KR20130045106A - Mobile terminal and terminal system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A portable terminal and a terminal system thereof are provided to include a user interface optimized for leisure activity when an external module is installed. CONSTITUTION: A connecting unit is located in a terminal body. The connecting unit is connected to a plug of an external module for transceiving a signal. When the plug is connected to the connecting unit, a control unit(180) detects identification information of the external module. The control unit generates an execution menu of an application corresponding to the identification information. A display unit(151) displays the execution menu. [Reference numerals] (110) Wireless communication unit; (111) Broadcasting reception module; (112) Mobile communication module; (113) Wireless Internet module; (114) Local area communication module; (115) Location information module; (120) A/V input unit; (121) Camera; (122) Microphone; (130) User input unit; (140) Sensing unit; (141) Proximity sensor; (150) Output unit; (151) Display unit; (152) Sound output module; (153) Alarm unit; (154) Haptic module; (160) Memory; (170) Interface unit; (180) Control unit; (181) Multimedia module; (190) Power supplying unit

Description

MOBILE TERMINAL AND TERMINAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly to a mobile terminal in which an external module can be mounted.

A terminal can be divided into a mobile or portable terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the terminal is movable or not. 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.

As the functions of such terminals are diversified, they are implemented in the form of a multimedia player having complex functions such as photographing and photographing of movies, reproduction of music and video files, games, and broadcasting reception . Further, in order to support and enhance the function of the terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural and software parts of the terminal.

In general, a mobile terminal has been miniaturized and lightened so that a user can conveniently carry it. However, due to the miniaturization and weight reduction, there are limitations on functions and resources that can be mounted in the mobile terminal. Accordingly, in order to overcome this problem and to assist and expand the functions of the mobile terminal, various accessory modules such as an external case have been developed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal having a user interface optimized for leisure activities when the external module is mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an external module interoperating with a mobile terminal in order to expand and supplement the functions of the mobile terminal.

Mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body, the connecting portion is located in the main body, is connected to the plug of the external module is formed to send and receive signals, when the plug and the connection is connected, identification information of the external module And a control unit for generating an execution menu of an application corresponding to the identification information, and a display unit for displaying the execution menu.

The display unit may display the execution menu on the lock screen when the lock mode is executed while the plug and the connection unit are connected. When the touch input for the execution menu is detected in the lock mode, the controller releases the lock mode based on the touch input and executes the application.

The display unit may output a user interface that provides a function based on location and orientation information when the application is executed. The function based on the position and orientation information may include a navigation function.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a photographing unit located in the main body and capturing the outside of the terminal to obtain a real time image. The controller may synthesize information processed according to execution of the application to the obtained real-time image.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a wireless communication unit that partially limits transmission and reception of a wireless signal when the plug and the connection unit are connected. The wireless communication unit may include a GPS module, a wireless internet module, and a short range communication module. When the plug and the connection unit are connected, the controller may activate the GPS module and deactivate at least one of the wireless internet module and the short range communication module.

A terminal system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a mobile terminal having an external module having a plug and a connection part connected to the plug to transmit and receive a signal. When the external module is mounted, the mobile terminal detects identification information of the external module and displays an execution menu of an application corresponding to the identification information.

The mobile terminal may further include: a display unit configured to display the execution menu on a lock screen when the lock mode is executed when the plug and the connection unit are connected; and a display unit for the execution menu in the lock mode. When a touch input is detected, the controller may include a controller configured to release the lock mode and execute the application based on the touch input.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a first battery configured to supply power to an electronic device provided in the main body. The external module may include a second battery connected to the plug and assisting power supply of the first battery.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a first antenna connected to the wireless communication unit. The external module may include a second antenna connected to the plug and assisting the function of the first antenna.

In an embodiment, the external module may include a key button connected to the plug and generating an input signal. The controller may perform a control operation based on the input signal.

In an embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include a wireless communication unit configured to transmit at least one of a distress signal and a radio signal to the outside in response to the input signal.

In an embodiment, the exterior module may include first and second housings coupled to each other to receive the terminal body to form an inner space, and a hinge portion rotatably coupling the first and second housings. have. In addition, a through area may be formed in at least one of the first and second housings to expose the display unit.

In an embodiment, the exterior module may further include a transparent member disposed to cover the through area. The exterior module may further include a waterproof member formed along an edge of the transparent member.

