KR20100097261A - Mobile terminal and method of inputting information using same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal for inputting information using the same and a method thereof are provided to supply a user-friendly information input function when receiving the information through hand writing. CONSTITUTION: A controller(180) receives a touch locus through a first region to which a function for receiving information in a touch mode is allocated when entering an information input mode for receiving information through a touch screen. The controller recognizes the touch locus as a character corresponding to a locus, and displays the recognized character in the first region. The controller displays the character, which is displayed on the first region, on a second region to which the function for displaying the information is allocated.

Description

Mobile terminal and method of inputting information using same {Mobile Terminal And Method Of Inputting Information Using Same}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and an information input method using the same, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal capable of user-friendly input of information such as text in a mobile terminal having a touch screen and an information input method using the same.

In general, a mobile terminal is inconvenient to input information such as text due to limitations of a main body and a screen size, compared to a general purpose computer. In the case of a mobile terminal having a touch screen, in order to reduce the inconvenience described above, when a user draws text as if drawing a picture on the touch screen, the mobile terminal provides a function of inputting information by recognizing it as a character. There are many cases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal that provides a user-friendly information input function and a method for inputting information using the same, when information is input by handwriting in a mobile terminal having a touch screen.

As an aspect of the present invention for realizing the above object, the information input method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention, in the method for inputting information in a mobile terminal having a touch screen, information is input via the touch screen Entering an information input mode for receiving; Receiving a touch trace through a first area to which a function of receiving information is touched; Recognizing the input touch trajectory as a character corresponding to the trajectory, and displaying the recognized character in the first area; And moving and displaying a character displayed in the first area into a second area to which a function of displaying information is displayed as a separate area from the first area.

As another aspect of the present invention for realizing the above object, a mobile terminal according to the present invention, a touch screen; And a touch trace received through a first area to which a function for receiving information is input by a touch method in a state of entering an information input mode for receiving information through the touch screen, and receiving the input touch trace as the trace. A second function in which a function of recognizing a character corresponding to is displayed, displaying the recognized character in the first area, and displaying information displayed in the first area as an area separate from the first area. It includes a control unit for moving to the area to display.

According to the mobile terminal and the information input method using the same according to the present invention, the user can more accurately and quickly check the information input by the user. Therefore, according to the present invention, user-friendly information input is possible.

The above objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In addition, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known function or configuration related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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.

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 audio / video input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory unit 160, An interface unit 170, a control unit 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. The components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential, and 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 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 receives broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems, and in particular, digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), and media forward link (MediaFLO). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as only), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be adapted to other broadcasting systems that provide broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcasting system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory unit 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 the wireless Internet module 113 can be embedded in the mobile terminal 100 or externally. 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 confirming or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal. A representative example of the location information module is a GPS (Global Position System) module. According to the current technology, the GPS module 115 calculates information on a distance (distance) from three or more satellites to one point (entity), information on the time when the distance information is measured, , Three-dimensional position information according to latitude, longitude, and altitude of one point (individual) in one hour can be calculated. Furthermore, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the error of the calculated position and time information using another satellite is also used. The GPS module 115 may continuously calculate the current position in real time and use the same to calculate speed information.

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 unit 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. The camera 121 may be equipped with two or more cameras according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output in the call mode. The microphone 122 may 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 the 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. The sensing unit generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, it may be responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device, and the like. The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 is used to generate an output related to visual, auditory, or tactile, and may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154. have.

The display unit 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in a call mode, 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 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a three-dimensional display 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 a transparent LCD. 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, abbreviated as “touch screen”), the display unit 151 is an output device. It 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 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 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 (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). 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 unit 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output module 152 outputs an acoustic signal related to a function (e.g., 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. In addition, the sound output module 152 may output sound through the earphone jack 116. The user can connect the earphone to the earphone jack 116 to hear the sound output.

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. The video signal or the audio signal may also be output through the display unit 151 or the sound output module 152.

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 the vibration, the haptic module 154 may be used for the effects of stimulation by the arrangement of pins vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, the effect of the injection force of the air through the injection or inlet or the stimulation through the suction force, and the stimulation that rubs the skin surface. Various tactile effects may be generated, such as effects by stimulation through contact of electrodes, effects by stimulation using electrostatic force, and effects of reproducing a sense of warmth and heat using an endothermic or heat generating element.

