KR20110037064A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal and a control method thereof are provided to transmit information related to content of a screen to searched external device. CONSTITUTION: A touch screen displays content on a screen. A touch gesture for the search command of an external device in a memory(160) is set. A control unit(180) displays the external device by searching the external device which is communicable in a current state through a wireless communication unit if the touch gesture which is set in the memory on the screen is inputted. If the displayed external is selected, the control unit transmits the content to the external device.

Description

MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

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

Terminals such as personal computers, laptops, mobile phones, etc. may be configured to perform various functions. Examples of such various functions include data and voice communication functions, taking pictures or videos through a camera, storing voices, playing music files through a speaker system, and displaying images or videos. Some terminals include additional functionality to play games, while others are implemented as multimedia devices. Moreover, recent terminals can receive a broadcast or multicast signal to watch a video or television program.

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

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

Such mobile terminals are currently equipped with many touch screens that are used as display devices and input devices.

That is, the mobile terminal may display a user interface (UI) object such as a function icon for executing a specific content function on the touch screen, and the user may execute a menu function by touching the UI object. .

An object of the present invention is to search for an external device that can be connected to the communication at the location of the current mobile terminal using the user's touch gesture, and to transmit the information related to the content on the screen to the searched external device and its control method The purpose is to provide.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal, comprising: a wireless communication unit for searching for at least one external device capable of communication connection in a current state, and a communication connection with the searched external device; A touch screen displaying content on a screen; A memory in which a touch gesture for a search command of the external device is set; When a touch gesture set in the memory is input on the screen, the mobile device searches for and displays an external device that can be communicatively connected in the current state through the wireless communication unit, and when the displayed external device is selected, transmitting the content to the external device. It comprises a control unit.

In this case, the touch gesture set in the memory may be set by default in the mobile terminal or preset by the user, and when the touch gesture is preset by the user, the controller 180 may give a touch gesture to the user. A menu for setting and setting the external device search function to be mapped with the touch gesture is provided.

In addition, when a touch gesture set in the memory is input to the content of the screen, the controller may search for and display an external device that can be communicatively connected through the wireless communication unit.

The controller may display at least one communication connection method selection window to be connected to the external device when the touch gesture is input, and if any one communication connection method is selected from the selection window, You can search for external devices that can be connected. In this case, the communication connection method may be any one of a wired communication connection method, a mobile communication connection method, a wireless Internet connection method, and a short-range communication connection method.

The controller may determine a separation distance between the mobile terminal and the searched external devices when the plurality of external devices are searched for, and display the adjacent distance to the mobile terminal in the order in which the distances are close to each other. In this case, the control unit may measure the transmission power strength of the wireless communication unit for each of the external devices, and may identify the external device that is close to the mobile terminal in the order of decreasing measured transmission power strength. The controller may display a first concentric shape centering on the mobile terminal and a second concentric shape having a larger radius than the first concentric circle, and the external devices having a separation distance from the mobile terminal within a preset distance. The display device may be displayed within the first concentric shape, and external devices having a distance from the mobile terminal exceeding a predetermined distance may be displayed within the second concentric shape. In this case, the first and second concentric shapes may be expanded or contracted according to a user's touch gesture. In addition, the controller may grasp the separation distance from the external devices at predetermined time periods, and may reflect the result in the first and second concentric shapes.

In addition, a menu search command related to the content may be further set in the touch gesture. When the displayed external device is selected, the controller searches for and displays at least one menu related to the content, and when the menu is selected. The execution screen of the selected menu may be transmitted to the selected external device. The controller may transmit the execution screen of the menu to each of the selected external devices when a plurality of the external devices are selected.

In addition, the control method of the mobile terminal according to the present invention includes the steps of setting a touch gesture for the search command of any one of the search of the external device that can be connected to the communication in the current state and the menu search associated with the content displayed on the screen; Displaying at least one content on the screen; Searching for and displaying an external device that can be communicatively connected in the current state when the set touch gesture is input on the content; Searching for and displaying at least one menu associated with the content when the external device is selected; If the menu is selected, transmitting the execution screen of the selected menu to the selected external device.

