KR20090111040A - Mobile terminal and method of executing function therein - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A portable terminal and a function performing method of the portable terminal capable of performing a special function by using a touch drag are provided to enter into a special item in case the touched point is touch-dragged as the special item. CONSTITUTION: A portable terminal(100) includes a display unit(151) and a controller(180). The display unit includes the touch screen. The controller enters into a first item in a displayed state of the item if the touched point is touch-dragged in the first item. A lower item about a second item is one of the items. If the second item which is displayed on the touch screen is touched for a specific time, at least one item is displayed around the second item.

Description

MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD OF EXECUTING FUNCTION THEREIN}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of executing a function using touch drag.

The mobile terminal may be configured to perform various functions. Examples of such various functions include data and voice communication functions, taking pictures or videos through a camera, storing voices, playing music files through a speaker system, and displaying images or videos. Some mobile terminals include additional functionality to play games, while others are implemented as multimedia devices. Moreover, recent mobile terminals can receive broadcast or multicast signals to watch video or television programs.

In addition, efforts to support and increase the function of the mobile terminal continue. The foregoing efforts include not only changes and improvements in the structural components forming the mobile terminal, but also improvements in software or hardware.

Recently, research on a mobile terminal capable of inputting a key signal using a touch screen has been actively conducted.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and a method of performing a function of the mobile terminal capable of performing a specific function through the touch drag.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and a method of performing a function of a mobile terminal that can enter a specific item when the touched point is touch dragged to a specific item.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a display unit having a touch screen; And a control unit which enters the first item when the touched point on the touch screen is touched and dragged to the first item among the at least one item while the at least one item is displayed.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises the steps of displaying at least one item; Detecting that the touched point is touch dragged to a first item of the at least one item; And it provides a method of performing a function of a mobile terminal comprising the step of entering the first item.

The mobile terminal and the method of performing a function of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may simply perform a specific function by using touch drag.

The mobile terminal and the method of performing a function of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention can conveniently enter a specific item by touch drag.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

The mobile terminal can be implemented in various forms. For example, the mobile terminal described herein may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, or the like. have.

The illustrated mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, The interface unit 170 may include a controller 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. 1 illustrates a mobile terminal having various components. However, not all illustrated components are essential components. The mobile terminal may be implemented by more components than the illustrated components, or the mobile terminal may be implemented by fewer components.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in turn.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more components for wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and a network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, a location information 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 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 memory 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 location information module 115 is a module for checking or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal. One example is the Global Position System (GPS) module. The GPS module receives location information from a plurality of satellites. Here, the location information may include coordinate information represented by latitude and longitude. For example, the GPS module can measure the exact time and distance from three or more satellites and accurately calculate the current position by triangulating three different distances. A method of obtaining distance and time information from three satellites and correcting the error with one satellite may be used. In particular, the GPS module can obtain not only the location of latitude, longitude, and altitude but also accurate time together with three-dimensional speed information from the location information received from the satellite.

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

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

The microphone 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 122 may be implemented with various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for the user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include 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 has a mutual layer structure with the display unit 151 described later, this may be referred to as a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 detects a current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, a location of the mobile terminal 100, presence or absence of a user contact, orientation of the mobile terminal, acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal, and the like. To generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. 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 headset ports, external charger ports, wired / wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting devices with identification modules, audio input / output (I / O) ports, Video I / O (Input / Output) port, earphone port, etc. may be included.

Here, the identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the use authority of the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM) and a subscriber identify module (SIM). ), A Universal Subscriber Identity Module (“USIM”), and the like. In addition, the device equipped with the identification module (hereinafter, 'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Therefore, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through a port. 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 unit 151, a sound output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and the like.

The display unit 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in a call mode, a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to a call is displayed. 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 unit 13 and the touch pad form a mutual layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 151 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The display unit 151 may include a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a three-dimensional display. 3D display) may include at least one. In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist according to the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, an external display unit (not shown) and an internal display unit (not shown) may be simultaneously provided in the mobile terminal 100.

