KR20100106158A - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal is provided to sense a touch compressed by a touch screen by using compress sensor, thereby enhancing the transparency of a window and simplifying the manufacturing process. CONSTITUTION: A first area is formed on an output area of a display. A terminal body has a second area limiting the first area. A pressure sensor(220) is mounted to the terminal body. To gain the touch information pressed to a first area, the compress sensor senses the pressure applied to the terminal body.

Description

Mobile terminal {MOBILE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal implementing a touch screen using a pressure sensor.

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, in order to reinforce the multimedia function of the mobile terminal and to provide a more convenient user interface, a touch screen method of directly inputting information by touching a screen is increasing.

In general, a touch screen type uses a positive pressure / capacitive type, and this method is implemented by a structure in which a touch film is attached to a window of a display. However, this structure has a problem of inhibiting the transparency of the output area of the display.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and to provide a mobile terminal having a touch screen of a new structure implementing a touch screen using a pressure sensor.

The present invention for realizing the above object is a terminal body having a first area formed in the output area of the display, and a second area defining the first area; A pressure sensor mounted on the terminal body, the pressure sensor sensing a pressure applied to the terminal body to obtain touch information applied to the first region, wherein the pressure sensor is located in the second region, Disclosed is a mobile terminal which is arranged along a circumference of an area.

A window in which the first and second regions are formed may be additionally disposed in front of the display, the first region of the window may be transparent, and the second region may be opaque.

The terminal body may be provided with a window support for supporting the rear of the window, and the pressure sensor may be located between the second area of the window and the window support.

The mobile terminal may further include a controller for converting the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensors into coordinate values of the touch position, wherein the controller is configured to generate different signals according to the strength of the touch intensity applied to the touch position. Can be configured.

A touch operable touch area may be formed in the second area of the window, and the pressure sensor may be configured to acquire touch information applied to the touch area. In the touch area, a touch key for displaying the touch area may be formed.

The present invention does not require a separate touch sheet as the touch applied to the touch screen is sensed using a pressure sensor arranged around the touch screen, thereby increasing the transparency of the window and simplifying the manufacturing process.

In addition, the present invention provides a structure that does not expose the pressure sensor to the outside by disposing the pressure sensor between the opaque region of the window and the window support.

In addition, the present invention is capable of detecting the touch information applied to the area outside the touch screen by using the pressure sensor, there is an advantage that does not need to install a separate touch sensor for the operation of the touch key of the corresponding area. In addition, the entire window can be used as a touch input space.

In addition, the present invention can sense the intensity of the touch applied to the touched position as well as the touched position, it is possible to implement a variety of user interface in the operation of the touch screen using this.

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 A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, and an interface unit. 170, the controller 180, and the power supply 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 related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

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

The broadcast receiving module 111 may include, for example, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO), and Digital Video Broadcast- (DVB-H). A digital broadcast signal may be received using a digital broadcast system such as handheld) or ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial). 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.

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 an image sensor in a video call mode or a 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, a dome switch, a touch pad (constant voltage / 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.

The output unit 150 is used to generate an output related to sight, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154. Can be.

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 sensing unit may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

The touch sensing unit 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 sensing unit 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 sensing unit, 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 (eg, 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. The video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152, so that they 151 and 152 may be classified as part of the alarm unit 153.

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

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

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

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

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), 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.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 170 may be a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or various command signals input from the cradle by a user may be input to the mobile terminal. It can be a passage to be delivered. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly mounted in 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 terminal body includes a casing (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming an external appearance. 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 terminal body may include a first area I corresponding to an output area of the display unit 151 and a second area II defining the first area I. The first region I may be formed to be transparent so that the screen output from the display unit 151 is visible, and the second region II may be formed to be opaque so as to cover components therein.

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 manipulation units 131 and 132 may also be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the tactile manner with a tactile feeling.

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

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the 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 the camera 121 (see FIG. 2A), and may be a camera having different pixels from the camera 121.

For example, the camera 121 has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call, and the camera 121 'photographs a general subject and does not transmit it immediately. It is desirable to have a high pixel because there are many. The cameras 121 and 121 'may be installed on the terminal body to be rotatable.

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 talking and the like, a broadcast signal reception 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.

3 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal along line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

3 and 4, a window 200 is mounted on the front surface of the front case 101.

The window 200 is formed with a first region I of a transparent material (or a translucent material) and a second region II of an opaque material.

