KR20120037638A - Mobile terminal cradle and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal cradle and a control method thereof are provided to display the state of a mobile terminal on a cradle display. CONSTITUTION: A mobile terminal(100) includes a cradle display(251), a settling unit(201), and a control unit. The settling unit is connected to the cradle display. The settling unit accepts a main body of the mobile terminal. In case the mobile terminal accepts the settling unit, the control unit changes the display of the cradle display by reflecting a state of the mobile terminal.

Description

Mobile terminal cradle and its control method {MOBILE TERMINAL CRADLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal cradle and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal cradle which can increase the usability of the mobile terminal by displaying the state of the mobile terminal on the cradle display when the mobile terminal is accommodated. The control method is related.

A terminal such as a personal computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile phone has various functions, for example, a multimedia device having a complex function such as photographing or photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of music or a moving picture file, (Multimedia player).

The terminal can move It may be divided into a mobile terminal and a stationary terminal, depending on whether it is present. 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.

In order to support and enhance the functionality of the terminal, it is contemplated to improve the structural and / or software portion of the terminal.

Recently, a variety of terminals including mobile terminals provide a complex and various functions, and the menu structure is also becoming complicated. In addition, a function of displaying various digital documents including a web page is added to a mobile terminal.

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal cradle and a method of controlling the same, which can increase the usability of the mobile terminal by displaying the state of the mobile terminal on the cradle display when the mobile terminal is accommodated.

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object, Cradle display; A seating part connected to the cradle display and accommodating a body of the mobile terminal; And a controller for changing the display of the cradle display to reflect the state of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is accommodated in the seating unit or spaced apart from the seating unit.

The controller may acquire and execute at least one of an application and data stored in the mobile terminal.

The controller may display a memo window on the cradle display when the mobile terminal is spaced apart from the seating unit, and the display of the mobile terminal may include at least one of a charging status of the mobile terminal and a continuous talk time of the mobile terminal. Can be displayed.

When the call request is received by the mobile terminal, the controller may display at least one of caller information, the charging status of the mobile terminal, and the available talk time of the mobile terminal on the cradle display.

When the text message is received by the mobile terminal, the controller may display the received text message on the cradle display.

The controller may display the received text message when a preset gesture operation is acquired through the cradle display.

The control unit may transmit a message input of a user obtained through the cradle display to the mobile terminal to transmit to a designated receiver.

The controller may display the broadcast content obtained from the mobile terminal on the cradle display.

The seating unit may further include a wireless charging unit for charging the mobile terminal in a non-contact manner.

In addition, the control method of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object, determining whether the mobile terminal is accommodated; Acquiring at least one of state information of the mobile terminal, application information stored in the mobile terminal, and data information stored in the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is accommodated; And displaying at least one of the obtained information.

If the mobile terminal is accommodated, the method may further include charging the mobile terminal in a non-contact manner.

Obtaining input from a user; And transmitting the input from the obtained user to the mobile terminal.

The mobile terminal cradle and its control method according to the present invention has an effect of increasing the convenience of use for the mobile terminal by displaying the state of the mobile terminal on the cradle display when the mobile terminal is accommodated.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2B is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a mobile terminal is mounted on or unmounted from a cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a side view illustrating a seating portion of the mobile terminal cradle of FIG. 4.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a mobile terminal cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 to 10 illustrate the operation of the call-related function of the mobile terminal cradle of FIG.
11 and 12 illustrate an operation of a message related function of the mobile terminal cradle of FIG. 6.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a broadcast reception related function of the mobile terminal cradle of FIG. 6.
FIG. 14 illustrates data exchange between the mobile terminal cradle and the mobile terminal of FIG. 6.

The above objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and similarities. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification. In addition, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known function or configuration related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the numbers (eg, first, second, etc.) used in the description process of the present specification are merely identification symbols for distinguishing one component from another component.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role.

The mobile terminal described in this specification may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), and navigation. 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 audio / video input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory unit 160, An interface unit 170, a control unit 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. The components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential, and 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 for enabling wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and the 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 BroadcastHandheld (DVBH).

