KR20100085615A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal and a method for controlling the same are provided to enable a user to conveniently select a derisible object even when various objects are densely arranged on a touch screen. CONSTITUTION: A touch screen displays at least one object. When a certain region is set up on the touch screen, a controller(180) displays a list regarding the objects corresponding to a certain region on the touch screen. The controller controls the selected object to be executed when one object is selected in the list. The controller controls the region of the region having a certain size to be controller when the touch input operation is performed on the touch screen.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same so that user's convenience can be further considered to enable the use of the terminal.

Terminal can move And can be divided into a mobile / portable terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may be further classified into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mount terminal according to whether a user can directly carry it.

Such a terminal has various functions, for example, in the form of a multimedia device having multiple functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, reception of a game and broadcasting, etc. .

In order to support and increase the function of such a terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and / or the software part of the terminal.

Recently, many mobile communication terminals equipped with a touch screen type display have been released. However, with the recent trend of miniaturization of the terminal, it is virtually impossible to implement the touch screen of the terminal beyond a certain size. Nevertheless, the functions of the terminal itself are getting more complicated and diversified, so that various objects (for example, icons, links, selection buttons, etc.) displayed on the touch screen in connection with various functions of the terminal are gradually increasing. Therefore, the reality is that the size of the objects on the touch screen can only be reduced. Therefore, a terminal user may not only be difficult to see due to the limited size of the objects, but may also be difficult to select by touching the touch screen because the size of the objects is small.

Accordingly, the present invention is proposed to satisfy the above-described requirements, and the mobile terminal and its control method which make it easy to select a desired object among them even if various objects are small and compactly arranged on the touch screen. To provide that purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a touch screen for displaying at least one object and a list of objects on the touch screen corresponding to the predetermined area when the predetermined area is set on the touch screen. And a controller for controlling the selected object to be executed when one object is selected from the list.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention, at least one object is displayed on the touch screen, a predetermined area is set on the touch screen, and the objects on the touch screen corresponding to the predetermined area A list of related information is displayed, and when the selected object is selected from the list, the selected object is executed.

The effects of the mobile terminal and its control method according to the present invention are as follows.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, even if various objects are small and compactly arranged on the touch screen, a desired object can be easily selected among them.

Hereinafter, a mobile 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 mobile terminal described herein may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, etc., except when applicable only to mobile terminals.

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

The 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, and an interface. The unit 170, the controller 180, and the power supply unit 190 may be included. 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 mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or 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, 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 receiving module 111 may be provided with two or more in the mobile terminal 100 in order to simultaneously receive two or more broadcast channels or facilitate the change of a broadcast channel.

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).

For example, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), a Media Forward Link Only A digital broadcasting system such as DVB-CB, OMA-BCAST, or 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 call call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access and may be embedded or external to the mobile 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 a location of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) module. According to the current technology, the GPS module 115 calculates distance information and accurate time information away from three or more satellites, and then applies trigonometric methods to the calculated information, thereby providing three-dimensional chords according to latitude, longitude, and altitude. The location information can be calculated accurately. At present, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting an error of the calculated position and time information using another satellite is widely used. In addition, the GPS module 115 may calculate speed information by continuously calculating the current position in real time.

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 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, whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to the external device may be sensed. The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141. This will be described later with reference to the touch screen.

The output unit 150 is used to generate an output related to visual, auditory or tactile senses, which includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, a haptic module 154, and a projector module ( 155) may be included.

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

There may be two or more display units 151 according to the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, in the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of display portions may be spaced apart from one another, or may be disposed integrally with one another, and may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

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 in 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 a touch controller (not shown). 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 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 (or proximity touch point) where the pointer is in proximity proximity to the touch screen means 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 (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 receiver, 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, 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. Since the video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152, in this case, the display unit 151 and the audio output module 152 are a kind of alarm unit 153. It may be classified as.

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. The haptic module 154 may be provided with two or more according to the configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

The projector module 155 is a component for performing an image project function using the mobile terminal 100 and is similar to the image displayed on the display unit 151 in accordance with a control signal of the controller 180 Or at least partly display another image on an external screen or wall.

Specifically, the projector module 155 includes a light source (not shown) that generates light (for example, laser light) for outputting an image to the outside, a light source And a lens (not shown) for enlarging and outputting the image at a predetermined focal distance to the outside. Further, the projector module 155 may include a device (not shown) capable of mechanically moving the lens or the entire module to adjust the image projection direction.

