KR20100114778A - Apparatus for searching menu and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method and a device searching menus are provide to display a recent search menu screen according to the selection of an icon or image and to perform a function of selected menu of a screen, thereby increasing the convenience of a user. CONSTITUTION: A display unit displays one icon or image by controlling a control unit(S110). If one among the icon or the image is selected to the user, the control unit displays a stored recent searched menu screen of a storage unit to one part of a display unit(S120,S130). The control unit performs a function of a selected menu among the recent search menu screen displayed on a display unit(S140).

Description

Menu search device and its method {APPARATUS FOR SEARCHING MENU AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a menu searching apparatus and a method thereof.

Generally, a menu retrieval device is a device that receives a command (or input value) input by a user's operation and retrieves a corresponding menu.

An object of the present invention is to provide a menu retrieval apparatus and a method for providing an easy and convenient menu retrieval method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a menu search apparatus and method for searching a menu by a simple operation of a user using a touch input method.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a menu search apparatus and method for easily searching a menu using a preset hotkey or a user setting menu function.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a menu search method, comprising: displaying a recent search menu screen when an icon or an image displayed on a display unit is selected; And if a specific menu is selected from the displayed recent search menu screen, executing a function of the selected menu.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a menu search method, comprising: displaying a shortcut menu screen when an icon or an image displayed on a display unit is selected; And when a specific character is selected from the displayed shortcut menu screen, executing a function of a preset menu corresponding to the specific character.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a menu search method, comprising: displaying a text menu screen when an icon or an image displayed on a display unit is selected; Receiving one or more characters from the displayed character menu screen; Searching for at least one menu corresponding to the input at least one character among a plurality of previously stored menus; Displaying the retrieved at least one menu; And if a specific menu is selected from the at least one displayed menu, executing a function of the selected menu.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a menu search apparatus includes: a display unit displaying an icon or an image; And a controller configured to display, on the display unit, a recent search menu screen including at least one menu used or searched for a preset period when the displayed icon or image is selected, and execute a function of a menu selected by a user. It is composed.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a menu search apparatus includes: a display unit displaying an icon or an image; And when the displayed icon or image is selected, a shortcut menu screen including at least one of a number, a special character, a lowercase alphabet letter, and an uppercase alphabet letter is displayed on the display unit, and the preset menu is set in correspondence with a specific character selected by the user. It is configured to include a control unit for executing a function of the menu.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a menu search apparatus includes: a display unit displaying an icon or an image; And when the displayed icon or image is selected, one or more characters are input from a text menu screen including at least one character displayed on the display unit, and at least one or more previously stored menus corresponding to the input one or more characters are searched. It is configured to include a control unit.

Menu searching apparatus and method according to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing an easy and convenient menu search method, there is an effect that can increase the user's convenience and intuitive menu selection.

In addition, the apparatus for searching a menu and the method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention have an effect that can be applied to various input methods and various languages by searching a menu by a simple operation of a user using a touch input method.

In addition, the menu search apparatus and method according to an embodiment of the present invention, by conveniently searching the menu using a preset shortcut key or a user setting menu function, by using a simple operation of a menu that reflects frequently used menus or user preferences It has the effect of being able to search and run.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal 100 for explaining a menu searching apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 may be implemented in various forms. For example, the mobile terminal 100 may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), or a navigation (vehicle navigation device). , Etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, 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, and an output unit 150. , A memory 160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. Not all components of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 are essential components, and the mobile terminal 100 may be implemented by more components than those shown in FIG. 1, and fewer components. The mobile terminal 100 may also be implemented.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more components for performing wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. have. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, a location information module 115, and the like. .

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, and the like. 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 pre-generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to the mobile terminal 100. The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

Meanwhile, the broadcast related information may be provided through a mobile communication network, and in this case, may be received by the mobile communication module 112. The broadcast related information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives 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 is configured to be suitable for all broadcasting systems that provide broadcasting 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 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a radio signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal, and / or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access, and the wireless internet module 113 may be embedded or external to the mobile terminal 100. Here, wireless Internet technologies include wireless LAN (WLAN), Wi-Fi, WiBro, WiMAX, World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WMAX), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), and the like. Can be used.

