KR20140028352A - Apparatus for processing multiple applications and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a method for executing a plurality of applications. The method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a launcher execution command related to the control of the applications; providing a user interface screen as an execution screen of a launcher in response to the launcher execution command; receiving a plurality of application control commands for controlling the applications in response to the user interface screen; setting a display method of the applications based on the application control commands; and displaying the applications on a touch screen based on the set display method. [Reference numerals] (AA) Start; (BB) End; (S301) Input a launcher execution command; (S303) Display a UI screen for the control of at least one window; (S305) Input multiple windows control commands; (S307) Display at least one window based on the control command

Description

Apparatus and method for executing multiple applications {APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for executing a plurality of applications, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for efficiently executing a plurality of applications using a user interface implemented by a touch screen. .

The desktop computer has at least one display device (e.g., a monitor). Devices that use a touch screen (eg, cell phones, smartphones or tablet PCs) have one display device.

The user of the desktop computer can use the display screen of the display device according to the working environment (for example, horizontally or vertically divided by working with a plurality of windows open). When the web browser is launched, you can move up or down the web page by using the page up button or the page down button on the keyboard. If you use the mouse instead of the keyboard, you can move the mouse up or down the web page by selecting the scroll bar on the side of the web page with the cursor of the mouse. You can also navigate to the top of the web page by selecting the top button, which is the text or icon at the bottom of the web page.

The device has a smaller screen size compared to the desktop computer, and has limitations on input. The device is difficult to use by splitting the screen.

In addition, various applications may be executed in the device, such as basic applications manufactured by the device manufacturer and installed in the device, and additional applications downloaded through an application sales site of the Internet. The additional applications may be developed by general users and registered at the sales site. Therefore, anyone can freely sell their applications to the user of the device through the application sales site. As a result, tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of applications are currently available for free or for a fee, depending on the product.

 As such, various applications that stimulate consumer's curiosity and satisfy consumer's needs are provided in the device, but since the device is manufactured in a portable size, there are limitations on the size of the display and the user interface (UI). have. Accordingly, there is a inconvenience for a user in executing a plurality of applications in the device. For example, when one application is executed, the device is displayed in the entire display area of the display. In addition, when it is desired to execute another desired application, it is necessary to first terminate the application currently being executed, and then select an execution key for executing the desired application again. That is, in order to execute various applications in the device, it is troublesome to repeat execution and termination processes for each application. In addition, a launcher for controlling the display of a plurality of applications in a manner desired by the user has not been disclosed yet.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for executing a plurality of applications at the same time.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of executing a plurality of applications, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of application control-related launcher execution commands; In response to the launcher execution command, providing a user interface screen which is an execution screen of the launcher; Receiving a plurality of application control commands for controlling the plurality of applications in response to the user interface screen; Setting a display mode of the plurality of applications based on the plurality of application control commands; And displaying the plurality of applications on the touch screen based on the set display method.

Meanwhile, the apparatus for executing a plurality of applications according to another aspect of the present invention receives a plurality of application control-related launcher execution commands, and in response to the launcher execution command, displays a user interface screen which is an execution screen of the launcher. Providing a touch screen; And when the touch screen receives a plurality of application control commands for controlling the plurality of applications in response to the user interface screen, sets the display method of the plurality of applications based on the plurality of application control commands, and displays the set display. And a controller configured to control to display the plurality of applications on a touch screen based on a scheme.

According to the present invention, a plurality of applications can be quickly executed by a simple user interface in the device, and the arrangement of the plurality of applications and the screen size of the respective applications can be efficiently controlled in the touch screen.

In particular, an effect of easily controlling a display method of a plurality of application screens in a manner desired by a user is created.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the contents described in the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to or limited by the exemplary embodiments. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote members performing substantially the same function.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the device 100 may be connected to an external device (not shown) using the mobile communication module 120, the sub communication module 130, and the connector 165. &Quot; External device " includes other devices (not shown), a cell phone (not shown), a smart phone (not shown), a tablet PC (not shown) and a server (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 includes a touch screen 190 and a touch screen controller 195. The apparatus 100 includes a controller 110, a mobile communication module 120, a sub communication module 130, a multimedia module 140, a camera module 150, a GPS module 155, an input / output module 160 A sensor module 170, a storage unit 175, and a power supply unit 180. The sub communication module 130 includes at least one of a wireless LAN module 131 and a local communication module 132. The multimedia module 140 includes a broadcasting communication module 141, an audio reproduction module 142, (143). The camera module 150 includes at least one of a first camera 151 and a second camera 152. The input / output module 160 includes a button 161, a microphone 162, a speaker 163, A motor 164, a connector 165, and a keypad 166.

The control unit 110 stores a ROM or a ROM 112 storing a control program for controlling the apparatus 100 and a signal or data input from the outside of the apparatus 100, And a RAM (RAM) 113 used as a storage area for a work to be performed. The CPU 111 may include a single core, a dual core, a triple core, or a quad core. The CPU 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 may be interconnected via an internal bus.

The control unit 110 includes a mobile communication module 120, a sub communication module 130, a multimedia module 140, a camera module 150, a GPS module 155, an input / output module 160, a sensor module 170, The storage unit 175, the power supply unit 180, the first touch screen 190a, the second touch screen 190b, and the touch screen controller 195, as shown in FIG.

