KR20100052020A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling in thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal and a method for controlling thereof are provided to perform search of a menu about an input character and display, thereby using menu function more rapidly. CONSTITUTION: An input unit(130) has a key for changing a number input mode and a character input mode on a plurality of keys about numbers and character and on a standby screen. A display module(151) displays a number and a character inputted through the input unit on the standby screen. A control unit(180) performs a mode changing according to the input of changed key. The control displays the inputted number and a character in the changed mode on a display module.

Description

Mobile terminal and method for controlling in particular

The present invention relates to a terminal supporting a text input function.

Terminals such as personal computers, laptops, mobile phones, etc. 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 terminals include additional functionality to play games, while others are implemented as multimedia devices. Moreover, recent terminals can receive a broadcast or multicast signal to watch a video or television program.

Normally the terminal moves The mobile terminal may be divided into a mobile terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the mobile terminal is a portable terminal (or a handheld terminal) and a vehicle mount terminal, depending on whether the user can directly carry the mobile terminal. Can be divided into

Efforts to support and increase the function of the terminal continue. The above efforts include not only changes and improvements in structural components forming the terminal, but also improvements in software and hardware.

An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal capable of freely inputting characters such as Korean, English, and special characters on a standby screen, and a control method thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a terminal and a control method for displaying a menu related to numbers and letters input on the standby screen and performing an operation corresponding to the menu when the menu is selected. have.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal comprising: an input unit including a plurality of keys assigned with numbers and letters, and a key for switching between a number input mode or a text input mode on a standby screen; A display module for displaying numbers and letters input through the input unit; And a controller configured to switch between a numeric input mode and a character input mode according to the input of the switch key on a standby screen, and to display the numbers and characters input on the switched input mode on the display module.

In this case, the display module may be a touch screen type, and at least one of the keys to which the numbers and letters are assigned and the switch key may be displayed on the touch screen.

The controller may display an identifier indicating the switched numeric input mode or text input mode on the touch screen.

The controller may store the input numbers and letters on a memo menu when a key signal for storing the displayed numbers and letters is input.

The terminal according to the present invention may further include a memory in which a plurality of contact information is stored. The control unit may call the contact information if the contact information including the input number and letter among the contact information exists. You can try to connect.

The control unit may transmit a message including the input number and text as the contact information.

The controller may search for and display data including the input number and character among names of data stored in the memory.

In addition, in the control method of the terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when a switch key for switching between the numeric input mode and the character input mode is input on the standby screen, the current input mode is changed to the numeric input mode or the character input mode. Switching; And displaying the numbers and letters input on the switched input mode.

In addition, the terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, an input unit having a plurality of keys assigned with numbers and letters, and a key for switching between the numeric input mode or the character input mode on the standby screen; A display module for displaying numbers and letters input through the input unit on a standby screen; On the standby screen, the numeric input mode and the character input mode are switched between each other according to the input of the switch key to display numerals and characters, and at least one menu related to the numerals and characters input on the standby screen is displayed. If selected, the control unit for performing an operation corresponding to the menu.

In this case, the control unit displays a call connection menu on the standby screen if contact information corresponding to the input number exists among previously stored contact information, and when the call connection menu is selected, the control unit matches the input number. You can try to make a call with your contact information.

The controller may display a message transmission menu when the numbers and letters are input, display previously stored contact information when the message transmission menu is selected, and display the input numbers and letters when at least one of the contact information is selected. The included message may be transmitted to the selected contact information.

The controller may display a memo menu when the numbers and letters are input, and store the input numbers and letters on the memo menu when the memo menu is selected.

In addition, in the control method of the terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when a switch key for switching between the numeric input mode and the character input mode is input on the standby screen, the current input mode is changed to the numeric input mode or the character input mode. Switching; Displaying numbers and letters input on the switched input mode; Displaying at least one menu associated with the displayed number and letter; If the displayed menu is selected, performing an operation corresponding to the menu.