In example embodiments, the first and second uneven parts may be formed to correspond to each other, and the first and second uneven parts may be combined with each other to form a boundary portion of the first and second housings. Can be.

In an embodiment, the exterior module may further include a sealing member attached to at least one of the first and second uneven parts to prevent foreign substances from flowing through the boundary portion.

In an embodiment, the exterior module may further include an annular fixing part formed to mount a band to at least one of the first and second housings.

According to the present invention, when the external module is mounted in the mobile terminal, a user interface for executing an application related to the external module in the mobile terminal may be preferentially output. Therefore, in a situation where delicate operation is difficult, such as leisure activities, the user can more conveniently execute functions related to the external module.

In addition, by attaching an external case having various functions as an external module to the mobile terminal, not only the mobile terminal is protected from the external environment but also the hardware or software functions of the mobile terminal can be supplemented and expanded.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
2A and 2B are perspective views showing an appearance of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of a terminal system according to the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a control method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change of a control method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.
6 and 7 are conceptual views illustrating an operation example of a mobile terminal to which the control method illustrated in FIG. 5 is applied.
8 is a perspective view showing in detail the exterior module shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portions A and B shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a modified example of parts A and B illustrated in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention, and like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the specification.

The mobile terminal described herein 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), a navigator, have. However, it should be understood that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like, unless it is applicable only to a mobile terminal. It will be easy to see.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention. 1, a 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 controller 160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, and a power supply unit 190. The components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential, so that a mobile terminal having more or fewer components can be implemented.

Hereinafter, the components 110 to 190 of the mobile terminal 100 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 distance communication module 114, and a location information module 115.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals and broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. Here, the broadcast-related information means information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information can also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcast-related information may be received by the mobile communication module 112. The broadcast signal and the 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 radio signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Such wireless signals may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal, a text message, or a multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 is a module for wireless Internet access, and may be embedded in the mobile terminal 100 or externally. 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 can be used.

The location information module 115 is a module for acquiring a location of the mobile terminal 100, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) module.

1, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal and a video signal, and may include a camera 121, a microphone 122, and the like. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images and moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The image frame processed by the camera 121 can be displayed on the display unit 151. [ The image frame may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ More than two cameras 121 may be provided depending on the use environment.

The microphone 122 processes the sound signal input from the outside in the communication mode, the recording mode, the voice selection mode, and the like as electrical voice data. The voice data processed by the microphone 122 in the communication mode can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output. The microphone 122 may be implemented with various noise reduction algorithms for eliminating noise generated when an external sound signal is input.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 by a user. The user input unit 130 may be composed of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static and electrostatic), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 senses the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as presence or absence of a user, the open / close state of the mobile terminal 100, position, orientation, acceleration, deceleration, And generates a sensing signal. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, the sensing unit 140 may detect whether the slide phone is opened or closed. The sensing unit 140 may sense whether the power supply unit 190 is powered on, whether the interface unit 170 is connected to an external device, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141. The sensing unit 140 may include a touch sensor (not shown) for sensing a touch operation with respect to the display unit 151.

The touch sensor may have the form of a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like. The touch sensor may be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display portion 151 or a change in capacitance generated at a specific portion of the display portion 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a touch pressure as well as a touched position and area.

When the touch sensor and the display unit 151 have a mutual layer structure, the display unit 151 can be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The display unit 151 may be referred to as a 'touch screen'.

If there is a touch input via the touch screen, signals corresponding thereto are sent to a touch controller (not shown). The touch controller processes the signals transmitted from the touch sensor, and then transmits data corresponding to the processed signals to the controller 180. Thus, the control unit 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched.

When the touch screen is capacitive, the touch screen may be configured to detect the proximity of the sensing object by the change of the electric field according to the proximity of the sensing object. Such a touch screen may be classified as proximity sensor 141. [

The proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object to be sensed without mechanical contact using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 141 has a longer life than the contact type sensor and its utilization is also high. Examples of the proximity sensor 141 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.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a proximity action is referred to as " proximity touch " while an object to be sensed does not touch the touch screen, and an action of touching the sensing object on the touch screen is called & touch ".

The proximity sensor 141 detects the presence or absence of a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, The information corresponding to the presence / absence of proximity touch and the proximity touch pattern can be output to the touch screen.