The window 200 may be formed of a transparent material, and a printed layer 210 may be provided on one surface of the window 200 to form the second region II. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the printed layer 210 is printed on the rear surface of the window 200 so as to correspond to the pattern of the second region II.

In at least a portion of the second region II, a touch key 131 which is operable by touch as a form of the first manipulation unit 131 may be formed.

The back of the touch key 131 is provided with an illumination unit 203 for illuminating the touch key 131 when the touch key 131 is touched or in a specific operation mode. In this case, the content (symbol, number, etc.) displayed by the touch key 131 or the touch key 131 may be formed to be transparent.

The lighting unit 203 may be provided on the printed circuit board 205. In the present embodiment, the lighting unit 203 is implemented in the form of a light emitting diode (LED). The lighting unit 203 may be implemented in the form of a light emitting sheet in which a light emitting pattern is formed as well as such a shape. In this case, the light emission pattern emits light when the touch key 131 is touched to illuminate the touch key 131.

At least one surface of the front case 101 may be formed to have an open shape, and a front surface of the front case 101 may include a window mounting portion 201 recessed to a predetermined depth to provide a space for mounting the window 200. do.

The window mounting part 201 is formed with a window support part 202 supporting the rear surface of the window 200. The window support 202 supports the second area II so that the second area II of the window 200 may be caught.

The display unit 151 and the printed circuit board 205 may be mounted inside the terminal body. The printed circuit board 205 is mounted with various electronic components for the operation of the mobile terminal.

The terminal body, specifically, the front case 101 is equipped with a pressure sensor 220 for sensing the pressure acting on the terminal body. The pressure sensor 220 senses the pressure applied to the window 200 when the user touches the first region I to obtain touch information applied to the first region I.

The pressure sensor 220 may be configured to acquire touch information applied to not only the first region I but also at least a portion of the second region II (for example, a region in which a touch key is formed).

The pressure sensor 220 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second region II of the window 200, and is disposed along the circumference of the first region I of the window 200. The pressure sensor 220 is disposed to surround at least a portion of the circumference of the first region (I).

When the first region I is formed in a rectangular shape, the pressure sensors 220 may be arranged in plurality at positions corresponding to the corners of the rectangle.

The pressure sensor 220 may be disposed between the portion corresponding to the second area II of the window 200 and the window support 202. In other words, the pressure sensor 220 may be positioned between the print layer 210 and the window support 202.

The pressure sensor 220 may be attached to the rear surface of the print layer 210 or may be attached to the window support 202. The pressure sensor 202 may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 204 disposed on the rear surface of the display unit 151 by the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

5 is a front view of the window shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the pressure sensor 220 may be arranged in a plurality of circumferences of the first region (I). That is, the plurality of pressure sensors 220 are disposed at a plurality of locations on the second region II.

At least two pressure sensors 220 may be arranged at positions facing each other. That is, a pair of opposing pressure sensors 221a and 221b are sequentially arranged along the width direction of the terminal body, and a pair of opposing pressure sensors 222a and 222b are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction of the terminal body. Can be.

In this embodiment, six pressure sensors disposed along the width direction of the terminal body, eight pressure sensors disposed along the longitudinal direction of the terminal body, and a total of 14 pressure sensors were used. However, the pressure sensor 220 may have various numbers and arrangements according to the sensing sensitivity of the pressure sensor 220, the size of the pressure value to be sensed, the area of the display unit 151, and the like.

When a touch is applied to the first region I of the window 200, the plurality of pressure sensors 220 sense pressures applied to the position of the pressure sensor 220, respectively. The controller 180 converts the pressure values sensed by the 14 pressure sensors 220 into coordinate values of the touch position to obtain the touched position. In addition, the controller 180 may obtain the pressure applied to the touch position using the pressure values.

The pressure sensors 220 may be configured to acquire touch information applied to not only the first region I but also the second region II. When touch is applied to the touch area 208 formed in the second area II, the pressure sensors 220 sense the pressures applied to the position of the pressure sensor 220 as described above. The controller 180 may obtain touch information of the touch area 208 using the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensors 220.

A touch key 131 for displaying the touch area 208 may be formed on one surface of the window 200, and the touch key 131 may be formed by being printed or stamped on one surface of the window 200. In addition, the touch key 131 may be implemented by attaching a key button formed of synthetic resin, UV resin, or the like to the window 200.