In the terminal and its control method according to the present invention, characters such as Korean, English, and special characters can be freely input in addition to numbers on the standby screen, and the user can quickly enter a menu by searching and displaying a menu related to the input characters. The effect is to use the function.

Hereinafter, a terminal according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other.

The terminal described herein includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like. May be included.

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

The 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 unit 160, and an interface unit. And a control unit 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, so that a mobile terminal having more or fewer components may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

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

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives 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 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.

The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast 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 may include, for example, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO), and Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-H). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as Handheld and Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for not only the above-described digital broadcasting system but also other broadcasting systems.

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

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a wireless 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 communication call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

At this time, the mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a video communication signal with other terminals through a video communication channel according to video communication protocols such as H. 223, H. 245, and H. 324M. At this time, the video communication signal includes a video, a video call voice and a video chat text.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access and may be built in or external to the terminal 100. Wireless Internet technologies may include Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

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.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining the location of the terminal 100, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) module.

Referring to FIG. 1, 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 use environment.

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 implement 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.

The sensing unit 140 detects a current state of the terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the terminal 100, a position of the terminal 100, presence or absence of a user contact, orientation of the terminal, acceleration / deceleration of the terminal, and the like. Generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of. For example, when the terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to the external device may be sensed.

On the other hand, the output unit 150 is for generating an output related to the visual, auditory or tactile sense, such as the display unit 151, the sound output module 152, the alarm unit 153, the haptic module 154, etc. This may be included.

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

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

Some of these displays can be configured to be transparent or light transmissive so that they can be seen from the outside. This may be referred to as a transparent display. A representative example of the transparent display is TOLED (Transparant OLED). The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be configured as a light transmissive structure. With this structure, the user can see the object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 of the terminal body.

According to an implementation form of the terminal 100, two or more display units 151 may exist. For example, a plurality of display units may be spaced apart or integrally disposed on one surface of the terminal 100, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

When the display unit 151 and a sensor for detecting a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as a touch sensor) form a mutual layer structure (hereinafter referred to as a touch screen), the display unit 151 may be configured in addition to an output device. Can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

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

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

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is surrounded by the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object present in the vicinity without using a mechanical contact by using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. Proximity sensors have a longer life and higher utilization than touch sensors.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the touch screen is configured to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the act of allowing the pointer to be recognized without being in contact with the touch screen so that the pointer is located on the touch screen is referred to as a "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "contact touch." The position where the proximity touch is performed by the pointer on the touch screen refers to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen when the pointer is in proximity proximity.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, and a proximity touch movement state). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The sound output module 152 may output 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. The sound output module 152 may also output a sound signal related to a function (for example, a call signal reception sound or a message reception sound) performed in the terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and touch input. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying occurrence of an event in a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152, so that they 151 and 152 may be classified as part of the alarm unit 153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. Vibration is a representative example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 154. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or may be sequentially output.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 154 may be configured to provide a pin array that vertically moves with respect to the contact skin surface, a jetting force or suction force of air through the jetting or suction port, grazing to the skin surface, contact of the electrode, electrostatic force, and the like. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as effects by the endothermic and the reproduction of a sense of cold using the elements capable of endotherm or heat generation.

The haptic module 154 may not only deliver the haptic effect through direct contact, but also may implement the user to feel the haptic effect through a muscle sense such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 154 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

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

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). ), 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 At least one type of storage medium may include a memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The terminal 100 may operate in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path with all external devices connected to the terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the terminal 100, or transmits the data inside the terminal 100 to an external device. 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, The video input / output (I / O) port, the earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip that stores various information for authenticating the use authority of the terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM), and a universal user authentication module ( Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like. The device equipped with the identification module as described above (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.

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

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the terminal 100. For example, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. 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 controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing a writing input or a drawing input performed on the touch screen as text and an image, respectively.

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 recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein 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 other functions. These 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. The software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

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

The disclosed terminal 100 has a terminal body in the form of a bar. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, a swivel type, and two or more bodies are coupled to be relatively movable.