The mobile communication module 120 allows the device 100 to be connected to an external device through mobile communication using at least one or more antennas (not shown) under the control of the controller 110. The mobile communication module 120 may communicate with a mobile phone (not shown), a smartphone (not shown), a tablet PC or other device (not shown) having a phone number input to the device 100, And transmits / receives a radio signal for a text message (SMS) or a multimedia message (MMS).

The sub communication module 130 may include at least one of a wireless LAN module 131 and a local area communication module 132. For example, it may include only the wireless LAN module 131, only the short range communication module 132, or both the wireless LAN module 131 and the short range communication module 132.

The wireless LAN module 131 may be connected to the Internet at a place where a wireless access point (not shown) is installed under the control of the controller 110. [ The wireless LAN module 131 supports the IEEE 802.11x standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The short-range communication module 132 may wirelessly perform short-range communication between the apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus (not shown) under the control of the controller 110. [ The local area communication method may include bluetooth, infrared data association (IrDA), and the like.

The apparatus 100 may include at least one of a mobile communication module 120, a wireless LAN module 131, and a local communication module 132 according to performance. For example, the device 100 may include a combination of a mobile communication module 120, a wireless LAN module 131, and a short range communication module 132 depending on performance.

The multimedia module 140 may include a broadcasting communication module 141, an audio reproducing module 142, or a moving picture reproducing module 143. The broadcast communication module 141 receives a broadcast signal (e.g., a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, or a data broadcast signal) transmitted from a broadcast station through a broadcast communication antenna (not shown) under the control of the controller 110, (E. G., An Electric Program Guide (EPS) or an Electric Service Guide (ESG)). The audio playback module 142 may play back a digital audio file (e.g., a file having a file extension of mp3, wma, ogg, or wav) that is stored or received under the control of the controller 110. [ The moving picture playback module 143 may play back digital moving picture files (e.g., files having file extensions mpeg, mpg, mp4, avi, mov, or mkv) stored or received under the control of the controller 110. [ The moving picture reproducing module 143 can reproduce the digital audio file.

The multimedia module 140 may include an audio play module 142 and a video play module 143 except for the broadcast communication module 141. The audio reproducing module 142 or the moving picture reproducing module 143 of the multimedia module 140 may be included in the controller 100.

The camera module 150 may include at least one of a first camera 151 and a second camera 152 for capturing still images or moving images under the control of the controller 110. [ In addition, the first camera 151 or the second camera 152 may include an auxiliary light source (e.g., a flash (not shown)) for providing the light amount necessary for photographing. The first camera 151 may be disposed on the front side of the apparatus 100 and the second camera 152 may be disposed on the rear side of the apparatus 100. The distance between the first camera 151 and the second camera 152 is larger than 1 cm and smaller than 8 cm) in a manner different from the first camera 151 and the second camera 152 Dimensional still image or a three-dimensional moving image.

The GPS module 155 receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites (not shown) on the earth orbit, and uses the Time of Arrival from the GPS satellites (not shown) to the device 100 The position of the apparatus 100 can be calculated.

The input / output module 160 may include at least one of a plurality of buttons 161, a microphone 162, a speaker 163, a vibration motor 164, a connector 165, and a keypad 166.

Button 161 may be formed on the front, side or rear of the housing of the device 100, the power / lock button (not shown), volume button (not shown), menu button, home button, return It may include at least one of a button (back button) and the search button 161.

The microphone 162 receives a voice or a sound under the control of the controller 110 and generates an electrical signal.

The speaker 163 may transmit various signals (for example, a radio signal, a broadcast signal, a radio signal, a radio signal, a radio signal, a radio signal, and the like) of the mobile communication module 120, the sub communication module 130, the multimedia module 140, or the camera module 150 under the control of the controller 110. [ A digital audio file, a digital moving picture file, a picture photographing, or the like) to the outside of the apparatus 100. The speaker 163 can output sound corresponding to the function performed by the apparatus 100 (e.g., a button operation sound corresponding to a telephone call or a ring back tone). The speaker 163 may be formed at one or a plurality of positions at appropriate positions or positions of the housing of the apparatus 100.

The vibration motor 164 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration under the control of the control unit 110. [ For example, when the device 100 in the vibration mode receives a voice call from another device (not shown), the vibration motor 164 operates. May be formed in the housing of the apparatus 100 in one or more. The vibration motor 164 may operate in response to the user's touching operation on the touch screen 190 and the continuous movement of the touch on the touch screen 190.

The connector 165 may be used as an interface for connecting the apparatus 100 to an external apparatus (not shown) or a power source (not shown). The data stored in the storage unit 175 of the apparatus 100 is transmitted to an external device (not shown) via a wired cable connected to the connector 165 under the control of the controller 110, Lt; / RTI > Power can be input from a power source (not shown) or can be charged to a battery (not shown) through a wired cable connected to the connector 165. [

The keypad 166 may receive key input from a user for control of the device 100. Keypad 166 includes a physical keypad (not shown) formed on device 100 or a virtual keypad (not shown) displayed on touch screen 190. Physical keypads (not shown) formed in the device 100 may be excluded depending on the performance or structure of the device 100.