As described above, when the lighting unit 203 is provided behind the touch key 131, the contents (symbols, numbers, etc.) displayed by the touch key 131 or the touch key 131 are formed to be translucent or translucent. Can be. According to the present embodiment, the touch key 131 may be implemented in at least one of a start key, a send key, a cancel key, and an end key.

Since the mobile terminal according to the present invention senses the touch applied to the touch screen using the pressure sensor 220 disposed around the touch screen, it is necessary to attach a film or sheet for detecting the touch to the window 200. none. Accordingly, the transparency of the window 200 may be increased and the manufacturing process may be simplified.

In addition, it is possible to detect the touch information applied to the second region (II) by using the pressure sensor 220, there is an advantage that does not need to install a separate touch sensor for the operation of the touch key 131. In addition, since the pressure sensor 220 detects not only the touched position but also the intensity of the touch applied to the touched position, various user interfaces may be implemented in the operation of the touch screen.

The controller 180 acquires the position of the touch and the intensity of the touch by using the pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor 220 when the first region I is touched. In addition, the controller 180 may generate different signals according to the strength and weakness of the touch intensity applied to the touch position.

6A and 6B illustrate an example of such a configuration and are front views of a mobile terminal illustrating an example of a user interface using a touch screen.

Various types of time information can be displayed on the display unit 151. [ These pieces of information can be displayed in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons. For the input of such information, at least one of 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 ".

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. The output window 151a and the input window 151b are areas allocated for outputting or inputting information, respectively. A soft key 151c is output to the input window 151b, and a letter and a number may be displayed together on the softkey 151c.

Different information may be input or different information may be output to the mobile terminal according to the strength of the touch applied to the softkey 151c. For example, when the soft key 151c is weakly touched as shown in FIG. 6A, text information is input to the mobile terminal 100 and input text is displayed on the output window 151a. In addition, when the soft key 151c is strongly touched as shown in FIG. 6B, numeric information is input to the mobile terminal 100 and an input number is displayed on the output window 151a.

In the present exemplary embodiment, different information is inputted / outputted according to two cases of the case where the touch intensity is strong and the case where the touch intensity is weak. For example, the touch intensity may be divided into strong, medium, and weak cases, and different information may be input / output in each case.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal according to the present invention may be configured to execute different operation modes according to the intensity of the icon is touched when the icon for executing the operation mode is output on the display unit 151.

7A to 7C are front views of a mobile terminal illustrating another example of a user interface using a touch screen.

The display unit 151 may output a numerical value or a graphic for a state amount such as a screen or a sound, and the controller 180 allows the numerical value or graphic to be adjusted with different amounts of change according to the intensity of the touch.

This embodiment shows adjusting the volume of sound output from the sound output module 152 by applying a touch continuously or repeatedly. The display unit 152 has a plurality of sound control lamps 151f that are turned on or off according to the size of the sound to be adjusted as an example of the graphic of the sound volume.

The display unit 151 displays the first and second sound control keys 151g and 151h for increasing or decreasing the sound volume in the form of soft keys, and output the sound volume 151i output from the sound output module 152. ) Can be output in the form of numbers.

 When the first sound control key 151g is repeatedly touched, the sound control lamp 151f is sequentially turned on every touch, thereby increasing the volume of the sound output from the sound output module 152. In addition, when the second sound control key 151h is repeatedly touched, the sound control lamp 151f is turned off every touch, and thus the volume of the sound output from the sound output module 152 is reduced.

In this case, the amount of turning on or off the sound control lamps 151f may be adjusted according to the intensity with which the first and second sound control keys 151g and 151h are touched.

For example, when the first sound control key 151g is touched with a weak intensity, one sound control lamp 151f is turned on as shown in FIG. 7B, and the volume corresponding to the number 1 (from 2 to 3) is increased. Done. When the first sound control key 151g is touched with strong intensity, the three sound control lamps 151f are turned on as shown in FIG. 7C, and the volume corresponding to the number 3 (from 3 to 6) is increased. . In addition, the speed may be adjusted as well as the number of the sound control lamps 151f that are turned on according to the intensity with which the first sound control keys 151g are touched.

8 is a front view of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal along the VIII-VIII line in FIG. 8. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as in the previous embodiment, and the description of the same components will be replaced with the previous embodiments.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, touch keys 231 to 234 capable of touch manipulation may be additionally formed in the second region II of the window 200. The touch keys 231 to 234 may be formed at the periphery of the first region I, that is, the position where the pressure sensor 220 is located.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a print pattern 211 for forming a touch key 231 may be formed on the print layer 210. The print pattern 211 may be formed in various shapes and forms according to the contents displayed by the touch key 231.

