size' for setting the font shape and size used in the mobile terminal 100, and lighting time or light brightness depending on the power saving mode Text objects, such as '4. lighting time / brightness', for setting the, may be connected.

As a sub-object of the 'content library' icon object 713, '1' for selecting a desired ringtone and size after checking the basic ringtone stored in the storage 160 of the mobile terminal 100 and the downloaded ringtone through the wireless Internet. Ringtone box ', the default wallpaper stored in the storage unit 160 of the mobile terminal 100 and the wallpaper downloaded through the wireless Internet after selecting the desired wallpaper' 2.Wallpaper for setting the standby screen Library ”, '3.Photo/Video Album' for displaying multiple photo files stored in Camera Album in the form of thumbnails such as thumbnails on one screen, and '4.Music for storing and playing MP3 files. Storage box, '5.Memory usage information' for checking the memory usage history of the content storage box, and '6.Content for searching contents stored in the internal or external memory. Text objects, such as 'z explorer' can be connected.

As a sub-object of the 'multimedia' icon object 714, '1.Camera' for taking and storing photos and videos and transferring stored photos, and creating music videos by applying styles with music and effects to the photos selected by the user. Text objects such as '2.MubiStu' for giving function, '3.Game' for providing game function, and '4.Bluetooth' for providing short range wireless communication function can be connected. Further, a 'shooting / gallery' for capturing and displaying photos and videos, a 'camera album' for checking the photographs and videos, and a screen shown to the other party during a video call are located below the '1.camera' text object. 'Video call album' for storing images and videos that can replace the 'photo', 'edit photo' to create the desired image by freely editing the pictures stored in the mobile terminal 100, select the sound recording, check the picture after shooting, setting Text objects such as 'camera configuration' for value initialization, etc. may be connected as sub-objects for the '1. camera'.

As a sub-object of the 'diary' icon object 715, '1.alarm / morning call' for outputting a ringtone or vibration at a preset time, '2.schedule' for daily schedule management, and a task for the daily user '3.To-do' for saving and providing a notification sound, '4.D-Day' for setting a specific date and checking the remaining or past date until that date, creating, saving and editing a simple memo '5.memo' to provide functions, '6.electronic dictionary' to provide the word search function, '7.metro route map' to provide subway lines and the user's current location, and to provide the calculator function Text objects such as '8. calculator' and '9. convenience functions' for providing various user convenience functions may be included. Further, text objects such as 'unit converter', 'world time', and 'stopwatch' may be connected as sub-objects of the '9. convenience function' below the '9. convenience function' text object.

As a sub-object of the 'message' icon object 716, '1.Message Box' for storing transmission and reception messages, '2.Send Message' for creating and sending messages, and '' 3. Text objects such as 'e-mail' can be connected.

As a sub-object of the 'phone book' icon object 717, '1. Find phone book' for managing the phone book stored in the mobile terminal 100, and '2. Add a phone number ',' 3. Speed dial number management ', so that you can easily call after registering a frequently used phone number among the phone numbers stored in the mobile terminal 100, by family, friends, company '4.Group management' for classifying and managing phone numbers, '5.Call list' for providing a list of calls, outgoing, incoming, missed calls, etc., and the recent search results among the numbers stored in the phonebook Text objects such as '6.Recent Search List' to provide can be connected.

As a sub-object of the 'user preference' icon object 718, '1. mobile phone lock' for providing the mobile terminal 100 locking function for personal privacy protection, '2. video for providing the video call function Call, '3.My mobile phone information' for checking the phone number, model name and version of the embedded software of the user's mobile terminal 100, and '4. Communication environment for setting the data communication environment when accessing the wireless Internet Text objects such as' may be connected.

9 is a diagram illustrating a menu tree structure of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the menu tree structure according to the present invention includes a first step menu (large classification menu), a second step menu (middle classification menu) connected to a lower level of the first step menu, and the second step menu. It consists of a third level menu (sub-category menu) connected below. The first to third step menus correspond to the depths 1 to 3, respectively, and are sequentially divided into larger depths (ie, lower level submenus). In addition, the second step menu may be classified into a sub-category menu for the first step menu.

Conventionally, in order to move to a menu performing a specific function under such a menu tree structure, it has to go through a large category menu or a higher level menu. However, as the number of menus listed on the menu tree increases, the number of times of touching or manipulating the touch screen 500 or the operation unit 130 increases in order to execute a specific menu, thereby increasing the inconvenience of the user. There is.

Hereinafter, in order to solve the inconvenience of the user as described above, based on the configuration of the large classification menu according to the present invention in the proximity touch operation of the touch screen 500 according to the graphical user interface provided on the touch screen 500 Explain.

FIG. 7C illustrates a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 7C, reference numeral 512 denotes a menu execution icon displayed on the touch screen 500 by an input medium (for example, a user's finger) 510 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. 602 is in close proximity.

As such, when the input medium 510 touches the menu execution icon 602 in close proximity for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 7D, the controller 180 performs the proximity touch operation. To temporarily display a sub-object 720 for providing a function associated with the menu execution icon 602 on the touch screen 500.