The short range communication module 114 means a module for short range communication. Here, as short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, etc. may be used. .

The location information module 115 is a module for checking or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal. An example is a GPS module. The GPS module receives location information from a plurality of satellites. Here, the location information may include coordinate information represented by latitude and longitude. For example, the GPS module can measure the exact time and distance from three or more satellites and calculate three different distances accurately according to triangulation. A method of obtaining distance and time information from three satellites and correcting the error with one satellite may be used. In particular, the GPS module can obtain not only the location of latitude, longitude, and altitude but also accurate time together with three-dimensional speed information from the location information received from the satellite. As the location information module 115, a Wi-Fi Positioning System and / or a Hybrid Positioning System may be applied.

The A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and the A / V input unit 120 includes a camera 121 and a microphone 122. May be included. The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or a video 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 configured according to the configuration type and / or usage environment of the mobile 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. In the call mode, 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. 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 mobile terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 may be a mobile terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, a location of the mobile terminal 100, a presence or absence of a user contact, an orientation of the mobile terminal 100, an acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal 100, or the like. The sensing state of the mobile terminal 100 generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is a slide phone type, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, the sensing unit 140 is 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 for outputting an audio signal (or a signal related to hearing) or a video signal (or a signal related to time) or an alarm signal or a signal related to a tactile sense, and the output unit 150. ) May include a display unit 151, a sound output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154.

The display unit 151 displays (or outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in a call mode, the mobile terminal 100 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 a photographed and / or received image, a UI, or a GUI.

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

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

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

On the other hand, 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 Can be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The touch sensor may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

In addition, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit 151 or capacitance generated at a specific portion of the display unit 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect not only the position and area of the touch but also the pressure at the touch. When there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to a touch controller (not shown). The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can determine which area of the display unit 151 is touched.

The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in the inner region of the mobile terminal 100 surrounded by the touch screen or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object present in the vicinity without using mechanical force by using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 141 has a longer life and higher utilization than a contact sensor.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type 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 a change in an 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 "Proximity Touch", and the touch The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "Contact Touch". The position of the proximity touch with the pointer on the touch screen means a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen when the pointer is in proximity touch.

In addition, the proximity sensor 141 detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, and a proximity touch movement state). do. Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The sound output module 152 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. In addition, the sound output module 152 outputs a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a 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 generated in the mobile terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and touch input. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying an occurrence of an event in a form other than an audio signal or a video signal, for example, vibration. When a call signal is received or a message is received, the alarm unit 153 may vibrate the mobile terminal 100 through a vibration means. Alternatively, when the key signal is input, the alarm unit 153 may vibrate the mobile terminal 100 through the vibration means in response to the key signal input. The user can recognize the occurrence of the event through the vibration as described above. Of course, the signal for notification of the event occurrence may be output through the display unit 151 or the voice output module 152, so that they 151, 152 may be classified as part of the alarm unit 153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that a 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.

The haptic module 154, in addition to the vibration, the pin arrangement to move vertically with respect to the contact skin surface, the blowing force or suction force of the air through the injection or inlet, the grazing to the skin surface, the contact of the electrode (eletrode), the stimulation such as electrostatic force Various tactile effects can be produced, such as the effects of the heat-absorbing effect and the effect of reproducing a sense of cold using the elements capable of absorbing heat or heat.

The haptic module 154 may not only deliver the haptic effect through direct contact, but may also be implemented to allow 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 the configuration of the portable terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 180, and a function for temporarily storing input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). You can also do The memory 160 may store data relating to various patterns of vibration and sound 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 (eg, 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. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may operate a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 150 on the Internet, or may operate in connection with the web storage.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit 170 may include a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, An audio input / output (I / O) port, a video input / output (I / O) port, and an earphone port may be configured. Here, the identification module is a chip that stores various information for authenticating the use right of the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM), and universal user authentication. It may include a module (Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM)). In addition, the device equipped with the identification module (hereinafter referred to as an identification device) may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Therefore, the identification module may be connected to the mobile terminal 100 through a port. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits the data to each component inside the mobile terminal 100 or transmits the data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device.

The interface unit 170 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 commands input by the user from the cradle. It may be a passage through which a signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 performs related control and processing for voice call, data communication, video call, and the like. In addition, the controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. 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 a 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.