The projector module 155 can be divided into a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) module, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) module and a DLP (Digital Light Processing) module according to the type of the display means. In particular, the DLP module may be advantageous for miniaturization of the projector module 151 by enlarging and projecting an image generated by reflecting light generated from a light source on a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) chip.

Preferably, the projector module 155 may be provided longitudinally on the side, front or back side of the mobile terminal 100. It goes without saying that the projector module 155 may be provided at any position of the mobile terminal 100 as occasion demands.

The memory unit 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 180 and temporarily stores input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, an audio, a still image, a video, etc.). You can also perform a function for storage. The memory unit 160 may also store the frequency of use of each of the data (for example, each telephone number, each message, and frequency of use for each multimedia). In addition, in the memory unit 160, if various objects (eg, an icon, a link, a selection button, etc.) displayed on the touch screen have been selected in connection with various functions of the terminal, and / or when they have been selected, The history for can be stored. In addition, the memory unit 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), 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, Magnetic It may include a storage medium of at least one type of disk, optical disk. The mobile 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 mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile 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. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Therefore, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through a port.

The interface unit may be a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or various command signals input from the cradle by a user may be transferred. It may be a passage that is delivered to the terminal. 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 mobile terminal. 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, 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. The described embodiments may be implemented by the controller 180 itself.

According to the software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein. Software code may be implemented in software applications written in a suitable programming language. The software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

2A is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal or a portable terminal according to the present invention.

The disclosed mobile 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 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 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The operation units 131 and 132 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion.

Content input by the first or second manipulation units 131 and 132 may be variously set. For example, the first manipulation unit 131 receives a command such as start, end, scroll, and the like, and the second manipulation unit 132 adjusts the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 152 or displays 151. Command, such as activating / deactivating the touch recognition mode.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile 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 'may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the camera 121 (see FIG. 2A), and may be a camera having the same or different pixels as 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. 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 may be additionally 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 communication, a broadcast signal receiving antenna 116 may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. The antenna 116, which forms part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1), can 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 mobile 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. The touch pad 135 may be of a light transmission type for the display unit 151. [ In this case, if the display unit 151 is configured to output visual information on both sides (i.e., in both the front and rear sides of the mobile terminal), the visual information may be recognized through the touch pad 135 as well. Will be. The information output on both surfaces may be controlled by the touch pad 135.

Meanwhile, since a display dedicated to the touch pad 135 is separately installed, the touch screen may 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 mobile terminal for explaining an operation state of the mobile 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.

In order to input 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 'virtual keypad'.

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

The display unit 151 may be operated integrally with the entire area or divided into a plurality of areas. 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. The output window 151a and the input window 151b are areas allocated for outputting or inputting information, respectively. In the input window 151b, a virtual keypad 151c displaying a number for inputting a telephone number or the like is output. When the virtual keypad 151c is touched, a number or the like corresponding to the touched virtual keypad 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 the virtual keypad through the rear surface 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 illustrates that a text input mode is activated in a mobile terminal. The display unit 151 displays an output window 151a 'and an input window 151b'. A plurality of virtual keys 151c 'displaying at least one of letters, symbols, and numbers may be arranged in the input window 151b'. The virtual keys 151c 'may be arranged in the form of a QWERTY key.

When the virtual keys 151c 'are touched through the touch pad 135 (refer to FIG. 2B), letters, numbers, symbols, etc. corresponding to the touched virtual keys are displayed on the output window 151a'. As described above, the touch input through the touch pad 135 has an advantage of preventing the virtual key 151c '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. The user may move an icon, thumbnail, cursor, etc. displayed on the display unit 151 by scrolling the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135, but is not limited thereto. 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.

5A and 5B are views referred to for describing a proximity touch recognition region where a proximity signal is detected and a haptic region where a haptic effect occurs.

5A shows an object such as an icon or a menu item in a circle for convenience of description. As shown in (a) of FIG. 5A, 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. 5A, 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. 5A (b), the area in which the object is displayed is divided into three areas A, B, and C, or as shown in Fig. 5A (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. 5B, 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 area 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. 5B.

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

A configuration in which the above-described projector module is provided in the bar type mobile terminal 100 as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. 6A and 6B are perspective views illustrating an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

The main body 101 of the mobile terminal may be coupled to the projector body 105 provided with the projector module 155 to be rotatable.

