KR20140071132A

KR20140071132A - Mobile terminal and control method for the mobile terminal

Info

Publication number: KR20140071132A
Application number: KR1020120139134A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 김상원; 정준; 최윤순
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2012-12-03
Filing date: 2012-12-03
Publication date: 2014-06-11
Also published as: KR101966320B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of data communication and a control method thereof. A mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a user input unit for selecting an object of a call, a wireless communication unit for performing data communication with an external device corresponding to an object of the call, And a control unit for outputting information related to a communication availability state with the external device, based on a check unit for checking whether the device is in a callable state and a result of the check.

Description

[0001] MOBILE TERMINAL AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE MOBILE TERMINAL [0002]

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of data communication and a control method thereof

The terminal is movable And may be divided into a mobile / portable terminal and a stationary terminal depending on whether the mobile terminal is a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal can be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mount terminal according to whether the user can directly carry the mobile terminal.

As the functions of the terminal are diversified, the terminal is implemented in the form of a multimedia device having a combination of functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, reception of a game and broadcasting, have. 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 addition, in the mobile terminal, it is possible to perform wireless communication with an external device using data of LTE (Long Term Evolution) or VoLTE (Long Term Evolution) or voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) long term evolution) data.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal and a control method thereof capable of providing information related to a talkable state to a party of a call using data communication.

A mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a user input unit for selecting an object of a call, a wireless communication unit for performing data communication with an external device corresponding to an object of the call, And a control unit for outputting information related to a communication availability state with the external device, based on a check unit for checking whether the device is in a callable state and a result of the check.

In one embodiment, the control unit outputs a graphic object to the display unit to provide information related to a callable state with the external device.

In one embodiment, when the external device is in a call-enabled state, the graphic object is output to the uppermost end in priority to other screen information output to the display unit.

In one embodiment, the controller controls the wireless communication unit to perform a communication with the external device through data communication when the graphic object is selected.

In one embodiment, the graphical object is displayed on an idle screen, and the visual appearance is changed according to the state of the external device. The state of the external device is a state in which communication is possible, And a state in which the number information can not be identified.

In one embodiment, when the external device is in a callable state, the control unit outputs a function icon for connecting a call with the external device together with a notification sound, and when the function icon is selected, And controls the wireless communication unit to perform a communication with the external device through the wireless communication unit.

In one embodiment, a call log or a phone book list including a contact item to be a call target is output on the display unit, and the control unit displays, And outputs the graphic object indicating information related to the callable state and controls the display unit such that the visual appearance of the graphic object is different according to whether the external device is in a callable state.

In one embodiment, the checking unit checks a state of being able to communicate with the external device at a predetermined time interval when the checking unit is not in a state in which the external device can communicate with the external device.

In one embodiment, the control unit may acquire positional information of the external device based on data transmitted or received through data communication with the external device, and if the external device is located outside a preset area, And when it is located within the area, the notification information indicating that the communication with the external device is possible is output using at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile methods.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit performs data communication with an external device corresponding to an object of the call using data of LTE (Long Term Evolution) or VoLTE (voice over long term evolution) method.

The mobile terminal and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention can check whether an external device corresponding to an object of a call is available by using data, and inform the user of the result of the check. Accordingly, even if the user does not make a call to the external device continuously until the call with the external device is successfully performed, the user can be provided with information on the external device when the external device can talk, It is possible to save the time consumed to perform the call connection with the mobile terminal.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A and 2B are perspective views of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of storing additional information in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the control method of FIG. 3. FIG.
5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams for explaining how to check a talkable state in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for providing information related to a talkable state in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams for explaining a method of providing information related to a talkable state in a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for updating contact information in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be blurred. In addition, it should be noted that the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical idea disclosed in the present specification by the attached drawings.

The mobile terminal described in this specification includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, a slate PC, , Tablet PC, Ultra Book, and so on. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art 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 the configuration is applicable only to a mobile terminal.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

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

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for enabling wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and the network in which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may refer to a server for generating and transmitting broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information, or a server for receiving broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information generated by the broadcast management server and transmitting the generated broadcast signals and / or broadcast related information. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast-related information may refer to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or information related to a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast-related information may exist in various forms. For example, an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) of DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) or an ESG (Electronic Service Guide) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

For example, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), a Media Forward Link Only And a Digital Broadcasting System (ISDB-T) (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be adapted to other broadcasting systems as well as the digital broadcasting system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 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. The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The mobile communication module 112 is configured to implement a video communication mode and a voice communication mode. The video call mode refers to a state of talking while viewing a video of the other party, and the voice call mode refers to a state in which a call is made without viewing the other party's video. In order to implement the video communication mode and the voice communication mode, the mobile communication module 112 is configured to transmit and receive at least one of voice and image.