The sound output module 152 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 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 unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, and key signal input. The alarm unit 153 may output 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 unit 153 may output a vibration to inform this. Alternatively, when a key signal is input, the alarm unit 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 event occurrence notification may be output through the display unit 151 or the voice output module 152.

The memory 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 180 and may provide a function for temporarily storing input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). It can also be done.

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM Random Access Memory (RAM) Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) magnetic memory, It may include at least one type of storage medium of the optical disk. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may operate a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 150 on the Internet.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. 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 module 181 for playing multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the controller 180 or may be implemented separately from the controller 180.

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.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable recording medium using, for example, software, hardware or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like. It may be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing the functions. It may be implemented by the controller 180.

In a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that allow at least one function or operation to be performed. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. In addition, the software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

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

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

The mobile terminal of the present invention includes a first body 200 and a second body 205 configured to be slidable in at least one direction on the first body 200.

A state in which the first body 200 is disposed to overlap with the second body 205 may be referred to as a closed configuration, and as shown in the drawing, the first body 200 may be referred to as the second body 205. The exposed state of at least a portion of the N may be referred to as an open configuration.

The mobile terminal mainly operates in a standby mode in a closed state, but the standby mode may be released by a user's operation. In addition, although the mobile terminal operates mainly in a call mode or the like in an open state, the mobile terminal 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 200 is formed by the first front case 220 and the first rear case 225. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the first front case 220 and the first rear case 225. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the first front case 220 and the first rear case 225.

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

The display module 151, the sound output module 152, the camera 121, or the first user input unit 210 may be disposed on the first body 200, specifically, the first front case 220.

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 unit 151 may operate as a touch screen to enable input of information by a user's touch.

The sound output module 152 may be implemented in the form of a speaker.

The camera 121 may be implemented to be suitable for capturing an image or a video of a user or the like.

Like the first body 200, the case forming the exterior of the second body 205 is formed by the second front case 230 and the second rear case 235.

The second user input unit 215 may be disposed on the second body 205, specifically, on the front face of the second front case 230.

The third user input unit 245, the microphone 122, and the interface unit 170 may be disposed on at least one of the second front case 230 or the second rear case 235.

The first to third user inputs 210, 215, and 245 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion 130, and may be any method in which the user operates while giving a tactile feeling. Either may be employed.

For example, the user input unit may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch pad capable of receiving a command or information by a user's push or touch operation, or a wheel or jog method of rotating a key, or a manipulation method such as a joystick. May also be implemented.

In functional terms, the first user input unit 210 is for inputting a command such as start, end, scroll, etc., and the second user input unit 215 is for inputting numbers, letters, symbols, and the like.

In addition, the third user input unit 245 may operate as a hot key for activating a special function in the mobile terminal.

The microphone 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 mobile terminal 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), or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal.

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 (mobile terminal) is mounted on the second rear case 235 side.

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 mobile terminal of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, a camera 121 may be additionally mounted on the rear surface of the second rear case 235 of the second body 205. The camera 121 of the second body 205 has a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 121 of the first body 200, and the camera 121 and the camera 121 of the first body 200. And may have different pixels.

For example, the camera 121 of the first body 200 has a low pixel so that it is easy to take a picture of the user's face and transmit it to the counterpart in the case of a video call, and the camera 121 of the second body has a general structure. It is desirable to have a high pixel because the subject is often photographed and not immediately transmitted.

The flash 250 and the mirror 255 may be additionally disposed adjacent to the camera 121 of the second body 205. The flash 250 illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera 121 of the second body 205. The mirror 255 allows the user to see the user's face or the like when photographing (self-photographing) the user by using the camera 121 of the second body 205.

The sound output module 152 may be further disposed on the second rear case 235.

The sound output module 152 of the second body 205 may implement a stereo function together with the sound output module 152 of the first body 200, and may be used for a call in a speakerphone mode.