The output unit 150 generates an output related to visual, auditory, tactile, and the like. The output unit 150 may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 operates in the call mode, the display unit 151 displays a UI (User Interface) or a GUI (Graphic User Interface) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 operates in the video communication mode or the photographing mode, the display unit 151 displays the photographed image, the received image, the UI, the GUI, and the like.

The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

At least one display (or display element) included in the display unit 151 may be configured to be transparent or light transmissive so that the display can see the outside through it. This may be referred to as a transparent display. A representative example of such a transparent display is TOLED (Transparant OLED). The rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be of a light transmission type. With this structure, the user can see an object located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the display unit 151 in 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 each other or positioned integrally with one another, and may be located on different surfaces.

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 selection 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 the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, touch input, and the like. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying occurrence of an event by vibration, in addition to a video signal or an audio signal. Since the video signal or the audio signal may also be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152, the display unit 151 and the audio output module 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, pattern, and the like of the 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 vibration, the haptic module 154 may be configured to provide a pin array that vertically moves with respect to the contact skin surface, a jetting force or suction force of air through the jetting or suction port, grazing to the skin surface, contact of the electrode, electrostatic force, and the like. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as effects due to endothermic or reproducing a sense of cold using a heat generating element.

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

The memory 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input and output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 160 may store data related to vibrations and sounds of various patterns that are output upon touch input on the touch screen.

The memory 160 may be a flash memory, a hard disk, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a 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) And may include at least one storage medium. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs storage functions of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for communication 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, the interface unit 170 may include 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, Input / output ports, video I / O ports, earphone ports, and the like.

The identification module is a chip for storing various information for authenticating the usage right of the mobile terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a general user authentication module Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM)). A device equipped with an identification module (hereinafter referred to as "identification device") 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 170 may be a path through which the 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 the user, (Not shown). The various command signals or power supplied from the cradle may also act as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted in the cradle.

The controller 180 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, control and processing related to voice communication, data communication, video communication, and the like. The control unit 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the control unit 180 or may be implemented separately from the control unit 180. [ The control unit 180 may perform pattern selection processing for selecting handwriting input and drawing input on the touch screen as characters and images, 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.

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

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be applied to various types of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays Microprocessors, microprocessors, and other electronic units for performing other functions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In some cases, the embodiments described herein 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 of the functions and operations described herein. Software code may be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. Such software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

Hereinafter, a method of processing user input to the mobile terminal 100 will be described.

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may include a plurality of operation units. The operating units may also be referred to as manipulating portions and may be employed in any manner as long as they are operated in a tactile manner by the user's tactile sense.

Various kinds of time information can be displayed on the display unit 151. [ Such visual information can be displayed in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, icons, and the like, and can be formed as a three-dimensional stereoscopic image. At least one of a character, a number, a symbol, a graphic, and an icon may be displayed in a predetermined arrangement for inputting time information, thereby being implemented as a keypad. Such a keypad may be referred to as a so-called " soft key ".

The display unit 151 may operate as an entire area or may be divided into a plurality of areas and operated. In the latter case, the plurality of areas can be configured to operate in association with one another. For example, an output window and an input window may be displayed on the upper and lower portions of the display unit 151, respectively. The output window and the input window are areas allocated for outputting or inputting information, respectively. In the input window, a soft key with a number for inputting a telephone number may be output. When the soft key is touched, the number corresponding to the touched soft key is displayed in the output window. When the operating unit is operated, a call connection to the telephone number displayed in the output window may be attempted, or the text displayed in the output window may be entered into the application.

The display unit 151 or the touch pad may be configured to detect touch scrolling. The user can move the cursor or the pointer positioned on the displayed object, for example, the icon, on the display unit 151 by scrolling the display unit 151 or the touch pad. Further, when the finger is moved on the display unit 151 or the touch pad, the path along which the finger moves may be visually displayed on the display unit 151. [ This will be useful for editing the image displayed on the display unit 151. [

One function of the mobile terminal 100 may be executed in response to a case where the display unit 151 and the touch pad 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 main body of the mobile terminal 100 using the thumb and index finger. At this time, one function of the mobile terminal 100 to be executed may be activation or deactivation for the display unit 151 or the touch pad, for example.

2A and 2B are perspective views showing an appearance of a mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a front side and one side of the mobile terminal 100, and FIG. 2B shows a rear side and the other side of the mobile terminal 100. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the mobile terminal 100 includes a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the mobile terminal 100 is not limited thereto, and may be realized in various forms such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which two or more bodies are movably coupled to each other.

