KR20110116377A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same, which continuously display the message transmission / reception with the counterpart terminals belonging to the conversation group on one screen.

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.

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.

As described above, the mobile terminal classifies and stores messages received from the counterpart terminals or messages transmitted by the user into a received message storage box and a transmission message storage box, respectively.

Disclosure of Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same, which continuously display the message transmission / reception with the counterpart terminals belonging to the conversation group on one screen.

A mobile terminal according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a display unit; A wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving a message; A memory for storing messages transmitted and received through the wireless communication unit; And a controller for retrieving one or more messages associated with one or more counterpart terminals belonging to a preset conversation group among the messages stored in the memory and grouping the retrieved messages into one.

In this case, the associated messages may include messages received from the talk group and messages sent to the talk group.

The controller may periodically search for, group and store messages associated with the talk group in the memory whenever a message transmitted or received through the wireless communication unit is stored in the memory.

In addition, the memory according to the present invention is provided with a phone book containing a plurality of counterpart contact information, the counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group may be terminals corresponding to one contact information designated by the user on the phonebook.

The controller may sort and group the searched messages according to the transmission / reception time order of the messages, and sort and group the searched messages by the type of the message, and the searched by the priority set by the user. You can also sort and group messages.

The controller may generate a library icon for storing the grouped messages on the initial screen of the display unit, and store the grouped messages in the library icon. At this time, the name of the storage box icon can be set by the user.

The controller may generate a menu for storing the grouped messages in a message related menu displayed on the display, and store the grouped messages in the menu.

The controller may be further configured to classify the messages associated with the first and second conversation groups in the memory, and to group and store the classified messages when the conversation group is configured as a plurality of first and second conversation groups. Can be.

In addition, the controller may group and store the retrieved messages in the form of a message file and transmit the stored message file to the conversation group through the wireless communication unit. In this case, the controller may convert the message file into a file corresponding to a message type supported by each of the counterpart terminals belonging to the conversation group and transmit the message file.

The controller may also withdraw the specific counterpart terminal from the chat group when a reply message is not received from the specific counterpart terminal for a preset time while transmitting a message to a specific counterpart terminal belonging to the talkgroup. .

In addition, the controller may display the stored grouped messages on a screen of the display unit in the form of a chat window. In this case, the controller may display the chat window on the initial screen of the display unit.

The chat window may further include: a first display area in which information indicating names of counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group and message types supported by the counterpart terminals are displayed; A second display area displaying contents of the grouped messages; A third display area displaying a text input window to be transmitted to the counterpart terminals; It may include at least one region.

The controller may transmit display setting information of the chat window to the counterpart terminals so that the counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group are displayed in the same manner as the chat window. At this time, the control unit transmits the display setting information of the chat window in the message transmitted to the counterpart terminals.

In addition, the control method of the mobile terminal according to the present invention comprises the steps of transmitting and receiving messages with a plurality of counterpart terminals; Storing the transmitted and received messages; Setting up a talk group to which at least one counterpart terminal belongs; Retrieving one or more messages associated with the conversation group among transmitted and received messages stored in a memory; And grouping the retrieved messages into one and storing the retrieved messages.

The mobile terminal and its control method according to the present invention group the contents of message transmission and reception with the counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group into one group and display them continuously on one screen, thereby allowing the user to chat with the counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group. This has the effect of providing a message communication function with the same feeling.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;
FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting up a conversation group for displaying message transmission / reception on a screen in a form of a chat window.
4 to 7 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of a dialog group setting process for displaying message transmission / reception on a screen in a chat window form.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of grouping content of messages transmitted and received with counterpart terminals belonging to a conversation group into one and displaying them on one screen.
9 to 12 are diagrams illustrating one embodiment of a process of grouping and displaying message contents transmitted and received with counterpart terminals belonging to a talk group on one screen.

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 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).

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 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. 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 and. 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 is similar to the image displayed on the display unit 151 in accordance with a control signal of the controller 180 Or at least partly display another image 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 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 180, and stores input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, an audio, a still image, an e-book, a video, etc.). You can also perform a function for temporary storage. The memory unit 160 may also store the frequency of use of each of the data (for example, each telephone number, each message, and frequency of use for 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. In addition, the memory 160 stores messages transmitted and received through the wireless communication unit 110.

