KR20110054255A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal and control method thereof are provided to perform exact gesture recognition in consideration of the movement a mobile terminal and to be conveniently controlled by the gesture of a user. CONSTITUTION: A pointer sensing unit recognizes the movement of a pointer. A sensing module senses the displacement of the pointer sensing unit. A controller(180) recognizes the real displacement of the pointer in consideration of a first displacement and a second displacement that is sensed from the sensing module. The controller performs operation corresponding to the real displacement.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of recognizing a user's gesture and a control method thereof.

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

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

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

Recently, with the introduction of various sensors, a mobile terminal capable of recognizing a gesture taken by a user has been demanded for more convenient and accurate operation methods using the same.

The present invention is to provide a mobile terminal that can be controlled through a gesture more conveniently.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of more accurate gesture recognition in consideration of the movement of the mobile terminal itself in the recognition of the gesture.

Technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Could be.

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object comprises a pointer detecting unit for recognizing the movement of the pointer; A sensing module for detecting a displacement caused by shaking of the pointer detector; And a controller configured to recognize an actual displacement of the pointer in consideration of the first displacement of the pointer sensed by the pointer detector and the second displacement sensed by the sensing module, and to control an operation corresponding to the actual displacement. Include.

In addition, the control method of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object comprises the steps of acquiring a first displacement of the pointer through the pointer detector; Obtaining a second displacement of the mobile terminal through the sensing module; Determining an actual displacement of the pointer using the first displacement and the second displacement; And performing a predetermined operation according to the actual displacement.

The mobile terminal according to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above may be more conveniently controlled through a gesture of a user.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the movement of the mobile terminal itself recognized through the sensing module is considered in the recognition of the gesture, more accurate gesture recognition is possible.

The effects obtainable in the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned above may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. will be.

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.

Overall configuration

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

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

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and a network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal having a data broadcast signal combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

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

The broadcast receiving module 111 may include, for example, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO), and Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-H). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as Handheld and Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for not only the above-described digital broadcasting system but also other broadcasting systems.

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

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

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access and may be embedded or external to the mobile terminal 100. Wireless Internet technologies may include Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. As a short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like may be used.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) module.

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.

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 the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. As a result, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched.

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

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

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

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

The projector module 155 is a component for performing an image project function using the mobile terminal 100 and 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 temporarily stores input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, an audio, a still image, a video, etc.). It can also perform a function for. The memory 160 may also store a frequency of use of each of the data (eg, a phone number, a message, and a 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 can be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

Organization description

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

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

The body includes a casing (casing, housing, cover, etc.) that forms an exterior. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are built in the space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one intermediate case may be 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 manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The manipulation units 131 and 132 may also be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the tactile manner with a tactile feeling.

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

Front touch

Hereinafter, the operation of the display unit 151 and the touch pad 135 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a front view of a portable terminal for explaining an operation state of the portable terminal according to the present invention.

Various types of time information can be displayed on the display unit 151. [ These pieces of information can be displayed in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons.

In order to input such information, at least one of the letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons may be displayed in a predetermined arrangement so as to be implemented in the form of a keypad. Such a keypad may be referred to as a so-called " virtual keypad ".

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

The display unit 151 may operate in an entire area or may be operated in a divided manner. In the latter case, the plurality of areas can be configured to operate in association with each other.

For example, an output window 151a and an input window 151b are displayed on the upper and lower portions of the display unit 151, respectively. The output window 151a and the input window 151b are areas allocated for outputting or inputting information, respectively. In the input window 151b, a virtual keypad 151c is displayed in which a number for inputting a telephone number or the like is displayed. When the virtual keypad 151c is touched, numbers and the like corresponding to the touched virtual keypad are displayed on the output window 151a. When the first manipulation unit 131 is operated, a call connection to the telephone number displayed on the output window 151a is attempted.

In addition to the input methods disclosed in the above embodiments, the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135 may be configured to receive a touch input by scrolling. By scrolling the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135, the user may move an object displayed on the display unit 151, for example, a cursor or a pointer located at an icon. Further, when the finger is moved on the display portion 151 or the touch pad 135, the path along which the finger moves may be visually displayed on the display portion 151. [ This may be useful for editing an image displayed on the display unit 151.

In response to the display unit 151 (touch screen) and the touch pad 135 being touched together within a predetermined time range, one function of the terminal may be executed. In the case of being touched together, there may be a case where the user clamps the terminal body using the thumb and index finger. For example, the function may include activation or deactivation of the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135.