The sub-object 720 includes user shortcut menus 721 to 729 registered in advance in the portable terminal 100 so that a user may execute a specific function frequently used. In FIG. 7D, the 'call number' menu 721, the 'shortcut number management' menu 722, and the 'camera album' menu 723 are registered as a user shortcut menu, and the other menus 724 to 729 are It indicates that it is suspended as an unregistered menu for future user registration.

Here, the menu execution icon 602 corresponds to a higher object, and the user registration shortcut menus 721 to 729 displayed on the touch screen 500 by the proximity touch of the menu execution icon 602 are It corresponds to the sub-object 720 for the menu execution icon 602.

As such, when the user registration shortcut menus 721 to 729 are temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the input medium 510 is moved to a proximal position so that the user registration shortcut menus 721 to 729 are moved. If the user moves directly to the 'phone number finder' menu 721 and directly touches the 'phone number finder' menu 721, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation and the 'phone number finder' menu ( The function corresponding to 721 is immediately executed. Here, the proximity position movement refers to the horizontal movement along the surface of the touch screen 500 while the input medium 510 is in close contact with the touch screen 500. Accordingly, a user can directly execute the 'call number search' menu 721 without having to search a multi-level menu tree configured in the mobile terminal 100 to find the 'call number' menu 721. There is an advantage to that.

As a result, according to the present invention, the input medium 510 allows the upper object to be executed without the user searching the multi-level menu tree to execute a specific function associated with the higher object currently displayed on the touch screen 500. When the user touches a proximity touch, the user temporarily displays a lower object on the touch screen 500 to perform a specific function frequently used by the user among a plurality of functions related to the upper object. There is an advantage that can execute the specific function immediately.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7D, the input medium 510 displays the user registration shortcut menus 721 while the user registration shortcut menus 721 to 729 are temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500. 729, the controller 180 displays the previous screen illustrated in FIG. 7C again on the touch screen 500 when the touch screen 500 moves out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of the methods. You can.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the user touches the upper object displayed on the touch screen 500 in close proximity using the input medium (for example, the user's finger) 510, the lower object associated with the upper object is displayed. It is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, and once the input medium 510 is out of the touch recognition effective distance, it is returned to the previous screen state.

Accordingly, in a state in which the sub-object is temporarily displayed on the touch screen, the user may determine whether to execute a function corresponding to the sub-object, and also do not execute the function corresponding to the sub-object. In this case, the first standby screen may be provided again without a separate touch operation or a return to the upper menu.

10A to 10D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First, FIG. 10A illustrates a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a direct touch operation of an input medium according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 10A, a check mark (√) 511 indicates that the input medium (eg, a user's finger) has touched the dial execution icon 603 directly.

When an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the dial execution icon 603, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation to detect the touch screen 500. Display a dial 730 of number icons so that a phone number can be entered. Accordingly, the user may input a phone number by directly touching the number icons provided on the dial 730, and the user inputs the phone number on the upper area 731 of the dial 730 on the touch screen 500. The number is displayed.

The dial execution icon 603 of FIG. 10A corresponds to a parent object. When the input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the dial execution icon 602, the dial 730 displayed on the touch screen 500 as shown in FIG. 10B. Corresponds to a sub-object connected to the dial execution icon 602.

As described above, the input medium (for example, the user's finger) directly touches the upper object displayed on the touch screen 500 (that is, the dial execution icon 603), thereby lowering the lower object corresponding to the upper object. (Ie, the dial 730) may be displayed on the touch screen 500.

FIG. 10C illustrates a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 10C, reference numeral 512 denotes a dial execution icon displayed on the touch screen 500 by an input medium (for example, a user's finger) 510 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. 503 is in close proximity.

As such, when the input medium 510 is in close proximity to the dial execution icon 603 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 10D, the controller 180 performs the proximity touch operation. To temporarily display a sub-object for providing a function associated with the dial execution icon 602 on the touch screen 500.

The sub-object includes a speed dial number list 740 that allows a user to easily make a phone call after registering a phone number frequently used by a user among the phone numbers stored in the mobile terminal 100.

As shown in FIG. 10D, the shortcut number list 740 may be configured as a series of photographs or a combination of photographs and characters. For example, the first object 741 of the shortcut number list 740 is assigned to the shortcut number registered by the user (registered as '1' in FIG. 10D) 741-1 and the shortcut number '1'. Name (eg, 'Tom') 741-2. Also, the second object 742 of the shortcut number list 740 is a person assigned to the shortcut number (registered as '2' in FIG. 10D) 742-1 registered by the user and the shortcut number '2'. Is made up of photos 741-2. Accordingly, the user can easily select a counterpart of the displayed shortcut number list 740 to call by looking at a name or picture.

Here, the dial execution icon 603 corresponds to a higher object, and the speed dial list 740 displayed on the touch screen 500 by the proximity touch of the dial execution icon 603 is the dial execution icon. Corresponds to sub-object 720 for 603.

As described above, the input medium 510 is moved in a proximate position while the shortcut number list 740 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, so that the first object 741 of the shortcut number list 740 is moved. After moving to, when the first object 741 is directly touched, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation to immediately execute a telephone connection function to the telephone number assigned to the first object 741. Can be configured. Accordingly, the user can call directly using the dial execution icon 603 displayed on the idle screen without having to search the multi-level menu tree configured in the mobile terminal 100 to find the phone number of the counterpart. You will be able to select the other party and make a phone call.