That is, the projector body 105 may be hinged to the main body 101, and the projection angle is adjusted when the image is projected by using the projector module 155 provided in the projector body 105. The camera 121 may be disposed on the projector body 105 to capture an image projected by the projector module 155.

FIG. 6A illustrates a state before the projector body 105 rotatably coupled to the main body 101 is rotated, and FIG. 6B illustrates a state after the projector body 105 is rotated.

Hereinafter, an embodiment related to a control method that may be implemented in the mobile terminal configured as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The following embodiments may be more easily implemented when the display module 151 is configured as a touch screen. However, it should be noted that even if the display module 151 is not a touch screen, the following embodiments may be sufficiently implemented by manipulation of the user input unit 140.

Hereinafter, the display screen of the touch screen 151 will be referred to as 400.

7 to 17, an embodiment of a control method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described.

7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a control method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention, and FIGS. 8A to 17 are state diagrams of a display screen on which an embodiment of the control method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention is implemented.

First, the mobile terminal 100 enters the Internet access menu.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, a web page may be accessed through the wireless internet module 113 of the wireless communication unit 110, and the connected web page may be displayed on the touch screen 400. . In addition, the touch screen 400 may display an internet access termination icon 405 for terminating the internet access menu. Unlike FIG. 8A, it should be noted that the content of the given website may be displayed at a small scale (ie, a small text font or a high resolution) that is difficult to read on the touch screen 400.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the mobile terminal 100 enters the Internet access menu may be performed through appropriate manipulation of the user input unit 130, and thus, the detailed description will be clarity herein. Will be omitted.

At least one object may be displayed on the touch screen 400 [S71]. The object refers to an object displayed for a specific function on the touch screen. Examples of the object may include, but are not limited to, an icon, a link, a selection button, an image, a text, and the like. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the object is a link in a web page, and description continues.

An unspecified point on the touch screen 400 is then touched with a pointer (eg, a finger or a stylus pen).

Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the controller 180 controls the predetermined selection area 410 to be formed on the touch screen 400 [S72]. In FIG. 8B, the selection area 410 is illustrated as being rectangular, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the selection area 410 may be formed in a circular shape.

The controller 180 may control a frame to be formed around the predetermined selection region 410 so that the formed selection region is more clearly visible. The border does not have to be formed. Instead, the controller 180 may control the background color of the selection area 410 to be different from its surrounding color so that the formed selection area is more visible.

The controller 180 may control the selection area 410 to be formed including the touched point. However, the controller 180 is not limited thereto and may control the selection area 410 to be formed around the touched point so as not to include the touched point.

After the selection area 410 is formed, the controller 180 controls the object list 500 of at least one object included in the selection area 410 to be displayed on the touch screen 400 [ S73].

The controller 180 may control the object list 500 to be displayed at another position on the touch screen 400 according to at least one of the size and position of the selection area 410 so that the object list 500 is easily visible to the terminal user. .

The object list 500 may be displayed so as not to overlap the selection area 410 at all, or at least a portion of the object list 500 may be configured to overlap the selection area 410. This will be explained later. When the object list 500 is displayed so as not to overlap with the selection area 410, the object list 500 may be controlled to be generated at a position where the object list 500 may be displayed to the largest size so as not to overlap the selection area 410. .

The controller 180 may control the object list close icon 510 to be displayed to close the object list 500 in (or outside) the object list 500.

When the icon 510 is selected by touching, for example, the controller 180 may control the object list 500 to disappear from the touch screen 400. In addition, the controller 180 may control the selected selection area 410 to disappear when the object list 500 disappears from the touch screen 400.

The object list close icon 510 does not necessarily need to be displayed on the touch screen 400. For example, the controller 180 may control the object list 510 to disappear when an area on the touch screen 400 other than the object list 500 is touched.

Before the object list 510 is controlled to be messed up, a case in which the touch on the touch screen 400 is maintained as shown in FIG. 8B will be described.

If the touch is maintained continuously, the controller 180 can control the selection area 410 to increase or decrease in proportion to the touch time. 8C, the selection area 410 is enlarged in proportion to the touch time.

As the selection area 410 becomes larger, more objects may be included in the selection area 410. In FIG. 8C, an object including more objects in the selection area 410 than in FIG. 8B is displayed on the object list 500.