The sensor module 170 includes at least one sensor for detecting the condition of the device 100. For example, the sensor module 170 may include a proximity sensor that detects whether a user is approaching the device 100, a light intensity sensor (not shown) that detects the amount of light around the device 100, (Not shown) that detects the motion of the device 100 (e.g., the rotation of the device 100, the acceleration or vibration applied to the device 100). At least one of the sensors may detect the state, generate a signal corresponding to the detection, and transmit the signal to the control unit 110. The sensor of the sensor module 170 may be added or deleted depending on the capabilities of the device 100.

The storage unit 175 is connected to the mobile communication module 120, the sub communication module 130, the multimedia module 140, the camera module 150, the GPS module 155, the input / And may store signals or data input / output corresponding to the operation of the touch panel 160, the sensor module 170, and the touch screen 190. The storage unit 175 may store control programs and applications for controlling the apparatus 100 or the control unit 110. [

 The term " storage unit " includes a storage unit 175, a ROM 112 in the control unit 110, a RAM 113, or a memory card (not shown) ). The storage unit may include a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

The power supply unit 180 may supply power to one or a plurality of batteries (not shown) disposed in the housing of the apparatus 100 under the control of the controller 110. One or more batteries (not shown) supply power to the device 100. In addition, the power supply unit 180 can supply power to the apparatus 100 from an external power source (not shown) through a wired cable connected to the connector 165.

The touch screen 190 may provide a user interface corresponding to various services (e.g., call, data transmission, broadcasting, photographing) to the user. The touch screen 190 may transmit an analog signal corresponding to at least one touch input to the user interface to the touch screen controller 195. The touch screen 190 can receive at least one touch through a user's body (e.g., a finger including a thumb) or a touchable input means (e.g., a stylus pen). Also, the touch screen 190 can receive a continuous movement of one touch among at least one touch. The touch screen 190 may transmit an analog signal corresponding to the continuous movement of the input touch to the touch screen controller 195.

In the present invention, the touch is not limited to the contact between the touch screen 190 and the user's body or touchable input means, but may be a non-contact (e.g., between the touch screen 190 and the user's body, 1 mm or less). The distance that can be detected on the touch screen 190 may vary depending on the performance or structure of the device 100.

The touch screen 190 may be implemented by, for example, a resistive method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, or an acoustic wave method.

The touch screen controller 195 converts the received analog signal from the touch screen 190 into a digital signal (e.g., X and Y coordinates) and transmits the converted signal to the controller 110. [ The controller 110 may control the touch screen 190 using the digital signal received from the touch screen controller 195. For example, the control unit 110 may cause a shortcut icon (not shown) displayed on the touch screen 190 to be selected or a shortcut icon (not shown) in response to a touch. Also, the touch screen controller 195 may be included in the control unit 110. [

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

Referring to FIG. 2, a touch screen 190 is disposed at the center of the front surface 100a of the apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. The touch screen 190 is formed to be large enough to occupy most of the front surface 100a of the apparatus 100. [ The first camera 151 and the illumination sensor 170a may be disposed at an edge of the front surface 100a of the device 100. Side 100b of device 100 includes, for example, power / reset button 160a, volume button 161b, speaker 163, terrestrial DMB antenna 141a for broadcast reception, microphone (not shown), connector (Not shown) may be disposed, and a second camera (not shown) may be disposed on the rear surface (not shown) of the apparatus 100.

The touch screen 190 includes a main screen 210 and a bottom bar 220. In FIG. 2, the device 100 and the touch screen 190 are arranged such that the length in each horizontal direction is greater than the length in the vertical direction. In this case, the touch screen 190 is defined as being arranged in the horizontal direction.

The main screen 210 is an area in which one or a plurality of applications are executed. 2 illustrates an example in which a home screen is displayed on the touch screen 190. The home screen is the first screen displayed on the touch screen 190 when the device 100 is turned on. On the home screen, execution keys 212 for executing a plurality of applications stored in the device 100 are displayed arranged in rows and columns. The execution keys 212 may be formed of icons, buttons, text, or the like. When each execution key 212 is touched, an application corresponding to the touched execution key 212 is executed and displayed on the main screen 210.

The bottom bar 220 is elongated in the horizontal direction at the bottom of the touch screen 190 and includes standard function buttons 222 to 228. The home screen moving button 222 displays a home screen on the main screen 210. For example, when the home screen moving key 222 is touched while executing applications on the main screen 210, the home screen illustrated in FIG. 2 is displayed on the main screen 210. The back button 224 displays a screen that was executed immediately before the currently running screen or terminates the most recently used application. The multi view mode button 226 displays the applications on the main screen 210 in a multi view mode according to the present invention. The mode switch button 228 switches and displays a plurality of currently running applications in different modes on the main screen 210. For example, when the mode switch button 228 is touched, a freestyle mode in which the plurality of applications are overlapped with each other in the apparatus 100 and displayed based on the display order, and the plurality of applications The split mode may be switched between split modes that are separately displayed in different areas on the main display screen 220.

In addition, an upper bar (not shown) indicating a state of the device 100 such as a battery charging state, a received signal strength, and a current time may be formed at an upper end of the touch screen 190.