As a result, according to the present invention, the input medium 510 allows the upper object to be executed without the user searching the multi-level menu tree to execute a specific function associated with the higher object currently displayed on the touch screen 500. When the user touches a proximity touch, by temporarily displaying a lower object on the touch screen 500 to perform a specific function among a plurality of functions related to the upper object, the user directly displays the specific function on the mobile terminal 100. There is a viable advantage.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10D, in the state in which the speed dial list 740 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the speed dial number included in the speed dial list 740 of the input medium 510. If the touch screen 500 is out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of these, the controller 180 may display the previous screen shown in FIG. 10C again on the touch screen 500. have.

In addition, although the shortcut number list 740 is described as an example of the sub-object of the dial execution icon 603 in FIG. 10D, the sub-object may be configured as the most recent call order list or the least frequently order call list. The recent call order list may include a recent call list, a recent call list, or a combination of a recent call list. In addition, the least frequently ordered list may be made of a combination of the most frequently called list, the least frequently received list, or the least frequently sent and received list.

11A to 11D illustrate a method for providing a graphical user interface using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

First, FIG. 11A illustrates a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a direct touch operation of an input medium according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 11A, a check mark (√) 511 indicates that the input medium (eg, a user's finger) has touched the message execution icon 604 directly.

When an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the message execution icon 604, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation to identify the touch screen 500. A series of texts such as '1.Mailbox' for archiving messages, '2.Send message' for composing and sending messages, and '3.e-mail' for composing, storing and sending emails. Display a list of objects. Accordingly, the user may directly write one of the text objects to compose a message to be sent or check a message stored in the mobile terminal 100.

Here, the message execution icon 604 of FIG. 11A corresponds to a parent object. When an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the message execution icon 604, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the text objects displayed on the touch screen 500 include the text objects. Corresponds to the sub-objects connected to the message execution icon 604.

In this way, the input medium (for example, the user's finger) directly touches the parent object displayed on the touch screen 500 (that is, the message execution icon 604), thereby lowering the child object corresponding to the parent object. (Ie, text objects related to message transmission and reception) may be displayed on the touch screen 500.

FIG. 11C is a diagram illustrating a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 11C, reference numeral 512 denotes a message execution icon displayed on the touch screen 500 by an input medium (for example, a user's finger) 510 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. 604 is in close proximity.

As such, when the input medium 510 is in close proximity to the message execution icon 604 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 11D, the controller 180 performs the proximity touch operation. To temporarily display a sub-object for providing a function associated with the message execution icon 604 on the touch screen 500.

The sub-object may be composed of the most frequent caller list 750 which lists the name and phone number of the other party in order of the other party that the user has most frequently sent the message using the mobile terminal 100.

In FIG. 11D, the least frequently called list 750 consists of text objects in the form of a combination of the caller's name and phone number. For example, the first name Tom displayed at the top of the least frequently sent list 750 may be displayed by the user using the mobile terminal 100 for a certain period of time (for example, one day or one week). Indicates who sent the message frequently. Names Daniel to Kim displayed under the first name Tom indicate a person who has a high frequency of sending a message in an order arranged from top to bottom. Accordingly, the user can easily select the other party to whom the user wants to talk by looking at the name and the phone number configured in the most frequently displayed caller list 750 displayed.

Here, the message execution icon 604 corresponds to a higher object, and the shortcut number list 750 displayed on the touch screen 500 by the proximity touch of the message execution icon 604 executes the message. Corresponds to the sub-object for icon 604.

As described above, the input medium 510 is moved in a proximate position while the least-sent caller list 750 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, and thus the first name Tom is displayed on the least-sent caller list 750. After moving to, when the first name (Tom) is touched directly, the function of transmitting a message to the telephone number (010-000-0000) assigned to the first name (Tom) may be immediately executed. Accordingly, the user may use the message execution icon 604 displayed on the standby screen without having to search the multi-level menu tree configured in the mobile terminal 100 to find the telephone number of the counterpart to which the message is to be transmitted. Immediately after checking the other party to send a message, you can send the message.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11D, names of the input medium 510 included in the least-needed caller list 750 while the least-known caller list 750 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500. If the touch screen 500 is moved out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of them, the controller 180 may display the previous screen shown in FIG. 11C again on the touch screen 500. .

In addition, although FIG. 11D has been described using the most frequent caller list 750 as a sub-object of the dial execution icon 503, the sub-object may be a recent message sender list or a shortcut number list.

12A to 12D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

First, FIG. 12A illustrates a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a direct touch operation of an input medium according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 12A, a check mark (√) 511 indicates that the input medium (eg, the user's finger) has touched the phone book execution icon 605 directly.

When an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the phone part execution icon 605, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation and thus the portable terminal 100. '1. Find phone book' for managing the phone book stored in '2. Add a phone number' for storing a new phone number in the mobile terminal 100, frequently used phone among the phone numbers stored in the mobile terminal 100 A series of texts such as '3. Shortcut number management' for registering numbers to speed dial numbers and '4.Group management' for categorizing and managing phone numbers by family, friends and company. Display a list of objects. Accordingly, the user can easily find a desired telephone number by directly touching any one of the text objects.