Proximity touch

The proximity sensor 141 described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

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

As shown in FIG. 4, when a pointer such as a user's finger or pen approaches the touch screen, the proximity sensor 141 disposed in or near the touch screen detects this and outputs a proximity signal.

The proximity sensor 141 may be configured to output different proximity signals according to a distance between the proximity touched pointer and the touch screen (hereinafter, referred to as “proximity depth”).

In FIG. 4, for example, a cross section of a touch screen in which a proximity sensor capable of detecting a proximity depth in three steps is illustrated. Of course, proximity sensors that detect proximity depths of less than three or more than four levels are also possible.

Specifically, when the pointer is completely in contact with the touch screen (d ₀ ), it is recognized as a touch touch. When the pointer is positioned below the distance d ₁ on the touch screen, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of a first proximity depth. When the pointer is spaced apart from the distance d ₁ or more and less than d ₂ on the touch screen, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of a second proximity depth. When the pointer is spaced apart from the distance d ₂ or more and less than d ₃ on the touch screen, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of a third proximity depth. When the pointer is positioned at a distance of more than d ₃ from the touch screen, the proximity touch is recognized as released.

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

For convenience of description, it is assumed that the mobile terminal mentioned below includes at least one of the components shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the mobile terminal to which the present invention is applicable may include at least one of a direction, a speed, an acceleration, and an arrangement state of the ground (for example, whether a specific surface of the outer case faces the ground or is inclined to the side). It is provided with a sensing module 140 that can detect one.

Recently, as the performance and image processing technology of the small camera are improved and the performance of the processor included in the controller 180 of the terminal is improved, a function of recognizing and tracking a specific object from an image captured by the camera 120 may be applied to the mobile terminal. This is the case. In more detail, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal uses the images continuously photographed through the camera 121 to grasp the position, movement trajectory, operation pattern and shape of a pointer such as a user's hand or a stylus pen, and the like. It can be recognized as a corresponding user command.

Hereinafter, in the present specification, a change in the position, movement trajectory, movement pattern, and shape of the pointer is referred to as a "gesture" for convenience, and a function of the controller of the mobile terminal to recognize such a gesture is referred to as a "gesture recognition function".

However, in the above gesture recognition function, a problem may occur when the movement of the mobile terminal is not considered. This will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

5 is a diagram illustrating a problem of a general gesture recognition function.

First, as shown in FIG. 5A, a gesture recognition function is performed in a mobile terminal having a camera 121 on at least one outer surface thereof. In this case, the human hand 500 moves within the shooting range of the camera 121. Suppose you are in charge of a pointer.

In this case, when only the hand 500 moves downward in the fixed state as shown in FIG. This will be taken. Accordingly, the controller 180 can perform an operation corresponding to the case where the pointer is directed downward.

However, when the mobile terminal 100 is directed downward due to any reason (for example, vibration caused by hand shaking or walking) even when the hand 500 does not move as shown in FIG. 5C, the camera ( In 121, an image in which the hand 500 moves upward will be photographed. Accordingly, the controller 180 may perform an operation corresponding to the case where the pointer is upward.

As such, if only the image photographed through the camera 121 is considered as a criterion for determining the gesture recognition function, a malfunction may occur in the case of FIG. 5C.

Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a mobile terminal capable of performing a gesture recognition function in consideration of the movement of the mobile terminal itself as well as an image including a pointer photographed through a camera.

6 is a conceptual view illustrating a gesture recognition principle of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the distance that the mobile terminal 100 moves downward is greater than the distance where the hand 600 moves downward, the camera 121 relatively has the difference between the two movement distances. The image 610 rising up is taken. Here, for convenience, the displacement of the mobile terminal 100 is referred to as V _P , the displacement of the hand 600 shown in the image photographed through the camera 121 is assumed to be V _C , and the actual displacement of the hand is assumed to be V _H. At this time, by compensating for the displacement V _P of the mobile terminal itself from the value of the displacement V _C of the hand in the image captured by the camera 121, the actual hand displacement V _H may be obtained.

In other words, the actual hand displacement is represented by the following Equation 1.

V _{H =} V _C- V _P

In this case, Equation 1 may be a simple scalar calculation, but if the displacement is given as a vector value, it is preferable to be performed in the form of a vector operation.