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, the 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.

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

The disclosed mobile terminal 100 has a bar-shaped body. 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.

The 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 '.

An acoustic output module 152 'may be additionally disposed on the rear side of the terminal body. The sound output unit 152 ′ may implement a stereo function together with the sound output module 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 constituting a part of the broadcast receiving unit 111 (refer to FIG. 1) may be installed to be pulled 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 built 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.

3 to 12, a process of grouping message contents transmitted and received with counterpart terminals belonging to a talk group into one group and displaying them on one screen will be described in detail according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the dialogue group setting process according to the present invention will be described in detail.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting up a conversation group for displaying message transmission / reception on a screen in a form of a chat window.

4 to 7 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of a dialog group setting process for displaying message transmission / reception on a screen in a chat window form.

First, referring to FIG. 4, the controller 180 sets at least one talk group to which at least one counterpart terminal belongs in the mobile terminal 100 through the user input unit 130 or the touch screen 151 [S31], If a talk group name for the set talk group is set [S32], the set talk group and the name of the talk group are stored in the memory 160 [S33].

For example, if one or more contact information is designated by the user in the phone book included in the memory 160, the controller 180 may set counterpart terminals corresponding to each of the designated contact information as one conversation group.

The contact information includes at least one of a counterpart's home phone number, a mobile phone number, an e-mail address, a fax number, and website address information.

As another example, when one or more contact information is designated by the user in the recent communication list, the controller 180 may set counterpart terminals corresponding to each of the designated contact information as one conversation group.

In this case, the recent communication list refers to a list consisting of contact information of the counterpart terminals updated at each call origination and incoming call, and is also referred to as "recent call list", "recent call history", "recent call history", and the like.

As another example, when one or more speed dial icons are designated by a user among speed dial icons displayed on the screen, the controller 180 selects one or more counterpart terminals corresponding to contact information mapped to the designated speed dial icons. Can be set to a conversation group.

In this case, the contact information of the other party is mapped to a specific icon in the speed dial icon. In general, an image of the other party designated by the user is displayed in the speed dial icon.

In addition, when the user selects the speed dial icon, sub icons for call connection and sub icons for message transmission are displayed in the vicinity of the speed dial icon, so that the user can easily display the sub icons displayed near the speed dial icon. Manipulate them to make calls and send messages.

4 illustrates an example of setting up a conversation group on a phone book.

That is, Fig. 4A shows that "1. SAM" contact information 31, "2. LEE" contact information 32 and "3. TOM" contact information are displayed in the phone book 20a.

At this time, the controller 180, as shown in (a) of Figure 4, the "1. SAM" contact information 31 and "2. LEE" contact information 32 in the phone book 20a from the user If specified, as shown in FIG. 4B, a conversation group name input window 21a for setting a conversation group name to which counterpart terminals corresponding to contact information 31 and 32 designated by the user belong. Is displayed.

When the "Friends" conversation group name is input from the user through the conversation group name input window 21a, the controller 180 displays the designated " 1. SAM " contact information 31 as shown in FIG. ) And " 2. LEE " contact information 32 are set to the " Friends " conversation group.

5 illustrates another example of setting up a talk group on a recent communication list.

That is, FIG. 5A shows the " 1. SAM " contact information 41, " 2. KIM " contact information 42, and " 3. BOB " contact information 43 in the recent communication list 20b. And "4. TOM" contact information is displayed.

At this time, the controller 180, as shown in (a) of FIG. 5, the "1. SAM" contact information 41 and the "2. KIM" contact information (in the recent communication list 20b from the user) 42) and " 3. BOB " contact information 43, the counterpart terminals corresponding to the contact information 41, 42, 43 designated by the user, as shown in (b) of FIG. A dialog group name input window 21b for setting the belonging conversation group name is displayed.

When the "Business" conversation group name is input from the user via the conversation group name input window 21b, the controller 180 displays the designated " 1. SAM " contact information 41 as shown in FIG. ) And the counterpart terminals corresponding to the " 2. KIM " contact information 42 and " 3. BOB " contact information 43 as the " Business " conversation group.

6 illustrates another example of a process of setting up a conversation group using a speed dial icon.