The wireless Internet module 113 is a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built in or externally attached to the mobile terminal 100. WLAN (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and the like can be used as wireless Internet technologies.

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

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

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

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

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal through a microphone in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and processes it as electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output. Various noise reduction algorithms may be implemented in the microphone 122 to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

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

The sensing unit 140 senses the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of user contact, the orientation of the mobile terminal, And generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it is possible to sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. It is also possible to 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 output unit 150 may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154, for example, for generating output related to visual, auditory, have.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in the call mode, a UI (User Interface) or a GUI (Graphic User Interface) associated with a call is displayed. When the mobile terminal 100 is in the video communication mode or the photographing mode, the photographed and / or received video or UI and GUI are displayed.

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.

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

There may be two or more display units 151 according to the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. For example, in the mobile terminal 100, a plurality of display portions may be spaced apart from one another, or may be disposed integrally with one another, and may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

(Hereinafter, referred to as a 'touch screen') in which a display unit 151 and a sensor for sensing a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as 'touch sensor') form a mutual layer structure, It can also be used as an input device. The touch sensor may have the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.

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

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

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

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

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the act of recognizing that the pointer is positioned on the touch screen while the pointer is not in contact with the touch screen is referred to as "proximity touch & The act of actually touching the pointer on the screen is called "contact touch. &Quot; The position where the pointer is proximately touched on the touch screen means a position where the pointer is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the pointer is touched.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). Information corresponding to the detected proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern may be output on the touch screen.

The audio 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 mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output module 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. [ The audio 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 that occur in the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, touch input, and the like. The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than the video signal or the audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal may be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152 so that they may be classified as a part of the alarm unit 153.

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

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 154 may include a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a spraying force or suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, a touch on the skin surface, contact with an electrode, And various tactile effects such as an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using an endothermic or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 154 can be implemented not only to transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact but also to allow the user to feel the tactile effect through the muscular sensation of the finger or 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 / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 160 may store data on vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read- A disk, and / or an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or supplies power to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or transmits data to the external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

The identification module is a chip 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 a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the port.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 170 may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or various commands A signal may be a path through which the signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal. The various command signals or the power source input from the cradle may be operated as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, 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. [

In addition, the control unit 180 may perform a pattern recognition process for recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively.

In addition, if the state of the mobile terminal meets a set condition, the controller 180 can execute a lock state for restricting input of a control command of the user to the applications. Also, the controller 180 can control the lock screen displayed in the locked state based on the touch input sensed through the display unit (hereinafter, referred to as 'touch screen') 151 in the locked state.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components.

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

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays , Microprocessors, microprocessors, microprocessors, and other electronic units for carrying out other functions. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the controller 180 itself.

According to a software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented with separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein.

The software code may be implemented in a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code is stored in the memory 160 and can be executed by the control unit 180. [

Hereinafter, a structure of a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal in which components of the mobile terminal or the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 are arranged will be described.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a mobile terminal or a mobile terminal according to the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

The disclosed mobile terminal 100 includes a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal body 100 (hereinafter, referred to as 'body') has a front surface, a side surface, and a rear surface. Further, the body has both ends formed along the longitudinal direction.

The body 100 includes a case (a casing, a housing, a cover, and the like) that forms an appearance. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front surface (hereinafter referred to as a 'front case') 101 and a rear surface (hereinafter referred to as a 'rear case'). 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 a synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti) or the like.

The terminal body 100 mainly includes a display unit 151, an audio output unit 152, a camera 121, user input units 130/131 and 132, a microphone 122, an interface 170, .

The display unit 151 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 101. A sound output unit 152 and a camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151 and a user input unit 131 and a microphone 122 are disposed in an area adjacent to the other end. The user input unit 131 and the interface 170 may be disposed on the side surfaces of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. On the other hand, the microphone 122 is disposed at the other end of the body 100.

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal, and may include a plurality of operation units 131 and 132. The operation units 131 and 132 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion and may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates in a tactile manner.

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

Referring to FIG. 2B, the rear surface of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 102, may further include an acoustic output unit 152 '. The sound output unit 152 'may implement the stereo function together with the sound output unit 152 (see FIG. 2A), and may be used for the implementation of the speakerphone mode during a call.

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 terminal body or may be detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The rear case 102 may further include a touch pad 135 for sensing a touch. The touch pad 135 may also be of a light transmission type like the display unit 151. [ In this case, if the display unit 151 is configured to output time information on both sides, the time information can be recognized through the touch pad 135 as well. The information output on both sides may be all controlled by the touch pad 135. [ Alternatively, a display may be additionally mounted on the touch pad 135, and a touch screen may be disposed on the rear case 102 as well.