The terminal body includes a case (a casing, a housing, a cover, and the like) that forms an appearance. In the embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. A variety of electronic components are embedded 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 injection molding of a synthetic resin or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti) or the like.

The display unit 151, the sound output unit 152, the camera 121, the user input unit 130 (see FIG. 1), the microphone 122, the interface 170, can do.

The display unit 151 occupies a main portion of the front case 101. [ The audio output unit 152 and the camera 121 are located in a region adjacent to one end of the display unit 151 and the first user input unit 131 and the microphone 122 are located in a region adjacent to the other end. The second user input unit 132 and the interface 170 may be located on the sides of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. [

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. [ The user input unit 130 may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132.

The first or second operating units 131 and 132 can receive various commands. For example, the first operation unit 131 can receive commands such as start, end, scroll, and the like. The second operation unit 132 can receive commands such as adjusting the size of the sound output from the sound output unit 152, switching to the touch selection mode of the display unit 151, and the like.

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

For example, the front camera 121 may be configured to have a low pixel, and the rear camera 121 'may be configured to have a high pixel. Accordingly, when the front camera 121 is used during a video call, the size of the transmission data may be reduced when the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in real time. On the other hand, the rear camera 121 'can be used for the purpose of storing a high-quality image.

Meanwhile, the cameras 121 and 121 'may be installed in the terminal body so as to be rotated or popped up.

The flash 123 and the mirror 124 may be further positioned adjacent to the rear camera 121 '. The flash 123 emits light toward the subject when the user photographs the subject with the rear camera 121 '. The mirror 124 illuminates the user's face when the user photographs himself (self-photographing) using the rear camera 121 '.

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

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

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

The rear case 102 may further include a touch pad 135 for sensing a touch. The touch pad 135 may be of a light transmission type like the display unit 151 (see FIG. 2A). In addition, a rear display unit for outputting visual information may be additionally mounted on the touch pad 135. In this case, information output from both the front display unit 151 and the rear display unit may be controlled by the touch pad 135.

The touch pad 135 operates in correlation with the display unit 151. [ The touch pad 135 may be located parallel to the rear of the display unit 151. The touch pad 135 may have a size equal to or smaller than that of the display unit 151.

The functions of the above-described mobile terminal 100 may be utilized for various leisure activities. In this case, an external module for assisting and extending the functions of the mobile terminal 100 may be mounted in the mobile terminal 100. Hereinafter, the mobile terminal 100 and the external module optimized for leisure activities will be described.

3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of a terminal system 1000 according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the terminal system 1000 includes a mobile terminal 1100 and an external module 1200.

When the external module 1200 is mounted on the terminal body, the mobile terminal 1100 may detect identification information of the external module 1200 and display an execution menu of an application corresponding to the detected identification information.

More specifically, when the connection unit (not shown) provided in the mobile terminal 1100 and the plug 1210 provided in the external module 1200 are connected to each other, the mobile terminal 1100 is based on a signal detected by the connection unit. The identification information of the external module 1200 can be detected. The mobile terminal 1100 may preferentially display an execution menu or an execution screen of an application corresponding to the detected identification information over other objects or screens.

To this end, the mobile terminal 1100 may previously download and install the application from an external server before mounting the external module 1200. In addition, the mobile terminal 1100 may download and install the application from the external module 1200 in response to the mounting of the external module 1200. Such an application may be configured to interface with the external module 1200 and provide a user with useful functions for various leisure activities such as climbing, cycling hiking, skiing, scuba diving, and the like.

The mobile terminal 1100 may execute a power saving mode when the external module 1200 is mounted. For example, when the external module 1200 is mounted, the wireless communication unit (see FIG. 1) of the mobile terminal 1100 may partially restrict transmission and reception of a wireless signal. To this end, the controller of the mobile terminal 1100 may activate the GPS module and deactivate at least one of the wireless Internet module and the short-range communication module.