In addition, an antenna 260 for receiving broadcast signals may be disposed on one side of the second rear case 235. The antenna 260 may be installed to be pulled out of the second body 205 and 2.

A portion of the slide module 265 that slidably couples the first body 200 and the second body 205 is disposed on the first rear case 225 side of the first body 200.

The other part of the slide module 265 may be disposed on the second front case 230 side of the second body 205 and may not be exposed to the outside as shown in the drawing.

In the above description, the second camera 121 and the like have been described as being disposed in the second body 205, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, at least one or more of the components 260, 121 to 250, and 152 described as disposed on the second rear case 235, such as the camera 121 of the second body, may be the first body 200, mainly. May be mounted on the first rear case 225. If so, there is an advantage that the configuration (s) disposed in the first rear case 225 in the closed state are protected by the second body 205. Furthermore, even if the camera 121 of the second body is not provided separately, the camera 121 of the first body may be rotatably formed so that the camera 121 of the second body may be photographed up to the photographing direction of the camera 121 of the second body. .

The terminal 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be operated in a communication system capable of transmitting data through a frame or packet, including a wired / wireless communication system and a satellite-based communication system. It can be configured to.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4, a communication system capable of operating a terminal according to the present invention will be described.

The communication system may use different air interfaces and / or physical layers. For example, a radio interface usable by a communication system may include frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), and code division multiple access (Code Division). Multiple Access (CDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS) (especially Long Term Evolution (LTE)), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. May be included. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the description will be limited to CDMA. However, it is a matter of course that the present invention is applicable to all communication systems including the CDMA wireless communication system.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CDMA wireless communication system includes a plurality of terminals 100, a plurality of base stations (BS) 270, and base station controllers (BSCs) 275. ), And a mobile switching center (MSC) 280. The MSC 280 is configured to be connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 290 and is also configured to be connected to BSCs 275. The BSCs 275 may be coupled to the BS 270 through a backhaul line. The backhaul line may be provided according to at least one of E1 / T1, ATM, IP, PPP, Frame Relay, HDSL, ADSL, or xDSL. Thus, a plurality of BSCs 275 may be included in the system shown in FIG.

Each BS 270 may include at least one sector, and each sector may include an omnidirectional antenna or an antenna pointing radially out of BS 270. In addition, each sector may include two or more antennas of various types. Each BS 270 may be configured to support a plurality of frequency assignments, each of which has a specific spectrum (eg, 1.25 MHz, 5 MHz, etc.).

The intersection of sectors and frequency assignments may be called a CDMA channel. BS 270 may be referred to as a base station transceiver subsystem ('BTSs'). In this case, the word "base station" may be called the sum of one BSC 275 and at least one BS 270. The base station may also indicate “cell site”. Alternatively, each of the plurality of sectors for a particular BS 270 may be called a plurality of cell sites.

As shown in FIG. 4, a broadcasting transmitter (BT) 295 transmits a broadcast signal to terminals 100 operating in the system. The broadcast module 111 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the terminal 100 to receive a broadcast signal transmitted by the BT 295.

In addition, FIG. 4 illustrates several satellite positioning systems (GPS) satellites 300. The satellites 300 help to locate the at least one terminal of the plurality of terminals 100. Although two satellites are shown in FIG. 4, useful location information may be obtained by two or less or more satellites. The GPS module 115 shown in FIG. 1 cooperates with the satellites 300 to obtain desired location information. Here, the location can be tracked using all the techniques that can track the location, not just the GPS tracking technology. In addition, at least one of the GPS satellites 300 may optionally or additionally be responsible for satellite DMB transmission.

During typical operation of a wireless communication system, BS 270 receives a reverse link signal from various terminals 100. At this time, the terminals 100 are connecting a call, transmitting or receiving a message, or performing another communication operation. Each of the reverse link signals received by a particular base station 270 is processed within by the particular base station 270. The data generated as a result of the processing is transmitted to the connected BSC 275. BSC 275 provides call resource allocation and mobility management functionality, including the organization of soft handoffs between base stations 270. In addition, the BSC 275 transmits the received data to the MSC 280, and the MSC 280 provides an additional transmission service for connection with the PSTN 290. Similarly, PSTN 290 connects with MSC 280, MSC 280 connects with BSCs 275, and BSCs 275 send BSs 270 to transmit a forward link signal to terminals 100. ).