According to the present invention, a mobile terminal and a control method thereof set an external device search and content related menu search command to a touch gesture input by a user, and automatically communicate at the current location when the touch gesture is input on content of a screen. By searching for an external device that can be connected and transmitting information related to the content to the external device, the user can easily share information with external devices using a mobile terminal.

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

The mobile terminal described herein may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like.

However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, etc., except when applicable only to mobile terminals.

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

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, and an interface. The unit 170, the controller 180, and the power supply unit 190 may be included. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, so that a mobile terminal having more or fewer components may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 performs wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and the network where the mobile terminal 100 is located or between the mobile terminal 100 and external devices according to the present invention. It may include one or more modules that make it possible. 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).

For example, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), a Media Forward Link Only A digital broadcasting system such as DVB-CB, OMA-BCAST, or Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for not only the above-described digital broadcasting system but also other broadcasting systems.

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

The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external device, 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. The wireless internet module 113 may be embedded or external to the mobile terminal 100 and may connect communication with the external devices according to the present invention. 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 is a module for short range communication, and may connect short range communication with external devices according to the present invention. As a short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like may be used.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) module. According to the current technology, the GPS module 115 calculates distance information and accurate time information from three or more satellites, and then applies trigonometry to the calculated information to obtain a three-dimensional string of latitude, longitude, The location information can be accurately calculated. At present, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting an error of the calculated position and time information using another satellite is widely used. In addition, the GPS module 115 may calculate speed information by continuously calculating the current position in real time.

Referring to FIG. 1, the A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video call mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151.

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided according to the use environment.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, 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 terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 detects a current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, a location of the mobile terminal 100, presence or absence of a user contact, orientation of the mobile terminal, acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal, and the like. To generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to the external device may be sensed. The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141. This will be described later with reference to the touch screen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to a touch controller (not shown). The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched.

The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal surrounded by the touch screen or near 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 (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, and a proximity touch movement state). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The sound output module 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output module 152 may also output a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and touch input. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying occurrence of an event in a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, vibration. Since the video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152, in this case, the display unit 151 and the audio output module 152 are a kind of alarm unit 153. It may be classified as.

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

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

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

The projector module 155 is a component for performing an image project function using the mobile terminal 100 and includes an image displayed on the display unit 151 according to a control signal of the controller 180. The same or at least some different images can be displayed on an external screen or wall.

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

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

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

The memory unit 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 180, and input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, an audio, a still image, an electronic book, a video, etc.). You can also perform a function for temporary storage of. The memory unit 160 may also store the frequency of use of each of the data (for example, each telephone number, each message, and the frequency of use of each multimedia). In addition, the memory unit 160 may store data regarding vibration and sound of various patterns output when a touch input on the touch screen is performed.

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM (Random Access Memory, RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Magnetic Memory, Magnetic It may include a storage medium of at least one type of disk, optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in connection with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers the power to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM), and a universal user authentication module ( Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the port.

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

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for playing multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the controller 180 or may be implemented separately from the controller 180.

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing a writing input or a drawing input performed on the touch screen as text and an image, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, embodiments described herein include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like. It may be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing other functions. The described embodiments may be implemented by the controller 180 itself.

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

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

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

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

The cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

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

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

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The operation units 131 and 132 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to the antenna for communication, a broadcast signal receiving antenna 116 may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. The antenna 116, which forms part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1), can be installed to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body.

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

The rear case 102 may be further equipped with a touch pad 135 for sensing a touch. The touch pad 135 may be of a light transmission type for the display unit 151. [ In this case, if the display unit 151 is configured to output visual information on both sides (i.e., in the direction of both the front and rear surfaces of the mobile terminal), the visual information may be recognized through the touch pad 135. do. The information output on both surfaces may be controlled by the touch pad 135.