As illustrated, the external module 1200 may be implemented as an external case formed to accommodate the mobile terminal 1100 and protect the mobile terminal 1100 from an external environment during a leisure activity of the user. The detailed structure of the exterior module 1200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 below.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the external module 1200 is mounted in the mobile terminal 1100, a user interface for executing an application related to the external module 1200 in the mobile terminal 1100 is preferentially output. Can be. Therefore, in a situation in which the mobile terminal 1100 interoperating with the external module 1200 is used, for example, in a difficult operation such as leisure activity, the user executes functions related to the external module 1200 more conveniently. You can.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a control method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, first, the controller monitors whether an external module is mounted (S110). Here, the external module is mounted on the mobile terminal means that the connection unit located in the main body of the mobile terminal and the plug located in the housing of the external module are coupled to each other to transmit and receive signals. Signals transmitted and received between the mobile terminal and the external module may include a power signal, a control signal, a wireless signal, and the like.

The controller determines whether the external module is mounted (S120), and if the external module is not mounted as a result of the determination, continuously monitors whether the external module is mounted (S110). On the other hand, when the external module is mounted, the control unit detects identification information of the external module (S130).

Thereafter, the controller generates an execution menu of the application corresponding to the identification information, and the display unit displays this (S140). In addition, the controller may immediately execute an application corresponding to the detected identification information in response to the mounting of the external module, and the display unit may display an execution screen of the application.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change of a control method of a mobile terminal according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, when the lock mode is executed while the external module is mounted, the display unit displays an execution menu of an application corresponding to identification information of the external module on the lock screen (S210). The display may display the execution menu on the lock screen even when the external module is mounted in the lock mode. Here, the lock mode refers to a mode for limiting reception of a touch input applied thereto or a control command according thereto.

Thereafter, the controller determines whether a touch input for the execution menu is detected in the lock mode (S220). As a result of the determination, when the touch input is not detected, the display unit continuously displays the execution menu on the lock screen (S210). On the other hand, if a touch input is detected, the controller releases the lock mode based on the touch input (S230).

Next, the controller executes an application corresponding to the item selected by the touch input in the execution menu (S240).

6 and 7 are conceptual views illustrating an operation example of a mobile terminal to which the control method illustrated in FIG. 5 is applied. 6 and 7, when an external module (not shown) is mounted in a state where a specific screen, for example, a lock screen is displayed, the display unit 1151 may display applications corresponding to the external module. The execution menu 1152 may be displayed on the lock screen.

The execution menu 1152 may include a plurality of items 1152a and 1152b. Different applications may be mapped to the items. For example, a first application for land leisure activity may be mapped to a first item 1152a, and a second application for underwater leisure activity may be mapped to a second item 1152b.

The controller may release the lock mode and execute the first application based on the touch input for the first item. The display 1151 may output the first user interface when the first application is executed, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

The first user interface may provide a function based on location and orientation information, such as a navigation function. For example, the first user interface may be implemented to display on a map the user's and coworkers' current location, route, destination's location, and the like. To this end, the first user interface may be linked to a GPS module for receiving location information, a sensor for generating bearing information, and the like.

In addition, the first user interface may be implemented to display information such as travel time, altitude, azimuth, calorie consumption, and the like. In addition, the first user interface may be implemented to distinguish and display the remaining amount of the main battery provided in the mobile terminal 1100 and the remaining amount of the auxiliary battery provided in the external module. In addition, the first user interface may be implemented to display a button SOS for transmitting an emergency rescue signal to the outside.

The controller may release the lock mode and execute the second application based on the touch input to the second item 1152b. The photographing unit (eg, a camera, see FIG. 1) acquires a real-time image by photographing the outside of the terminal when the second application is executed, and the controller acquires the information processed according to the execution of the second application by the photographing unit. Can be synthesized in the image. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the display 1151 may output a second user interface configured to display an image synthesized by the controller. This means that the second user interface can be implemented to provide Augmented Reality functionality.

The second user interface can provide the same information as the first user interface. In addition, the second user interface may be implemented to display information useful for underwater leisure activities (eg, depth of water, oxygen readings, external brightness, visibility, etc.).

Although not shown in the drawing, when execution of the first or second application is ended and another screen (eg, an execution screen, a lock screen, a home screen, etc. of a third application that does not correspond to an external module) is displayed, the display unit 1151 may display a part of the information displayed on the first or second user interface in a partial area of the other screen.

FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of the exterior module 1200 illustrated in FIG. 3. The external module 1200 includes a plug 1210, a housing 1220, a hinge part 1230, a transparent member 1240, a waterproof member 1250, an auxiliary antenna 1260, an auxiliary battery 1270, and a key button 1280. ), The fixing unit 1290 and the like.