In addition, a camera 121 'may be additionally mounted on the rear case 102 of the terminal body. The camera 121 may be a camera having a different image from the camera 121, having a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 121 (see FIG. 2A) mounted on the front case of the camera 121 '.

For example, the camera 121 may have a low pixel so that the face of the user can be photographed and transmitted to the other party in case of a video call or the like, and the camera 121 ' It can be made to have a high number of pixels. The camera 121 'may be installed in the terminal body 100 to be rotatable or pop-upable.

A flash 123 and a mirror 124 are additionally disposed adjacent to the camera 121 '. The flash 123 illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera 121 '. The mirror allows the user to illuminate the user's own face or the like in the case where the user intends to photograph (self-photograph) himself / herself using the camera 121 '.

An acoustic output unit 252 'may be further disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The sound output unit 252 'may implement the stereo function together with the sound output unit 252 (see FIG. 2A), and may be used for the implementation of the speakerphone mode in a call.

The touch pad 135 operates in correlation with the display portion 151 of the front case 101. [ The touch pad 135 may be disposed 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.

In addition, it is possible to perform data communication using a 4G (4G) mobile communication standard in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, which can include at least one of the above-mentioned components. The mobile terminal can perform data communication using data of a long term evolution (LTE) or voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) scheme. Such data communication using the LTE or VoLTE scheme can transmit a large amount of data using a wide bandwidth. As described above, in a mobile terminal that performs data communication through the fourth generation mobile communication standard, voice call and text transmission can be performed using LTE or VoLTE data.

That is, the voice call can be understood as a concept using long term evolution (LTE) data or voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) data. In this mobile terminal, the long term evolution (LTE) Evolutionary data can be used to provide additional functionality related to voice calls.

Hereinafter, a method for providing a call related function using LTE (Long Term Evolution) or VoLTE (voice over long term evolution) data will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of storing additional information in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a control method of FIG.

In the mobile terminal and the control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention, before transmitting a call to an external device corresponding to an object of a call, the external device corresponding to the object of the call uses a data . &Lt; / RTI >

For example, the control unit 180 can obtain information related to a callable state of an external device corresponding to an object of a call using long term evolution (LTE) data or voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) data.

To this end, in the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention, a step of selecting a call object is performed (S310).

Here, the object of the call is the identification information of the external device capable of responding to the originated call when the call is made via the wireless communication unit 110, more specifically, the telephone number, the account information, the e-mail address, In addition, it may be various kinds of information capable of identifying an external device.

Meanwhile, the object of the call can be selected through various methods. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the contact items included in the address book (or the phone book) can be selected.

The object of such a call may be selected or set through a telephone number directly input by the user as shown in (a) of FIG. 5A, or may be selected or set as a call record may be selected from the call log entries included in the history. The object of the call may be selected from among the contact information stored in the external memory (not shown) as well as the memory 160 built in the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, Shown in Fig. 1). That is, the user can arbitrarily select an object of communication in various routes.

Meanwhile, in the mobile terminal and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to select a plurality of communication objects, and the selection of the plurality of communication objects may be performed simultaneously or at a non-continuous time .

In step S310, when the communication target is selected, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110 to request information related to the communication availability of the external device (S320).

Here, the wireless communication unit 110 may request information related to the callable state of the external device through direct data communication with the external device, or may be connected to an external server (not shown) for relaying the external device and the mobile terminal according to the present invention ) Through the data communication with the external device.

The wireless communication unit 110 may request information related to the callable state of the external device to the external device or the external server using long term evolution (LTE) data or voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) data.

After the wireless communication unit 110 requests the external device or the external server for information related to the communication availability of the external device, the step of checking whether the external device is in a callable state is performed (step < RTI ID = 0.0 > S330).

That is, in the mobile terminal according to the present invention, after the information related to the callable state of the external device is requested to the external device or the external server from the external device or the external server, When the related data is received, it is possible to check whether the external device is in a callable state based on the received data. Thus, the check unit 183 can check whether the external device is in a callable state based on data communication between the wireless communication unit 110 and the external device or between the wireless communication unit 110 and the external server.

The information related to the callable state that can be checked by the check unit 182 may be information related to a callable state, a busy state, a power off state, a number change state, a call disabling state, and the like.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the external device is in an unavailable state, the controller 180 may check the status of the external device in real time or at a predetermined time interval until the status of the external device is confirmed as being available The check unit 182 can be controlled.