An illumination sheet 213 may be provided between the printed layer 210 and the pressure sensor 220 to illuminate the touch key 231. In this case, the print pattern 211 is formed of a light transmissive or semi-transparent to transmit the light emitted from the illumination sheet 213.

The touch keys 231 to 234 may be configured to be displayed on the second area II in a specific operation mode of the mobile terminal. To this end, the print pattern 211 may have a color substantially the same as the color of the print layer 210. Accordingly, in the standby state of the mobile terminal, the touch keys 231 to 234 are not displayed in the second area (II), and when a specific operation mode of the mobile terminal is executed, the light emitted from the lighting sheet 213 is printed pattern 211. ), The touch keys 231 to 234 may be displayed.

10 is a front view of a mobile terminal illustrating an example of a user interface using a touch input of a second area.

The display unit 151 may output a plurality of selectable lists 251a or menus, and the touch keys 231 to 234 may be used to move the pointer 251b or the cursor positioned on the list 251a. It may be implemented in the form.

In the present embodiment, it is shown that one music is selected and executed from the music list in the music listening mode. The movable pointer 251b is located in any one of the plurality of pieces of music. In addition, the display unit 151 may output related information 251c regarding music on which the pointer is located.

According to this embodiment, the pointer 251b is set to be able to move up and down the list 251a. In this case, the touch keys 231 and 233 located above and below the display unit 151 are displayed, and only these may be activated. In addition, the touch keys 233 and 234 positioned on the left and right sides of the display unit 151 may not be displayed on the second area II in an inactive state. That is, the touch keys 231 to 234 may be selectively activated or displayed according to the operation mode.

The user may move the pointer 251b located in the list up and down by touching the touch keys 231 and 233 located above and below the display unit 151, and play the music by touching a piece of music where the pointer is located.

11A to 11C are front views of a mobile terminal illustrating another example of a user interface using a touch input of a second area.

This embodiment shows that the touch screen is used to adjust the state amount of the screen or sound output on the display unit 151.

For example, the touch keys 231 to 234 may be implemented in the form of an adjustment key for adjusting the size of an image captured by the camera 121. Referring to FIG. 11A, an image 251 d having a predetermined size is output to the display unit 151, and the size of the image 251 d is enlarged by touching the touch keys 231 and 233 located above and below the display unit 151. Can be reduced.

When the size of the image 251d is enlarged so that the size of the image 251d exceeds the size of the display unit 151, the user may move the output area of the image by dragging the image 251d.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11C, the touch keys 233 and 234 positioned on the left and right sides of the display unit 151 may be used as mobile keys for outputting other images stored in the mobile terminal. The user may touch the touch keys 233 and 234 positioned on the left and right sides of the display unit 151 to output the next image 251e or the previous image of the image currently being output. As such, the touch keys 231 to 234 disposed around the display unit 151 may be set to have different functions even when simultaneously displayed.

12 is a front view of a mobile terminal illustrating still another example of a user interface using a touch input of a second area. 12 illustrates that the touch key is implemented in the form of a scroll key capable of scroll input.

Referring to FIG. 12, the display unit 151 outputs a plurality of selectable lists 251a and pointers 251b positioned at one item of the list 251a.

On one side of the first region I, movement keys 235a and 235b for moving the pointer 251b and a scroll key 236 may be formed by a touch input. The user may move the pointer 251b up and down by dragging the scroll key 236.

13 is a front view of a mobile terminal illustrating still another example of a user interface using a touch input of a second area.

The touch area of the second area (II) may be formed to extend in at least one direction from the first area (I), and the touch area may be formed to be drag input in combination with the first area (I).

The present embodiment shows that the files 239 stored in the memory 160 of the mobile terminal are displayed on the display unit 151.

The touch area 237 of the second area II extends from the right side of the first area I, and the touch area 237 is formed with images 238a and 238b representing a specific function. Can be.

According to the present embodiment, the touch area 237 includes a first image 238a indicating copying or moving a file stored in a memory to an external memory, and a second image 238b indicating deleting a file stored in a memory. Is formed. Here, the first and second images 238a and 238b may be configured to be displayed only when the user accesses the memory 160.

The touch area 237 is formed to be drag input in combination with the first area I, that is, the touch screen. For example, the user may drag at least one of the files 239 displayed on the display unit to the first image 238a to move the file to the external memory. In addition, the user may delete the file by dragging at least one of the files 239 displayed on the display unit / second to the second image 238b.