In the present invention, by using this principle, the displacement V _P of the mobile terminal is sensed through the sensing module 140, and the gesture recognition in consideration of this along with the displacement (V _C ) of the pointer in the image captured by the camera It is suggested to perform

An operation method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention using the above-described principle will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

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

Referring to FIG. 7, first, a gesture recognition function is executed when an event (for example, receiving a message or a call is generated) according to a predetermined menu operation or application execution or a preset condition from a user occurs. The camera 121 and the sensing module 140 provided in the mobile terminal are activated (S710).

The controller 180 may determine the V _C value by distinguishing the pointer from the background in the image captured by the camera 121 and recognizing its movement (current position, displacement, shape, etc.) (S720).

In addition, the controller 180 may determine a moving direction, a speed, or an acceleration of the mobile terminal according to the electric signal transmitted through the sensing module 140, and use the same to obtain a V _P value (S730).

At this time, the camera 121 and the sensing module 140 preferably detect the movement of the pointer and the movement of the mobile terminal itself at the same viewpoint and / or period, in order to recognize the shake-corrected gesture more accurately. In addition, for more accurate shake correction, the sensing module 140 may be located adjacent to the camera 121 in the mobile terminal 100. In this case, that the sensing module 140 recognizes the shaking of the mobile terminal may mean that the sensing module 140 recognizes the shaking of the camera 121.

The controller 180 may obtain a displacement of the actual pointer, that is, the value of V _H by substituting the V _C value and the V _P value at the same time point or a predetermined interval into Equation 1 (S740).

Next, the controller 180 may compare the obtained value of V _{H with} a preset threshold value (S750).

As a result of the comparison, when the value of V _H is smaller than the threshold value, the controller 180 may determine that there is no change in the gesture of the pointer. On the contrary, when the value of V _H is larger than the threshold value, the controller 180 may determine a user command corresponding to the value of V _H. It may recognize as an input and perform a corresponding function (S760).

Hereinafter, a specific example to which the gesture recognition method according to the present invention described above is applied with reference to FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9C.

8A to 8C illustrate examples in which a gesture recognition method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied at the time of an incoming call.

First, in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that a ring tone sounds through the sound output unit 152 as a call is made to the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention. In this case, as a call is received, the controller 180 may execute a gesture recognition function, thereby activating the camera 121 to capture an image including a pointer.

When the user wants to erase only the ringtone without an operation of starting or ending a call in a state where a call is received, the ringtone may be erased by taking the hand closer to the camera 121 (that is, covering the mobile terminal). . In addition, the display unit 151 may display a message indicating that the ring tone is to be erased.

As another example, referring to FIG. 8B in the same situation as in FIG. 8A, when a user moves a hand from the left to the right over the camera 121 according to a call occurrence, the controller 180 is a user command for instructing the start of a call. I can recognize it. Accordingly, a call is initiated and the display unit 151 may display a message for notifying the call connection and the talk time.

As another example, referring to FIG. 8C, assuming the same situation as that of FIG. 8A, when a user moves his hand from right to left on the camera 121 according to a call occurrence, the controller 180 is a user command for instructing a call rejection. I can recognize it. Accordingly, the call is rejected and the display unit 151 may display a message indicating that the call is rejected.

The gesture recognition method at the time of call generation may be utilized even in the arrival situation of another message (SMS, MMS or email). For example, when a message arrives, a specific gesture can be made to display the message content on the display, scroll to the next message, or delete the currently displayed message through another gesture.

9A to 9C illustrate examples in which a gesture recognition method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied when a multimedia player application is executed.

First, in FIG. 9A, it is assumed that a multimedia player is executed on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention. At this time, the controller 180 executes the gesture recognition function automatically as the multimedia player is executed or according to a predetermined menu operation input from the user, and accordingly, the camera 121 performs a function of capturing an image including a pointer. Can be activated.

When the user wants to start playing the current file in the multimedia player, when the user takes an operation of bringing his or her hand closer to the camera 121 (ie, covering the mobile terminal), the playback of the file may be started.

As another example, referring to FIG. 9B assuming after the situation of FIG. 9A, the user wants to move to the next file in the multimedia player. Accordingly, when the user moves the hand from the left side to the right side over the camera 121, the controller 180 may recognize this as a user command instructing to move to the next file. If the user keeps the final position after moving his hand from left to right, the user continues to move to the next file as long as the time is maintained, or a search function (FF: Fast Forward) within the current playing file is performed. May be

As another example, assuming after the situation of FIG. 9A and referring to FIG. 9C, the user wants to move to the previous file in the multimedia player. Accordingly, when the user moves his hand from right to left over the camera 121, the controller 180 may recognize this as a user command instructing to move to the previous file. If the user keeps the final position after moving his hand from right to left, the user can move to the previous file continuously as long as the time is maintained, or search function (REW: RE-Wind) within the current playback file May be performed.