When the touch is continuously maintained, the selection area 410 continues to grow indefinitely in proportion to the touch time, or the selection area 410 may increase in a predetermined size range. For example, the controller 400 may increase the selection area 410 in proportion to the touch time only until a predetermined maximum number of objects (eg, four) are included in the selection area 410. Can be controlled.

When the selection area 410 decreases in proportion to the touch time, the controller is proportional to the touch time only until a predetermined minimum number of objects (eg, one) is included in the selection area 410. Thus, the selection area 410 may be controlled to be smaller.

One object (eg, "Mobile Phone") is selected in the object list 500. The selection of the object can be done in a variety of ways. For example, the object may be selected by touching the object on the touch screen 400, or the number corresponding to the object in the object list 500 is the user input unit 130 (eg, , The object may be selected by selecting from the keypad.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 8D, the controller 180 controls the web page corresponding to the selected object (ie, the link) to be displayed on the touch screen 400 [S74].

On the other hand, there may be any object directly at the touched point. In this case, the object may be executed instead of the selection area. Alternatively, even if the object is directly touched, the touched object is not immediately executed, and the object may be configured to be selected only through the object list.

The selection area may be formed on the touch screen 400 by various methods other than the method described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8D. Examples of the various methods will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

First, FIG. 9A will be described.

As illustrated in (9a-1) of FIG. 9A, when a predetermined web page is displayed on the touch screen 400, the touched pointer is different after being touched with a pointer at a point on the touch screen 400. Drag to point

Then, as illustrated in (9a-2) of FIG. 9A, the controller 180 has a rectangular selection area 410 on the touch screen 400 having the one point and the other point as a vertex. Control to be formed. As described above, when the selection area 410 is formed, an object list 500 about objects included in the selection area 410 may be formed together.

Next, FIG. 9B will be described.

As shown in (9b-1) of FIG. 9B, when a predetermined web page is displayed on the touch screen 400, the touched pointer is touched after being touched with a pointer at a point on the touch screen 400. Drag to make a closed curve. The pointer leaving the point for the drag does not have to be dragged back to exactly the point to form the correct closed curve. From the terminal user's point of view, dragging may be performed such that the trajectory of the pointer is seen at a glance.

Then, as illustrated in (9b-2) of FIG. 9B, the controller 180 may control the selection area 410 of the closed curve shape to be formed on the touch screen 400. As described above, when the selection area 410 is formed, an object list 500 about objects included in the selection area 410 may be formed together.

8A to 8D, when the touch screen 400 is first touched to form the selection area, the selected area is formed according to the degree of zoom in / out of the web page of the touch screen 400. The size may be configured to be different. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

As shown in (10-1) of FIG. 10, the web page of the touch screen 400 is displayed zoomed in more than in FIG. 8A. At this time, an unspecified point on the touch screen 400 is touched by a pointer (for example, a finger or a stylus pen).

Then, the controller 180 allows the selection area 410 larger than the selection area shown in FIG. 8B to be displayed on the touch screen 400 as shown in (10-2) of FIG. .

On the other hand, as shown in (11-1) of Figure 11, the web page of the touch screen 400 is displayed more zoomed out than in Figure 8a. At this time, an unspecified point on the touch screen 400 is touched by a pointer (for example, a finger or a stylus pen).

Then, the controller 180 allows the selection area 410 smaller than the selection area shown in FIG. 8B to be displayed on the touch screen 400 as shown in (11-2) of FIG. 11. .

The above-described proximity touch may be used to form the selection area 410 on the touch screen 400. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12D.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the connected webpage is displayed on the touch screen 400. The first point on the touch screen 400 is a proximity touch to the third proximity depth with a pointer.

Then, the controller 180 controls the selection area 410 of the first size to be formed at a position corresponding to the first point of the touch screen 400.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, a proximity touch is performed at a first point on the touch screen 400 to a second proximity depth with a pointer.

Then, the controller 180 controls the selection area 410 having a second size smaller than the first size to be formed at a position corresponding to the first point of the touch screen 400.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12C, the pointer touched close to the second proximity depth at the first point is moved to the second point while maintaining the proximity depth.

Then, the controller 180 controls the selection area 410 of the second size formed at the position corresponding to the first point of the touch screen 400 to be moved to the position corresponding to the second point.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12D, a close touch is performed at a first proximity depth with a pointer at a second point on the touch screen 400.

