KR20120040353A - Mobile terminal and method for controlling thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A portable terminal and control method thereof are provided to transmit non-relaying states to a caller terminal by automatically transmitting an automatic response message to a caller. CONSTITUTION: A control unit establishes call connection states according to the reception of a call connection attempt between a calling terminal and a reception terminal in case a distance difference between a local communication module and an external communication apparatus is longer than a communicable threshold distance(S410-S430). The control unit controls a portable terminal in order to transmit data exchange impossibility message to a caller terminal(S440).

Description

MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THEREOF

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal capable of notifying a distance difference between a short-range communication module and an external communication device after returning out of a critical distance that can be communicated to and within a critical distance. It relates to a control method.

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.

In the related art, when the distance between the short range communication module and the external communication device is in a state where the short distance communication module and the external communication device are connected to the outside of the threshold distance that can be communicated, it is difficult for the user to recognize the fact that the threshold distance deviates. In addition, the calling party for the mobile terminal has a problem that it is difficult to recognize the temporary inability to talk due to the deviation of the threshold distance, and a solution for this is required.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the general technology as described above, an object of the present invention is to notify the calling party when the distance difference between the short-range communication module and the external communication device is out of the critical distance that can be communicated. It is to provide a function.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a function for notifying the user side when the distance difference between the short-range communication module and the external communication device is out of the threshold distance that can be communicated, and then returns to the threshold distance.

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

A mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object is connected to an external communication device and a local area communication module for exchanging data, and the local area communication module and the local area communication module is connected, When the distance difference with the external communication device is out of the critical distance that can be communicated, when a call connection attempt is received from the calling terminal, the call connection is established, and the user who has the external communication device due to the deviation of the threshold distance. It may include a control unit for controlling the first message indicating that the data exchange impossible to be transmitted to the calling terminal.

In addition, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object is connected to an external communication device and the local area communication module for exchanging data, the local area communication module and the external communication device connected, the local area communication When the distance difference between the module and the external communication device is out of the critical distance that can be communicated, if a call connection attempt is received from the calling terminal, the call connection attempt is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed without establishing a call connection attempt. And a controller configured to control a second message notifying the impossibility of exchanging data with a user carrying the external communication device due to the deviation of the threshold distance to be transmitted to the calling terminal.

In addition, the mobile terminal control method according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object is connected to an external communication device and the short-range communication module for exchanging data and the external communication device is connected, the short-range communication module and the The distance difference with the external communication device is out of the critical distance that can be communicated, the step of receiving a call connection attempt from the originating terminal and the call connection is established, and with the user having the external communication device due to the deviation of the threshold distance The first message indicating that the data can not be exchanged may be transmitted to the calling terminal.

In addition, the mobile terminal control method according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object is connected to an external communication device and the short-range communication module for exchanging data and the external communication device is connected, the short-range communication module and the A step in which a distance difference from an external communication device deviates from a critical distance at which communication is possible, a step of receiving a call connection attempt from an originating terminal, and a step of stopping the call connection attempt after a predetermined time has elapsed without establishing a call connection; The second message may be transmitted to the calling terminal informing that the data exchange with the user having the external communication device is impossible due to the deviation of the threshold distance.

The mobile terminal according to the at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above may send an automatic response message to a caller to notify the caller of an unanswered voice call when a distance difference between the short-range communication module and the external communication device is out of a critical distance for communication. The transmission can provide convenience.

In addition, the mobile terminal according to the at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when the distance difference between the short-range communication module and the external communication device returns within the threshold distance that can be communicated with the external communication message to inform the user of the return It can be sent to the device to provide convenience to the user.

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

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a front view of a mobile terminal for explaining an operation state of the mobile terminal according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting a message indicating a state in which data relay cannot be performed when a critical distance is deviated according to an embodiment of the present invention to a calling terminal.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transmitting a message to an external communication device for notifying a user of returning to a critical distance in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of further transmitting a current location of a mobile terminal to an external communication device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating a list in which information of a calling terminal, which has sent a message, is arranged in a predetermined form according to another embodiment of the present invention and is displayed with a predetermined visual effect.

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.

Overall configuration

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

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

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules 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 Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. The microphone 122 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for the user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

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

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

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

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

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

There may be two or more display units 151 according to the 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 referred to as a touch screen), the display unit 151 may be configured in addition to an output device. Can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have, for example, a form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

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

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

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

Examples of the proximity sensor include a transmission photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the touch screen is configured to detect the proximity of the pointer by the change of the electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the act of allowing the pointer to be recognized without being in contact with the touch screen so that the pointer is located on the touch screen is referred to as a "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "contact touch." The position where the proximity touch is performed by the pointer on the touch screen refers to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen when the pointer is in proximity proximity.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (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 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output module 152 may also output a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

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

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

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 154 may be configured to provide a pin array that vertically moves with respect to the contact skin surface, a jetting force or suction force of air through an injection or inlet port, grazing to the skin surface, contact of an 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. The haptic module 154 may include two or more haptic modules 154 according to the configuration of the portable 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 unit 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 180, and temporarily stores input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, an audio, a still image, a video, etc.). It can also perform a function for. The memory 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.