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems. In particular, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a digital multimedia broadcasting broadcasting (DMBT), a digital multimedia broadcasting satellite (DMBS), a media forward link only (MediaFLO), a digital video broadcasting ), And ISDBT (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast Terrestrial). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be adapted to other broadcasting systems that provide broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcasting system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory unit 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 the wireless Internet module 113 can be embedded in the mobile terminal 100 or externally. WLAN (WiFi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and the like can be used as wireless Internet technologies.

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 confirming or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal. A representative example of the location information module is a GPS (Global Position System) module. According to the current technology, the GPS module 115 calculates information on a distance (distance) from three or more satellites to one point (entity), information on the time when the distance information is measured, , Three-dimensional position information according to latitude, longitude, and altitude of one point (individual) in one hour can be calculated. Furthermore, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the error of the calculated position and time information using another satellite is also used. The GPS module 115 may continuously calculate the current position in real time and use the same to calculate speed information.

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 unit 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. The camera 121 may be equipped with two or more cameras according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. 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 senses the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of user contact, the orientation of the mobile terminal, And generates 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, it may be responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device, and the like. Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor.

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

The display unit 151 displays and 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 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display And may include at least one.

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 a transparent LCD. 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 embodiment 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, abbreviated as “touch screen”), the display unit 151 is an output device. It 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.

Referring to FIG. 1, a proximity sensor may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is enclosed by the touch screen. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or a nearby object without mechanical contact using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays. The proximity sensor has a longer life span than the contact sensor and its utilization is also high.

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor.

When the touch screen is capacitive, the touch screen is configured to detect the proximity of the pointer by 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 (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). 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 unit 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 outputs an acoustic signal related to a function (e.g., 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 can also be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152.

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 sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 154 may be used for the effects of stimulation by the arrangement of pins vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, the effect of the injection force of the air through the injection or inlet or the stimulation through the suction force, and the stimulation that rubs the skin surface. Various tactile effects may be generated, such as effects by stimulation through contact of electrodes, effects by stimulation using electrostatic force, and effects of reproducing a sense of warmth and heat using an endothermic or heat generating element.

The haptic module 154 may not only deliver the haptic effect through direct contact, but also implement the haptic effect through the muscle sense of the user's finger or arm. The haptic module 154 may include two or more haptic modules 154 according to the configuration of the portable terminal 100.

The memory unit 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and may temporarily store input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 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 unit 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) At least one of a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read- Lt; / RTI > type of storage medium. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory unit 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 or receives power from the external device to transfer the data to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or to transmit data in 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 moved. 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 control unit 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 may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing functions. In some cases such embodiments may be implemented using a controller 180 < / RTI >

In a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that allow at least one function or operation to be performed. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. Also, the software codes may be stored in the memory unit 160 and executed by the control unit 180. [

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

The disclosed 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 additionally 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. The sound output unit 152 and the camera 121 are disposed in regions adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151, and the user input unit 131 and the microphone 122 are disposed in regions adjacent to the other end. The user input unit 132, the interface 170, and the like are disposed on the 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to the antenna for a call or the like, a broadcast signal reception antenna 124 may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. The antenna 124 constituting a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1) may be installed to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the portable terminal 100 is mounted on the terminal body. The power supply unit 190 may be embedded in the terminal body or may be directly detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The rear case 102 may be further equipped with a touch pad 135 for sensing a touch. Like the display unit 151, the touch pad 135 may also be configured to have a light transmission type. In this case, if the display unit 151 is configured to output time information on both sides, the time information can be recognized through the touch pad 135 as well. The information output on both surfaces may be controlled by the touch pad 135. Alternatively, a display may be additionally mounted on the touch pad 135, and a 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.

2C and 2D illustrate various embodiments of the mobile terminal 100 and the display unit 151.