That is, FIG. 6A shows a "1. SAM" speed dial icon 41, a "2. KIM" speed dial icon 42, and "3. 2" in the initial screen 20c of the mobile terminal 100. FIG. BOB "speed dial icon 43 and" 4. TOM "speed dial icon are displayed.

In this case, the controller 180 may display a “1. SAM” speed dial icon 41 and a “2. KIM” speed dial icon in the initial screen 20c from the user, as shown in FIG. 6A. If 42 and the " 3. BOB " speed dial icon 43 are designated, as shown in Fig. 6B, the speed dial icons 41, 42 and 43 designated by the user correspond to each other. A conversation group name input window 21c for setting a conversation group name to which the counterpart terminals belong is displayed.

When the "Business" conversation group name is input from the user through the conversation group name input window 21c, the controller 180 displays the designated "1. SAM" speed dial icon (as shown in FIG. 6C). 41) and the counterpart terminals corresponding to the " 2. KIM " speed dial icon 42 and the " 3. BOB " speed dial icon 43 as a " Business " conversation group.

In this case, when the conversation group to which at least one counterpart terminal belongs is set by the above-described process of FIGS. 3 to 6, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the controller 180 transmits and receives a message associated with the set conversation group. Create a conversation group message archiver 50 for grouping them together in one file.

In this case, the controller 180 may generate and display the storage box 50 in the initial screen of the mobile terminal 100 as shown in FIG. The menu corresponding to the storage box 50 may be added and displayed.

In addition, when the plurality of first and second conversation groups to which one or more counterpart terminals belong to each other are set by the above-described processes of FIGS. 3 to 6, as shown in FIG. Each of the transmission and reception messages associated with the set first and second conversation groups are separately grouped to generate first and second conversation group message archives 50 and 60 for storing as one file.

In the above, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, a process of setting a conversation group for displaying message transmission / reception on a screen in the form of a chat window has been described in detail.

8 to 12, a process of grouping and displaying message contents transmitted and received with counterpart terminals belonging to a conversation group into one screen according to the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of grouping content of messages transmitted and received with counterpart terminals belonging to a conversation group into one and displaying them on one screen.

9 to 12 are diagrams illustrating one embodiment of a process of grouping and displaying message contents transmitted and received with counterpart terminals belonging to a talk group on one screen.

First, referring to FIG. 8, when messages are transmitted and received with a plurality of counterpart terminals through the wireless communication unit 110 [S81], the controller 180 stores the transmitted and received messages in the memory 160 [S82].

In this case, the messages stored in the memory 160 may be messages of the same kind or different kinds. That is, the messages may be at least one type of message (Short Message Service), MMS (Multimedia Message Service), email, SNS (Social Network Service).

Subsequently, the controller 180 searches for one or more messages associated with counterpart terminals belonging to the conversation group preset by the processes of FIGS. 3 to 7 among the messages stored in the memory 160 [S83], and the retrieved message The contents of the groups are grouped into one and stored in the corresponding storage box [S84].

That is, the controller 180 examines contact information of messages stored in the memory 160, retrieves messages having contact information corresponding to counterpart terminals belonging to the conversation group among the checked contact information, The contents of the retrieved messages are merged into one and stored.

In addition, the controller 180 may sort the searched messages in order of transmission / reception time, sort by the type of the searched messages, or sort by the priority set by the user before grouping the contents of the searched messages. Can be.

For example, FIG. 9A illustrates a process of sorting the searched messages by transmission and reception time order. That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, the controller 180 searches four messages 71 to 74 associated with the conversation group among the messages stored in the memory 160, and the retrieved messages (71 to 74) are shown arranged in ascending time order.

As another example, FIG. 9B illustrates a process of sorting the searched messages by type. That is, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, the controller 180 searches four messages 71 to 74 associated with the conversation group among the messages stored in the memory 160 and the retrieved messages. (71 to 74) are shown sorted by type.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may extract the contents of the retrieved messages, and then group and integrate the extracted contents into one, and store the extracted contents in the memory 160 in the form of an image file.

In addition, the controller 180 groups and merges the extracted contents into one file and stores the extracted contents in a file corresponding to a message type transmitted by a user, or a file corresponding to message types supported by the counterpart terminals belonging to the conversation group. Can be stored.