The functions of the components applied to the mobile terminal 100 may be implemented in a computer-readable recording medium using software, hardware or a combination thereof. Hardware implementations include Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Processors, Controllers The controller may be implemented using at least one of controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing functions. In some cases such embodiments may be implemented by the controller 180. In a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that allow at least one function or operation to be performed. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. In addition, the software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180. In addition, the navigation session 300 applied to the mobile terminal 100 provides a general navigation function.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 applied to the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention displays a recent search menu screen or a shortcut menu screen when an event occurs (when an icon, image, button, etc. is selected). And executes the menu selected by the user.

In addition, the controller 180 applied to the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when an event occurs (when an icon, an image, a button, etc. is selected), a text is displayed by the user using a text menu screen. Receives an input, displays a menu corresponding to the input character, and executes the menu selected by the user.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a telematics terminal 200 for explaining a menu searching apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a central processing unit for controlling the telematics terminal 200 as a whole is provided. Processing Unit (CPU) 222, a main board having a built-in key control unit 221 for controlling various key signals, an LCD control unit 223 for controlling an LCD, and a memory 224 for storing various types of information. 220).

The memory 224 stores map information (map data) for displaying vehicle guidance information (road guidance information for guiding a user during driving / non-driving) on a map of the display unit (or LCD) 211.

In addition, the memory 224 stores a traffic information collection control algorithm for inputting traffic information according to a road condition on which the vehicle is currently traveling and various information for controlling the algorithm.

The main board 220 is a communication module 201 that is assigned a unique device number and performs voice calls and data transmission and reception through a mobile communication terminal embedded in a vehicle, and guides the location of the vehicle and travels from the starting point to the destination. A GPS module 202 for receiving a GPS signal for path tracking and the like, generating current location data of the vehicle based on the received GPS signal, or transmitting traffic information collected by a user as a GPS signal; A gyro sensor 203 for detecting the driving direction, a CD deck 204 for reproducing a signal recorded on a compact disk (CD), and the like are included.

In addition, the communication module 201 and the GPS module 202 transmit / receive signals through the first antenna 205 and the second antenna 206, respectively.

In addition, the main board 220 is connected to the TV module 230 that receives the broadcast signal through the broadcast signal antenna (or TV antenna) 231.

In addition, the main board 220 is connected to a liquid crystal display (LCD) 211 under the control of the LCD controller 223 through an interface board 213.

The LCD 211 performs a predetermined signal processing process on the broadcast signal received through the TV module 230, and then controls the signal processed broadcast signal by the LCD controller 223 on the interface board ( A video signal is displayed on the LCD 211 through 213, and the audio signal is output through the amplifier 254 under the control of the audio board 240 to be described later. In addition, the LCD 211 displays various video signals and text signals based on the control signals of the LCD control unit 223.

In addition, the LCD 211 may be configured to receive an input from a user by using a touch screen method.

In addition, the main board 220 is connected to the front board 212 under the control of the key controller 221 through the interface board 213. The front board 212 configures buttons and menus for inputting various key signals, and provides the main board 220 with a key signal corresponding to a key (or button) selected by a user. In addition, the front board 212 may include a menu key for directly inputting traffic information, and the menu key may be configured to be controlled by the key controller 221.

The audio board 240 is connected to the main board 220 and processes various audio signals. The audio board 240 includes a microcomputer 244 for controlling the audio board 240, a tuner 243 for receiving a radio signal through an antenna (or radio antenna) 245, And a power processor 242 for supplying power to the microcomputer 244, and a signal processor 241 for performing signal processing for outputting various voice signals.

In addition, the audio board 240 is connected to a radio antenna 245 for receiving a radio signal and a tape deck 246 for playing an audio tape.

Also, the audio board 240 is connected to an amplifier 254 for outputting a voice signal processed by the audio board 240.

In addition, the amplifier 254 is connected to the vehicle interface 250. That is, the main board 220 and the audio board 240 are connected to the vehicle interface 250, respectively. In addition, the vehicle interface 250 may include a hands-free 251 for inputting a voice signal without using a vehicle driver's hand, an airbag 252 for providing passenger safety, and a speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed. 253 and the like can be connected.