Here, the phone book execution icon 605 of FIG. 12A corresponds to an upper object. In addition, when an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the phone book execution icon 605, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the text objects displayed on the touch screen 500 may include the text objects. Corresponds to sub-objects connected to the phone book execution icon 605.

In this way, the input medium (for example, the user's finger) directly touches the upper object displayed on the touch screen 500 (that is, the phone book execution icon 605), and thus the lower object corresponding to the upper object. (Ie, phonebook related text objects) may be displayed on the touch screen 500.

12C is a diagram for explaining a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 12C, reference numeral 512 denotes a phone part execution icon displayed on the touch screen 500 by an input medium (for example, a user's finger) 510 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. 605 is in close proximity.

As such, when the input medium 510 touches the dial execution icon 605 in close proximity for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 12D, the controller 180 performs the proximity touch operation. To temporarily display a sub-object for providing a function associated with the phone book execution icon 605 on the touch screen 500.

The sub-objects are categorized by group so that the user can search the entire phone book or a group-by-group phone book classified into family, friend, company, etc. among the entire phone books stored in the mobile terminal 100. List 760.

As shown in FIG. 12D, the group classification list 760 may include a series of text objects. For example, a 'full' text object 761 is formed at the top of the group classification list 760 for searching the entire phone number. Under the 'all' text object 761, a 'family' text object 762 for searching the phone numbers of people whose users are registered as a family is formed. Under the 'family' text object 762, a user may search for phone numbers of people registered by a friend, company, church, or institution, such as 'friend', 'company', 'church', 'institution', etc. Text objects 763 to 766 are formed. Accordingly, the user views the displayed group classification list 760 by using the input medium 510 and directly touches a desired group among the text objects 761 to 766 to the phone book corresponding to the desired group. You can move immediately.

Here, the phone book execution icon 605 corresponds to an upper object, and the group classification list 760 displayed on the touch screen 500 by the proximity touch of the phone book execution icon 605 is the phone book execution. Corresponds to the sub-object for icon 605.

As such, when the classification list 760 for each group is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the input medium 510 is moved to a proximal position, and a 'family' text object is included in the classification list 760 for each group. After moving to the upper part of the screen, the user directly touches the 'family' text object 761, and the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation and thus registers a phone book corresponding to the 'family' text object 761. Can be configured to display immediately. Accordingly, the user can directly search the phone book of the desired group by using the phone book execution icon 605 displayed on the standby screen without having to search the multi-level menu tree configured in the mobile terminal 100. Will be.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12D, the input medium 510 is included in the classification list 760 for each group while the classification list 760 for each group is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500. If the touch screen 500 is out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of the groups, the controller 180 may display the previous screen shown in FIG. 12C again on the touch screen 500. Can be.

13A to 13D illustrate a method of providing a graphic user interface using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

First, FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating a graphic user interface provided to a touch screen during a direct touch operation of an input medium in a state where a text box received on a touch screen is displayed according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 13A, the 'inbox' is' 1. among the sub-objects of the 'message' icon 716 in the menu tree structure shown in FIG. It can be configured under the 'Message Archive'. As shown in FIG. 13A, a list of people who have sent text messages to the mobile terminal 100 is formed below the received text box. The list includes objects 770 to 773 that display information about people who have sent text messages to the mobile terminal 100. For example, the first object 770 is assigned to the name 770-1, the phone number 770-2, and the name 770-1 of the person who sent the text message to the mobile terminal 100. And a combination of the icons 770-3.

In FIG. 13A, a check mark (√) 511 indicates that an input medium (eg, a user's finger) directly touches the second object 771 of the objects 770 to 773.

For example, when an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the second object 771, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation to identify the first touch operation. A list 780 is displayed to provide a function associated with the 2 object 771.

The list 780 includes a '1. reply' to send a text message to the phone number included in the second object 771, a pre-stored frequently used phrase (for example, 'who?' Or 'contact me later') 'Communication', etc., '2.commercial reply', '3.deliver' to send a text message (ie, a received message) included in the object 771 to another person, included in the object 771 '4. Save' for storing a text message in a certain storage space of the mobile terminal 100, '5. Edit phone number' for editing the phone number included in the object 711, the object 711 '6. Delete' to delete, '7. Delete All' to delete all objects 770 to 773 stored in the inbox, and '8 to register and manage the object 711 as a spam number A series of text objects such as 'spam number registration'. Accordingly, the user may directly execute any function corresponding to the selected text object by directly touching one of the text objects.

Here, the illustrated second object 771 of FIG. 13A corresponds to a parent object. When the input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the second object 771, the list 780 displayed on the touch screen 500 as illustrated in FIG. 13B. Corresponds to sub-objects connected to the second object 771.

As such, the input medium (for example, the user's finger) directly touches the parent object (ie, the second object 771) displayed on the touch screen 500, thereby lowering the child object corresponding to the parent object. (Ie, the list 780) may be displayed on the touch screen 500.

As another example, when the input medium (for example, the user's finger) directly touches an upper object (ie, the second object 771) displayed on the touch screen 500, the controller 180 The direct touch operation may be configured to immediately execute a specific function corresponding to the upper object. For example, when an input medium directly touches the second object 771, a text message included in the second object 771 may be displayed on the touch screen 500.