On the other hand, the displacement of the pointer and the mobile terminal itself may occur in a linear direction, but mainly occurs in two or more axial directions, that is, two-dimensional planar space or three-dimensional solid space. Accordingly, the calculation of Equation 1 becomes complicated, and as a result, the calculation burden of the controller 180 may increase.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a pre-written reference table is provided to reduce the calculation burden of Equation 1 performed by the controller 180.

10 shows an example of a reference table that can be applied to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, preset correction values are created according to displacements of the x and y axes, respectively. Such a reference table may be stored as a value calculated in advance in the memory unit 160 of the mobile terminal. The reference table shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example, and may be prepared as a table in which the movement of the Z axis is considered.

In the above-described embodiments, the camera 121 may be replaced with the proximity sensor 141 or the touch screen 151 that recognizes the proximity touch of the user.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described method can be implemented as a code that can be read by a processor on a medium on which the program is recorded. Examples of processor-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and may be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). Include.

A mobile terminal having a display unit capable of displaying a stereoscopic image as described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be modified in various ways. All or some of these may optionally be combined.

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

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

3 is a front view of a mobile terminal for explaining an operation state of the mobile terminal according to the present invention.

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

5 is a diagram illustrating a problem of a general gesture recognition function.

6 is a conceptual view illustrating a gesture recognition principle of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

8A to 8C illustrate examples in which a gesture recognition method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied at the time of an incoming call.

9A to 9C illustrate examples in which a gesture recognition method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied when a multimedia player application is executed.

10 shows an example of a reference table that can be applied to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (14)

A pointer sensor for recognizing the movement of the pointer; A sensing module for detecting a displacement caused by shaking of the pointer detector; And And a controller configured to recognize an actual displacement of the pointer in consideration of the first displacement of the pointer sensed by the pointer detector and the second displacement sensed by the sensing module, and to control an operation corresponding to the actual displacement. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 1, The pointer detection unit, Any one of a camera for capturing an image including the pointer, a proximity sensor that recognizes the proximity of the pointer, and a touch pad that recognizes the movement of the pointer through capacitance change according to the separation distance of the pointer. Mobile terminal. 3. The method of claim 2, The actual displacement of the pointer is calculated through the operation of Equation 1 below. [Equation 1] V _{H =} V _C- V _P Where V _H represents the actual displacement of the pointer, V _C represents the first displacement, and V _P represents the second displacement. The method of claim 3, V _H , V _C and Each V _P is a vector quantity, and Equation 1 is a vector operation. The method of claim 1, The period in which the pointer detecting unit recognizes the movement of the pointer and the period in which the sensing module detects the shake are set to be the same. The method of claim 1, The apparatus may further include a memory unit for storing a preset reference table. And the reference table includes a value of actual displacement of the pointer, which is calculated in advance with respect to a value of each of the detected pointer displacement and the detected camera displacement. The method of claim 1, The control unit, And control to perform an operation corresponding to the actual displacement only when the actual displacement exceeds a preset threshold. Obtaining a first displacement of the pointer through the pointer detector; Obtaining a second displacement of the mobile terminal through the sensing module; Determining an actual displacement of the pointer using the first displacement and the second displacement; And And performing a predetermined operation according to the actual displacement. The method of claim 8, The pointer detection unit, Any one of a camera for capturing an image including the pointer, a proximity sensor that recognizes the proximity of the pointer, and a touch pad that recognizes the movement of the pointer through capacitance change according to the separation distance of the pointer. The control method of the mobile terminal. The method of claim 9, The actual displacement is calculated through the calculation of Equation 1 below. [Equation 2] V _{H =} V _C- V _P Where V _H represents the actual displacement of the pointer, V _C represents the first displacement, and V _P represents the second displacement. The method of claim 10, V _H , V _C and V _P is a vector quantity and Equation 2 is a vector operation. The method of claim 9, And a period in which the pointer detector detects the first displacement and a period in which the sensing module detects the second displacement are the same. The method of claim 9, Determining the actual displacement of the pointer, Substituting the first displacement and the second displacement in a reference table stored in a memory unit; And the reference table includes a pre-calculated actual displacement value with respect to the values of each of the first and second displacements. The method of claim 9, Comparing the actual displacement with a predetermined threshold value, Performing the operation, And only when the actual displacement exceeds the threshold.

Images