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

The memory unit 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 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 unit 160 may include 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 Memory, Magnetic It may include a storage medium of at least one type of disk, optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory unit 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 or receives power from the external device to transfer the data to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or to transmit data in 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 control unit 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 the functions. It may be implemented by the controller 180.

In a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that allow at least one function or operation to be performed. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. Also, the software codes may be stored in the memory unit 160 and executed by the control unit 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 portable 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 additionally 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 unit 130/131, 132, the microphone 122, the interface 170, etc. may be disposed in the terminal body, mainly the front case 101. Can be.

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, the interface 170, and the like are disposed on the 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 portable terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation 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.

The 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 portable 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 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 in the terminal body so as to be rotatable or pop-upable.

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.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the portable terminal 100 is mounted on the terminal body. 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 additionally be 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 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 portable 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 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 mobile 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 is close to 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”).

The distance at which the proximity signal is output when the pointer approaches the touch screen is called a detection distance. The proximity signal output from each proximity sensor is compared by using a plurality of proximity sensors having different detection distances. I can know the 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. In addition, when the pointer is spaced apart from the distance d ₃ or more on the touch screen, it is recognized that the proximity touch is released.

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

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present invention, for convenience of description, it is assumed that the display unit 151 is a touch screen 151. As described above, the touch screen 151 may perform both an information display function and an information input function. However, it should be clear that the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the touch described below may include both a proximity touch and a direct touch.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an information input method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information input method of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the mobile terminal 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 5 and necessary drawings, an information input method of a mobile terminal and an operation of the mobile terminal 100 for implementing the same will be described in detail.

The controller 180 enters an information input mode for receiving information through the touch screen 151 [S100]. The information input mode may be entered in various applications. Examples of applications that can support the information input mode include a short message service (SMS), a multimedia messaging service (MMS) or an application that can send and receive E-mail, a memo application, and a scheduler.

In the information input mode, various information may be input. For example, the information input mode may support text input. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the information input mode is a text input mode.

6 illustrates an example of a screen that enters a text input mode. As described above, the screen shown in FIG. 6 may be provided in an application for transmitting an SMS or an MMS.

The screen shown in FIG. 6 is touched by a first area 10 to which a function of receiving information is input by a touch method, a second area 20 to which a function of displaying input information is assigned, and various control commands. It may include a third area 30 to which the function to receive the input is assigned.

The controller 180 receives a touch trace through the first region 10 [S110]. In step S110, the controller 180 may display the input touch trajectory. For example, the controller 180 may display the input touch trace at a position at which the touch trace is input.

7 illustrates an example of a screen on which step S110 is performed. Referring to FIG. 7, a user may draw a touch trace corresponding to a character in the first area 10 with a finger. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the controller 180 may display the touch trace in the first region 10.

The controller 180 recognizes the input touch trajectory as a character corresponding to the trajectory [S120], and displays the recognized character on the first area 10 [S130]. In this case, the controller 180 may display the recognized character at the same or different position as the position at which the touch trace is displayed.

The controller 180 may use a character recognition algorithm to perform the step S120. The character recognition algorithm is an algorithm capable of recognizing the input touch trajectory using characters such as Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, and symbols.

The step S130 may be performed in various forms. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the step S130 will be described.

8A to 8C illustrate an example in which the touch trace of FIG. 7 is recognized in Korean and displayed on the first region 10. 8A to 8C, the controller 180 recognizes the input touch trajectory as a letter "a".

In FIG. 8A, the controller 180 deletes the touch trajectory displayed in FIG. 7B and displays the recognized character 40a in the first area 10. Here, the position where the controller 180 displays the recognized character 40a in the first area 10 may be predetermined. For example, in FIG. 8A, the recognized character 40a is displayed at the center of the first area 10.

In FIG. 8B, the controller 180 displays the recognized character 40b at a predetermined position of the first area 10 without deleting the touch trajectory displayed in FIG. 7B. In FIG. 8B, the recognized character 40b is displayed on the upper left side of the first area 10.