Then, the controller 180 controls the selection area 410 having a third size smaller than the second size to be formed at a position corresponding to the second point of the touch screen 400.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12E, a touch point is touched with a pointer at a second point on the touch screen 400.

Then, the controller 180 causes the object screen 500 for the objects included in the selection area 410 of the third size to be displayed on the touch screen 400. The desired object may be selected by touching the desired object in the object list 500 on the touch screen 400, or the number corresponding to the desired object in the object list 500 is the user input unit 130. It is as described above that the desired object may be selected by selecting in the (eg, keypad).

As illustrated in FIG. 12F, the controller 180 may control the object list 500 to overlap the selection area 410 so that the object screen 500 is displayed on the touch screen 400.

In the above description, the object list is displayed at different positions of the touch screen 400 according to the position of the selection area. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and the object list may be displayed at a fixed position of the touch screen 400 regardless of the position of the selection area. This will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

As shown in (13-1) of FIG. 13, when a predetermined web page is displayed on the touch screen 400, the touch screen 400 touches the first point with a pointer.

Then, the controller 400 controls the display area 410 to be displayed at a position corresponding to the first point of the touch screen 400. The controller 400 may include objects included in the selection area 410 of a position corresponding to a first point at a fixed position of the touch screen 400 (for example, an upper portion of the touch screen 400). Causes the object list 500 to be displayed.

Meanwhile, as shown in (13-2) of FIG. 13, when a predetermined web page is displayed on the touch screen 400, the touch screen 400 touches the second point with a pointer.

Then, the controller 400 controls the display area 410 to be displayed at a position corresponding to the second point of the touch screen 400. In addition, the controller 400 may include objects included in the selection area 410 of a position corresponding to a second point at a fixed position of the touch screen 400 (for example, an upper portion of the touch screen 400). Causes the object list 500 to be displayed.

8A to 13 illustrate that objects in the selection area are listed in the object list in the up and down order. In addition, the order in which the objects are listed may be determined in various ways. This will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

When a predetermined web page is displayed on the touch screen 400, the touch screen 400 is touched with a pointer. Then, the controller 180 controls the selection area 410 including the touched point to be formed on the touch screen.

In this case, as shown in (14-1) of FIG. 14, the controller may control the objects of the selected area 410 to be displayed in the object list 500 in the order of proximity to the touch point. .

Alternatively, the controller controls the objects of the selected area 410 to be displayed on the object list 500 in the alphabetical order (alphabetical order) of the name, as shown in (14-2) of FIG. can do.

Alternatively, the control unit selects the object such that an object "subject" which has been selected in the past among the objects of the selected area 410 is visually distinguished from other objects, as illustrated in (14-3) of FIG. 14. It may be controlled to be displayed in the area 410, and may be controlled so that the visually distinguished object is listed first in the object list 500.

An image object may be displayed in the selection area. In this case, a method of displaying the image object on the object list will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

As shown in (15-1) of FIG. 15, when the image object 415 is included in the selection area 410, the file name of the image object is included in the object list 500 in the image object 415. ) Can be displayed.

Alternatively, as shown in (15-2) of FIG. 15, when the image object 415 is included in the selection area 410, the image object 415 is not displayed in the object list 500. It may be configured. This is usually because the image object 415 can be easily identified rather than text by shape, and thus can be selected via direct touch or the like.

In some cases, a predetermined object may be positioned at a boundary of the selection area. A method of processing an object located over the boundary will be described with reference to FIGS. 16A to 16C.

As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the controller 180 may control an object ("Mobile Phone") located across the boundary of the selection area 410 to be displayed in the object list 500 as it is.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16B, the controller 180 may control an object ("Mobile Phone") located across the boundary of the selection area 410 not to be displayed in the object list 500. .

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 16C, the controller 180 may include a portion included in the selection area 410 among the objects ("Mobile Phones") located across the boundary of the selection area 410 ("Mobile Pho"). Only ") may be controlled to be displayed on the object list 500.

The objects in the selection area and the objects in the object list may be configured to visually correspond to each other. This will be further described with reference to FIG. 17.

In FIG. 17, the controller 180 controls the objects in the selection area 410 and the objects listed in the object list 500 to be displayed on the touch screen 400 with the same color. It is. Accordingly, the terminal user can more easily contrast between objects in the selection area 410 and objects in the object list 500.