The body includes a casing (casing, housing, cover, etc.) that forms an exterior. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are built in the space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

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 unit 151, the audio output unit 152, the camera 121, the user input units 130/131 and 132, the microphone 122, and the interface 170 may be disposed in the terminal body, mainly the front case 101. have.

The display unit 151 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 101. A sound output unit 151 and a camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151 and a user input unit 131 and a microphone 122 are disposed in an area adjacent to the other end. The user input unit 132 and the interface 170 may be disposed on side surfaces of the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The user input unit 130 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the terminal 100 and may include a plurality of manipulation units 131 and 132. The manipulation units 131 and 132 may also be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the tactile manner with a tactile feeling.

Content input by the first or second manipulation units 131 and 132 may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 131 receives commands such as start, end, scroll, and the like, and the second operation unit 132 controls the size of the sound output from the sound output unit 152 or the size of the sound output from the display unit 151 To the touch recognition mode of the touch screen.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a camera 121 ′ may be additionally mounted on the rear of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 102. The camera 121 ′ has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the camera 121 (see FIG. 2A), and may be a camera having different pixels from the camera 121.

For example, the camera 121 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 camera 121 'photographs a general subject and does not transmit it immediately. It is desirable to have a high pixel because there are many. The cameras 121 and 121 'may be installed on the terminal body to be rotatable or pop-up.

A flash 123 and a mirror 124 are further disposed adjacent to the camera 121 '. The flash 123 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera 121 '. The mirror 124 allows the user to see his / her own face or the like when photographing (self-photographing) the user using the camera 121 '.

The sound output unit 152 'may be further disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The sound output unit 152 ′ may implement a stereo function together with the sound output unit 152 (see FIG. 2A), and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

In addition to the antenna for a call or the like, a broadcast signal reception antenna 124 may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. The antenna 124 constituting a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1) may be installed to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body.

The terminal body is equipped with a power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may be embedded in the terminal body or may be directly detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The rear case 102 may be further equipped with a touch pad 135 for sensing a touch. Like the display unit 151, the touch pad 135 may also be configured to have a light transmission type. In this case, if the display unit 151 is configured to output visual information from both sides, the visual information may be recognized through the touch pad 135. The information output on both surfaces may be controlled by the touch pad 135. Alternatively, a display may be additionally mounted on the touch pad 135, and a touch screen may also be disposed on the rear case 102.

The touch pad 135 operates in association with the display unit 151 of the front case 101. The touch pad 135 may be disposed in parallel to the rear of the display unit 151. The touch pad 135 may have the same or smaller size as the display unit 151.

Hereinafter, the operation of the display unit 151 and the touch pad 135 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

3A and 3B are front views of a portable terminal for explaining an operation state of the terminal according to the present invention.

Various types of time information can be displayed on the display unit 151. [ These pieces of information can be displayed in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons.

For the input of such information, at least one of the letters, numbers, symbols, graphics or icons may be displayed in a predetermined arrangement so as to be implemented in the form of a keypad. Such a keypad may be called a so-called " soft key ".

3A illustrates receiving a touch applied to a softkey through the front of the terminal body.

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

For example, an output window 151a and an input window 151b are displayed on the upper and lower portions of the display unit 151, respectively. In the input window 151b, a soft key 151c displaying a number for inputting a telephone number or the like is output. When the softkey 151c is touched, a number or the like corresponding to the touched softkey is displayed on the output window 151a. When the first manipulation unit 131 is operated, a call connection to the telephone number displayed on the output window 151a is attempted.

3B illustrates receiving a touch applied to a softkey through the rear of the terminal body. If FIG. 3A is a portrait in which the terminal body is arranged vertically, FIG. 3B illustrates a landscape in which the terminal body is arranged horizontally. The display unit 151 may be configured to convert the output screen according to the arrangement direction of the terminal body.

3B shows that the text input mode is activated in the terminal. The display unit 151 displays the output window 135a and the input window 135b. In the input window 135b, a plurality of softkeys 135c on which at least one of letters, symbols, and numbers are displayed may be arranged. The softkeys 135c may be arranged in the form of a QWERTY key.