Meanwhile, since a display dedicated to the touch pad 135 is separately installed, the touch screen may be disposed on the rear case 102.

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

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control method that can be implemented in the mobile terminal 100 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a touch gesture setting process according to the present invention.

4 is a screen state diagram illustrating a touch gesture setting process according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, a touch gesture setting process according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

First, referring to FIG. 3, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 communicates at a current location of a mobile terminal from a user through a touch screen type display unit 151 (hereinafter referred to as a “touch screen”). When a touch gesture setting menu is selected for a search of external devices that can be connected and a related menu search command of contents on the screen, the touch gesture setting menu is executed on a screen of the touch screen 151, and the executed touch gesture setting menu is executed. Is displayed on the touch screen 151 [S111].

In this case, the external devices may be connected to the mobile terminal 100 and may include all devices provided with a display capable of displaying screen information received from the mobile terminal 100.

In addition, the content includes a text file, an image file, a received message, contact information in a phonebook, an audio file, a photo file, a video file, a game file, a schedule information, a document file, an electronic file. Dictionary files, calculator files, and web page address information may be included. That is, the content includes all data existing in the menu function of the mobile terminal 100. In addition, the contact information may be composed of the other party's mobile phone number, name, home phone number, email address, and the like.

In addition, all objects displayed in the present specification may be displayed in the form of an icon.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 inputs a touch gesture having a specific pattern from the user on the touch gesture setting menu [S112], selects the external device search function to be mapped with the input touch gesture, and searches a related menu of the content. When the function is selected, the input touch gesture, the external device search function and the content related menu search function are mapped to each other [S113] and stored in the memory 160 [S114].

4 illustrates a process of mapping the external device search function and content related menu search function to a touch gesture input from a user.

That is, referring to FIG. 4A, when the "3. Touch gesture setting" menu 10 is selected, the controller 180 displays the touch gesture setting window 20 as shown in FIG. 4B. And a function setting window 30 to be mapped with a touch gesture input through the touch gesture setting window 20.

In this case, in FIG. 4A, a first touch gesture 21 having a first pattern is input from the user through the touch gesture setting window 320, and the current position of the mobile terminal according to the present invention is input to the function setting window 30. In FIG. 1, a function 31 for searching for external devices capable of communication connection is set.

At this time, in the present invention, even if the external device search function 31 is set in the function setting window 30, the content related menu search function 32 to be described below is performed together.

That is, in the present invention, when the external device search function 31 is set in the function setting window 30, the external device search function 31 is first performed, and then the content related menu search function 32 is performed. To do.

For example, the first touch gesture 21 illustrated in FIG. 4B is stored in the memory 160, specific content is displayed on the screen, and the first touch gesture 21 is displayed on the content. When input, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110 to search for and display external devices capable of communication connection at the current location on the screen, and then to search for menu functions related to the content.

In this case, the user's touch gesture input through the touch gesture setting window 20 may be a touch touch, a proximity touch, a multi-touch in which two points on the screen are touched, a touch having a specific direction, and a long touched state for a predetermined time. It can include all touches.

That is, the user inputs a touch gesture of his / her favorite style using the touch gesture setting window 20, and then sets the external device search function 31 and the content related menu search function to the input touch gesture. .

Meanwhile, in FIG. 4C, a second touch gesture 22 having a second pattern is input from the user through the touch gesture setting window 320, and a content related menu search function 32 is input to the function setting window 30. This setting is shown.

For example, the second touch gesture 22 illustrated in FIG. 4C is stored in the memory 160, specific content is displayed on the screen, and the second touch gesture 22 is displayed on the content. When input, the controller 180 searches for and displays a menu function related to the content first, and then controls the wireless communication unit 110 to search for external devices that can communicate with the current location.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 4D, a third touch gesture 23 having a third pattern is input from the user through the touch gesture setting window 320, and the function setting window 30 displays a screen on which content on the screen is executed. The function 33 for capturing and transmitting to an external device is shown.