In addition, the speed sensor 253 calculates a vehicle speed and provides the calculated vehicle speed information to the central processing unit 222.

In addition, the navigation session 300 applied to the telematics terminal 200 provides a general navigation function.

On the other hand, the central processing unit 222 applied to the telematics terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when an event occurs (when an icon, an image, a button, etc. are selected), a recent search menu screen or a shortcut menu screen Display the selected menu, and execute the corresponding menu selected by the user.

In addition, the central processing unit 222 applied to the telematics terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when an event occurs (when an icon, an image, a button, etc. is selected), the user using a text menu screen Character is inputted, a menu corresponding to the input character is displayed, and a corresponding menu selected by the user is executed.

Hereinafter, assuming that the menu search apparatus 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the mobile terminal 100, it will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Here, the menu searching apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may be applied to the telematics terminal 200 as well as the mobile terminal 100.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a menu searching apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the menu searching apparatus 400 includes an input unit 401, a storage unit 402, and a display unit 403. , Audio output unit 404, control unit 405, and communication unit 406.

The input unit 401 receives a command or a control signal by an operation such as receiving a button operation by a user or touching / scrolling a displayed screen.

In addition, the input unit 401 may select a function desired by the user or receive information, and various devices such as a keypad, a touch screen, a jog shuttle, and a microphone may be used.

The storage unit 402 stores various user interfaces (UIs) and / or graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

In addition, the storage unit 402 stores a plurality of menus (or menu screens) included in the menu retrieval apparatus 400. Here, the plurality of menus may include a plurality of menus of a hierarchical structure or a horizontal structure. In addition, the plurality of menus may have a unique name (or a unique identifier) for each menu. For example, the dictionary menu may have a unique name of “electronic dictionary”. As another example, for sub-menus related to a plurality of phone numbers included in the phone book menu, each sub menu has unique values of "Find phone number", "Add phone number", phone number group information, and "talk time". It can also have a name.

In addition, the storage unit 402 stores at least one menu that is recently used or recently searched through the menu search apparatus 400 as an "recent search menu screen" item.

In addition, the storage unit 402, numbers, special characters (including, for example, *, #, $,%, &, @, +,-, \, ~, etc.), lowercase alphabet and uppercase alphabet (or, For each of the at least one character, including the character used in any foreign language, the linked menu is stored as the "shortened menu screen" item (or "preset user menu screen" item) for each of the at least one character. For example, the number "0" is connected to the "Phone Number Search" menu, the number "1" is connected to the "Subway Map" menu, the number "2" is connected to the "Electronic Dictionary" menu, etc., the numbers 0, 1 And a preset user menu screen consisting of two.

In addition, the storage unit 402, for the menu connected by letter, if the additional information about the menu (for example, the number "1" is connected to the "subway route map" menu, such as "subway route guidance" addition Information) can be stored together.

In addition, the storage unit 402 stores a "character menu screen" item composed of characters of various languages such as Korean consonants, Korean vowels, lowercase letters / capital letters of the alphabet, and the like.

In addition, the storage unit 402 may store emoticons that characterize each menu together in each item of the recent search menu screen, the shortcut menu screen, and the text menu screen to be stored.

The display unit 403 displays various information according to the control result of the control unit 405. The display unit 403 may be a touch screen.

In addition, when displaying the various information, the display unit 403 may display various contents such as various menu screens by using a user interface and / or a graphic user interface stored in the storage unit 402. Here, the content displayed on the display unit 403 includes a menu screen including various text or image data (including map data and various information data) and data such as icons, list menus, combo boxes, and the like.

In addition, the display unit 403 displays at least one of a recent search menu screen, a shortcut menu screen, and a text menu screen stored in the storage unit 402 under the control of the controller 405.

The voice output unit 404 converts a variety of information according to the control result of the controller 405 into a voice and outputs the voice. Here, the voice output unit 404 may be a speaker.

When the display unit 403 is a touch screen, the controller 405 may be used for an application program such as an icon or an image displayed on the display unit 403 under the control of the controller 405. When is selected (clicked or touched) by the user, a recent search menu screen previously stored in the storage unit 402 is displayed in a partial area of the display unit 403. The controller 405 executes a corresponding menu when one of the menus is selected by the user among the displayed recent search menu screens, and displays the executed result on the display unit 403 and / or the Output through the voice output unit 404.