When the soft keys 135c are touched through the touch pad 135, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. corresponding to the touched soft keys are displayed on the output window 135a. As described above, the touch input through the touch pad 135 has an advantage of preventing the softkey 135c from being blocked by the finger when touched, as compared with the touch input through the display unit 151. When the display unit 151 and the touch pad 135 are transparent, the fingers located at the rear of the terminal body can be visually checked, and thus more accurate touch input is possible.

In addition to the input methods disclosed in the above embodiments, the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135 may be configured to receive a touch input by scrolling. By scrolling the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135, the user may move an object displayed on the display unit 151, for example, a cursor or a pointer located at an icon. Further, when the finger is moved on the display portion 151 or the touch pad 135, the path along which the finger moves may be visually displayed on the display portion 151. [ This may be useful for editing an image displayed on the display unit 151.

One function of the terminal may be executed in response to a case where the display unit 151 (touch screen) and the touch pad 135 are touched together within a predetermined time range. In the case of being touched together, there may be a case where the user clamps the terminal body using the thumb and index finger. For example, the function may include activation or deactivation of the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135.

The proximity sensor 141 described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a proximity depth of a proximity sensor.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a pointer such as a user's finger or pen approaches the touch screen, the proximity sensor 141 disposed in or near the touch screen detects this and outputs a proximity signal.

The proximity sensor 141 may be configured to output different proximity signals according to a distance between the proximity touched pointer and the touch screen (hereinafter, referred to as “proximity depth”).

In FIG. 4, for example, a cross section of a touch screen on which three proximity sensors capable of sensing three proximity depths is disposed is illustrated. Of course, proximity sensors that detect less than three or more than four proximity depths are also possible.

Specifically, when the pointer is completely in contact with the touch screen (d ₀ ), it is recognized as a touch touch. When the pointer is positioned below the distance d ₁ on the touch screen, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of a first proximity depth. When the pointer is spaced apart from the distance d ₁ or more and less than d ₂ on the touch screen, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of a second proximity depth. When the pointer is spaced apart from the distance d ₂ or more and less than d ₃ on the touch screen, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of a third proximity depth. When the pointer is positioned at a distance of more than d ₃ from the touch screen, the proximity touch is recognized as released.

Accordingly, the controller 180 may recognize the proximity touch as various input signals according to the proximity depth and the proximity position of the pointer, and perform various operation control according to the various input signals.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a control method for a touch operation when a pair of display units 155 and 156 overlap.

The terminal disclosed in this drawing is a folder-type terminal in which a folder unit is foldable with respect to a main body. The first display unit 155 mounted on the folder unit may be a light transmissive type or a transparent type such as a TOLED, but the second display unit 156 mounted on the main body may have a form in which light does not transmit, such as an LCD. The first and second display units 155 and 156 may be configured as touch screens capable of touch input, respectively.

For example, when a touch (contact touch or proximity-touch) with respect to the first display unit or the TOLED 155 is detected, the controller 180 may be configured according to the type of touch and the touch time. At least one image from the list of images displayed on the TOLED 155 may be selected or run.

Hereinafter, touch, long touch, long touch, and drag (drag) are applied to a method in which information displayed on another display unit or LCD 156 is controlled when a touch is applied to the TOLED 155 exposed to the outside in an overlapped form. The description is based on the input method separated by).

In the overlapped state (mobile terminal is closed), the TOLED 155 is disposed to overlap the lower side of the LCD 156. In this state, when a touch different from a touch for controlling the image displayed on the TOLED 155 is detected, for example, a long touch (for example, a touch lasting more than 2 seconds to 3 seconds), the controller 180 ) Causes at least one image of the image list displayed on the LCD 156 to be selected according to the sensed touch input. The result of the execution of the selected image is displayed on the TOLED 155.