As described above, the controller 180 periodically searches for and merges messages associated with the talk group in the memory 160 whenever messages transmitted and received through the wireless communication unit 110 are stored in the memory 160. Save it.

In addition, when the conversation group is set as a plurality of first and second conversation groups, the controller 180 classifies messages associated with the first and second conversation groups in the memory 160, respectively, and classifies the messages. You can also group and save them individually.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 7, the library in which the integrated message contents are stored may be displayed in the form of an icon in the initial screen of the mobile terminal 100 or for storing the integrated message contents in a message related menu. It may also be created in the form of a menu.

In this case, when the screen of the mobile terminal 100 is driven, the initial screen refers to an idle screen on which an indicator icon indicating the state of the terminal 100 and an image set by the user are displayed.

In addition, the controller 180 inspects a counterpart terminal having no message transmission / reception with the mobile terminal 100 for a preset time among counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group according to a user's setting, and checks the checked counterpart terminal for the conversation. You can also leave the group.

On the other hand, the controller 180 is stored in the storage of the message content integrated into the one, when the storage box is selected or a command for reading the message content stored in the storage box is input [S85], stored in the storage box The content of the integrated message is displayed on one screen of the display unit 180 [S86]. In this case, the screen on which the integrated message contents are displayed may be an initial screen or a menu screen related to messages.

In addition, the controller 180 can display the contents of the integrated message stored in the storage box on a screen in the form of a chat window or a messenger.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 8, the controller 180 stores the integrated message contents in the storage box, and the counterpart terminals belonging to the conversation group are selected from the storage box or the integrated message contents stored in the storage box. When a command for transmitting a message is input, the contents of the integrated message stored in the archive may be filed and transmitted to the conversation group.

For example, FIG. 10A illustrates four message contents associated with the "Business" conversation group are grouped and stored in the library icon 60 on the initial screen.

In this case, when the storage box icon 60 is selected as shown in (a) of FIG. 10, the controller 180 integrates the data stored in the storage box icon 60 as shown in (b) of FIG. 10. A first menu 61 for viewing message contents and a second menu 62 for transmitting the integrated message contents to a talk group can be displayed.

In this case, when the first menu 61 is selected by the user, the controller 180 can display the contents of the integrated message stored in the storage box icon 60 in the form of a chat window, as shown in FIG. 11.

That is, the chat window may include a first area in which information indicating names of counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group or message types supported by the counterpart terminals are displayed, a second display area in which contents of the integrated messages are displayed; The third display area may display a text input window to be transmitted to the counterpart terminals.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 11, the chat window includes deleting the chat group, deleting a counterpart terminal belonging to the chat group, adding a new counterpart terminal to the chat group, modifying the talkgroup name, and talking in the chat window. Each icon capable of performing a function such as name modification of the counterpart terminal belonging to the group may be further displayed.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 11, when a name of a specific counterpart terminal is selected in the chat window, the controller 180 searches for all messages associated with the selected counterpart terminal in the memory 160 and lists the found messages. Can be displayed.

In addition, when the message is received from a specific counterpart terminal belonging to the talk group through the wireless communication unit 110 while the chat window is displayed, the controller 180 displays the received message content in the integrated message content displayed in the chat window. Include it and display it.

In addition, when the chat window is displayed, the controller 180 displays the display setting information of the chat window through the wireless communication unit 110 as the chat group such that counterpart terminals belonging to the chat group are displayed in the same manner as the chat window. I can send it.

In addition, when a message content is input through the text input window, the controller 180 selects a name of a specific counterpart terminal or information indicating a message type supported by a specific counterpart terminal. The message is transmitted to the counterpart terminal, and the content of the transmitted message is included in the integrated message content displayed on the chat window.

In addition, when the second menu 62 for transmitting the merged message content to the conversation group is selected in FIG. 10 (b), the controller 180 displays the integrated message content as illustrated in FIG. 12. The counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group are converted into a file corresponding to a message type supported by the counterpart terminals and transmitted.

In addition, when a name of a specific counterpart terminal is selected in the chat window, the controller 180 may convert the integrated message content displayed on the chat window into a file corresponding to the message type supported by the selected counterpart terminal and transmit the converted message.