The display unit 151 may include a first display unit in which display panels are physically divided and a second display unit. In a folding or slide type mobile terminal in which two bodies are hinged or slide, the first display unit (or the main display unit) may be formed on the inner surface or the outer surface of one body, and the second display unit ( Alternatively, the auxiliary display unit and the external display unit may be formed on an inner surface or an outer surface of another body. The secondary display unit is a display unit separate from the mobile terminal, and is detachably connected to the mobile terminal body through an interface means to display data from the mobile terminal 100.

In addition, the display unit 151 may include a first display unit and a second display unit that are logically divided in the display panel as shown in FIG. 2C.

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

As shown in the drawing, the mobile terminal cradle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a specific function by charging or accommodating the mobile terminal 100 accommodated therein and exchanging data with the mobile terminal 100 accommodated therein. have.

The wireless communication unit 210 may communicate with the mobile terminal 100 mounted on the mobile terminal cradle 200 or adjacent to the mobile terminal cradle 200. The wireless communication unit 210 may be a short range communication module for short range communication. That is, it is composed of Bluetooth, RFID, infrared communication, UWB, ZigBee, etc., which means that it can communicate with the mobile terminal 100.

The user input unit 230 may be a device capable of obtaining a user input to the mobile terminal cradle 200. The user input unit 230 may be various buttons provided on the mobile terminal cradle 200 or a touch input device provided on the cradle display 251.

The sensing unit 240 may collect data for adjusting the operation of the mobile terminal cradle 200. For example, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may be provided with an optical sensor for observing the amount of ambient light. The controller 280 may adjust the brightness of the cradle display 251 based on the amount of ambient light obtained through the optical sensor.

The output unit 250 may inform the user of the state of the mobile terminal cradle 200 through a visual or audio method. The output unit 250 may include a cradle display 251 and a speaker 252 capable of audibly transmitting information to a user.

The cradle display 251 may be provided on the front surface of the mobile terminal cradle 200. The controller 280 may apply a control signal to the cradle display 251 to display various types of information. The various information displayed on the cradle display 251 may be information obtained from the mobile terminal 100 or generated in the mobile terminal cradle 200.

The memory 260 may store various data necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal cradle 200. Various data stored in the memory 260 may be generated by the mobile terminal cradle 200 itself or obtained from the mobile terminal 100.

The interface unit 270 may enable the mobile terminal cradle 200 and the mobile terminal 100 to be physically and / or electrically connected to each other. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is coupled to the mobile terminal cradle 200, the mobile terminal 100 and the mobile terminal cradle 200 may be connected through the interface unit 270 to exchange data. have.

The controller 280 may control each part of the mobile terminal cradle 200. Based on the control signal of the controller 280, data is exchanged with the mobile terminal 100 accommodated in or spaced apart from the mobile terminal cradle 200, and the related content is displayed on the cradle display 251 based on the exchanged data. Can be displayed.

The power supply unit 290 may supply power to the mobile terminal cradle 200 and the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is coupled to the mobile terminal cradle 200, the mobile terminal 100 may be charged through the power supply unit 290. The mobile terminal 100 may be wirelessly supplied with power from the power supply unit 290. That is, it means that the mobile terminal 100 can be charged by receiving power without a physical connection between the power supply unit 290 and the mobile terminal 100. For example, charging may be performed through a magnetic resonance method of transforming electrical energy into radio waves and transmitting the same to the mobile terminal 100.

4 is a view illustrating a state in which a mobile terminal is mounted or demounted in a cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a side view of a seating portion of the mobile terminal cradle of FIG. 4.

As shown in these drawings, the mobile terminal cradle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a seating unit 201 on which the mobile terminal 100 may be mounted and a cradle display 251. Can be.

The seating unit 201 may be a portion in which the mobile terminal 100 is accommodated. The seating unit 201 may be provided similar to the shape of the main body of the mobile terminal 100. For example, it may be provided in a rectangular shape similar to the shape of a typical mobile terminal 100. The seating unit 201 may be provided with an interface unit 270 of FIG. 3 that may be naturally coupled when the mobile terminal 100 is accommodated in the seating unit 201.