As an example, the second touch gesture 22 illustrated in FIG. 4D is stored in the memory 160, an execution screen of specific content is displayed on the touch screen 151, and the content execution screen is displayed on the touch screen 151. When the third touch gesture 23 is input to the controller 180, the controller 180 captures the content execution screen at the point in time when the third touch gesture 23 is input, and then controls the wireless communication unit 110 to present the present invention. Searching for external devices capable of a communication connection at a location and then transmitting the captured image to the searched external devices.

3 and 4 have described the process of setting the external device search function and the content related menu search function in each touch gesture.

5 to 17, a process of transmitting information related to content displayed on a screen to external devices using a touch gesture according to the present invention will be described in detail.

5 and 6 are flowcharts of different embodiments illustrating a process of transmitting information related to content displayed on a screen to an external device using a touch gesture according to the present invention.

7 to 17 are screen state diagrams illustrating a process of transmitting information related to content displayed on a screen to an external device using a touch gesture according to the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 5, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 displays at least one content on a screen of the touch screen 151 [S211], and has a touch having a first pattern on the content. When the gesture is input [S212], the first pattern of the input touch gesture is recognized [S213], and the memory 160 searches for a touch gesture having the same pattern as the recognized first pattern [S214].

In this case, the controller 180 may search for a touch gesture having the same pattern as the recognized first pattern in the memory 160, and search for a pattern similar to the recognized first pattern in the memory according to a user's setting. Branches may search for touch gestures.

For example, when the user sets the similarity to 80%, the controller 180 searches for a touch gesture that is 80% or more similar to the first pattern of the touch gesture input from the user in the memory 160. The similarity setting is provided in a menu function of the mobile terminal 100, and a user may set the similarity using the similarity setting menu provided in the mobile terminal 100.

On the other hand, if there is a first touch gesture 21 having the same pattern as the recognized first pattern in the memory 160 [S215], the controller 180 determines the first touch gesture in the memory 160. Check the function set in (21).

At this time, if the external device search function is set in the first touch gesture 21 in the memory 160, the wireless communication unit 110 is controlled to search for external devices that can be connected to the communication at the current location [S216]. .

In this case, the communication connection method with the external device may be any one of a wired communication connection method, a mobile communication connection method, a wireless Internet connection method, and a short-range communication connection method.

That is, the controller 180 displays a communication connection method selection window for selecting the wired communication connection method, the mobile communication connection method, the wireless Internet connection method, and the short-range communication connection method on the touch screen 151, When any one communication connection method is selected in the selection window by the user, an external device connectable to the selected communication connection method is searched for.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described assuming that the mobile terminal 100 connects short-range communication with the external devices using a short-range communication connection. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 displays the external devices found in operation S216 on the touch screen 151 [S217], and if at least one of the displayed external devices is selected [S218], then, the memory 160 is displayed. Searches for menu functions related to the content in [S219], and displays the searched menu functions [S220].

For example, if the content is an image file, the menu function associated with the image file may be a message attachment, a viewer screen, an edit, a zoom in / out, and image file information.

If any one of the menu functions related to the content is selected [S221], the controller 180 transmits the execution screen of the selected menu function to the external devices selected in step S218 through the wireless communication unit 110 [S222]. ].

In this case, the controller 180 may display the execution screen of the selected menu function on the touch screen 151 and then transmit the execution screen of the menu function to the external devices, and execute the execution screen of the menu function on the touch screen ( Instead of displaying on 151, the execution screen of the menu function may be transmitted to the external devices.

The external devices may share information with the mobile terminal 100 by displaying an execution screen of a menu function received from the mobile terminal 100.

In this case, in the present invention, not only an execution screen of a menu function related to content but also audio data related to the content may be transmitted to the external devices like the execution screen.

For example, if the content is a music file, the controller 180 transmits a playback screen and audio data of the music file to the external devices.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, when the controller 180 displays at least one content on the screen of the touch screen 151 [S311], if a touch gesture having a second pattern is input on the content, [S312], the second pattern of the input touch gesture is recognized [S313], and the memory 160 searches for a touch gesture having the same pattern as the recognized second pattern [S314].