As described above, the present invention transmits the display setting information of the chat window and the integrated message content displayed in the chat window to the counterpart terminal, thereby displaying the same form as the chat window displayed on the mobile terminal 100 in the counterpart terminal. It is possible to provide message communication in the form of a messenger between the other parties.

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 devices in which data that 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 are not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be modified such that all or some of the embodiments are selectively And may be configured in combination.

100: mobile terminal 110: wireless communication unit
111: broadcast receiver 112: mobile communication module
113 wireless Internet module 114 short-range communication module
115: Position information module 120: A / V input section
121: camera 122: microphone
130: user input unit 140: sensing unit
141: proximity sensor 150: output section
151: display unit 152: sound output module
153: Alarm module 154: Haptic module
155: Projector Module 160: Memory
170: interface unit 180: control unit
181: multimedia module 190: power supply

Claims (20)

A display unit;
A wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving a message;
A memory for storing messages transmitted and received through the wireless communication unit; And
And a controller for retrieving one or more messages associated with one or more counterpart terminals belonging to a preset conversation group among the messages stored in the memory, and grouping the retrieved messages into one. The method according to claim 1,
And the associated messages comprise messages received from the talk group and messages sent to the talk group. The method according to claim 1,
The controller may be configured to periodically search for, group and store messages associated with the talk group in the memory whenever a message transmitted or received through the wireless communication unit is stored in the memory. The method according to claim 1,
The memory is provided with a phone book containing a plurality of counterpart contact information,
The counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group are terminals corresponding to one contact information designated by a user on the phonebook. The method according to claim 1,
The control unit, the mobile terminal, characterized in that for sorting and grouping the searched messages by the transmission and reception time order. The method according to claim 1,
The control unit, the mobile terminal, characterized in that for sorting and grouping the retrieved messages by type (message). The method according to claim 1,
The control unit, the mobile terminal, characterized in that for sorting and grouping the retrieved messages according to the priority set by the user. The method according to claim 1,
The controller generates a library icon for storing the grouped messages on the initial screen of the display unit, and stores the grouped messages in the library icon. The method of claim 8,
The name of the storage box icon can be set by a user. The method according to claim 1,
The controller generates a menu for storing the grouped messages in a message related menu displayed on the display unit, and stores the grouped messages in the menu. The method according to claim 1,
The controller may be configured to classify messages associated with the first and second conversation groups in the memory, and to group and store the classified messages, respectively, when the conversation group is configured as a plurality of first and second conversation groups. Mobile terminal, characterized in that. The method according to claim 1,
The controller may group and store the retrieved messages in a message file format, and transmit the stored message file to the talk group through the wireless communication unit. The method of claim 12,
The controller may convert the message file into a file corresponding to a message type supported by the counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group, and transmit the converted file. The method according to claim 1,
The controller may be configured to withdraw the specific counterpart terminal from the chat group if a reply message is not received from the specific counterpart terminal for a preset time while transmitting a message to a specific counterpart terminal belonging to the chat group. Mobile terminal. The method according to claim 1,
The controller may display the stored grouped messages on a screen of the display unit in the form of a chat window. The method of claim 15,
The controller is characterized in that for displaying the chat window on the initial screen of the display unit. The method of claim 15, wherein the chat window,
A first display area displaying information indicating names of counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group and message types supported by the counterpart terminals;
A second display area displaying contents of the grouped messages; And
A third display area displaying a text input window to be transmitted to the counterpart terminals; A mobile terminal comprising at least one of the areas. The method of claim 15,
The control unit transmits display setting information of the chat window to the counterpart terminals through the wireless communication unit so that the counterpart terminals belonging to the talk group are displayed in the same manner as the chat window. The method of claim 18,
And the control unit includes the display setting information of the chat window in a message to be transmitted to the counterpart terminals. Transmitting and receiving a message with a plurality of counterpart terminals;
Storing the transmitted and received messages;
Setting up a talk group to which at least one counterpart terminal belongs;
Retrieving one or more messages associated with the conversation group among transmitted and received messages stored in a memory; And
Grouping and storing the retrieved messages into one; and controlling the mobile terminal.

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