Meanwhile, according to an operating system (OS) of the device 100 or an application executed in the device 100, the bottom bar 220 and the top bar (not shown) may not be displayed on the touch screen 190. Can be. If neither the bottom bar 220 nor the top bar (not shown) is displayed on the touch screen 190, the main screen 210 may be formed in the entire area of the touch screen 190. In addition, the lower bar 220 and the upper bar (not shown) may be superimposed and displayed on the main screen 210.

On the other hand, the multi-applications are programs implemented independently of each other by the device 100 manufacturer or application developer. Accordingly, one application does not require another application to be executed in advance to be executed. Even if one application is terminated, another application can be continuously executed.

As such, since the applications are implemented independently of each other, a multi-functional application in which some functions (memo function, message transmission / reception function) provided by another application are added in one application (for example, a video application). Are distinguished. However, such a multifunctional application is a single new application that has various functions and is different from existing applications. Accordingly, the multi-function application can not provide various functions as in existing applications, and not only provides limited functions, but also has a burden to the user to purchase the new multi-function application separately.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of executing a plurality of applications according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the device may receive a command from the user to execute a plurality of application-related launcher, that is, a launcher execution command (S301). Here, the plural application-related launcher may be a launcher program for controlling the display method of each of the execution screens of the plural applications.

When the launcher execution command is input, the device displays a user interface screen in response thereto (S303). The user interface screen corresponding to the launcher execution command may be an execution screen of the launcher program. The user interface screen may control at least one of an application used to execute a plurality of applications, a display method of the plurality of applications, whether to display a title bar for each application, and a function of displaying a specific application screen at the top. do.

For example, the user interface screen may display titles of applications used to execute a plurality of applications and may be recognized by the user. Alternatively, the user interface screen may add or delete applications used to execute a plurality of applications. Here, the application used to execute the plurality of applications may be an application applied to the set environment.

On the other hand, the user interface screen allows the display method of a plurality of applications to be selected. For example, the user interface screen allows the execution screen of a plurality of applications to be selected from among a split mode, a freestyle mode, or a top display mode. The split mode, the freestyle mode, and the lowest display mode will be described later in more detail.

On the other hand, the user interface screen allows the user to select whether or not to display a title bar for each application. The title bar may be an identifier of an application executed in a window and an area in which an application toolbar is displayed.

As described above, the user interface screen includes at least one of an application used to execute a plurality of applications, a display method of the plurality of applications, whether to display a title bar for each application, and a function of displaying a specific application screen at the top. Take control. Accordingly, the user can set the display configuration of the plurality of applications in a manner desired by the user. That is, the execution environment of the plurality of applications can be integratedly managed by the above-described execution and operation of the launcher. That is, the display environment of the window in which the application is executed may be integratedly managed by the launcher.

The display environment of the plurality of applications may be set by the user in response to the user interface screen, and the device may receive at least one window control command (S305). For example, it is assumed that the window control command is set to designate applications A, B, C, D, and E as applications to be used for executing a plurality of applications, display the plurality of applications in the split mode, and display a title bar.

The device may display at least one window based on the received control command (S307). For example, when the user executes the applications A and B, the device may display the applications A and B in the split mode. In addition, the device may display the title bars of the applications A and B together. Meanwhile, the user may simultaneously designate and execute icons of the applications A and B, simultaneously execute the application B while the application A is being executed, or select and execute a predetermined set of applications simultaneously. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that there are no limitations on the manner in which multiple applications are executed.

As described above, the user can easily control the display of the plurality of applications in a manner desired by the user.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of executing a plurality of applications according to an exemplary embodiment. The device may receive a command for executing a plurality of application-related launcher from the user, that is, a launcher execution command (S401). When the launcher execution command is input, the device displays a user interface screen in response thereto (S405). The user interface screen corresponding to the launcher execution command may be an execution screen of the launcher program.

Meanwhile, the touch screen of the device may receive a plurality of window control commands (S407).

The controller of the apparatus can interpret the control command of the plurality of windows. The controller may determine whether the control command of the plurality of windows displays at least one window in the split mode (S409). As a result of the analysis, when the control command of the plurality of windows is to display at least one window in the split mode, the controller may control to display the plurality of applications by dividing the touch screen (S411). The controller may divide the touch screen into a preset division ratio and control to display each of the plurality of applications in each divided region. A configuration in which the controller divides and displays the touch screen at a preset division ratio will be described later in more detail.

The controller may determine whether the control command of the plurality of windows displays at least one window in the freestyle mode (S413). As a result of the analysis, when the control command of the plurality of windows is to display at least one window in the freestyle mode, the controller may display the at least one application based on each display order (S415). In the freestyle mode, the controller may control to display at least one application overlapping each other. A configuration in which the controller displays at least one application based on each display order will be described later in more detail.

The controller may determine whether the control command of the plurality of windows displays at least one window in the highest display mode (S417). As a result of the analysis, when the control command of the plurality of windows is to display at least one window in the highest display mode, the control unit may display the specific window on the top while displaying at least one application based on each display order (S419). ). In the highest display mode, the controller may control to display at least one application overlapping each other. On the other hand, the controller controls the display order of the specific window designated as the highest display window to the highest level. The controller may control to display a specific window above the other window. A configuration in which the control unit displays a specific window at the top level will be described later in more detail.