The long touch can also be used to selectively move a desired one of the objects displayed on the LCD 156 to the TOLED 155 (without its execution operation). That is, the user may select one area of the TOLED 155 corresponding to the specific object of the LCD 156. In the long touch, the controller 180 moves the object to the TOLED 155 for display. Meanwhile, the object displayed on the TOLED 155 may also be transferred to the LCD 156 according to a predetermined touch input, for example, flicking, swirling, or the like, on the TOLED 155. In this figure, the menu No. 2 displayed on the LCD 156 is moved to the TOLED 155 and illustrated.

If another input, for example, a drag, is additionally detected along with the long touch, the controller 180 is a function related to the image selected by the long touch, for example, a preview screen for the image is displayed on the TOLED 155. Can be displayed on. In this figure, the case where the preview (male photograph) with respect to the 2nd menu (image file) is performed is illustrated.

When the preview screen is output and the drag is made to the TOLED 155 to another image while maintaining the long touch, the controller 180 controls the selection cursor (or selection bar) of the LCD 156. The selected cursor is displayed on the preview screen (woman photo). After that, when the touch (long touch and drag) is finished, the controller 180 displays the first image selected by the long touch.

The touch operation (long touch and drag) may be performed when a slide (movement of the proximity touch corresponding to the drag) is detected together with the long proximity touch (the proximity touch lasting at least 2 seconds to 3 seconds) for the TOLED 155. The same applies to.

If a touch operation other than those mentioned above is detected, the controller 180 may operate in the same manner as a general touch control method.

The control method for the touch operation in the overlapped form may be applied to a terminal having a single display. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a terminal different from a folder type having a dual display.

6A and 6B are views referred to for describing the proximity touch recognition region and the tactile effect generation region.

6A shows an object such as an icon or a menu item in a circle for convenience of description. As shown in (a) of FIG. 6A, an area where an object is displayed on the display unit 151 may be divided into a first area A in the center and a second area B surrounding the area. The first area A and the second area B may be configured to generate a tactile effect having different intensities or patterns. For example, the first vibration may be output when the second region B is touched, and the second vibration may be output when the first region A is touched.

If it is necessary to simultaneously set the proximity touch recognition area and the haptic area in the area where the object is displayed, the haptic area where the haptic effect occurs and the proximity touch recognition area where the proximity signal is detected Can be set differently. That is, the haptic area may be set narrower than the proximity touch recognition area, or the haptic area may be set wider than the proximity touch recognition area. For example, in (a) of FIG. 6A, an area including the first area A and the second area B may be set as a proximity touch recognition area, and the first area A may be set as a haptic area.

As shown in Fig. 6A (b), the area in which the object is displayed is divided into three areas A, B, and C, or as shown in Fig. 6A (c), N (N> 4). It can also be divided into three areas. Each divided area may be configured to generate a tactile effect having different intensities or patterns. Even when the area in which one object is displayed is divided into three or more areas, the haptic area and the proximity touch recognition area may be set differently according to the use environment.

The display unit 151 may be configured such that the size of the proximity touch recognition area varies depending on the depth of proximity. That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 6B, the corresponding proximity touch recognition area is gradually reduced to 'C', 'B', and 'A' according to the proximity depth to the display unit 151, Alternatively, the corresponding proximity touch recognition region may be gradually increased according to the depth of proximity to the display unit 151. Even in this case, the haptic region may be set to a constant size regardless of the depth of proximity to the display unit 151 as in the 'H' region illustrated in FIG. 6B.

 In the case of dividing the region where the object is displayed for setting the haptic region or the proximity touch recognition region, in addition to the concentric division as shown in FIG. Various methods, such as division, can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a chat control process in the terminal 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Of course, the embodiments described below can be used alone or in combination with each other.

The following embodiments may be more easily implemented when the display module 151 is configured as a touch screen.

<First Embodiment>

7 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a control process of displaying numbers and letters on a standby screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

8 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment showing a control process of displaying numbers and letters on a standby screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the controller 180 of the terminal 100 according to the present invention may be configured with a plurality of keys to which numbers and letters are assigned while the standby screen is displayed on the touch screen 151. When any one key is input from the configured keypad 81 [S72], the number assigned to the key is displayed on the standby screen [S73].