If there is a second touch gesture 22 having the same pattern as the recognized second pattern in the memory 160 [S315], the controller 180 displays the second touch gesture 22 in the memory 160. Check the function set in).

At this time, if the menu search function related to the content is set in the second touch gesture 22 in the memory 160, the menu function related to the content is searched in the memory 160 [S316], and the searched menu. Functions are displayed [S317].

If any one of the menu functions related to the content is selected [S318], the controller 180 then controls the wireless communication unit 110 to search for external devices capable of communication connection at the current location [S319].

The controller 180 displays the external devices found in operation S319 on the touch screen 151 [S320], and if at least one of the displayed external devices is selected [S321], the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110 in operation S318. In step S322, the execution screen of the selected menu function is transmitted to the selected external device.

Hereinafter, a process of transmitting information related to content displayed on a screen to an external device using a touch gesture according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 17.

First, FIG. 7A illustrates "TOM contact information" 410, "a.mp3" 420, "b.jpg" 430, and "digital broadcast" on the touch screen 151. 440 shows the content displayed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the first touch gesture 21 having the first pattern set in FIGS. 3 and 4 is input on the “b.jpg” 430, the controller ( 180 checks a function set in the first touch gesture 21 in the memory 160.

In this case, since the external device search function 31 is set in the first touch gesture 21, the controller 180 performs the external device search function 31 first.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110 to search for external devices 310, 320, and 330 capable of short-range communication connection at the current location. The searched external devices 310, 320, 330 are displayed on the screen.

In this case, the controller 180 displays the icon 100 representing the mobile terminal in the center of the concentric circle, and the searched external devices in the form of icons 310, 320, 330, respectively, in the center of the mobile terminal icon 100. I can display it.

In addition, when the controller 180 arranges and displays the searched external devices 310, 320, 330 at the center of the mobile terminal icon 100, the controller 180 and the external devices 310, 320 are displayed. The distance between the distances 330 may be determined, and the external devices 310, 320, and 330 may be displayed in close proximity to the mobile terminal 100 in the order in which the detected distances are close to each other.

In this case, the controller 180 measures the transmit power strength of the short range communication module 113 with respect to the external devices 310, 320, and 330, respectively, and uses the measured transmit power strengths to control the external devices 310. , 320 and 330 can be separated from the distance. That is, the terminals approach the mobile terminal 100 in descending order of the transmit power strength.

Subsequently, when the third external device 330 is selected in FIG. 7B, as shown in FIG. 7C, the controller 180 displays the "b.jpg" in the memory 160. After searching the menu functions 411 associated with 430, the searched menu functions 411 are displayed.

In this case, when the "viewer screen" 431b is selected among the menu functions 411, the controller 180 may determine the "b.jpg" 430 of the "b.jpg" 430 as shown in FIG. The image viewer screen is transmitted to the selected third external device 330.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, when the second touch gesture 22 having the second pattern set in FIGS. 3 and 4 is input on the “a.mp3” 420, the controller controls the control unit. In operation 180, the memory 160 checks a function set in the second touch gesture 22.

In this case, since the content-related menu search function 32 is set in the first touch gesture 21, the controller 180 performs the content-related menu search function 32 first.

That is, the controller 180 searches for the menu functions 421 associated with “a.mp3” 420 in the memory 160 and then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the searched menu functions. 421 is displayed.

At this time, if the "2. Play" (421b) of the menu functions 421 is selected, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110, as shown in (c) of FIG. Search for external devices 310, 320, and 330 capable of short-range communication connection, and display the searched external devices 310, 320, and 330 on a screen.

When the third external device 330 is selected from among the external devices 310, 320, and 330, the controller 180 may determine the “a.mp3” 420 of the “a.mp3” 420 as shown in FIG. The playback screen is transmitted to the selected third external device 330.

In this case, the controller 180 may transmit the audio data reproduced by the “a.mp3” 420 to the third external device 330 together with the playback screen.