In addition, even when the input medium directly touches the menu icon 774 formed under the touch screen 500, the list 780 is displayed or the first screen is displayed on the touch screen 500 as shown in FIG. 13B. The text message included in the second object 771 may be configured to be displayed on the touch screen 500.

FIG. 13C illustrates a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 13C, reference numeral 512 denotes a second object on which the input medium (for example, a user's finger) 510 is displayed on the touch screen 500 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. 771) is in close proximity.

As described above, when the input medium 510 is in close proximity to the second object 771 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 13D, the controller 180 performs the proximity touch operation. The sub-objects are temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500 to provide some of the functions frequently used by the user among all functions associated with the second object 771.

The sub-object may be some objects, such as '1. reply', '2. commercial reply' and '3. delete', which are frequently used by the user among the text objects included in the list object 780 shown in FIG. 13B. It may consist of a short list 790 including only 791 to 793.

Accordingly, the user may easily select and execute only frequently used functions corresponding to the text objects 791 to 793 included in the shortcut list 790 using the input medium 510.

Here, the second object 771 corresponds to a higher object, and the shortcut list 790 displayed on the touch screen 500 by the proximity touch of the second object 771 may correspond to the second object ( 771).

While the shortcut list 790 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the input medium 510 is moved in a proximal position, and is placed on the '3. Delete' text object 793 of the shortcut list 790. After moving, when directly touching the '3. delete' text object 793, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation and executes a function corresponding to the '3. delete' text object 793. The second object 771 is deleted.

As described above, according to the present invention, the input medium 510 allows the upper object to be searched without the user searching the multi-level menu tree to execute a specific function related to the upper object currently displayed on the touch screen 500. When the user touches a proximity touch, the user temporarily displays a sub-object on the touch screen 500 to perform some of the functions frequently used by the user among the plurality of functions associated with the upper object. The advantage is that you can execute the specific function you want right away.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13D, in the state where the shortcut list 790 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the text objects included in the shortcut list 790 may be included in the input medium 510. When the touch screen 500 is out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of the 791 to 793, the controller 180 returns the touch screen 500 to the previous screen shown in FIG. 13C. Can be displayed.

In addition, even when the input medium 510 touches the menu icon 774 formed below the touch screen 500 in close proximity, the shortcut list 790 is displayed on the touch screen 500 as shown in FIG. 13D. It may be configured to be displayed.

14A to 14D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

First, FIG. 14A illustrates a graphic user interface provided to a touch screen during a direct touch operation of an input medium in a state where a camera album is displayed on a touch screen according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 14A, a 'camera album' is one of sub-objects of the 'multimedia' icon 714 in the menu tree structure shown in FIG. It is configured at the bottom of the camera. As shown in FIG. 14A, a plurality of photo objects stored in the portable terminal 100 by the user in the lower portion of the 'camera album' are included in the form of thumbnails.

In FIG. 14A, a check mark (√) 511 indicates that an input medium (eg, a user's finger) directly touched one of the plurality of photo objects.

When an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the photo object 801, as illustrated in FIG. 14B, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation to form the thumbnail. The photo object 801 is enlarged and displayed on the touch screen 500.

14C is a diagram for explaining a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 14C, reference numeral 512 denotes a thumbnail photo of an input medium (for example, a user's finger) 510 displayed on the touch screen 500 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. It indicates that one of the objects 801 is in close touch.

As such, when the input medium 510 is in close proximity to the photo object 801 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 14D, the controller 180 performs the close touch operation. By identifying and temporarily displaying a sub-object for providing some of the functions frequently used by the user among the functions associated with the photo object 801 on the touch screen 500.

The sub-objects are functions frequently used by a user as shown in FIG. 14D, and are set to '1. copy' for temporarily copying the photo object 801, protected to prevent deletion of the photo object, or '2. Protect On / Off' to release the protection, '3. Delete' to delete the photo object 801, '4 to select all photo objects currently displayed on the touch screen 500 List 810 including text objects 811 through 815, such as 'Select All', '5. Clear All' to deselect all photo objects currently displayed on the touch screen 500. Is made of.

Accordingly, the user may easily select and execute frequently used functions corresponding to the text objects 811 to 815 included in the list 810 using the input medium 510.

Here, the thumbnail-type photo object 801 illustrated in FIG. 14C corresponds to an upper object, and the list 810 displayed on the touch screen 500 by a proximity touch of the photo object 801 is Corresponds to the sub-object of the photo object 801.

As such, when the list object 810 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the input medium 510 is moved to a proximal position, and the text object 813 of the list 810 is deleted. After moving up, if the '3. delete' text object 813 is directly touched, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation and corresponds to the '3. delete' text object 813. The photo object 801 may be deleted by executing.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the input medium 510 touches the upper object in close proximity, only some functions frequently used by the user among the plurality of functions related to the upper object are executed on the touch screen 500. By temporarily displaying the sub-object for the purpose, the user can directly select and execute a specific function desired by the portable terminal 100 without the inconvenience of having to search all the plurality of menus.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 14D, in the state in which the list 810 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the text objects 811 to 710 included in the list 810 are included in the input medium 510. If the touch screen 500 is out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of the buttons 815, the controller 180 displays the previous screen shown in FIG. 14C again on the touch screen 500. You can.