5A is an example of a user interface screen corresponding to a launcher execution command according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, Fig. 5A is an example of an execution screen of the launcher program.

The application icons 401 to 410 and the bottom bar 440 are displayed on the touch screen. When the launcher execution is input, the controller displays the user interface screen in an arbitrary size in an arbitrary area on the touch screen. The controller may display the user interface screen to cover the application icons 401 to 410.

The user interface screen displays applications 422 and 423 used to execute a plurality of applications. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the user interface screen may display the application A 422 and the application B 423 as applications used to execute a plurality of applications. Meanwhile, the user interface screen may further display a function key 421 that enables editing of an application used to execute a plurality of applications. The user may designate a function key 421 and add or delete an application used to execute a plurality of applications.

The user interface screen displays a selection key 424, a split mode selection key 425, a freestyle mode selection key 426, and a top display mode selection key 427 that do not perform multiple application display. The user may select one of the plurality of selection keys 424 to 427. The controller may determine the display mode of the plurality of windows by analyzing a selection key designated by the user. For example, when the user designates the freestyle mode selection key 426, the controller may control to display a plurality of applications in the freestyle mode.

On the other hand, the user interface screen may display a title bar selection key 428 to select whether or not to display the title bar. The user may select to display or not display the title bar by touching the title bar selection key 428 and dragging left or right. The controller may adjust the position of the title bar selection key 428 according to the direction selected by the user. For example, when the user touches the title bar selection key 428 and drags it to the left, the controller controls the title bar selection key 428 to be displayed on the left side. In addition, when the user touches the title bar selection key 428 and drags it to the right, the controller controls the title bar selection key 428 to be displayed on the right side. When the title bar selection key 428 is present on the left side, the controller may control to display the title bar. If the title bar selection key 428 is on the right side, the controller may control not to display the title bar.

Meanwhile, the user interface screen may further display a cascade function key 429, a tile function key 430, a cancel function key 431, and a reset function key 432.

The cascade function key 429 is a function key for allowing a plurality of displayed applications to overlap and align with each other in a predetermined size. For example, when the cascade function is executed in the freestyle mode, windows displayed at different sizes and different positions may be displayed to be aligned to overlap each other with the same size.

The tile function key 430 is a function key that allows the plurality of displayed applications to be aligned so as not to overlap each other in a predetermined size. For example, when the tile function is executed in the freestyle mode, windows displayed at different sizes and different positions may be displayed to be aligned so as not to overlap each other with the same size. For example, if four applications are executed, the windows in which the respective applications are executed are set to 1/4 of the screen size and displayed to be arranged in a tile form.

The cancel function key 431 is a function key for canceling the modified contents with respect to the set value of the launcher.

The reset function key 432 is a function key for resetting all setting values controlled by the launcher to a designated initial value.

5B illustrates an example in which two applications 232a and 232b are displayed on the main display screen 210 in a freestyle mode. The first application 232a is executed and displayed in the first window 240 and the second application 232b is executed and displayed in the second window 250. [ In the freestyle mode, the second window 250 is displayed in the lower layer of the first window 240. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the second window 150 may be displayed below the first window 240 at the upper right side of the first window 240. Here, the first application 232a and the second application 232b have respective display ranks. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the first application 232a has a higher display rank than the second application 232b. The control unit controls the first application 232a to display above the second application 232b according to the display order. That is, when the area in which the first application 232a is displayed overlaps with the area in which the second application 232b is displayed, the first application 232a is displayed and the overlapped part of the second application 232b is displayed Control is not performed.

The first window 240 is substantially rectangular with the edges of the top, bottom, left, and right sides, and the first application 232a is executed in the first window 240. A title bar 242 may be formed at an upper end of the first window 240 and a task display bar 244 may be formed at a lower end of the first window 240. The title bar 242 displays a title (e.g., a web browser) of the first application 232a executed in the first window 240. [ The title bar 242 includes a basic size button 242a, a minimize button 242b, a maximize button 242c and a button 242d for terminating the first window 240, ) May be formed in this order. The task bar 244 may display the execution state of the first application 232a. However, the title bar 242 and the task bar 244 may be omitted according to a plurality of window control commands.

The second window 250 is substantially rectangular with edges at the upper, lower, left, and right sides, and the second application 232b is executed in the second window 250. A title bar 252 may be formed on an upper end of the second window 250 and a task display bar 254 may be formed on a lower end of the second window 250. The title bar 252 displays the title (e.g., message) of the second application 232b executed in the second window 250. [ The title bar 252 includes a basic size button 252a, a minimize button 252b, a maximize button 252c and a button 252d for terminating the second window 250, ) May be formed in this order. The task bar 254 may display the execution state of the second application 232b. However, the title bar 252 and the task bar 254 may be omitted.

Each window 240, 250 displays a number of objects associated with each of the applications 232a, 232b. The object may have various shapes such as text, graphics, icons, buttons, check boxes, photographs, moving pictures, webs, maps, and the like. When the user touches the object, the object can be performed in an application corresponding to a predetermined function or event. The object may be referred to as a view depending on the operating system.