In addition, the controller 405 controls the storage unit when the content used for an application program such as an icon or an image displayed on the display unit 403 is selected by the user under the control of the controller 405. A shortcut menu screen previously stored in 402 is displayed on a portion of the display unit 403. In addition, when any one menu is selected by the user among the displayed preset menu screens, the controller 405 executes a corresponding menu set corresponding to the menu, and displays the executed result. The display unit 403 outputs the sound through the display unit 403 and / or the voice output unit 404.

In addition, the control unit 405 displays one or more characters selected by the user on a partial area of the display unit 403 from the text menu screen displayed on the display unit 403 under the control of the control unit 405. In addition, at least one menu item corresponding to the selected one or more characters is searched among the plurality of menu items previously stored in the storage unit 402, and the search result is displayed on the display unit 403.

The communication unit 406 may include a wireless internet module or a short range communication module. The wireless Internet module may include WLAN, Wi-Fi, WiBro, WiMAX, HSDPA, and the like, and the short-range communication module may include Bluetooth, RFID, infrared communication, UWB, ZigBee, and the like.

In addition, the input unit 401, the storage unit 402, the display unit 403, the audio output unit 404, the control unit 405, and the communication unit included in the menu search apparatus 400 described above with reference to FIG. 3 of the present invention. Some (or all) of the configuration of 406 may be implemented by components having similar functions in the mobile terminal 100.

That is, the input unit 401 may be a user input unit 130 of the mobile terminal 100, and the storage unit 402 may be a memory 160 of the mobile terminal 100. The display unit 403 may be the display unit 151 of the mobile terminal 100, and the voice output unit 404 may be the sound output module 152 of the mobile terminal 100. 405 may be a controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100, and the communication unit 406 may be a wireless communication unit 110 of the mobile terminal 100.

In addition, the input unit 401, the storage unit 402, the display unit 403, the audio output unit 404, the control unit 405 and the communication provided in the menu search apparatus 400 described above in FIG. Some (or all) of the configuration of the unit 406 may be implemented by components having similar functions in the telematics terminal 200.

That is, the input unit 401 may be the LCD 211 of the telematics terminal 200, the storage unit 402 may be the memory 224 of the telematics terminal 200, and the display unit ( 403 may be an LCD 211 of the telematics terminal 200, the voice output unit 404 may be an amplifier 254 of the telematics terminal 200, and the controller 405 may be It may be a central processing unit 222 of the telematics terminal 200, the communication unit 406 may be a communication module 201 of the telematics terminal 200.

Hereinafter, a menu searching method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a menu searching method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the display unit 403 displays either an icon or an image under the control of the control unit 405. Here, the displayed icon or image (or including a menu box, a combo box, etc.) may be content used for an application program including a widget or a gadget function (S110).

Thereafter, the controller 405 checks (detects) whether any one of an icon or an image displayed on the display unit 403 is selected (or touched) by the user. Here, the display unit 403 includes a touch screen that detects a touch operation by a touch sensor including a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like. In addition, the user's input may be confirmed through the input unit 401 including a touch screen instead of the display unit 403.

For example, when the user touches an icon displayed on the display unit 403 using the user's finger, a stylus pen, a touch pen, or the like, Detect the touch of an icon.

In addition, instead of confirming the selection of any one of the icon or the image, the controller 405 is configured to detect whether the user clicks (or selects) any predetermined button included in the menu search apparatus 400. You may.

In addition, instead of confirming the selection of any one of the icon or the image, the controller 405 displays a predetermined button on the display unit 403 and determines whether the displayed button is clicked (or selected). It may be configured to detect (S120).

Thereafter, when any one of an icon or an image displayed on the display unit 403 is selected by the user, the controller 405 displays a recent search menu screen previously stored in the storage unit 402. It is displayed in a partial region (or all regions) of. Here, the recent search menu screen pre-stored in the storage unit 402 may be a predetermined period of time based on the current time point by the user (for example, a past time point or a current time point, or an hour or one day before the current time point). It can be configured to include at least one menu used or searched within. As described above, it is apparent that the recently used or searched menu included in the recent search menu screen may be set by varying the period and the number of included menus according to the designer's design.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the icon 501 used for the application of the widget function displayed on the display unit 403 is touched using a stylus pen, the controller 405 may be configured to store the storage unit ( The recent search menu screen 502 previously stored in 402 is controlled to be displayed on a partial area of the display unit 403.