15A to 15D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

First, FIG. 15A illustrates a graphic user interface provided to a touch screen during a direct touch operation of an input medium in a state where a camera album is displayed on a touch screen according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention executes a 'camera album' function, and a multitasking service is performed while the photo object 801 is displayed on the touch screen 500. By doing so, the objects 820 to 834 for using other functions may be displayed on the touch screen 500 without ending the function currently being used (that is, the camera album).

In FIG. 15A, when a photo object 801 is displayed on the touch screen 500, when a user manipulates the manipulation unit 130 and inputs a user command to use a multitasking service, the controller 180 may operate as described above. A large classification menu object 820 for identifying a user command and searching the large classification menus 710 to 718 (see FIG. 8) according to the present invention on the photo object 801, and the large classification menu ( The sub-category menu objects 831 to 834 may be displayed to immediately execute some menus among the sub-category menus configured at the bottom of 710 to 718. For example, the sub-category menu objects 831 to 834 include text objects such as 'send text' 831, 'received text box' 832, 'send photo' 833, and 'music box' 834. Or icon objects.

In FIG. 15A, a check mark (√) 511 indicates that an input medium (eg, a user's finger) has touched a 'message' text object 821 directly within the classification menu object 820. As such, when an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the 'message' text object 821, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation. Display a list 840 including text objects (1.message archive, 2.send message, 3.e-mail, ...) for executing submenu functions of the 'message' text object 821 Let's do it. Each text object (1. message box, 2. message send, 3. e-mail, ...) may also be composed of a number of submenus. For example, '1. Message box' includes 'inbox' for storing the message received in the mobile terminal 100, 'permanent box' for storing the message to be permanently stored by the user's selection of the received message, Submenus such as 'Spam Message' may be formed to manage the received message as a spam message. In addition, '2. Send a message' is a 'sent letter box' to store the message sent by the mobile terminal 100, 'permanent storage box' for storing a message to be permanently stored by the user's selection of the transmitted message, transmission Submenus such as 'Writing message' for composing a message and 'Draft box' for temporarily storing a message being created as a current message may be formed.

In addition, when an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches the menu moving icons 822 and 823, the major classification menus 710 to 718 of the menu tree structure shown in FIG. 8 are sequentially displayed. You can search. For example, when the 'message' text object 821 is displayed in the large category menu object 820, and the input medium directly touches the first menu movement icon 822, the controller 180 may directly The touch action may be identified to display a 'diary' text object on the large category menu object 820. On the other hand, when the input medium directly touches the second menu move icon 823, the controller 180 may identify the direct touch operation and display a 'phone book' text object on the large category menu object 820. have.

FIG. 15C illustrates a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 15C, reference numeral 512 denotes the large classification menu object in which an input medium (eg, a user's finger) 510 is displayed on the touch screen 500 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. It indicates that the 'message' text object 821 is in close contact with 820.

As such, when the input medium 510 comes into close contact with the 'message' text object 821 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as shown in FIG. 15D, the controller 180 controls the proximity. Sub-objects for identifying a touch operation and providing all of the large category menus 710 to 718 of FIG. 8 or some of the large category menus 710 to 718 that are frequently used by a user on the touch screen 500. Is displayed temporarily.

The sub-object is a text object such as '1.T service', '2.sound / vibration', '3.screen', '4.content storage box', '5.multimedia', etc. as shown in FIG. 15D. It may consist of a list 850 containing the fields (851 to 855). Accordingly, the user can easily execute a desired function by selecting one of the text objects 851 to 855 included in the list 840 using the input medium 510.

Here, the 'message' text object 821 illustrated in FIG. 15C corresponds to an upper object, and the list displayed on the touch screen 500 by a proximity touch of the 'message' text object 821. 850 corresponds to a sub-object for the 'message' text object 821.

While the list 850 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the input medium 510 is moved in proximity to the '1.T service' text object 851 of the list object 850. After moving, if the user directly touches the '1.T service' text object 851, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation and is a lower level corresponding to the '1.T service' text object 851. It may be configured to display a menu or to execute a specific function.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15D, in the state in which the list 850 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the text objects 851 to 152 included in the list 850 are included in the input medium 510. If the touch screen 500 is out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of the steps 855, the controller 180 displays the previous screen shown in FIG. 15C again on the touch screen 500. You can.

16A to 16D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

First, FIG. 16A illustrates a graphic user interface provided to a touch screen during a direct touch operation of an input medium in a state where a camera web page is displayed on a touch screen according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention can access a website through the wireless Internet module 113, and display the webpage of the connected website on the touch screen 500. can do. In FIG. 16A, the entire area of one web page is displayed in the web browser 860. The wireless Internet access function may be executed by the '3.Wireless Internet' menu of the '1.T service' 710 submenu of the menu tree structure shown in FIG.

One web page displayed on the mobile terminal 100 may be defined as a web page object 861. The web page object 861 may include, for example, a corporate logo, a menu bar, an advertisement, an image, text, Various objects such as graphics may be included. In addition, the corporate logo, menu bar, advertisement, image, text, and graphics included in the web page object 861 are connected to a uniform resource locator (URL) of a different web page, so that the user may receive the corporate logo, menu bar, By directly touching an advertisement, an image, text, or a graphic, a screen of a corresponding web page may be displayed on the touch screen 500.