5C illustrates an example in which two applications 232a and 232b are displayed on the main display screen 210 in the split mode. When the user selects the split mode, the control unit 110 may simultaneously display the applications 232a and 232b in the split mode on the main screen 210. [

In the split mode, the first window 240 and the second window 250 can be displayed on the main screen 210 without overlapping each other. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, when the main screen 210 is divided into two parts, the first window 240 is displayed in the left half of the main screen 210, and the second window 250 is displayed in the main window 210. The right half of the screen 210 may be displayed. The first window 240 and the second window 250 share a common boundary line 270 and are arranged adjacent to each other, but are not overlapped with each other. The common boundary line 270 is positioned between the first window 240 and the second window 250.

As described above, the device may display the plurality of applications in the freestyle mode or the split mode based on the received plurality of window control commands. On the other hand, the highest display mode will be described later in more detail.

6A and 6B illustrate screens for executing a plurality of applications, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

6A illustrates an example in which a plurality of applications are executed in an overlapping mode on a main screen 210, a web browser application is executed in a first window 240, and a message application is executed in a second window 250. 6B illustrates an example in which the first window 240 and the second window 250 are displayed in the split mode on the main screen 210.

6A and 6B, the user searches for a desired restaurant through a web browser application running in the first window 240 on one touch screen 190 while simultaneously searching for a second window 250. Through a message application running in the) can be promised to have dinner with friends in the searched restaurant. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a user may search for information on the Internet by touching objects on the first window 240. In addition, the user may have a conversation with a friend Martin through a message service by touching the objects on the second window 250.

6C illustrates an example in which three applications 235a, 235b, and 235c are displayed on the main display screen 210 in the split mode. The controller 110 may simultaneously execute three or more of the plurality of applications 235a, 235b, and 235c and display the split mode on the main screen 210.

In the split mode, the first window 240, the second window 250, and the third window 260 may be displayed on the main screen 210 so as not to overlap each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, in a state where the main screen 210 is divided into three regions, the first window 240 is displayed in the left half of the main screen 210 and the second window is displayed. The 250 may be displayed on the upper right side of the main screen 210, and the third window 260 may be displayed on the lower right side. The first window 240 shares the common boundary line 270 with the second window 250 and the third window 260 and is arranged not to overlap each other. The common boundary line 272 is shared with the second window 250 and the third window 260 and is arranged not to overlap each other.

7A to 7G are conceptual diagrams for describing the freestyle mode in more detail.

7A is a window display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the display apparatus 300 includes a touch screen 310. A plurality of windows 311 and 312 are displayed on the touch screen 310. In addition, a lower bar 320 is displayed on the lower side of the touch screen 310.

The window may be an area including a title bar and a control area for an execution screen of a specific application and an application to be executed. On the execution screen of the application, objects related to the application can be displayed. The object can be formed in various shapes such as text, graphic, icon, button, check box, photograph, video, web, map and the like. When a user touches an object, the object can be performed in an application corresponding to a predetermined function or event. The object may be referred to as a view depending on the operating system. The title bar may be an identifier of an application executed in a window and an area in which an application toolbar is displayed. In addition, the control area may be an area for controlling display and termination of the window. For example, the control area may include a window display minimization button, a window display maximize button, and a window exit button.

On the other hand, the control unit 110 controls the plurality of windows 311 and 312 to be partially overlapped and displayed. The control unit 110 can set display ranks for the plurality of windows 311 and 312, respectively. For example, the controller 110 may set a first display order for the window 311 and a second display order for the window 312. [ Accordingly, the control unit 110 displays the window 311 having a relatively high display order so as to cover the window 312. Of the areas of the window 312 having the relatively low display rank, portions overlapping the window 311 having a relatively high display rank are not displayed.

The control unit 110 can set the highest display order to the window in which the control event is most recently inputted. For example, when the user touches the window 311, the control unit 110 sets the highest display order to the window 311. [

7B is a conceptual diagram for explaining a framework according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7B, in framework 270, activity manager 291, window manager 292, and view system 294 may be compatible with multi-window framework 400.

The multi-window framework 400 includes a multi-window manager 410 and a multi-window service 420.

The activity manager 291, the window manager 292, and the view system 294 may perform an API (Application Program Interface) call for the multi-window.

The multi-window manager 410 provides the functions of the multi-window service 420 to the user in API form, and the Manager / Service structure can operate based on IPC.

The multi-window service 420 tracks a lifecycle of applications executed in the multi-window and manages the state of the size and location of each application.

The called API can manage the size, location, and visibility of each application.

As described above, the framework according to the present invention can be performed by providing an independent multi-window framework and calling an API.

In addition, the application layer 260 may directly call the API from the multi-window manager 410 (404). That is, the user can use the API provided from the multi-window manager 410 even when developing a new application.

As described above, the present invention adopts the multi-window framework 400 and can display two or more applications at the same time.

7C is a screen for explaining display rank change.

In FIG. 7C, user 1 touches window 312. The control unit 110 sets the highest display order in the window 312 in which the control event is most recently inputted. In addition, the control unit 110 sets a next highest ranking for the window 311 of the existing highest ranking. That is, the control unit 110 decreases the display order of the window 311 by one level.