The seating unit 201 may be provided with a device for wireless charging. That is, as described above, when a radio wave containing electric energy is generated in the power supply unit 290 of FIG. 3, the mobile terminal 100 accommodated in the seating unit 201 may be charged. As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile terminal 100 may be accommodated in the seating unit 201. When the mobile terminal 100 is located in the seating unit 201, the mobile terminal 100 may be charged, and the charging may be performed wirelessly as described above. The mounting portion 201 may be provided with a guide wall 203 and a mounting groove 202. The mounting groove 202 is provided in a concave shape to allow the mobile terminal 100 to be stably seated, and the guide wall 203 may serve to guide the mobile terminal 100 to the mounting groove 202.

The cradle display 251 may display the status of the mobile terminal cradle 200 and / or the mobile terminal 100. That is, it means that the various data obtained from the mobile terminal 100 can be displayed on the cradle display 251. The cradle display 2245 may display different contents according to the state of the mobile terminal and the combined state of the mobile terminal 100.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 4, when the mobile terminal 100 is coupled to the mobile terminal cradle 200, contents that can be expressed as A may be displayed on the cradle display 251. At this time, A does not mean that the letter A is displayed. A may mean that the mobile terminal cradle 200 communicates with the mobile terminal 100 to display specific information related to the mobile terminal 100. For example, the text message received by the mobile terminal 100 may be displayed on the cradle display 251 or the application of the mobile terminal 100 may be displayed on the cradle display 251. On the other hand, even when the mobile terminal 100 is not directly coupled to the mobile terminal cradle 200, it may be expressed as A. For example, if the mobile terminal 100 is located near the mobile terminal cradle 200, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may obtain data from the mobile terminal 100 through short-range communication. In this case, even if the mobile terminal 100 is not in direct contact with the mobile terminal cradle 200, it may be a situation similar to that accommodated in the seating unit 201 of the mobile terminal cradle 200.

As shown in FIG. 4B, when the mobile terminal cradle 200 does not accommodate the mobile terminal 100, B may be represented on the cradle display 251. In this case, B does not mean the letter B, but is intended to comprehensively indicate that a screen different from the accommodated case may be displayed when the mobile terminal 100 is not accommodated in the mobile terminal cradle 200. . For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is not accommodated in the mobile terminal cradle 200, the cradle display 251 may display a watch screen that is not related to the mobile terminal 100. The controller 280 of FIG. 3 may change the display of the cradle display 251 according to whether the mobile terminal 100 is accommodated.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a mobile terminal cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the control unit 280 of FIG. 3 of the mobile terminal cradle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention determines whether the mobile terminal 100 is coupled to the mobile terminal cradle 200. (S10) may proceed.

Coupling of the mobile terminal 100 to the mobile terminal cradle 200 is not only when the mobile terminal 100 is in physical contact with the mobile terminal cradle 200 but also when the mobile terminal 100 is in close proximity with the mobile terminal cradle 200. As described above, the case includes the case where the wireless communication is possible.

If the mobile terminal 100 is coupled to the mobile terminal cradle 200, the step (S20) of acquiring the state of the mobile terminal 100 may proceed.

The mobile terminal 100 may be placed in various states by a user's manipulation or a presentation signal from the 180 of the controller 1. For example, the mobile terminal 100 may be in an execution state of various applications including a call state and a message reception state.

In operation S30, charging of the mobile terminal 100 may be performed.

The coupling of the mobile terminal 100 to the mobile terminal cradle 200 may be for charging the mobile terminal 100. That is, as described above, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may be charged using wired or wireless, so that the mobile terminal 100 may be charged.

The step S40 of turning off the display 151 of FIG. 1 and turning on the cradle display 251 may proceed.

When the mobile terminal 100 is coupled to the mobile terminal cradle 200, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may perform some of the functions of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the cradle display 251 may be used instead of the display 151 of FIG. 1 of the mobile terminal 100. When the screen is displayed on the mobile terminal cradle 251 instead of the mobile terminal 100, the mobile terminal 100 may be charged at a faster time. In addition, since the screen is displayed on the cradle display 251 which is a relatively large screen, the user's convenience may be increased.