In addition, when the control unit 405 displays the recent search menu screen in a partial region (or all regions) of the display unit 403, each of the configuration menus of the recent search menu screen is displayed in the storage unit 402. It is also possible to configure to display on the display unit 403 for each menu emoticon stored with the (S130).

Thereafter, the controller 405 controls to perform (or execute) a function of a corresponding menu selected by the user among the recent search menu screens displayed on the display unit 403.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the “receive message box” is selected from the recent search menu screen 502 displayed in a partial area of the display unit 403, the controller 405 is illustrated in FIG. 6. As described above, the "receive message box" menu corresponding to the function of the "receive message box" is controlled to be displayed on the entire area (or a partial area) of the display unit 403.

In addition, the controller 405 may be configured to additionally perform an additional control function according to the function of the corresponding menu (S140).

7 is a flowchart illustrating a menu searching method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First, the display unit 403 displays one of an icon or an image under the control of the controller 405. Here, the displayed icon or image (or including a menu box, a combo box, etc.) may be content used for an application program including a widget or a gadget function (S210).

Thereafter, the controller 405 checks (detects) whether any one of an icon or an image displayed on the display unit 403 is selected (or touched) by the user. Here, the display unit 403 includes a touch screen that detects a touch operation by a touch sensor including a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like. In addition, the user's input may be confirmed through the input unit 401 including a touch screen instead of the display unit 403.

For example, when the user touches an icon displayed on the display unit 403 using the user's finger, a stylus pen, a touch pen, or the like, the controller 405 detects a touch of the icon.

In addition, instead of confirming the selection of any one of the icon or the image, the controller 405 is configured to detect whether the user clicks (or selects) any predetermined button included in the menu search apparatus 400. You may.

In addition, instead of confirming the selection of any one of the icon or the image, the controller 405 displays a predetermined button on the display unit 403 and determines whether the displayed button is clicked (or selected). It may be configured to detect (S220).

Subsequently, when any one of an icon or an image displayed on the display unit 403 is selected by the user, the controller 405 displays a shortcut menu screen previously stored in the storage unit 402. It is displayed in a partial region (or all regions) of. In this case, the pre-stored shortcut menu screen displayed on the display unit 403 includes at least one or more characters of numbers, special characters, lowercase letters of the alphabet, and uppercase letters of the alphabet. In addition, the pre-stored shortcut menu screen displayed on the display unit 403 may include a character used in any foreign language. That is, for example, it may include a character such as katakana or hiragana used in Japanese. In addition, the at least one character is set to correspond to any one of a plurality of menus (including a unique name or unique ID for each menu) included in the menu search apparatus 400 for each character, and corresponding to each character. Information about the menu is stored in the storage unit 402.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the icon 601 used in the application of the widget function displayed on the display unit 403 is touched, the controller 405 is pre-stored in the storage unit 402. The shortcut menu screen 602 is controlled to be displayed on a partial area of the display unit 403.

In addition, when the shortcut menu screen is displayed in a partial region (or all regions) of the display unit 403, the controller 405 together with each configuration menu of the shortcut menu screen in the storage unit 402. The stored emoticons for each menu may also be configured to be displayed on the display unit 403 (S230).

Thereafter, the controller 405 controls to perform (or execute) a predetermined function corresponding to the shortcut menu selected by the user among the shortcut menu screens displayed on the display unit 403.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when “3” is selected from the shortcut menu screen 602 displayed in a partial area of the display unit 403, the controller 405 is as shown in FIG. 6. In response to "3", the control unit displays the "receive message box" menu corresponding to the function of the "receive message box" preset in the entire area (or a partial area) of the display unit 403.