In FIG. 8C, the controller 180 deletes the touch trace displayed in FIG. 7B and displays the recognized character 40b at a predetermined position of the first region 10.

7 and 8A to 8C illustrate a case in which the controller 180 recognizes the input touch trajectory as one character and then displays the recognized character in the first area 10. That is, when the touch trajectory is input through the first area 10, the controller 180 may display the recognized one letter in the first area 10 each time one character is recognized. have.

9A to 9C, and FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example of recognizing and displaying the touch trajectory input in the step S110 in English.

9A to 9 illustrate a case in which the controller 180 simultaneously recognizes the input touch trajectory as a plurality of characters and then displays the recognized plurality of characters in the first region 10. That is, when the touch trace is input through the first region 10, the controller 180 may not change the touch trace until one of the preset time periods has elapsed. The recognized one or more letters may be displayed on the first area 10 by being recognized as a letter.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example in which the user inputs a character corresponding to “abc” through the first area 10 as an example of step S110. FIG. 9B deletes the touch trace shown in FIG. 9A, recognizes the touch trace input in FIG. 9A as a character “abc,” and places the recognized character 41a at a predetermined position of the first region 10. The example to display is shown. 9C illustrates an example of displaying the recognized character 41b at a predetermined position of the first area 10 without deleting the touch trajectory displayed in FIG. 9ADP.

FIG. 10A illustrates an example in which a user recognizes and displays a touch trajectory input through the first area 10 as a letter 42a of "ab". The controller 180 recognizes a touch trace input through the first region 10 as a character and displays the text on the first region 10 due to the space constraint of the first region 10. If the continuous input of the touch trace is no longer possible, the currently input touch trace may be deleted as shown in FIG. 10B. In this case, the content recognized and displayed as a character may be left in the first area 10. Referring to FIG. 10B, a user may further input a trajectory of "cd" through the first region 10, and the controller 180 is input twice through the first region 10. The recognized character 42b corresponding to the touch trace may be displayed on the first area 10.

In operation S130, the text displayed in the first area 10 may be moved to the second area 20 and displayed according to a user's command or when a predetermined time has elapsed.

The controller 180 determines whether a user's command to move a character displayed in the first area 10 to the second area 20 is received [S140].

The user's command determined in step S140 may be in various forms. For example, referring to FIG. 7 to other drawings, when the touch trace is input through the first area 10, the controller 180 may display the first area 10 or the touch screen 151. At least one touch button 50 or 51 for receiving a user's command may be provided in another area of the.

The first touch button 50 is an icon for receiving a command to move and display the recognition character displayed on the first area 10 to the second area 20. The second touch button 51 is an icon for receiving a command to delete a recognition character displayed in the first area 10 without moving to the second area 20. If the touch trajectory input by the user is not recognized as the desired character, the user may re-enter the desired touch trajectory through the first area 10 by touching the second touch button 51. Create an environment that exists.

The controller 180 may recognize a predetermined touch signal as a command of the user. For example, when the recognition character displayed in the first area 10 is dragged in the direction of the second area 20 while being touched, the controller 180 recognizes the information displayed on the first area 10. It may be recognized by a user's command to move a character to the second area 20. FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the user moves the recognition character 40a displayed in the first area 10 to the twenty-first area 20 by a touch and drag operation.

Also, for example, when the recognition character displayed on the first area 10 is flicked in the direction of the second area 20 while being touched, the controller 180 may detect the first area ( The recognition character displayed on 10 may be recognized by a user's command to move to the second area 20. For example, when the recognition character displayed on the first area 10 is touched one or more times, the controller 180 may control the recognition character displayed on the first area 10. It may be recognized by a user's command to move to the second area 20.

When the control unit 180 receives the user's command as a result of the determination in step S140, the controller 180 moves the recognition character displayed on the first area 10 to the second area 20. It is determined whether it corresponds to the command to display [S150]. The controller 180 determines that the user's command corresponds to a command to delete the recognition character displayed in the first area 10, as a result of the determination in step S150. Delete and return to step S110.

If the control unit 180 does not receive any command from the user as a result of the determination in step S140, the controller 180 determines whether a predetermined time has been exceeded [S160].