That is, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the first key “1” is input on the standby screen, the controller 180 determines the number 83a and the letter assigned to the key “1”. Among these, the number 83a is preferentially displayed.

In addition, the controller 180 may display a first identifier 84a indicating that the current character input mode indicates the number input mode on one area of the standby screen on which the number 83a is displayed.

In addition, the keypad 81 may be keys provided in the input unit 130 of the terminal 100 or may be displayed on the touch screen 151.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the controller 180 may switch a numeric input mode or a character (Korean / English / special character) input mode to one area of the standby screen of the touch screen 151. The changeover key 82 is displayed.

Of course, the switching key 82 may be displayed on the touch screen 151 as described above, or may be a function key provided in the input unit 130.

The controller 180 switches the current number input mode to the character input mode [S75] when the switch key 82 is input once when the number 83a is displayed on the standby screen [S75]. When a key is input in the state of being switched to the character input mode [S76], a character corresponding to the input key is displayed [S77].

That is, as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, when the switch key 82 is input once in the state of the number input mode, the controller 180 switches the number input mode to the Hangul input mode, and A second identifier 84b indicating that the character input mode is the Hangul input mode is displayed.

In addition, when the keys “1 → 9 → 5” are input for the Hangul input in the Hangul input mode state, the controller 180 may display a character corresponding to the input keys (1 → 9 → 5 ”). "Kim").

In addition, as shown in (c) of FIG. 8, when the switch key 82 is input twice in the state of the number input mode, the controller 180 switches the number input mode to the English input mode, and A third identifier 84c indicating that the character input mode is the English input mode is displayed.

In addition, when the keys for the English input (“5 → 5 → 4 → 4 → 4 → 6”) are input in the English input mode, the controller 180 inputs the input keys (“5 → 5 → 4 →”. Character ("KIM") corresponding to 4 → 4 → 6 ") is displayed.

9 to 12, embodiments of using numbers and text input processes on a standby screen according to the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 9 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment showing a process of storing numbers and letters input on a standby screen according to the present invention on a menu menu. FIG.

First, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, the user inputs the text "October 20, 2008 at 4:00 PM reunion" 91a on the standby screen by the process of FIGS. 7 and 8. After the storage key 91b is input again, the controller 180 stores the text 91a input by the user in the memo menu in the terminal 100 menu as shown in FIG. Let's do it.

That is, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the user may easily store the characters input on the standby screen in the memo menu.

10 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment showing a process of connecting a call using numbers and letters inputted on a standby screen according to the present invention.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 10, when the user inputs the "Yi-Shin" 92a character on the standby screen by the process of FIGS. 7 and 8 again, the controller re-enters the call key 92b. 180 searches for contact information including the “Yi” 92a character among names of contact information in the phone book included in the memory 160.

When the contact information including the letter “Yi” (92a) is found among the names of the contact information, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110, as shown in FIG. Attempt to make a call with information ("Yi").

FIG. 11 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment showing a process of transmitting a message using numbers and letters input on a standby screen according to the present invention.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 11, the user transmits a message after inputting the text " Yi! Shin! When the user inputs 93b) again, the controller 180 searches for contact information including the letters “Ya! Shin! We're going to reunion today at 18:00” (93a) among names of contact information included in the memory book 160.

When the contact information included in the text “Yi! Shin reunion today at 18:00” 93a is found among the names of the contact information, the controller 180 displays the wireless communication unit 110 as shown in FIG. ), And transmits the message including the " Yi! Shin reunion today at 18: 00 " (93a) text to the searched contact information ("Yi").

FIG. 12 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a process of searching for data using numbers and letters input on a standby screen according to the present invention.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 12, when the user inputs the character of "landscape picture" 94a on the standby screen by the process of FIGS. 7 and 8, the data search key 94b is input again. The controller 180 searches for data including the “Landscape Photo” 94a character among the names of the data stored in the memory 160.