In addition, when an arbitrary shortcut menu is focused among the shortcut menu screens displayed on the display unit 403, the controller 405 displays additional information stored in advance about a function preset in correspondence with the shortcut menu in a pop-up window ( The display unit 403 may be controlled to display on the display unit 403 using a pop-up window or a balloon help.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when “3” is focused (or activated), the controller 405 may receive a “receive message” that is additional information on a predetermined function corresponding to “3”. Box "may be displayed on the display unit 403 using the balloon help 603.

In addition, the controller 405 may be configured to additionally perform an additional control function according to the function of the corresponding menu (S240).

9 is a flowchart illustrating a menu searching method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

First, the display unit 403 displays either an icon or an image under the control of the control unit 405. In this case, the displayed icon or image (or a menu box, a combo box, etc.) may be content used for an application program including a widget or a gadget function (S310).

Thereafter, the controller 405 checks (detects) whether any one of an icon or an image displayed on the display unit 403 is selected (or touched) by the user. Here, the display unit 403 includes a touch screen that detects a touch operation by a touch sensor including a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like. In addition, the user's input may be confirmed through the input unit 401 including a touch screen instead of the display unit 403.

For example, when the user touches an icon displayed on the display unit 403 using the user's finger, a stylus pen, a touch pen, or the like, the controller 405 detects a touch of the icon.

In addition, instead of confirming the selection of any one of the icon or the image, the controller 405 is configured to detect whether the user clicks (or selects) any predetermined button included in the menu search apparatus 400. You may.

In addition, instead of confirming the selection of any one of the icon or the image, the controller 405 displays a predetermined button on the display unit 403 and determines whether the displayed button is clicked (or selected). It may be configured to detect (S320).

Subsequently, when any one of an icon or an image displayed on the display unit 403 is selected by the user, the controller 405 uses the user interface or graphic user interface pre-stored in the storage unit 402. The text menu screen previously stored in the storage unit 402 is displayed on a portion of the display unit 403. Here, the stored text menu screen may be a menu screen including a character used in any language such as Korean consonant, Korean vowel, uppercase alphabet, lowercase alphabet, and the like.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the icon 701 used for the application of the widget function displayed on the display unit 403 is touched, the controller 405 is pre-stored in the storage unit 402. The text menu screen 702 is controlled to be displayed on a partial region of the display unit 403 (S330).

Subsequently, the controller 405 is configured to select a character selected by the user (or input) from the text menu screen displayed on the display unit 403 (syllable consonants, Korean vowels, syllables composed of Korean consonants and vowels, and English). Uppercase letters and at least one of lowercase letters of English) are displayed on a text input window (or a message input window) displayed in a partial region of the display unit 403.

The controller 405 may include at least one menu including the corresponding character displayed on the text input window among a plurality of menus (including a unique name or unique ID for each menu) previously stored in the storage unit 402. The display is controlled to be displayed on a part of the display unit 403.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when “” and “” are continuously input by the user in the text menu screen 702 displayed on a partial area of the display unit 403, the continuous At least one corresponding display including the input "ㅅ" to the text input window 703 of the display unit 403 and including consonant initials of "ㅅ ㅅ" among a plurality of menus previously stored in the storage unit 402. The menu 704 may be displayed on a portion of the display unit 403. In this case, the menu screen including the at least one corresponding menu 704 displayed in the partial region may be displayed by setting a character corresponding to the input “sj” in bold or a character color distinguished from other characters. You may.

That is, for the menu 704, the "ring bell selection" and the "receiving message box", which are displayed above, "ㅅㅅ" (or "receiving" including "ㅅㅅ") is displayed in bold or "ㅅㅅ". (Or "receive" with "ㅅㅅ") may be displayed in red and the remaining characters may be displayed in black.

In addition, in the case of Hangul, the search may be performed by the initial consonant among a plurality of menus as described above, or the menu including the one or more syllables may be searched using one or more syllables combined with consonants and vowels. .

As another example, when a letter menu screen including lowercase letters of English is displayed on a portion of the display unit 403, and the "m" and "e" are continuously input by the user, the controller 405 is configured to perform the above operation. Among the plurality of menus previously stored in the storage unit 402, at least one corresponding menu including the input “me” (for example, “message box”) may be displayed on a partial region of the display unit 403. have.

In this way, in addition to the menu composed of Korean or English, it can be configured to search for a unique name given to the menu based on the characters entered according to any language.