Acquiring data and an application (S50) and executing a function of the mobile terminal 100 in the mobile terminal cradle 200 (S60) may proceed.

In order to execute at least some of the functions of the mobile terminal 100 in the mobile terminal cradle 200, it may be necessary for the mobile terminal cradle 200 to acquire data and / or an application for executing the functions. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 receives a message, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may receive message data from the mobile terminal 100. In addition, the specific application itself of the mobile terminal 100 may be acquired and executed in the mobile terminal cradle 200.

7 to 10 illustrate the operation of the call-related function of the mobile terminal cradle of FIG.

As shown in these figures, the mobile terminal cradle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may execute a call related function of the mobile terminal 100.

As shown in FIG. 7, the display 151 of the mobile terminal 100 accommodated in the mobile terminal cradle 200 may display the fact that charging is in progress and the time at which continuous passage is possible in the current state. Alternatively, the display 151 may be completely turned off so that no information is displayed. Regardless of whether certain information is displayed on the display 151, information related to a call related function of the mobile terminal 100 may be displayed on the cradle display 251. That is, when a call signal is received by the mobile terminal 100, instead of displaying the related contents on the display 151 of the mobile terminal 100, the related contents may be displayed on the display 251 of the cradle 200 of the mobile terminal. It means that there is.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the mobile terminal 100 is accommodated in the mobile terminal cradle 200, instead of touching the mobile terminal 100, the mobile terminal cradle 200 is touched to make a call function. You can run The control unit 280 of FIG. 3 may display a keypad for inputting a telephone number on the cradle display 251. When the user inputs a specific phone number, the controller 280 of FIG. 3 may transmit the same to the mobile terminal 100. The controller 280 of FIG. 3, which has received the telephone number, may generate a call signal to the counterpart using the same.

As shown in FIG. 9, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may allow different screens to be displayed on the cradle display 151 depending on whether the mobile terminal 100 is accommodated.

As shown in FIG. 9A, a telephone function through the mobile terminal 100 may be executed. That is, it may be a situation where a call is connected with a specific counterpart. In this case, a screen related to a call function is displayed on the cradle display 251, while a screen related to charging is displayed on the display 151 of the mobile terminal 100, or the display 151 may be turned off.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the user may move the mobile terminal 100 away from the mobile terminal cradle 200. For example, a user who is busy using the mobile terminal cradle 200 as shown in FIG. 9A may want to talk directly using the mobile terminal 100. When the user separates the mobile terminal 100 from the mobile terminal cradle 200, a memo function may be executed on the cradle display 251. That is, the control unit 280 of FIG. 3 of the mobile terminal cradle 200 executes a function that is expected to be required by the user who is carrying the mobile terminal 100 and making a call. Whether the mobile terminal 100 performs a call function may be known through short-range communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the mobile terminal cradle 200.

As shown in FIG. 10, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may execute functions related to multiple calls.

As shown in FIG. 10A, a user may be talking to a specific counterpart using the mobile terminal cradle 200. While the call is in progress, the mobile terminal 100 may receive a new call. When the mobile terminal 100 receives a new call, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may display the fact on the cradle display 251.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when the user selects a multi-call, the cradle display 251 may display a screen related thereto. For example, it means that the cradle display 251 may be provided with a related menu for talking with a specific counterpart or selecting and communicating with another counterpart.

11 and 12 illustrate an operation of a message related function of the mobile terminal cradle of FIG. 6.

As shown in these figures, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can execute a message related function of the mobile terminal 100 accommodated in the seating portion.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the mobile terminal 100 receives a new message, the mobile terminal cradle 200 which has received the fact may display the fact on the cradle display 251. In this case, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may withhold display of new message content based on a user's setting or the like. That is, in the case of the mobile terminal cradle 200 provided at a specific place, since privacy-related information may be exposed compared to the mobile terminal 100 handled by an individual, the display of information related to a specific function may be selectively limited. That means you can.