As shown in FIG. 12B, when the data including the “Landscape Photo” 94a character is searched for in the name of the data, the controller 180 displays the search result and displays the search result from the user. When the execution key 94c for execution is input, the retrieved data is executed.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a control process of displaying a menu associated with numbers and letters input on an idle screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the controller 180 of the terminal 100 according to the present invention is input [S81], numbers and / or letters are input on the standby screen as described in the first embodiment described above [S82]. ], At least one menu associated with the inputted number and / or letter is searched for in the provided menu item [S83], and the searched menu item is displayed on the standby screen [S84].

Among menu functions provided in the terminal 100, a menu related to numbers may be a call connection menu.

That is, when receiving a number from the user on the standby screen, the controller 180 may recognize that the number corresponding to the telephone number of the counterpart to which the call is to be received is input.

Therefore, when a plurality of numbers are input from the user on the idle screen, the controller 180 recognizes that the current user is inputting the other party's telephone number. When the input of the numbers is completed, the controller 180 connects a call on the idle screen. The menu can be displayed.

In addition, among menu functions provided in the terminal 100, a menu related to numbers and letters may be a message transmission menu, a memo menu, a schedule menu, or the like.

That is, when the controller 180 receives a number and a letter from the user on the standby screen according to the first embodiment, the controller 180 can recognize that the message content to be transmitted to the counterpart has been received. In addition, when the controller 180 receives a number and a letter from the user on the standby screen according to the first embodiment described above, the controller 180 can recognize that a content to be stored on the memo menu has been received. In addition, when the controller 180 receives a number and a letter from the user on the standby screen according to the first embodiment, the controller 180 can recognize that the content to be registered on the schedule menu has been received.

As described above, the controller 180 performs an operation corresponding to the selected menu when one menu is selected in the state of displaying the menu item related to the input number and / or character [S85]. ].

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments using a process of displaying and executing a menu related to numbers and letters input on an idle screen according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 14 is a screen diagram of a second exemplary embodiment showing a control process of displaying a menu associated with a number input on a standby screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 14A, when a plurality of numbers 210a are input from a user through a keypad 81, the controller 180 displays the input numbers 210a on a standby screen. In addition, it is determined whether there is contact information corresponding to the input numbers 210a among contact information in the phone book provided in the memory 160.

The controller 180 displays the call connection menu 210b on the standby screen as shown in FIG. 14B when contact information matching the input numbers 210a exists.

Subsequently, when the call connection menu 210b is selected by the user, the controller 180 attempts to make a call connection with contact information corresponding to the input numbers 210a.

15 is a screen diagram of a second exemplary embodiment showing a control process of displaying a menu related to numbers and letters input on an idle screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15A, when the content 220a in which a plurality of numbers and letters are combined is input from the user on the standby screen according to the first embodiment described above, the controller 180 displays the information on the standby screen. Display menu items associated with the content 220a.

That is, the menu items related to the content 220a may be a “1. Send message” menu 220b, a “2. memo” menu 220c and a “3. schedule” menu 220d.

Herein, when the " 1. Send message " menu 220b is selected by the user, the controller 180 displays a list of contact information registered in a phone book on the standby screen, and displays at least one contact information from the user on the contact information list. When the contact information is selected, as shown in FIG. 15B, a message including the content 220a input on the standby screen is transmitted to the selected contact information.

In addition, when the "2. memo" menu 220c is selected by the user in FIG. 15A, the controller 180 may display the input content 220a as shown in FIG. 15C. On the "2. memo" menu 220c.

In addition, when the "3. Schedule" menu 220d is selected by the user in FIG. 15A, the controller 180 displays a window for setting a schedule date and time on the standby screen, and the setting window. When the schedule date and time are set by the user through, as shown in (d) of FIG. 15, the input content 220a is stored in association with the set schedule date and time.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the above-described method may be implemented as code that can be read by a processor in a medium in which a program is recorded. Examples of processor-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and may be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). Include.