In addition, the controller 405 may display the at least one menu including the corresponding character displayed on the text input window in a partial region of the display unit 403. The emoticon stored together with the menu may be displayed on the display unit 403 (S340).

Thereafter, the controller 405 controls to perform (or execute) a function of a corresponding menu selected by the user among at least one menu displayed in a partial region of the display unit 403.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a user may continuously input “ㅅ” by the user, and a corresponding menu 704 corresponding to “ㅅ” is stored in a portion of the display unit 403. When the "receive message" menu is selected from the corresponding menu 704 displayed in a partial area of the display unit 403 when the display is displayed, the controller 405 displays the "receive message" as shown in FIG. 6. Control to display the "receive message box" menu corresponding to the function of "box" on the entire area (or a partial area) of the display unit 403.

In addition, the controller 405 may be configured to additionally perform an additional control function according to the function of the corresponding menu (S350).

In the above embodiments, a configuration of displaying a previously stored recently searched menu screen, a previously stored shortcut menu screen, and a previously stored text menu screen when an icon or an image is selected has been described, but when the icon or image is selected In addition, at least one of the recent search menu screen, the shortcut menu screen, and the text menu screen may be configured to be displayed together on each partial region of the display unit 403.

For example, when an icon displayed on the display unit 403 is selected, a recent search menu screen, a shortcut menu screen, and a text menu screen that are pre-stored in the storage unit 402 are displayed on a partial area of the display unit 403, respectively. It can also be configured to.

As such, by displaying a plurality of menu screens (including a recent search menu screen, a shortcut menu screen, a text menu screen, and the like) on the display unit 403, a user selects and uses any one of the plurality of menu screens. It can provide the user with a variety of menu choices.

In this way, a menu may be searched for by a user's simple operation using a touch input method, and a function of the menu may be executed (or performed).

As such, the function of the menu may be conveniently executed (or executed) by using a preset shortcut key or a user setting menu function.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal for explaining a menu searching apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a telematics terminal for explaining a menu searching apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a menu search apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a menu searching method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a menu searching method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a menu searching method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (11)

Displaying a recent search menu screen when an icon or an image displayed on the display unit is selected; And Executing a function of the selected menu when a specific menu is selected among the displayed recent search menu screens. The method of claim 1, wherein the recent search menu screen, And at least one menu used or searched for a preset period of time. Displaying a shortcut menu screen when an icon or an image displayed on the display unit is selected; And And when a specific character is selected from the displayed shortcut menu screen, executing a function of a predetermined menu corresponding to the specific character. The method of claim 3, wherein the shortcut menu screen, And at least one of numbers, special characters, lowercase alphabetical characters, and uppercase alphabetic characters. Displaying a text menu screen when an icon or an image displayed on the display unit is selected; Receiving one or more characters from the displayed character menu screen; Searching for at least one menu corresponding to the input at least one character among a plurality of previously stored menus; Displaying the retrieved at least one menu; And And executing a function of the selected menu when a specific menu is selected from the displayed at least one menu. The method of claim 5, wherein the text menu screen, A menu search method comprising at least one of Hangul consonants, Hangul vowels, uppercase letters of the alphabet, and lowercase letters of the alphabet. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 5, wherein the icon or the image, Method for searching a menu, characterized in that the content used in the application including the widget or gadget function. A display unit displaying an icon or an image; And When the displayed icon or image is selected, the display unit displays a recent search menu screen including at least one menu used or searched for a preset period, and includes a control unit for executing a function of a menu selected by the user. Menu searching device, characterized in that. A display unit displaying an icon or an image; And When the displayed icon or image is selected, a shortcut menu screen including at least one of numerals, special characters, lowercase letters of the alphabet, and uppercase letters of the alphabet is displayed on the display unit, and a corresponding preset preset corresponding to the specific character selected by the user. And a control unit for executing a function of a menu. A display unit displaying an icon or an image; And When the displayed icon or image is selected, one or more characters are input from a text menu screen including at least one character displayed on the display unit, and at least one menu item corresponding to the one or more characters is searched for. Menu search apparatus comprising a control unit. The method of claim 10, wherein the control unit, And display the searched one or more menus on the display unit, and execute a function of a specific menu selected by a user.

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