In FIG. 16A, a check mark (√) 511 indicates that an input medium (eg, a user's finger) has touched a certain position within the webpage object 861 directly. As such, when an input medium (for example, a user's finger) directly touches a predetermined position of the webpage object 861, as illustrated in FIG. 16B, the controller 180 identifies the direct touch operation. As a result, a partial area of the entire area of the webpage object 861 may be enlarged and displayed on the touch screen 500 based on the position where the input medium directly touches.

FIG. 16C is a diagram illustrating a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 16C, reference numeral 512 denotes the webpage object in which an input medium (eg, a user's finger) 510 is displayed on the touch screen 500 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. It indicates that a certain position in 861 is in close proximity.

As such, when the input medium 510 is in close proximity to the webpage object 861 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 16D, the controller 180 may operate the proximity touch. Can be displayed temporarily on a sub-object for immediately executing some of the functions frequently used by the user among the entire functions of the web browser 851, which is also composed of a multi-level menu tree on the touch screen 500. .

As shown in FIG. 16D, the sub-object is' 1.back 'for returning to the last visited webpage before the webpage object 861 is displayed on the touch screen 500, and the' 1. '2.Forward' to redisplay the webpage you saw before executing the 'backward' function, or '3' to reconnect the webpage or check if the webpage is up-to-date 'Refresh', text properties 871 to 874 such as '4.Properties' to check properties such as protocol type, format, address (URL), connection status, creation date and modification date of the web page. It consists of a list 870 that includes. Accordingly, the user may easily select and execute a desired function from the text objects 871 to 874 included in the list 870 using the input medium 510.

Here, the web page object 861 illustrated in FIG. 16C corresponds to an upper object, and the list 870 displayed on the touch screen 500 by the proximity touch of the web page object 861 Corresponds to the sub-object of the webpage object 861.

As such, when the list 870 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the input medium 510 is moved in a proximal position, and the text object 871 of the '1. backward' of the list 870 is moved. After moving to, if the '1. back' text object 871 is directly touched, the web page that was displayed immediately before the currently displayed web page object 851 may be displayed on the touch screen 500 again.

As described above, according to the present invention, the user does not need to search the multi-level menu tree configured in the web browser 861 to execute a specific function related to the parent object currently displayed on the touch screen 500. When the 510 touches the upper object in close proximity, the user temporarily displays a lower object on the touch screen 500 to perform some of the functions frequently used by the user among the plurality of functions associated with the upper object. There is an advantage in that the portable terminal 100 can immediately select and execute a specific function desired by the user.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 16D, in the state in which the list 870 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the text objects 871 to 118 included in the list 870 are included in the input medium 510. When the touch screen 500 is out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of the symbols 874, the controller 180 displays the previous screen illustrated in FIG. 16C on the touch screen 500 again. Can be splayed.

17A to 17B illustrate a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 17A, reference numeral 512 denotes the web browser in which an input medium (for example, a user's finger) 510 is displayed on the touch screen 500 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. It indicates that a predetermined icon 862 formed in 860 is in close proximity. The icon 862 may be formed adjacent to the right end of the address input window 863.

As such, when the input medium 510 is in close proximity to the icon 862 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 17B, the controller 180 identifies the proximity touch operation. One or more web address lists 880 recently accessed on the touch screen 500 may be temporarily displayed. The web address list 880 may be formed adjacent to the bottom of the address input window 863.

The icon 862 illustrated in FIG. 17A corresponds to a parent object, and the web address list 880 displayed on the touch screen 500 by a proximity touch of the icon 862 is the icon 862. Corresponds to the child object for).

As such, when the web address list 880 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the input medium 510 is moved to a proximal position, and thus any one of web addresses included in the web address list 880. When directly touching, the controller 180 may identify the direct touch operation and display the web page corresponding to the directly touched web address on the web browser 860.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17B, a web address included in the web address list 880 is included in the web address list 880 while the web address list 880 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500. When the touch screen 500 is out of the touch recognition effective distance without directly touching any one of the above, the controller 180 may display the web address list on the touch screen 500 as illustrated in FIG. 17A. 880 may be removed.

18A to 18B illustrate a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, first and second web page movement icons 864 and 865 may be formed in the web browser 860.

The first webpage move icon 864 is currently displayed on the touch screen 500 when an input medium (eg, a user's finger) 510 directly touches the first webpage move icon 864. Provides the function to display the webpage last visited before the displayed webpage. The second webpage move icon 865 is viewed before the input medium 510 directly touches the second webpage move icon 865 before executing the function of the first webpage move icon 864. It provides a function of displaying the web page on the touch screen 500 again.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, when the input medium 510 touches the first and second web page moving icons 864 and 865 in close proximity, the preview image may be provided as follows.

In FIG. 18A, reference numeral 512 denotes a proximity touch of the first webpage moving icon 864 displayed on the touch screen 500 by the input medium 510 within a touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500. It is shown.

As such, when the input medium 510 is in close proximity to the first webpage moving icon 864 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, as illustrated in FIG. 18B, the controller 180 may determine the touch. A preview image 881 in which a webpage visited last before a webpage currently displayed on the touch screen 500 is identified above the first webpage moving icon 864 by identifying a proximity touch operation. Can be displayed temporarily. That is, when the first web page movement icon 864 is in close touch, a preview function may be provided through the preview image 881. On the other hand, when the input medium 510 touches the second webpage moving icon 865 in close proximity, the controller 180 may have viewed the web before executing the function of the first webpage moving icon 865. A preview image (not shown) in which the page is reduced may be temporarily displayed on the second webpage moving icon 865.