The controller 180 determines that the command of the user corresponds to a command to move the recognition character displayed in the first area 10 to the second area 20 as a result of the determination in step S150, or in step S160. As a result of the determination, when the predetermined time is exceeded, the recognition character displayed on the first area 10 is moved to the second area 20 and displayed.

11 to 14 illustrate examples in which the recognition character displayed on the first area 10 is moved to the second area 20 and displayed. FIG. 11 illustrates a case in which the recognition character 40a shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C is moved and displayed in the second area 20. FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the recognition character 40a is moved from the first area 10 to the second area 20 and displayed by a touch and drag operation or a flicking operation of the user. . FIG. 13 illustrates a case in which the recognition character 41a displayed in FIG. 9B or 9C is moved to the second area 20 and displayed. FIG. 14 illustrates a case in which the recognition character 42b shown in FIG. 10B is moved to the second area 20 and displayed.

Here, the controller 180 may accumulate characters moving from the first area 10 to the second area 20 in the second area 20. For example, the controller 180 moves and displays the letter "ab" recognized by the primary input to the second area 20 and then displays the letter "cd" recognized by the secondary input. May be displayed by moving to the second area 20. In this case, the last character displayed in the second area 20 is "abcd".

15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of correcting inputted information according to an embodiment of the present invention described above. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of implementing an information modification process illustrated in FIG. 15.

When the second region 20 is touched [S200], the controller 180 enters an edit mode for editing or correcting at least one character displayed on the second region 20 [S210].

The controller 180 receives a signal for selecting at least one character among at least one character displayed in the second area 20 [S220]. For example, the user may select at least one of the at least one letter displayed on the second area 20 by a touch and drag operation. Referring to FIG. 16B, when a user touches and drags "cd", "cd" may be selected.

The controller 180 moves and displays the selected at least one character to the first area 10 [S230]. The controller 180 may automatically move the selected at least one letter to the first area 10 when selection of at least one letter to be corrected in step S220 is completed. Alternatively, the controller 180 may move the selected at least one letter to the first area 10 by an active command of the user, such as a touch and drag operation on the at least one selected letter. FIG. 16B illustrates an example in which the user moves the selected at least one character 45 to the first area 10 by a touch and drag operation. In this case, the controller 180 may delete the selected at least one character 45 in the second area 20 or may display the text as it is. In FIG. 16C, when the at least one selected character 45 is moved to the first region 10, the controller 180 moves the selected at least one character 45 to the second region. Delete from (20).

The controller 180 may modify the at least one letter moved from the second area 20 through the first area 10 according to a user's command [S240]. The character may be modified by using various control buttons provided in the third region 30 or by newly inputting a touch trajectory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The above-described information input method of the mobile terminal according to the present invention may be provided by recording on a computer-readable recording medium as a program for executing in a computer.

The information input method of the mobile terminal according to the present invention can be executed through software. When implemented in software, the constituent means of the present invention are code segments that perform the necessary work. The program or code segments may be stored on a processor readable medium or transmitted by a computer data signal coupled with a carrier on a transmission medium or network.

Computer-readable recording media include all kinds of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable recording device include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, DVD ± ROM, DVD-RAM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk, optical data storage device, and the like. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed to networked computer devices so that computer readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

The present invention described above is capable of various substitutions, modifications, and changes without departing from the spirit of the present invention for those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is not limited by the drawings. In addition, the embodiments described in this document may not be limitedly applied, but may be configured by selectively combining all or part of the embodiments so that various modifications may be made.

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.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an information input method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 illustrates an example of a screen that enters a text input mode.

7 illustrates an example of a screen on which step S110 is performed.

8A to 8C illustrate an example in which the touch trace of FIG. 7 is recognized in Korean and displayed on the first region 10.

9A to 9C, and FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example of recognizing and displaying the touch trajectory input in the step S110 in English.

11 to 14 illustrate examples in which the recognition character displayed on the first area 10 is moved to the second area 20 and displayed.