Next, FIG. 9A searches for external devices that can communicate with each other at the current location when the first touch gesture 21 is input on the “b.jpg” 430 in FIG. 7A. Prior to the following, a selection window for selecting a communication connection method with the external devices is displayed around the "b.jpg" 430.

That is, in FIG. 9A, a wired 432, a short distance 433, and a wireless 434 communication connection method are displayed in an icon form around the “b.jpg” 430.

In this case, when the short-range communication connection method 433 is selected in the selection window, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, the controller 180 may use the media 433a, 433b, of the short-range communication connection method 433. 433c) may further display a selection window for selecting.

In this case, when the Bluetooth 433b is selected in the selection window, the controller 180 searches for external devices capable of short-range communication connection using Bluetooth at the current location through the wireless communication unit 110.

10 to 13 are screen state diagrams illustrating a display process of external devices capable of communication connection at the current location of the mobile terminal in step S217 or S320.

First, referring to FIG. 10A, the controller 180 may include a first concentric circle 300a having the mobile terminal 100 as a center and a second concentric circle having a radius larger than that of the first concentric circle 300a. 300b), and searches for external devices through the wireless communication unit 110.

10A illustrates that the first external device 310 is searched and displayed during the search, and FIG. 10B illustrates a second during the search while the first external device 310 is displayed. And the third external devices 320 and 330 are searched and displayed, and FIG. 10C shows a fourth during the search while the first to third external devices 310, 320 and 330 are displayed. The external device 340 is searched for and displayed.

At this time, as shown in (b) and (c) of Figure 10, the controller 180 determines the separation distance between the mobile terminal 100 and the first to fourth external devices (310, 320, 330, 340). The external devices 310, 320, and 330 belonging to the distance from the mobile terminal 100 within a predetermined distance are displayed in the first concentric circle 300a, and the distance from the mobile terminal 100 The external device 340 exceeding the preset distance is displayed in the second concentric circles 300b.

FIG. 11 is a screen state diagram illustrating a process of reducing the first concentric circles 300a and expanding the second concentric circles 300a and 300b in which external devices capable of communication connection with the mobile terminal 100 are displayed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the user touches a specific point of the second concentric circle 300b and drags it in the direction of the first concentric circle 300a, the user is shown in FIG. 11B. As described above, the controller 180 reduces the first concentric circles 300a in correspondence with the drag touch in the direction of the first concentric circles 300a, and inversely proportions to the degree of reduction of the first concentric circles 300a. 2 Enlarge the concentric circles 300b.

In this case, when the first concentric circles 300a are reduced, the icon size representing the external devices 310, 320, 330, and 340 displayed in the first concentric circles 300a is also proportional to the reduction amount of the first concentric circles 300a. Is reduced. In addition, when the second concentric circles 300b are enlarged, the icon size representing the external devices 350, 360, 370, and 380 displayed in the second concentric circles 300b is also proportional to the enlargement amount of the second concentric circles 300b. Is enlarged.

FIG. 12 is a screen state diagram illustrating a process of expanding the first concentric circles 300a and reducing the second concentric circles 300a and 300b in which external devices capable of communication connection with the mobile terminal 100 are displayed.

That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 12, when the user touches a specific point of the second concentric circle 300b, the user drags in the opposite direction of the first concentric circle 300a. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 180 enlarges the first concentric circles 300a corresponding to the dragged touch in the opposite direction of the first concentric circles 300a, and the extent to which the first concentric circles 300a are enlarged. Inversely proportional to the second concentric circles 300b.

In this case, when the first concentric circles 300a are enlarged, icon sizes representing the external devices 310, 320, 330, and 340 displayed in the first concentric circles 300a are also proportional to the enlargement amount of the first concentric circles 300a. Is enlarged. In addition, when the second concentric circles 300b are reduced, the icon size representing the external devices 350, 360, 370, and 380 displayed in the second concentric circles 300b is also proportional to the reduction amount of the second concentric circles 300b. Is reduced.