7D is a screen displaying a window in which the display order is changed.

As shown in FIG. 7D, the window 312, which is the highest display order, may be displayed while covering the window 311. The portion of the window 311 having the relatively low display order and the portion overlapping the window 312 having the relatively high display order are not displayed.

7E is a conceptual diagram of a task stack. The task stack can be set to a higher priority for the application in which the control event was most recently entered. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the album (ALBUM) application 352 has a higher task ranking than the note application 351. On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 3D, the note application 351 has a higher task ranking than the album application 352. [

7F is a conceptual diagram of a display stack. Like the task stack, the display stack can be set to a higher priority for the application that has most recently entered control events. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the ALBUM application 352 has a higher display rank than the note application 351. On the other hand, in the embodiment of Fig. 3D, the note application 351 has a higher display rank than the album application 352. [

That is, the control unit 110 may set the task stack and the display stack to be the same.

7G is a conceptual diagram of a display stack when a new application is executed.

In FIG. 7G, it is assumed that the A to D applications 371 to 374 are executed. On the other hand, the user can input the top display command to the A application 371 and the B application 372. [ On the other hand, the user can newly execute the New application 375. [ The control unit 110 preferentially sets the highest display order in the New application 375. [ In addition, the control unit 110 can adjust the display order of the New application 375 to the next higher level of the A and B applications 371 and 372 receiving the highest display command. The control unit 110 adjusts the display order of the New application 375 to be higher than that of the other applications 373 and 374. [ As described above, the control unit 110 can control the applications A and B that received the top-level display command to have the highest display order even if the last selected new application is executed by the user. The top position of the display stack may be the most recently executed application or the most recently selected top display application.

8A through 8E are screens of the display apparatus for explaining the highest display mode. When the control command of the plurality of windows is the highest display mode, the controller controls to display a specific window above the other windows.

In FIG. 8A, the display apparatus 500 displays a first window 520, a second window 530, and a third window 540 on the touch screen 510. Meanwhile, a bottom bar 550 may be displayed at the bottom of the touch screen 510.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the first window 520 includes a control region 521. The control area 521 includes a top display command button 522, a minimize button 523, a maximize button 524, and an end button 525. The user may touch the top display command button 522, and the controller 110 recognizes that the top display command is input to the corresponding window. The controller 110 sets the display rank of the highest level in the first window 520 and fixes the display rank. Meanwhile, a second display rank may be set in the second window 530, and a third display rank may be set in the third window 540. When the top display mode is selected in the plurality of window control commands, the controller 110 may control the top display command button 522 to be displayed.

In FIG. 8B, the user 1 may input a touch 590 control event into the second window 530. The controller 110 sets the first task rank in the second window 530. The controller 110 fixes the display rank of the first window 520 to the first display rank and sets the display rank of the second window 530 to the second display rank. That is, the controller 110 sets the next higher order display order in the second window 530.

Accordingly, the controller 110 displays the first window 520 to cover the second window 530 as shown in FIG. 6C. Meanwhile, an application executed in the second window 530 may be executed.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, the user 1 may input a touch 590 control event to the third window 540. The controller 110 sets the first task rank in the third window 540. The controller 110 fixes the display rank of the first window 520 to the first display rank and sets the display rank of the third window 540 to the second display rank. That is, the controller 110 sets the next higher order display order in the third window 540. In addition, the controller 110 sets the third display order in the second window 530.

Accordingly, the controller 110 displays the first window 520 to cover the second window 530 and the third window 540 as shown in FIG. 8E. In addition, the controller 110 displays the third window 540 to cover the second window 530. Meanwhile, an application executed in the third window 540 may be executed.

As described above, the controller 110 may control to display the uppermost display window above the other windows. In addition, the user may easily set the multiple window display method in a manner desired by the user, such as a split mode, a freestyle mode, or a top display mode, by manipulating the user interface screen.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Such arbitrary software may be stored in a memory such as, for example, a volatile or non-volatile storage device such as a storage device such as ROM or the like, or a memory such as a RAM, a memory chip, a device or an integrated circuit, , Or a storage medium readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), such as a CD, a DVD, a magnetic disk, or a magnetic tape, as well as being optically or magnetically recordable. The graphic screen update method of the present invention can be implemented by a computer or a mobile terminal including a control unit and a memory, and the memory is a machine suitable for storing programs or programs including instructions embodying the embodiments of the present invention It is an example of a storage medium that can be read. Accordingly, the invention includes a program comprising code for implementing the apparatus or method as claimed in any of the claims herein, and a storage medium readable by a machine (such as a computer) for storing such a program. In addition, such a program may be electronically transported through any medium such as a communication signal transmitted via a wired or wireless connection, and the present invention appropriately includes the same.

In addition, the apparatus can receive and store the program from a program providing apparatus connected by wire or wireless. The program providing apparatus includes a memory for storing a program including instructions for causing the graphic processing apparatus to perform a predetermined content protection method, information necessary for the content protection method, and the like, and a wired or wireless communication with the graphic processing apparatus And a control unit for transmitting the program to the transceiver upon request or automatically by the graphic processing apparatus.