The above-described terminal and its control method may not be limitedly applied to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be selectively combined with all or some of the embodiments so that various modifications may be made. It may be configured.

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

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

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

3A and 3B are front views of a terminal for explaining an operation state of the terminal related to the present invention.

4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a proximity depth of a proximity sensor.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a control method for a touch operation when a pair of display units 155 and 156 overlap.

6A and 6B are views referred to for describing the proximity touch recognition region and the tactile effect generation region.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a control process of displaying numbers and letters on a standby screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

8 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment showing a control process of displaying numbers and letters on a standby screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment showing a process of storing numbers and letters input on a standby screen according to the present invention on a menu menu. FIG.

10 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment showing a process of connecting a call using numbers and letters inputted on a standby screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment showing a process of transmitting a message using numbers and letters input on a standby screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a screen diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a process of searching for data using numbers and letters input on a standby screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a control process of displaying a menu associated with numbers and letters input on an idle screen of a terminal according to the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 14 is a screen diagram of a second exemplary embodiment showing a control process of displaying a menu associated with a number input on a standby screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

15 is a screen diagram of a second exemplary embodiment showing a control process of displaying a menu related to numbers and letters input on an idle screen of a terminal according to the present invention.

Claims (13)

An input unit including a plurality of keys assigned with numbers and letters and keys for switching between a number input mode and a character input mode on a standby screen; A display module displaying a number and a letter input through the input unit on a standby screen; And And a controller configured to switch between a numeric input mode and a character input mode on the standby screen, and to display the numbers and characters input on the switched input mode on the display module. According to claim 1, The display module is a touch screen type, And at least one of the keys to which the numbers and letters are assigned and the change key are displayed on the touch screen. According to claim 1, And the controller is further configured to display an identifier indicating the switched numeric input mode or character input mode on the touch screen. According to claim 1, The controller, when a key signal for storing the displayed numbers and characters is input, the control unit stores the input numbers and characters on a memo menu. According to claim 1, The control unit, if there is contact information including the input number and letters of the pre-stored contact information, characterized in that to attempt to make a call connection to the contact information. According to claim 1, The control unit, if there is contact information including the input number and letters of the previously stored contact information, characterized in that for transmitting the message including the input number and letters as the contact information. According to claim 1, The control unit, characterized in that for searching for the data containing the input numerals and letters of the names of the previously stored data to display. If a switch key for switching between the numeric input mode and the character input mode is input on the standby screen, switching the current input mode to the numeric input mode or the character input mode; And And displaying a number and a letter input on the switched input mode. An input unit including a plurality of keys assigned with numbers and letters and keys for switching between a number input mode and a character input mode on a standby screen; A display module displaying a number and a letter input through the input unit on a standby screen; And On the standby screen, the numeric input mode and the character input mode are switched between each other according to the input of the switch key to display numerals and characters, and at least one menu related to the numerals and characters input on the standby screen is displayed. And a control unit that performs an operation corresponding to the menu, when selected. The method of claim 9, The controller may display a call connection menu on the standby screen if contact information corresponding to the input number exists among previously stored contact information. If the call connection menu is selected, the control unit contacts the contact with the input number. Terminal for connecting to the call with information. The method of claim 9, The controller displays a message transmission menu when the numbers and letters are input, displays previously stored contact information when the message transmission menu is selected, and includes the input numbers and letters when at least one of the contact information is selected. And a message is transmitted to the selected contact information. The method of claim 9, The controller may display a memo menu when the numbers and letters are input, and store the input numbers and letters on the memo menu when the memo menu is selected. If a switch key for switching between the numeric input mode and the character input mode is input on the standby screen, switching the current input mode to the numeric input mode or the character input mode; Displaying numbers and letters input on the switched input mode; Displaying at least one menu associated with the displayed number and letter; And If the displayed menu is selected, performing an operation corresponding to the menu; control method of a terminal comprising a.

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