Here, the first webpage move icon 864 corresponds to a higher object, and the preview image 881 displayed on the touch screen 500 by a proximity touch of the first webpage move icon 864. ) Corresponds to a sub-object of the first web page move icon 864.

As such, when the input medium 510 is moved in a proximate position while the preview image 881 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500, the touch screen directly touches the preview image 881. 180, the web page corresponding to the directly touched preview image 881 may be enlarged and displayed on the web browser 860 by identifying the direct touch operation.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18B, the input medium 510 directly touches the preview image 881 while the preview image 881 is temporarily displayed on the touch screen 500. If the touch screen 500 is out of the touch recognition effective distance, the controller 180 may remove the preview image 881 on the touch screen 500 as illustrated in FIG. 18A.

The above-described portable terminal having a proximity touch recognition function and a method for providing a graphic user interface using the same are not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be modified in various ways. All or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined. In addition, the above-described portable terminal having a proximity touch recognition function and a method for providing a graphic user interface using the same are not limited to the functions of the portable terminal described in the above-described embodiments, but are also applicable to the functions of various other portable terminals. Can be.

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

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

3 is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal of FIG. 2;

4 is a view showing a structure of a touch screen related to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a principle of detecting a proximity distance of an input medium using the touch screen of FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a position detection principle of an input medium using the touch screen of FIG. 4. FIG.

7A to 7D illustrate a method for providing a graphical user interface using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of icon objects and sub-objects of the icon objects included in a large category menu of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;

9 is a diagram illustrating a menu tree structure of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

10A to 10D illustrate a method for providing a graphical user interface using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

11A to 11D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

12A to 12D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

13A to 13D illustrate a method for providing a graphical user interface using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

14A to 14D illustrate a method for providing a graphical user interface using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

15A to 15D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

16A to 16D illustrate a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal having a proximity touch recognition function according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

17A to 17B illustrate a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

18A to 18B illustrate a graphic user interface provided on a touch screen during a proximity touch operation of an input medium according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (18)

A touch screen configured to generate different touch input signals according to a proximity touch or direct touch operation of the input medium and to display a predetermined upper object; And And a controller configured to identify an operation of the input medium in close proximity to the touch screen for a predetermined time and to display at least one lower object on the touch screen for providing a function connected to the upper object. terminal. The method of claim 1, The lower object is a mobile terminal, characterized in that for executing some frequently used functions of a plurality of functions connected to the upper object. The method of claim 1, The controller may identify an operation of directly touching the lower object by the input medium and execute a function corresponding to the lower object. The method of claim 1, The control unit may distinguish between an operation of directly touching the upper object and a proximity touch by the input medium, and display different lower objects on the touch screen according to the direct touch operation or the proximity touch operation. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 1, The controller may determine that a proximity touch operation of the input medium exists when the input medium touches the upper object more than a predetermined time. The method of claim 1, The controller may display the lower object when the input medium touches a position where the upper object is formed on the touch screen in close proximity. The method of claim 1, The control unit identifies the sub-object from the touch screen by identifying that the touch screen is out of a touch recognition effective distance capable of detecting a touch operation of the input medium without directly touching the sub-object. Portable terminal, characterized in that for removing. The method of claim 1, The sub-object may include at least one of a text object, an icon object, and a list object. The method of claim 1, The upper object is a web page object, and the lower object is a mobile terminal, characterized in that for executing some functions frequently used by a user among the entire functions of the web browser. The method of claim 1, The upper object comprises a predetermined icon formed on a web browser, and the lower object comprises a web address or a preview image that has been recently accessed. A first step of detecting an operation of an input medium touching a touch screen on which a predetermined upper object is displayed; Measuring a time for which the input medium touches the touch screen in close proximity; And And displaying at least one lower object for providing a function connected to the upper object when the proximity touch time measured in the second step is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. Method for providing a graphical user interface using a mobile terminal. The method of claim 11, The lower object is a graphic user interface providing method using a mobile terminal, characterized in that for executing some of the frequently used functions of a plurality of functions connected to the upper object. The method of claim 11, And identifying an operation of directly touching the sub-object by the input medium to execute a function corresponding to the sub-object. The method of claim 11, The method may further include displaying different sub-objects on the touch screen according to the direct touch operation or the proximity touch operation by distinguishing an operation of directly touching the upper object from a proximity touch with the input medium. Method for providing a graphical user interface using a mobile terminal. The method of claim 11, Removing the sub-object from the touch screen by identifying that the touch screen is out of a touch recognition effective distance capable of detecting a touch operation of the input medium without directly touching the sub-object. Graphical user interface providing method using a mobile terminal, characterized in that it further comprises. The method of claim 11, The sub-object may include at least one of a text object, an icon object, and a list object. The method of claim 11, And the upper object is a web page object, and the lower object is for executing some functions frequently used by the user among all the functions of the web browser. The method of claim 11, And the upper object comprises a predetermined icon formed in a web browser, and the lower object comprises a web address or a preview image which has been recently accessed.

Images