15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of correcting inputted information according to an embodiment of the present invention described above.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of implementing an information modification process illustrated in FIG. 15.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: mobile terminal 151: display unit (touch screen)

180: control unit

Claims (26)

In the method for inputting information in a mobile terminal having a touch screen, Entering an information input mode for receiving information through the touch screen; Receiving a touch trace through a first area to which a function of receiving information is touched; Recognizing the input touch trajectory as a character corresponding to the trajectory, and displaying the recognized character in the first area; And Moving and displaying a character displayed in the first area to a second area to which a function of displaying information is displayed as a separate area from the first area; Information input method of a mobile terminal comprising. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a touch trace through the first area comprises: And displaying the input touch trace at a position at which the touch trace is input. The method of claim 2, wherein displaying the recognized characters in the first area comprises: And displaying the recognized character at a position different from the position at which the touch trace is displayed. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the recognized text on the first area comprises: Whenever one character corresponding to the input touch trajectory is recognized, the recognized one character is displayed on the first area. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the recognized text on the first area comprises: And recognizing a plurality of characters corresponding to the input touch trajectory, and displaying the recognized plurality of characters in the first area. The method of claim 5, wherein displaying the recognized text on the first area comprises: And when the touch trajectory input through the first area does not exist for a predetermined time, displaying the recognized plurality of characters in the first area. The method of claim 1, wherein moving and displaying the text into the second area comprises: Information input method of a mobile terminal, characterized in that performed according to receiving a user command. The method of claim 7, wherein the user's command, And a touch input on the icon provided in the first area or a touch on the text displayed on the first area. The method of claim 8, wherein the touch on the character displayed in the first area is At least one touch operation on the character, a flicking operation on the character having directivity to the second area, and a dragging operation on the character having directivity to the second area. The information input method of the mobile terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein moving and displaying the text into the second area comprises: The information input method of the mobile terminal, characterized in that is performed when a predetermined time elapses from the time point at which the recognized character is displayed in the first area. The method of claim 1, wherein the second region, And displaying the text moved from the first area cumulatively. The method of claim 11, Touching the second area; And As the second area is touched, entering the editing mode for editing or modifying at least one character displayed in the second area. Information input method of a mobile terminal further comprising. 13. The method of claim 12, After entering the editing mode, selecting at least one character from among at least one character displayed in the second area; And Moving the selected at least one letter to the first area and modifying Information input method of a mobile terminal further comprising. touch screen; And In a state of entering an information input mode for receiving information through the touch screen, a touch trace is input through a first area to which a function of receiving information is input by a touch method, and the input touch trace is input to the trace. A second region to which a function of recognizing a corresponding character, displaying the recognized character in the first region, and displaying information as a region separate from the first region is displayed in the first region; Control to display the Mobile terminal comprising. The method of claim 14, wherein the control unit, And displaying the input touch trace at a position at which the touch trace is input. The method of claim 15, wherein the control unit, And the recognized character is displayed at a position different from the position at which the touch trajectory is displayed. The method of claim 14, wherein the control unit, Whenever one character corresponding to the input touch trajectory is recognized, the recognized one character is displayed in the first area. The method of claim 14, wherein the control unit, And a plurality of characters corresponding to the input touch trajectory, and to display the recognized plurality of characters in the first area. The method of claim 18, wherein the control unit, And when the touch trace input through the first area does not exist for a predetermined time, the recognized plurality of characters are displayed on the first area. The method of claim 14, wherein the control unit, And a character displayed in the first area is moved to the second area and displayed according to a user's command. The method of claim 20, wherein the user's command, The mobile terminal is received by a touch on an icon provided in the first area or a touch on the text displayed in the first area. The method of claim 21, wherein the touch on the character displayed in the first area comprises: At least one touch operation on the character, a flicking operation on the character having directivity to the second area, and a dragging operation on the character having directivity to the second area. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 14, wherein the control unit, And when a predetermined time elapses from the time when the recognized character is displayed in the first area, moving and displaying the character displayed in the first area to the second area. The method of claim 14, wherein the second region, And displaying characters moved from the first area cumulatively. The method of claim 24, wherein the control unit, And when the second area is touched, entering a editing mode for editing or modifying at least one character displayed in the second area. The method of claim 25, wherein the control unit, And after entering the editing mode, when at least one of the at least one letter displayed in the second area is selected, the at least one selected letter is moved to the first area.

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