In the above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described for being used in the Internet access menu of the mobile terminal. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and may be used, for example, in an electronic book menu or a map menu of a mobile terminal.

First, a brief description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention used in an e-book menu of a mobile terminal. The above-described selection area may be formed when the e-book is displayed on the touch screen. A word included in the selection area may correspond to the above-described object, and a list of words in the selection area may be generated on the touch screen. When a word is selected from the list of words, the word may be searched in a dictionary stored in the mobile terminal (or an Internet dictionary through an Internet connection) and the searched result may be displayed on the touch screen.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described for the case where the mobile terminal is used for a map menu. The above-described selection area may be formed when the map is displayed on the touch screen. A place name (or place name) included in the selection area may correspond to the above-described object, and a list of place names in the selection area may be generated on the touch screen. When a name is selected from the list of names, the name information stored in the mobile terminal or retrieved through an Internet connection may be displayed on the touch screen.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

The present invention described above can be embodied as computer-readable codes on a medium on 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. Also, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal.

Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all aspects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention.

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

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

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

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

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

5A and 5B are conceptual views for explaining a proximity touch recognition region where a proximity signal is detected and a haptic region that generates a tactile effect, respectively.

6A and 6B are perspective views of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

8A to 17 are state diagrams of a display screen in which an embodiment of a control method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention is implemented.

Claims (27)

A touch screen for displaying at least one object; And A controller for displaying a list of objects on the touch screen corresponding to the predetermined area when a predetermined area is set on the touch screen, and controlling the selected object to be executed when an object is selected in the list; Including mobile terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, And a control unit configured to form the region having a predetermined size when a touch is performed on the touch screen. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And the area is formed to include a touched point on the touch screen. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And control the size of the area to change according to the time when the touch is made on the touch screen. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And control the size of the area formed when the touch is made according to the zoom ratio of the screen of the touch screen. The method of claim 5, wherein the control unit, Controlling the size of the area formed when the screen of the touch screen is zoomed-in to be larger than the size of the area formed when the screen of the touch screen is zoomed-out and displayed. Mobile terminal, characterized in that. The method of claim 2, The touch is a proximity touch, the control unit, The mobile terminal, characterized in that for controlling the size of the formed area according to the proximity depth of the proximity touch. The method of claim 2, The touch is a proximity touch, the control unit, And change the position of the area when the proximity touch is moved so that the list can be changed. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And control the size of the area so that the number of objects included in the area becomes a predetermined number. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, The mobile terminal, characterized in that for controlling the position of the list is changed according to the position of the touch. The method of claim 10, wherein the control unit, And the list is at least partially overlapped with the region or not at all. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, The mobile terminal, characterized in that the control to be displayed in the list and the fixed position irrespective of the position of the touch. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And control the objects corresponding to the areas to be displayed in the list in the alphabetical order. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And control the objects corresponding to the area to be displayed in the list in the order of distance from the touch position. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And among the objects corresponding to the area, an object that has already been selected by the mobile terminal to be displayed in the list first. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the image object is controlled not to be displayed in the list. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, Among the objects corresponding to the area, an image object controls the file name to be displayed in the list. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And control the object located over the boundary of the area to be displayed or not displayed on the list. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And the object located over the boundary of the area is controlled so that the entire name thereof is displayed in the list or only a part of the name of the object located within the area is displayed. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, A mobile terminal, characterized in that different colors are assigned to each of the objects corresponding to the area and that the objects are displayed in the given color in the list. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And control the selected object to be executed when one object is selected from the list. The method of claim 21, wherein the control unit, And control to be selected when the object is touched. The method of claim 21, The mobile terminal further includes a user input unit, the control unit, Control to assign a number to each of the objects in the list, And controlling an object corresponding to the input number to be executed when a predetermined number is input through the user input unit. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And controlling an icon to disappear from the displayed list on the touch screen. The method of claim 24, wherein the control unit, And the area is also disappeared when the list disappears. The method of claim 2, wherein the control unit, And after the list is displayed, the list disappears when a touch is made on a touch screen of a region other than the list. Displaying at least one object on the touch screen; Setting a predetermined area on the touch screen; And And displaying a list of objects on the touch screen corresponding to the predetermined area, and executing the selected object when one object is selected in the list.

Images