Next, a method of performing a specific function using touch-drag in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal 100 having a touch screen will be described as an example. The mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may recognize the touch as a predetermined signal input when the touch screen is touched through a pointer. In the present specification, a pointer refers to a tool for actually touching or proximity touching a specific portion of a displayed screen. Examples include stylus fans, fingers, and the like.

The mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may detect a touch through the sensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may include various sensors to perform various sensing functions. For example, a touch sensor may be provided to sense a touch.

The tactile sensor refers to a sensor that senses the contact of a specific object to the extent that a person feels or more. The tactile sensor may sense various information such as the roughness of the contact surface, the rigidity of the contact object, the temperature of the contact point, and the like.

In addition, the sensing unit 140 may detect a touch drag. The sensing unit 140 may detect a drag direction, a drag speed, a drag length of a touch drag. Touch drag refers to a case where a touched point is moved while a touch is maintained. That is, it is a case of dragging while the touch is maintained.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of performing a specific function through touch drag in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the controller 180 displays at least one item on the display unit 151 (S10). The at least one item may be displayed in various forms. It may be displayed in the form of an icon, or may be displayed in the form of a list.

The at least one item to be displayed may be an item indicating various information. For example, it may be an item indicating a menu or an item indicating content.

In addition, the controller 180 may display the at least one item by various signal inputs. For example, when the specific item is touched for a predetermined time while the specific item is displayed, the controller 180 may display at least one sub-item for the specific item. In this case, the controller 180 may display the at least one lower item around the touched point so that the user can identify the displayed at least one lower item.

When the touched point on the display unit 151 is dragged to the first item among the at least one displayed item, the controller 180 may enter the first item (S20 and S30). When the controller 180 enters the first item, the controller 180 may output a vibration through the alarm unit 153 or may output an audio signal through the sound output module 152 to notify the user of the entry. In the present specification, the term “enter a specific item” may be interpreted to mean performing a function related to the specific item. For example, performing a function related to the specific item may include displaying a lower item of the specific item when there is a lower item corresponding to the specific item, or there is no lower item corresponding to the specific item. In this case, the method may include immediately executing a function corresponding to the specific item.

The controller 180 does not touch drag to the first item of at least one item on which the point touched by the display unit 151 is displayed, and when the touch of the touched point is released, the at least one displayed item (Including the first item) may be controlled to disappear (S20, S40, S50). The touch release refers to a case in which the touch of the pointer and the display unit 151 is not maintained apart from the display unit 151 by a predetermined distance or more.

Hereinafter, a method of performing a function related to a specific item through touch drag in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of entering a lower menu through touch drag in a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6A illustrates a state in which a plurality of menu items are touched by a pointer (a finger in the illustrated screen) on a screen on which an icon is displayed. When the specific menu item 601 is touched for a predetermined time, the controller 180 can display a pop-up window 603 including a sub menu for the specific item (FIG. 6B). The predetermined touch time required for displaying the submenu popup window 603 may be set by the user or may be defaulted. The predetermined time may be necessary to prevent malfunction of the user or to distinguish it from other touch signals. The pop-up window 603 may be displayed to overlap the plurality of displayed menu items. Of course, the controller 180 may control a plurality of menu items to disappear and display only the pop-up window 603.

One of the sub-menus for the specific menu item 601 with the touched point (601 in the screen shown) displayed on the pop-up window 603 including the sub-menu for the specific menu item 601. When touch dragging to 605, the controller 180 may enter an item 605 corresponding to a point where the pointer is moved by touch dragging. When entering the item 605, the controller 180 may display a lower item for the item 605. Such an example is shown in FIG. 6C. In this case, the controller 180 may display the at least one lower item around the touched point so that the user can identify the at least one displayed lower item.