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 association 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.

Organization description

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

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

The body includes a casing (casing, housing, cover, etc.) that forms an exterior. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are built in the space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one intermediate case may be 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. A sound output unit 151 and a camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151 and a user input unit 131 and a microphone 122 are disposed in an area adjacent to the other end. The user input unit 132 and the interface 170 may be disposed on side surfaces of the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

The user input unit 130 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 100 and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The manipulation units 131 and 132 may also be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the tactile manner with a tactile feeling.

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

Front touch

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

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

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

At least one of the letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, or icons may be displayed in a predetermined arrangement for inputting such information, thereby being implemented as a keypad. Such a keypad may be referred to as a so-called " virtual keypad ".

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

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

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

The display unit 151 or the touch pad 135 may be configured to receive a touch input by scrolling, as well as the input method described in the above embodiments. The user can move a cursor or a pointer located on an object displayed on the display unit 151, for example, an icon or the like, by scrolling the display unit 151 or the touch pad 135. [ Further, when the finger is moved on the display portion 151 or the touch pad 135, the path along which the finger moves may be visually displayed on the display portion 151. [ This may be useful for editing an image displayed on the display unit 151.

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

For convenience of description, it is assumed that the mobile terminal mentioned below includes at least one of the components shown in FIG. 1.

The external communication device and the mobile terminal within a predetermined distance through the short range communication module may transmit and receive data wirelessly. Examples of the data that can be transmitted and received include voice data, video data, call connection attempts, and the like.

Short-range communication is frequently used in mobile terminals because a user who does not have a mobile terminal can carry a small device smaller than the mobile terminal and make a call with the calling party.

For example, if a user connects the local area communication module included in the mobile terminal with an external communication device and then carries the external communication device, when the mobile terminal receives a call connection attempt from the calling party, the call connection is performed. Attempt is relayed through the external communication device and the short-range communication module, and can establish a telephone call with the calling party when establishing a call connection.

The technologies applied to such short-range communication include Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), and ZigBee. See details.)

In particular, Bluetooth is a communication technology standard designed for easy communication at a short distance by a mobile terminal, a computer, a PDA, and is frequently used in a mobile terminal because data transmission is relatively quick and easy to implement, compared to other short-range communication technologies. It is becoming.

At this time, the external communication device and the mobile terminal should be connected to each other for short-range communication, which is a process of correlating compatible devices. In short-range communication using Bluetooth, this is called pairing.

However, short-range communication has a communication distance due to technical limitations. Therefore, when the distance difference between the short range communication module and the external communication device is out of the critical distance at which communication is possible, it is impossible for the external signal to relay data with the mobile terminal.

Therefore, after the user connects the short range communication module included in the mobile terminal and the external communication device, and moves away with the external communication device to move away from the critical distance that can be communicated, the user and the calling party depart from the possible critical distance. There is a problem that it is difficult to recognize the inability to call.

In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a function for notifying the user and the calling terminal when the distance difference between the short-range communication module and the external communication device is out of the threshold distance for communication and returns within the threshold distance.

In the present specification, for convenience of description, specific contents of the present invention will be described on the assumption that short-range communication is performed using Bluetooth, which is a representative short-range communication technology. However, this is merely exemplary and the contents of the present invention can be applied to various near field communication technologies other than Bluetooth.

In general, in the short-range communication using Bluetooth, the communication distance between the Bluetooth external communication device and the short-range communication module of the mobile terminal is 10 m. However, the communicable critical distance may be extended by technology development, and will not be limited to the critical distance.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a communication distance between a Bluetooth external communication device and a short-range communication module of a mobile terminal is referred to as a threshold distance, and the present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments.

First Example

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the distance between the short range communication module and the external communication device is connected, when the distance difference between the short range communication module and the external communication device is outside the critical distance, attempts to connect to the call from the calling terminal When receiving the message, a call connection is established, and a message indicating that the data exchange with the user having the external communication device is impossible due to the deviation of the threshold distance is transmitted to the calling terminal.

For convenience of description below, call connection settings are clearly defined.

If there is a call connection attempt for a call connection from the calling party, and the user inputs a predetermined command for a call with the calling party through the user input unit, the controller 180 enables two-way communication between the mobile terminal and the calling party. This state is called call connection establishment.

Examples of the predetermined command of the user may include a key button operation, a folder opening / closing operation, a slide moving operation, and the like.