Next, (a) of FIG. 13 shows that the first and second external devices 310 and 320 are separated from the mobile terminal 100 by a distance less than or equal to a preset distance, and thus are displayed inside the first concentric circles 300a. In this case, the third external device 330 is displayed on the outside of the first concentric circle 300a because the separation distance from the mobile terminal 100 exceeds a preset distance.

In this case, the controller 180 determines the separation distance from the first to third external devices 310 and 320 at each time period set by the user, and separates the separation distance from the first to third external devices 310 and 320. Whenever there is a change, the first and second concentric circles 300a and 300b are updated.

That is, FIG. 13B illustrates that when the third external device 330 changes its position within the preset distance while the distance from the first mobile terminal 100 exceeds the preset distance, the controller 180. Indicates that the third external device 330 is displayed inside the first concentric circle 300a.

Next, FIG. 14A illustrates "TOM contact information" 410, "a.mp3" 420, "b.jpg" 430, and "digital broadcast" on the touch screen 151. FIG. 440 shows the content displayed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the first touch gesture 21 having the first pattern set in FIGS. 3 and 4 is input on the “b.jpg” 430, FIG. 14. As shown in (b) of the, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110 to search for external devices 310, 320, and 330 capable of short-range communication connection at the current location, and the searched external devices. Fields 310, 320, and 330 are displayed on the screen.

Next, when the plurality of first and fifth external devices 310 and 350 are selected from the user in FIG. 14B, as shown in FIG. 14C, the controller 180 displays the memory ( In operation 160, the menu functions 411 related to the “b.jpg” 430 are searched for, and then the searched menu functions 411 are displayed.

In this case, when the "viewer screen" 431b is selected among the menu functions 411, the controller 180 may determine the "b.jpg" 430 of the "b.jpg" 430 as shown in FIG. The image viewer screen is transmitted to the selected first and fifth external devices 310 and 350.

Next, FIG. 15A illustrates that the contents 410, 420, 430, and 440 are arranged and displayed in a rotational style on the screen of the touch screen 151, and the contents 410, 420, 430, and 440 are displayed. ), When the second touch gesture 22 is input on the "b.jpg" 430, the controller 180 displays the screen on which the current contents 410, 420, 430, and 440 are displayed. ) The menu functions related to the contents 410, 420, 430, 440 and "b.jpg" 430 are displayed on one screen without switching to the related menu function screen.

In this case, when the “viewer screen” 431b is selected among the “b.jpg” 430 related menu functions, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110 as illustrated in FIG. 15B. Search for and display external devices 310, 320, and 330 capable of communication connection at the current location, and when the second external device 320 is selected, as shown in FIG. 15C, "b. The "viewer screen" 431b of jpg "430 is transmitted to the second external device 320.

Next, FIG. 16A illustrates that the contents 410, 420, 430, and 440 are arranged and displayed in a rotational style on the screen of the touch screen 151.

In this case, when the second touch gesture 21 is input on the “b.jpg” 430, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110 as shown in FIG. Search for the external devices 310, 320, 330, and 340 that can communicate with each other, and display the searched external devices 310, 320, 330, and 340 around the "b.jpg" 430. Can be.

In this case, when the first external device 310 is selected, the controller 180 searches for related menus of “b.jpg” 430 at the bottom of the screen on which the external devices 310, 320, 330, and 340 are displayed. When the "viewer screen" 431b is selected, as shown in (c) of FIG. 16, the "viewer screen" 431b of "b.jpg" 430 is displayed on the first external device 310. To send.

Finally, FIG. 17A illustrates a playback screen 510 of "c.avi" video content displayed on the screen of the touch screen 151, and on the playback screen 510 of "c.avi". When the third touch gesture 23 set in FIGS. 3 and 4 is input, the controller 180 captures a playback screen of “c.avi” at the time when the third touch gesture 23 is input, and FIG. 17. As shown in (b) of the, the wireless communication unit 110 is controlled to search for and display external devices 310, 320, and 330 capable of communication connection at the current location.