The plug 1210 is connected to a connection of the mobile terminal 1100 (see FIG. 3) to form a communication path between the mobile terminal 1100 and the external module 1200. Plug 1210 may include a number of pins, for example thirty pins. However, the plug 1210 may be variously implemented according to the mobile terminal 1100 on which the external module 1200 is mounted.

The housing 1220 may include first and second housings 1221 and 1222 coupled to each other to accommodate the terminal body to form an inner space. The hinge part 1230 is positioned at one end of the first housing 1221 and one end of the second housing 1222, and may hinge-couple the first and second housings 1221 and 1222 to be rotatable. The first and second housings 1221 and 1222 may be made of metal, carbon fiber, reinforced plastic, or the like to better withstand external impacts.

Protection surfaces (not shown) may be formed on surfaces of the first and second housings 1221 and 1222 to form an inner space, so as to protect the outside of the mobile terminal 1100 that is accommodated. For example, the protection member may be implemented as a pad made of molten material.

First and second uneven parts 1291a and 1291b corresponding to each other may be formed in the first and second housings 1221 and 1222. The first and second uneven parts 1291a and 1291b may be coupled to each other to form a boundary portion between the first and second housings 1221 and 1222. This is to weaken the penetration of foreign matter into the internal space by increasing the area of the boundary portion at the time of joining the first and second housings 1221 and 1222.

At least one of the first and second housings 1221 and 1222 penetrates to expose the display unit 1151 (see FIG. 3) of the mobile terminal 1100 when the external module 1200 is mounted to the mobile terminal 1100. Regions can be formed.

The transparent member 1240 is disposed to cover the through area, and the display unit 1151 may be implemented with a transparent film so that the user's touch can be sensed. In addition, the transparent member may be formed to be waterproof.

The waterproof member 1250 may be formed along an edge of the transparent member 1240 to prevent water from penetrating into the interior between the through area and the transparent member. The waterproof member may be implemented with rubber, gel, silicone, or the like.

The auxiliary antenna 1260 and the auxiliary battery 1270 are electrically connected to the plug 1210. When the plug 1210 and the connection part are connected to each other, that is, when the external module 1200 is mounted on the mobile terminal 1100, the auxiliary antenna 1260 and the auxiliary battery 1270 are respectively connected to the mobile terminal 1100. A function of the main antenna and the main battery provided in the can assist.

The key button 1280 is electrically connected to the plug and may generate an input signal. The input signal generated by the key button 1280 may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 1100 through the plug 1210. The mobile terminal 1100 may perform a preprogrammed control operation in response to an input signal. For example, the mobile terminal 1100 may transmit a radio signal, a distress signal, or the like to the outside through a wireless communication unit in response to an input signal. In addition, the mobile terminal 1100 may control the running application based on the input signal.

The fixing part 1290 is located at at least one end of the housing 1220 and may be formed in a ring shape so that a band, a cradle, and the like can be fixed. In the application example, one end of the band may be fixed to the fixing unit 1290, and the other end of the band may be fixed to a body part, an outer frame, or the like.

As described above, according to the present invention, by mounting an external module 1200 such as an external case having various functions to the mobile terminal 1100, not only the mobile terminal 1100 is protected from the external environment, but also the mobile terminal 1100. ) Hardware or software functionality can be supplemented and extended.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portions A and B shown in FIG. 8. 9, the first and second uneven parts 1291a and 1291b formed in the first and second housings 1221 and 1222 respectively include a plurality of protrusions and recesses, respectively. Protrusions (concave portions) of the first uneven portion 1291a and recesses (protrusions) of the second uneven portion 1291b respectively corresponding to each other may be formed to fit and engage with each other.

First and second uneven parts 1291a and 1291b to prevent foreign substances from entering the inner space of the housing 1220 through a boundary portion formed by coupling the first and second uneven parts 1291a and 1291b to each other. At least one of the sealing members 1292 may be attached. The sealing member 1292 may be implemented similarly to the waterproof member 1250 (see FIG. 8).

The sealing member 1292 is caught between the first and second uneven portions 1291a and 1291b when the first and second housings 1221 and 1222 are coupled to each other. Therefore, by such a structure, the waterproofing and bonding strength of the housing 1220 can be increased.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a modified example of parts A and B illustrated in FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 10, a structure for further increasing the coupling force of the first and second housings 1221 and 1222 is shown.