Reference will be made to FIG. 4 to describe the details of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting a message indicating a state in which data can not be relayed when a threshold distance deviates in relation to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, as described above, the Bluetooth external communication device and the short-range communication module of the mobile terminal should be paired (S410).

The paired Bluetooth external communication device and the short-range communication module of the mobile terminal may relay a voice call or transmit data of the mobile terminal within a critical distance.

In this case, when the user moves with a Bluetooth external communication device, the distance difference between the short range communication module included in the mobile terminal and the Bluetooth external communication device may be out of the threshold distance (S420).

When the distance between the short range communication module and the Bluetooth external communication device is out of the critical distance, the Bluetooth external communication device can no longer relay data with the mobile terminal.

In this case, the mobile terminal may receive a call connection attempt from the calling party (S430).

When the call connection attempt is received from the calling party, the controller 180 establishes a call connection.

When the call connection is established, the controller 180 transmits a message to the calling party indicating that data exchange with a user having an external communication device is impossible (S440).

Examples of the message informing of the impossibility of exchanging data with the user possessing the external communication device include a voice message preset in the mobile terminal or a voice message pre-recorded by the user. However, this is merely an example and may be implemented in various types of messages by user setting.

In order to distinguish a general message from a message indicating that data cannot be exchanged, the message indicating that data cannot be exchanged is referred to as a first message.

Therefore, the calling terminal may easily recognize that the user of the mobile terminal is temporarily unable to talk due to the deviation of the current critical distance, thereby providing convenience.

Meanwhile, the message informing of data exchange may be controlled to be transmitted in another manner without establishing a call connection.

When the threshold distance deviates and a call connection attempt is received from the calling terminal, the controller 180 may not establish a call connection.

If a call connection is not established and a predetermined time elapses, the call connection signal is stopped, and at this time, the controller 180 transmits a message indicating that data exchange with a user possessing an external communication device is impossible.

The message indicating that the data exchange is impossible includes a voice message, a text message, a multimedia messaging service (mms) message, and the like. However, this is merely exemplary, and various types of messages to which other techniques are applied may be implemented.

Since the above message is distinguished from the first message which is a voice message, it is referred to herein as a second message.

Therefore, even if the control unit 180 does not set up the call connection, the calling terminal can easily recognize that the call is impossible due to the deviation of the threshold distance after receiving the second message after the end of the call connection attempt.

2nd Example

On the other hand, according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the distance difference between the short-range communication module and the Bluetooth external communication device is out of the threshold distance and returns within the threshold distance, a message informing the user of the return is an external communication device Can be sent to.

When the distance difference between the short-range communication module and the Bluetooth external communication device is out of the critical distance and returns to the critical distance, the pairing is again performed. The Bluetooth external communication device relays the voice call or data of the mobile terminal. The transmission of can be relayed.

At this time, in order to inform the user of the fact that the user does not have a mobile terminal and the temporary voice call cannot be relayed due to the deviation of the previous critical distance, a Bluetooth external communication device possessing a message indicating the return to the critical distance is present. Can be sent to. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting a message for notifying a user of a return to a critical distance to an external communication device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

First, the first message or the second message due to the deviation of the threshold distance is transmitted to the calling terminal that has sent the call connection attempt (510).

At this time, the mobile terminal may receive the call connection request from the other calling party again (S520).

When the call connection request is received from the other calling party, the controller 180 of the mobile terminal determines whether the distance difference between the short range communication module and the Bluetooth external communication device has returned to the threshold distance (S530).

When the distance difference between the short range communication module and the Bluetooth external communication device returns to the threshold distance, the controller 180 transmits a message indicating the return to the Bluetooth external communication device (S540).

In order to distinguish between the first message and the second message and the message indicating the return fact, the message indicating the return fact is referred to as a third message.

The third message includes a voice message, a text message, a multimedia messaging service (mms) message, and the like. However, this is merely exemplary, and various types of messages to which other techniques are applied may be implemented.

When the user receives the third message via the Bluetooth external communication device, the user can easily recognize the return to the critical distance, and when a call connection attempt from another calling party is relayed through the external communication device and the local area communication module, A call connection is established and a phone call can be made with the other calling party.

On the contrary, if the distance difference between the short range communication module and the Bluetooth external communication device is still out of the threshold distance, the controller 180 transmits the first message or the second message to the other calling terminal (S560). ).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when returning to within the threshold distance, the user can recognize the fact of departure from the previous threshold distance through the third message, thereby providing convenience.

In addition, the present invention can determine the current location of the mobile terminal by using the location information signal, and can add and transmit the current location information to the third message.