According to the present invention, as well as the above-described embodiment, touch input is possible by touching the first region (I) and the second region (II) together or combining the first region (I) and the second region (II) with each other. By doing so, various user interfaces may be implemented.

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

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

Figure 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.

3 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal associated with one embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal along line IV-IV of FIG.

5 is a front view of the window shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

6A and 6B are front views of a mobile terminal showing an example of a user interface using a touch screen applied to the present invention.

7A to 7C are front views of a mobile terminal showing another example of a user interface using a touch screen applied to the present invention.

8 is a front view of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal along the VIII-VIII line in FIG. 8;

10 is a front view of a mobile terminal illustrating an example of a user interface using a touch input of a second area.

11A to 11C are front views of a mobile terminal illustrating another example of a user interface using a touch input of a second area.

12 is a front view of a mobile terminal illustrating still another example of a user interface using a touch input of a second area.

13 is a front view of a mobile terminal illustrating still another example of a user interface using a touch input of a second area;

Claims (21)

A terminal body having a first area formed in an output area of the display and a second area defining the first area; And A pressure sensor mounted on the terminal body and configured to sense a pressure acting on the terminal body to obtain touch information applied to the first area; The pressure sensor is located in the second region, the mobile terminal, characterized in that disposed along the circumference of the first region. The method of claim 1, And a window disposed in front of the display and having the first and second regions formed therein. The method of claim 2, The first area of the window is transparent, the second area is characterized in that the opaque mobile terminal. The method of claim 3, The window is formed of a light transmitting material, A mobile terminal, characterized in that an opaque printed layer forming the second area is formed on one surface of the window. The method of claim 3, The terminal body is provided with a window support for supporting the back of the window, The pressure sensor is located between the second area of the window and the window support. The method of claim 1, The pressure sensor is disposed facing each other, a pair of pressure sensors facing each other are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the terminal body. The method of claim 6, And a controller for converting the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensors into coordinate values of the touch position. The method of claim 7, wherein The controller is configured to generate different signals according to the strength of the touch strength applied to the touch position. The method of claim 1, A touch manipulation touch region is formed in the second region of the window, The pressure sensor is configured to obtain touch information applied to the touch area. 10. The method of claim 9, And a touch key for displaying the touch area is formed in the touch area. The method of claim 10, The touch key is formed on the window by printing or stamping, or a mobile terminal, characterized in that a key button is attached to the window is formed. The method of claim 10, And the touch key is disposed on an area corresponding to a circumference of the first area. The method of claim 12, The display outputs a plurality of selectable menus or lists, The touch key is a mobile terminal, characterized in that implemented in the form of a moving key for moving the pointer located in the menu or list. The method of claim 12, The touch key is a mobile terminal, characterized in that implemented in the form of a control key for adjusting the amount of state, such as screen or sound. The method of claim 12, The touch key is a mobile terminal, characterized in that implemented in the form of a scroll key capable of scroll input. The method of claim 10, The touch key may be implemented in at least one of a start key, a send key, a cancel key, and an end key. The method of claim 10, The touch key is formed of a light transmissive or semi-transparent, and the rear of the touch key is a mobile terminal, characterized in that provided with an illumination unit for illuminating the touch key in a specific operation mode. The method of claim 17, The touch key is formed in plurality around the first area, Touch keys are selectively activated and displayed according to the operation mode. 10. The method of claim 9, The touch area is formed to extend in one direction from the first area, The touch region is a mobile terminal, characterized in that combined with the first region is formed to be drag input. A terminal body having a display; A window mounted to the terminal body and having a light transmission area formed in an output area of the display and an opaque area defining the light transmission area; And A pressure sensor mounted on the terminal body and configured to sense pressure acting on the terminal body to obtain touch information applied to the light transmitting area; The pressure sensor is disposed in the opaque region, characterized in that the mobile terminal is arranged to surround at least a portion of the periphery of the transparent region. A terminal body having a light-transmitting area formed in an output area of the display, an opaque area defining the light-transmitting area, and a touch area formed in at least a portion of the opaque area; And A pressure sensor mounted on the terminal body and configured to sense pressure acting on the terminal body to obtain touch information applied to the light transmitting area and the touch area, The pressure sensor is disposed in the opaque area, the mobile terminal, characterized in that disposed to surround the perimeter of the light transmission area.

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