In this case, when the second external device 320 is selected, as shown in FIG. 17C, the controller 180 transfers the captured “c.avi” playback screen to the second external device 320. send.

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

The present invention described above can be embodied as computer-readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer readable medium includes all kinds of recording apparatuses in which data which can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and the like, which are also implemented in the form of carrier waves (eg, transmission over the Internet). It also includes. Also, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal.

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

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

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

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

3 is a flowchart illustrating a touch gesture setting process according to the present invention.

4 is a screen state diagram illustrating a touch gesture setting process according to the present invention.

5 and 6 are flowcharts of different embodiments illustrating a process of transmitting information related to content displayed on a screen to an external device using a touch gesture according to the present invention.

7 to 17 are screen state diagrams illustrating a process of transmitting information related to content displayed on a screen to an external device using a touch gesture according to the present invention.

Claims (15)

A wireless communication unit for searching for at least one external device capable of a communication connection in a current state and a communication connection with the found external device; A touch screen displaying content on a screen; A memory in which a touch gesture for a search command of the external device is set; And When a touch gesture set in the memory is input on the screen, the mobile device searches for and displays an external device that can be communicatively connected in the current state through the wireless communication unit, and when the displayed external device is selected, transmitting the content to the external device. A mobile terminal comprising a control unit. According to claim 1, The touch gesture set in the memory is set as a default in the mobile terminal or preset by a user. The method of claim 2, When the touch gesture is set by the user, the controller provides a user with a menu for setting the touch gesture and setting the external device search function to be mapped with the touch gesture. According to claim 1, The controller may search for and display an external device that can be communicatively connected through the wireless communication unit when a touch gesture set in the memory is input on the content of the screen. According to claim 1, The controller may display at least one communication connection method selection window to be connected to the external device when the touch gesture is input, and connect to the selected communication connection method when any one communication connection method is selected in the selection window. Mobile terminal, characterized in that for searching for an external device. 6. The method of claim 5, The communication connection method may be any one of a wired communication connection method, a mobile communication connection method, a wireless Internet connection method, and a short-range communication connection method. According to claim 1, The controller, when a plurality of external devices are searched for, detects a separation distance between the mobile terminal and the searched external devices, and displays the mobile terminal in close proximity to the mobile terminal in order of close proximity to each other. . 8. The method of claim 7, The control unit measures a transmission power strength of the wireless communication unit for each of the external devices, and the mobile terminal, characterized in that the measured transmission power strength in descending order to the external device close to the mobile terminal. 8. The method of claim 7, The controller may be configured to display a first concentric shape centering on the mobile terminal and a second concentric shape having a radius larger than the first concentric circle, and to determine external devices whose distance from the mobile terminal is less than or equal to a preset distance. And displaying an external device in a second concentric shape, wherein the first and second devices are displayed within a concentric shape, and display an external device within a second concentric shape. The method of claim 9, The first and second concentric shapes are expanded or reduced in accordance with a user's touch gesture. The method of claim 9, The controller may determine a separation distance from the external devices at predetermined time periods and reflect the result of the determination in the first and second concentric shapes. According to claim 1, The touch gesture is a mobile terminal, characterized in that a menu search command associated with the content is further set. 13. The method of claim 12, When the displayed external device is selected, the controller searches for and displays at least one menu related to the content, and when the menu is selected, transmits an execution screen of the selected menu to the selected external device. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 13, The controller, if a plurality of external devices are selected, transmitting the execution screen of the menu to each of the selected external devices. Setting a touch gesture for a search command of any one of a search of an external device capable of communication connection in a current state and a menu search related to content displayed on a screen; Displaying at least one content on the screen; Searching for and displaying an external device that can be communicatively connected in the current state when the set touch gesture is input on the content; Searching and displaying at least one menu associated with the content when the external device is selected; And If the menu is selected, transmitting the execution screen of the selected menu to the selected external device.

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