That is, according to the method shown in FIG. 6, the user may hierarchically enter the lower menu using touch drag.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may return to the previous step by inputting a specific key signal. For example, the user can press the side key 609 to return to the immediately previous menu display step. In addition, when the lower menu is displayed to overlap on the upper menu, the user may return to the previous step by touching a portion other than the pop-up window including the lower menu.

In addition, the controller 180 may control the displayed item to disappear when the touch of the touched point is released. Such an example is shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7A illustrates a state in which a plurality of menu items are touched by a pointer (a finger in the illustrated screen) on a screen on which an icon is displayed. When the specific menu item 601 is touched for a predetermined time, the controller 180 can display a pop-up window 603 including a sub menu for the specific item.

When the touch is released while the screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 7A, the controller 180 may control the pop-up window 603 to disappear (FIG. 7B). Alternatively, the controller 180 may make the pop-up window 603 disappear when the touch release continues for a predetermined time. The predetermined touch release time required for disappearing the menu popup window 603 may be set by the user or may be defaulted. The predetermined time may be necessary to prevent malfunction of the user.

6A to 6B, when a specific item is touched for a predetermined time to display a submenu for the specific item, the controller 180 may display the submenu for the specific menu according to the location of the touched point. It can also be displayed in other forms. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of displaying a submenu for a specific menu in a form different from that shown in FIG. 6.

8A illustrates a state in which a plurality of menu items are touched by a pointer (a finger in the illustrated screen) on a screen on which an icon is displayed. When the specific menu item 801 is touched for a predetermined time, the controller 180 may display a pop-up window 803 including a sub menu for the specific item (FIG. 8B). In this case, since the point where the touched menu item 801 is located is a corner portion of the screen, when the submenu for the menu item 801 is displayed around the touched point, some submenu items are not displayed. You may not. Accordingly, the controller 180 may display the popup window 803 in the form of "b" so that the submenu of the menu item 801 can be displayed as much as possible. Of course, the "b" type pop-up window 803 is an example, and the shape may be changed in various forms. The predetermined touch time required for displaying the submenu popup window 803 may be set by the user or may be defaulted. The predetermined time may be necessary to prevent malfunction of the user or to distinguish it from other touch signals. The pop-up window 803 may be displayed to overlap the plurality of displayed menu items. Of course, the controller 180 may control a plurality of menu items to disappear and display only the pop-up window 803.

When the touched point (801 in the illustrated screen) is displayed, the pop-up window 803 including the submenu for the specific menu item 801 is displayed and any one of the submenus for the specific menu item 801 is displayed. When touch dragged to the item 805, the controller 180 may enter the item 805 corresponding to the point where the pointer is moved by the touch drag. When entering the item 805, the controller 180 may display a lower item for the item 805. Such an example is shown in FIG. 8C.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may return to the previous step by inputting a specific key signal. For example, the user may press side key 809 to return to the immediately previous menu display step. In addition, when the lower menu is displayed to overlap on the upper menu, the user may return to the previous step by touching a portion other than the pop-up window including the lower menu.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may move a pop-up window including sub-items for a specific item through a touch input. Such an example is shown in FIG. 9.

9A illustrates a state in which a plurality of menu items are touched by a pointer (a finger in the illustrated screen) on a screen on which an icon is displayed. When the specific menu item 901 is touched for a predetermined time, the controller 180 may display a pop-up window 903 including a submenu for the specific item (FIG. 9B). In this case, since the point where the touched menu item 901 is located is an edge portion of the screen, when the submenu for the menu item 901 is displayed around the touched point, some submenu items that are not visible may not be displayed. Can be.