To this end, a plurality of fastening holes 1293 penetrating through the thickness is formed in the first housing 1221, and a plurality of fastening grooves 1294 are formed at a position corresponding to one-to-one with the fastening holes in the second housing 1221. The first and second housings 1221 and 1222 may be coupled using a fastening member 1295 that is fixed to a fastening groove 1294 formed at a position corresponding to the first and second housings 1221 and 1222. However, this is only one embodiment, and the structure for fastening the first and second housings may be variously modified.

The method according to the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein may be implemented in processor-readable code in a medium in which a program is recorded. Examples of the medium that can be read by the processor include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, etc., and may be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet) .

In the mobile terminal disclosed in this specification, the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments are not limitedly applied, but all or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications can be made.

Claims (21)

Terminal body;
A connection part disposed on the main body and connected to a plug of an external module to form a signal;
A control unit for detecting identification information of the external module and generating an execution menu of an application corresponding to the identification information when the plug and the connection unit are connected; And
A mobile terminal comprising a display for displaying the execution menu. The method of claim 1,
The display unit includes:
And displaying the execution menu on a lock screen when the lock mode is executed while the plug and the connection unit are connected to each other. The method of claim 2,
The control unit,
And when the touch input for the execution menu is detected in the lock mode, canceling the lock mode based on the touch input and executing the application. The method of claim 3, wherein
The display unit includes:
And a user interface for providing a function based on position and orientation information when the application is executed. The method of claim 4, wherein
And the function based on the position and orientation information includes a navigation function. The method of claim 3, wherein
It is located in the main body, and further comprising a photographing unit for capturing the outside of the terminal to obtain a real-time image,
The control unit,
And synthesizing the information processed according to the execution of the application to the obtained real-time image. The method of claim 1,
The wireless terminal further comprises a wireless communication unit for partially restricting transmission and reception of a radio signal when the plug and the connection unit are connected. The method of claim 7, wherein
The wireless communication unit includes a GPS module, a wireless internet module and a short range communication module,
The control unit,
And when the plug and the connection unit are connected, activate the GPS module and deactivate at least one of the wireless Internet module and the short-range communication module. An external module having a plug; And
And a mobile terminal having a connection portion connected to the plug and configured to transmit and receive a signal.
The mobile terminal includes:
And a mobile terminal for detecting identification information of the external module and displaying an execution menu of an application corresponding to the identification information when the external module is mounted. The method of claim 9,
The mobile terminal includes:
A display unit configured to display the execution menu on a lock screen when the lock mode is executed while the plug and the connection unit are connected; And
And a control unit releasing the lock mode based on the touch input and executing the application when a touch input for the execution menu is detected in the lock mode. 11. The method of claim 10,
The mobile terminal includes:
Further comprising a first battery for supplying power to the electronic device provided in the main body,
The external module,
And a second battery connected to the plug and assisting in supplying power to the first battery. 11. The method of claim 10,
The mobile terminal includes:
Further comprising a first antenna connected to the wireless communication unit,
The external module,
And a second antenna connected to the plug and supporting the function of the first antenna. 11. The method of claim 10,
The external module,
A key button connected to the plug and generating an input signal,
The control unit,
And a control operation based on the input signal. The method of claim 13,
The mobile terminal includes:
And a wireless communication unit configured to transmit at least one of a distress signal and a radio signal to the outside in response to the input signal. The method of claim 9,
The external module,
First and second housings coupled to each other to accommodate the terminal body to form an inner space; And
And a hinge portion rotatably coupling the first and second housings. The method of claim 15,
At least one of the first and second housings has a through area formed to expose the display unit. 17. The method of claim 16,
The external module,
And a transparent member disposed to cover the through area. The method of claim 18,
The external module,
And a waterproof member formed along an edge of the transparent member. The method of claim 15,
The first and second housings are formed with first and second uneven portions corresponding to each other,
And the first and second uneven parts are coupled to each other to form a boundary portion of the first and second housings. The method of claim 19,
The external module,
And a sealing member attached to at least one of the first and second uneven portions to prevent foreign matter from flowing through the boundary portion. The method of claim 15,
The external module,
And a ring-shaped fixing part configured to mount a band to at least one of the first and second housings.

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