Claims (24)

In a method of executing a plurality of applications,
Receiving a plurality of application control related launcher execution commands;
In response to the launcher execution command, providing a user interface screen which is an execution screen of the launcher;
Receiving a plurality of application control commands for controlling the plurality of applications in response to the user interface screen;
Setting a display mode of the plurality of applications based on the plurality of application control commands; And
Displaying the plurality of applications on a touch screen based on the set display method. The method of claim 1,
And the user interface screen is configured to select whether to display the plurality of applications in a split mode, a freestyle mode, or a top display mode. 3. The method of claim 2,
The displaying of the plurality of applications on the touch screen may include:
And when the plurality of application control commands select the split mode, displaying the plurality of windows on which each of the plurality of applications is executed on the touch screen so that they do not overlap each other. The method of claim 3, wherein
The displaying of the plurality of applications on the touch screen may include:
When the plurality of applications is two, a window on which one application is executed is displayed on the left half of the touch screen, and a window on which the other application is executed is displayed on the right half of the touch screen. How to run multiple applications. 3. The method of claim 2,
The displaying of the plurality of applications on the touch screen may include:
When the plurality of application control commands are to select the freestyle mode, a plurality of applications characterized in that the plurality of windows on which each of the plurality of applications is executed are displayed on the touch screen based on the display order of each of the plurality of applications. How to run. The method of claim 5, wherein
The displaying of the plurality of applications on the touch screen may include:
And when the plurality of windows partially overlap, displaying the plurality of windows based on a display order of each of the plurality of windows. The method according to claim 6,
The displaying of the plurality of applications on the touch screen may include:
And displaying a window having a high display rank so as to cover a window having a low display rank. 3. The method of claim 2,
In the case where the plurality of application control commands select the highest display mode,
The displaying of the plurality of applications on the touch screen may include:
Displaying a plurality of windows on which the plurality of applications are executed on the touch screen based on respective display ranks;
Receiving a highest display command in one of the plurality of windows;
Fixing the display order of the highest display window to which the highest display command is received; And
Displaying the topmost display window above the remaining windows. The method of claim 8,
Detecting that a control event is input to a window different from the highest display window; And
And displaying the topmost display window above the window into which the control event is input. The method of claim 9,
And setting the display rank of the window in which the control event is input to the next rank of the highest level. The method of claim 1,
And the user interface screen selects whether to display a title bar displaying an identifier of each application and an application tool bar in a window in which each of the plurality of applications is executed. The method of claim 11,
If the plurality of application control commands cause the title bar to be displayed, controlling to display the title bar together in each of the plurality of windows in displaying the plurality of applications on the touch screen, and the plurality of application control commands control the title bar. If it is not to display, in the step of displaying the plurality of applications on the touch screen, the method of executing a plurality of applications, characterized in that not to display the title bar in each of the plurality of windows. In a device that executes a plurality of applications,
A touch screen that receives a plurality of application control-related launcher execution commands and provides a user interface screen which is an execution screen of the launcher in response to the launcher execution command; And
When the touch screen receives a plurality of application control commands for controlling the plurality of applications in response to the user interface screen, a display method of the plurality of applications is set based on the plurality of application control commands, and the set display method. And a controller configured to control the display to display the plurality of applications on the touch screen. 14. The method of claim 13,
And the user interface screen selects whether to display the plurality of applications in a split mode, a freestyle mode, or a top display mode. 15. The method of claim 14,
The control unit, if the plurality of application control commands to select the split mode, characterized in that the control to display on the touch screen so that the plurality of windows each of the plurality of applications are executed do not overlap each other. The method of claim 15,
When the plurality of applications is two, the controller displays a window in which one application is executed on the left half of the touch screen, and displays a window in which the other application is executed on the right half of the touch screen. Controlling the device. 15. The method of claim 14,
When the plurality of application control commands select the freestyle mode, the controller controls the plurality of windows on which the plurality of applications are executed to be displayed on the touch screen based on their display order. Characterized in that the device. The method of claim 17,
The controller may control to display the plurality of windows based on a display order of each of the plurality of windows when the plurality of windows partially overlap. 19. The method of claim 18,
And the control unit controls to display a window having a high display rank so as to cover a window having a low display rank. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the case where the plurality of application control commands select the highest display mode,
The touch screen displays a plurality of windows on which the plurality of applications are executed, based on their display order, inputs a highest display command to one of the plurality of windows,
And the controller is configured to fix the display order of the highest display window received the highest display command to the highest display and to display the highest display window above the remaining windows. 21. The method of claim 20,
And when it is detected that a control event is input to a window different from the top display window on the touch screen, the controller controls the top display window to be displayed above the window on which the control event is input. 22. The method of claim 21,
The control unit is characterized in that for setting the display rank of the window in which the control event is input to the next highest rank. 14. The method of claim 13,
And the user interface screen selects whether to display a title bar displaying an identifier and an application tool bar of each application in a window in which each of the plurality of applications is executed. 24. The method of claim 23,
If the plurality of application control commands cause the title bar to be displayed, the control unit controls to display title bars together in each of the plurality of windows in the displaying of the plurality of applications on a touch screen, and the plurality of application control commands. And if the title bar is not to be displayed, controlling not to display the title bar in each of the plurality of windows in the displaying of the plurality of applications on the touch screen.

Images