Accordingly, the controller 180 may make some submenu items not visible through the movement of the pop-up window 903. When the pop-up window 903 is set to the moving mode, the user may move the pop-up window 903 to a desired position by touch dragging. In order to let the user know whether the popup window 903 is set to the moving mode, the controller 180 can display the popup window 903 to be identified. For example, a light may be displayed at the edge of the pop-up window 903 or the color of the pop-up window 903 may be changed. In addition, the controller 180 may set the pop-up window 903 to the movement mode by a specific signal input, or may release the movement mode setting of the pop-up window 903. For example, when the pop-up window 903 is displayed and the center portion of the pop-up window 903 is touched, the movement mode may be set.

When the movement mode of the pop-up window 903 is set, the controller 180 moves the pop-up window 903 without touching the sub menu displayed on the pop-up window 903 by touch dragging (FIG. 9c). When the pop-up window 903 is moved to a desired point by the touch drag, the controller 180 may release the movement mode of the pop-up window 903 by a specific signal input. For example, if the pop-up window 903 in which the movement mode is set is touched once more, the movement mode may be released. That is, the ear canal mode may be alternately set depending on the number of touches, and the set movement mode may be released. When the movement mode setting is released, the controller 180 may disappear a light that shines at the edge of the pop-up window 903. When the movement mode is released, as in the method illustrated in FIG. 6, the sub menu may be entered by touch dragging. For example, when a pop-up window 903 including a submenu for a specific menu item 901 is displayed and touch-drag to one of the submenus 905 for the specific menu item 901. The controller 180 may enter the item 905 corresponding to the point where the pointer is moved by the touch drag. When entering the item 905, the controller 180 may display a lower item for the item 905.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may display information related to an icon displayed in an indicator area by touch dragging. The indicator area refers to a predetermined area of the display screen on which an icon for indicating specific information is displayed. For example, an indicator area may be an upper area of the screen on which an icon indicating a reception strength, an icon related to a message, an icon indicating a battery strength, etc. are displayed.

10 illustrates an example of checking a received message through touch drag in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, when a message related icon is touch-draged out of the indicator area to the center portion of the screen, the controller 180 may display a message not read by the user (FIG. 10B).

10 illustrates only a message related icon, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the touch is dragged out of the icon indicator area indicating the battery strength to the center portion of the screen, the controller 180 may display information on the available battery time in detail.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described method may be embodied as computer readable codes on a medium in which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and the like, which are also implemented in the form of carrier waves (eg, transmission over the Internet). It also includes. In addition, the computer may include the controller 180 of the terminal.

The mobile terminal capable of performing a specific function through the touch drag described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be modified in various ways. All or part of the examples may be optionally combined.

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

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

3 is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system capable of operating a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing a specific function through touch drag in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 to 10 are diagrams showing an example of performing a specific function through touch drag in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (11)

A display unit having a touch screen; And And a control unit which enters the first item when a point touched on the touch screen while the at least one item is displayed is touched and dragged to the first item of the at least one item. The method of claim 1, The at least one item is a sub-item for a second item, The controller may display the at least one item around the touched second item when the second item displayed on the touch screen is touched for a predetermined time. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one item including the first item is And a plurality of items including the second item are displayed to overlap on the displayed screen. The method of claim 3, wherein the mobile terminal Further comprising an alarm unit, The control unit And entering the first item by the touch drag, outputting vibration through the alarm unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit And when the touch of the touched point is released, controlling at least one item including the first item to disappear. The method of claim 5, wherein the control unit And when the at least one item including the first item is displayed in the pop-up window, the pop-up window can be moved. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, And when any one of the icons displayed in the indicator area is touch dragged to a predetermined area outside the indicator area, information related to the touch dragged icon is displayed. The method of claim 7, wherein the control unit And displaying a message for which the contents are not checked when the message related icon displayed in the indicator area is touch-draged to a predetermined area out of the indicator area. Displaying at least one item; Detecting that the touched point is touch dragged to a first item of the at least one item; And And entering the first item. The method of claim 9, The at least one item is a sub-item for a second item, And displaying the at least one item when the second item has been touched for a predetermined time, displaying the at least one item around the touched second item. The method of claim 9, wherein the function of the mobile terminal is performed. When the touch of the touch point is released, further comprising the step of disappearing at least one item including the first item.

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