When the display of the newly received message is limited, the user may input a specific gesture to the cradle display 251 to display the limited message content. For example, the user may perform a specific gesture on the cradle display 251 using the finger F or the like. When the user performs a gesture operation, the controller 280 of FIG. 3 may determine whether the gesture corresponds to a preset gesture.

As illustrated in (b) of FIG. 11, when a gesture input by a user corresponds to a preset gesture, the mobile terminal cradle 200 may display message content on the cradle display 251. Since the display related function of the message is performed in the mobile terminal cradle 200, the display 151 of the mobile terminal 100 may not need to display related contents. Therefore, the charging of the mobile terminal 100 can be made faster, and the related content can be displayed on a larger screen, thereby increasing the visibility.

As shown in FIG. 12, a user may compose a message for a specific counterpart using the cradle display 251. The message created by the mobile terminal cradle 200 may be delivered to the mobile terminal 100 and transmitted to the counterpart. By composing a message using the relatively wide cradle display 251, message composing may be convenient. The display 151 of the mobile terminal 100 may display information related to message writing. For example, as shown, the contents of the message inbox may be displayed. In addition, the display 151 may display a phone book, an outgoing message, a hold message, and the like.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a broadcast reception related function of the mobile terminal cradle of FIG. 6.

As shown in the drawing, the cradle display 251 may display a broadcast screen. The broadcast content may be obtained by the mobile terminal 100. That is, it means that the mobile terminal cradle 200 can display the broadcast content acquired using the mobile terminal 100. A broadcast screen is displayed on the cradle display 251 and a broadcast content display related function may be displayed on the display 151 of the mobile terminal 100. For example, as shown, a screen for selecting a broadcast channel may be displayed.

FIG. 14 illustrates data exchange between the mobile terminal cradle and the mobile terminal of FIG. 6.

As shown in the drawing, the mobile terminal 100 and the mobile terminal cradle 200 may exchange various data. The exchanged data may be stored in each of the memories 150 and 260. The exchanging data may be an application and data stored in the mobile terminal 100, and the exchange of data may be possible in the mobile terminal cradle 100 in the direction of the mobile terminal cradle 200 and vice versa.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, such modifications or variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

100: mobile terminal 110: wireless communication unit
140: sensing unit 151: display unit
180 control unit 200: mobile terminal cradle

Claims (12)

Cradle display;
A seating part connected to the cradle display and accommodating a body of the mobile terminal; And
And a control unit for changing the display of the cradle display to reflect the state of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is accommodated in the seating unit or spaced apart from the seating unit. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And at least one of an application and data stored in the mobile terminal. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
When the mobile terminal is spaced apart from the seating portion, a memo window is displayed on the cradle display, and the display of the mobile terminal displays at least one of the charging status of the mobile terminal and the available talk time of the mobile terminal. Mobile terminal cradle. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
When the call request is received by the mobile terminal, the cradle display to display at least one of the caller information, the charging status of the mobile terminal, the available talk time of the mobile terminal. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And when the text message is received by the mobile terminal, displaying the received text message on the cradle display. 6. The method of claim 5,
The control unit,
The mobile terminal cradle, characterized in that for displaying the received text message when a predetermined gesture operation is obtained through the cradle display. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And a message input of a user obtained through the cradle display is transmitted to the mobile terminal to send to a designated receiver. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
And a broadcast content obtained from the mobile terminal on the cradle display. The method of claim 1,
The seat (1)
A mobile terminal cradle further comprising a wireless charging unit for charging the mobile terminal in a non-contact manner. Determining whether the mobile terminal has been accommodated;
Acquiring at least one of state information of the mobile terminal, application information stored in the mobile terminal, and data information stored in the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is accommodated; And
And displaying at least one of the obtained information. The method of claim 10,
And charging the mobile terminal in a non-contact manner if the mobile terminal is accommodated. The method of claim 10,
Obtaining input from a user; And
And transmitting the input from the obtained user to the mobile terminal.

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