The user who has recognized the return through the third message can recognize that he or she does not have a mobile terminal, and if the location of the mobile terminal is provided to the user, the user can easily find the mobile terminal. This will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of further transmitting a current location of a mobile terminal to an external communication device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Steps S610 to S630 are similar to steps S510 to S530 of FIG. 5, and steps S660 and S670 are similar to steps S550 and S560 of FIG. 5, respectively, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted for simplicity.

When the controller 180 confirms that the distance difference between the short range communication module and the external communication device has returned to the critical distance at which communication is possible (S630), the controller receives the location information signal through the location information module to determine the current location of the mobile terminal. Can be determined (S640).

When the current location of the mobile terminal is determined, the controller 180 transmits information including the current location of the mobile terminal to a Bluetooth external communication device together with the third message (S650).

Therefore, the user can easily recognize the location of the mobile terminal while simultaneously recognizing the fact that the communication cannot be relayed due to the critical distance, which is convenient.

Third Example

On the other hand, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a list in which at least some information of the calling terminal that transmitted the first message and the second message is arranged in a predetermined form may be displayed on the display unit with a predetermined visual effect. Can be.

When the information on the general missed call and the information on the calling terminal which transmits the first message and the second message are displayed together in a list on the display unit, the user can display the information of the calling terminal which transmitted the first message and the second message. There is an indistinguishable problem.

 Accordingly, in the present invention, a function of providing a predetermined visual effect to information of the calling terminal that transmits the first message and the second message is distinguished from general missed call information.

As an example of this predetermined visual effect, the color or pattern of the texture of the object surface may be changed. However, this is merely an example, and the visual effects of the present invention are not limited thereto, and may be implemented as various effects including blinking, size change, and at least some shape change.

This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

7A to 7C illustrate a list in which information of a calling terminal that transmits a first message and a second message in a predetermined form is displayed with a predetermined visual effect according to another embodiment of the present invention. Drawing.

In the following description, it is assumed that the first calling terminal transmitting the first message and the second message is the Kim Chul-soo terminal 712 and the Hong Gil-dong terminal 714.

First, referring to FIG. 7A, a list of missed terminals is displayed on the display unit. The list includes information about the Lee Young Soo terminal 711, the Kim Chul Soo terminal 712, the Min Soo terminal 713, the Hong Gil Dong terminal 714, and the Lee Nam Nam terminal 715.

Among the information of the terminal included in the list, the information of the terminal 712 and the terminal of the Hong Gil-dong 714 is given different fonts than the other information, and a flickering effect is given to the text displaying the information, thereby providing the user with the first message. It is possible to clearly recognize that the information of the first caller terminal that transmitted the second message.

In addition, referring to FIG. 7B, the user transmits the first message and the second message by applying a shadow effect to the location where the information of the terminal 722 and the Hong Gil-dong terminal 724 of the information included in the list is located. Helps to easily confirm that the information of the first calling terminal.

On the other hand, the information of the first caller terminal that transmitted the first message and the second message may be provided to the user in a list different from the general missed call list.

Referring to FIG. 7C, information about the Lee Young Soo terminal 731 and the Min Soo terminal 732 is included as the missed call 730 information.

Since the information on the terminal 741 and the terminal 742 of Hong-gil Kim are included in the list of the phone 740 to which the auto-response message has been transmitted, the information is displayed on the display unit, so that the user can easily transmit the first message and the second message. The information of the calling terminal can be checked.

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

The mobile terminal described above can be applied to not only the configuration and method of the embodiments described above but also all or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications may be made to the embodiments It is possible.

Claims (5)

A short range communication module connected to an external communication device to exchange data; And
In a state where the short range communication module and the external communication device are connected, when the distance difference between the short range communication module and the external communication device is out of a critical distance at which communication is possible,
Receiving a call connection attempt from the calling terminal, establishing a call connection and sending a first message to the calling terminal indicating that the data exchange with the user possessing the external communication device is impossible due to the deviation of the threshold distance. And a control unit for controlling the mobile terminal. A short range communication module connected to an external communication device to exchange data; And
In a state where the short range communication module and the external communication device are connected, when the distance difference between the short range communication module and the external communication device is out of a critical distance at which communication is possible,
If a call connection attempt is received from an originating terminal, if the call connection attempt is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, the data with the user possessing the external communication device due to deviation of the threshold distance is received. And a control unit for controlling the second message informing that the exchange is impossible to be transmitted to the calling terminal. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
When the distance difference between the short range communication module and the external communication device returns within a critical distance,
The control unit,
And a third message informing the user of the return to the external communication device. The method of claim 3, wherein
The short range communication module,
A mobile terminal, characterized in that communicating according to Bluetooth technology. The method of claim 3, wherein
And a display unit,
The control unit,
And controlling a list in which at least some information of the originating terminal that transmits the first message and the second message is arranged in a predetermined form to be displayed on the display unit with a predetermined visual effect. terminal.

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