If it is checked whether or not the external device is in the communication availability state, the step of outputting information related to the communication availability state with the external device is performed based on the check result (S340). Here, the information related to the talkable state can be output using at least one of a visual, auditory or tactile method.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the status check request icon 411 included in the item 410 corresponding to "Susan" among the items included in the telephone directory is selected, The mobile terminal 110 requests information related to the callable state of the external device to the external device or the external server using long term evolution (LTE) data or voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) data. Then, when information on the call related state is received in response to the request, the check unit 182 checks as shown in FIG. 4 (b). When the external device corresponding to the "Susan" contact is checked for availability, the control unit 180 uses the graphic object 412 as shown in Fig. 4 (c) Can be output.

Here, the information related to the available state is set so that the object of the call corresponds to the selected position (e.g., the item corresponding to "Susan" included in the telephone directory), as shown in Fig. 4C The graphic object 412 may be output. The screen-related information related to the callable state is not output to the display unit 151 in association with the position where the object of the call is selected (for example, the item corresponding to "Susan" included in the telephone directory) It is possible to output it to an arbitrary position on the display unit 151. [

If the external device corresponding to the communication target is in a callable state as a result of the check, the control unit 180 gives priority to the screen information output to the display unit 151 as visual information indicating that the external device is in a callable state Icon or pop-up window) on the top of the display unit 151. [

Meanwhile, the appearance of the graphic object may be different according to the availability of the external device. For example, the visual appearance of the graphic object may vary depending on whether the external device is capable of making a call, impossibility, power off, or the like.

4 (c), when the graphic object 412 is selected, the controller 180 controls the wireless communication unit 110 to perform a direct communication with the external device, Can be controlled. In this case, the wireless communication unit 110 performs a call with the external device using long term evolution (LTE) data or voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) data, Can be performed.

As described above, in the mobile terminal and the control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention, the call availability state is checked in advance with respect to the other party of the call before performing the call, The time required can be saved.

Hereinafter, a method of setting a call availability check function to check a call availability state will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams for explaining how to check a talkable state in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, a method of selecting an object of a call using the telephone book and checking whether or not the object of the selected call is available for communication is described.

As another example, in the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention, the object of the call may be selected through the identification information of an external device, such as a telephone number directly input by the user, as shown in (a) Or may be set. The control unit 180 can output the function icon 511 for checking the callable state of the external device together with the screen information for inputting the identification information such as the telephone number of the external device. When the function icon 511 is selected by the user, as shown together with FIG. 3, the availability status of the external device corresponding to the input identification information is checked, and as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, it is possible to output status information of an external device such as "talkable" 512 or "power off" 513,

Further, as another example, at least one of the call log entries included in the call history may be selected as an object of a call, as shown in FIG. 5B (a). The control unit 180 can output a function icon 521 for setting a call availability check function on each call record item on the screen 520 on which the call record is output. When the output function icon 521 is selected, the controller 180 determines that the external device corresponding to the call record item associated with the selected function icon 521 has been selected as the communication target, The wireless communication unit 110 and the check unit 182 can be controlled so that the status is checked.

5B, the controller 180 may output the checked information on the display unit 151 using the graphic image 513, as shown in FIG. 5B (b) .

Hereinafter, a method for providing information related to a callable state will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for providing information related to a talkable state in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

For example, in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a communication partner for checking the communication availability state is selected, the controller 180 may include a separate icon (Or widget). Such icons 611a and 611b may be output on the idle screen 610 as shown in Figs. 6A and 6B. The control unit 180 can output callable status information on the call destination through the icons 611a and 611b.

And, although not shown, the controller 180 may provide a function of transmitting a telephone call or transmitting a text message to an external device corresponding to the call destination when the icons 611a and 611b are selected .

In addition, the icons 611a and 611b may be changed in position or deleted on the idle screen according to the user's selection.

As another example, in the mobile terminal according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the control unit 180 determines that the external party corresponding to the communication target is in a callable state (Icon or popup window) indicating that the external device is in a callable state by overlapping with the screen information output to the display unit 151. [

This visual information is output to the top of the display unit 151 as shown in Figs. 6B and 6C, in preference to the screen information 620 (Fig. 6B) output to the display unit 151 .

6B, when the icon 621 indicating that the external device is in a callable state is selected, the controller 180 displays the pop-up window 611 (FIG. 6B) as shown in FIG. 6C, To output a function list corresponding to a function that can be performed in association with the external apparatus. When the icon 621 indicating that the call is available is selected, the controller 180 can send a call to the external device as shown in (c) of FIG. 6C.

6B, the visual information may be output to the top of the display unit 151 in the form of a pop-up window 622 in preference to the screen information 620 output to the display unit 151 have.

As another example, as another example, in the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention, the controller 180 may select the external device corresponding to the communication partner for checking the communication availability, When the data corresponding to the information related to the communication availability state is received, the location information of the external device can be obtained by referring to the received data. The location information may be output using at least one of the function icon and the pop-up window 640, as shown in Figs. 6 (a) and 6 (b). Meanwhile, when the external device is located outside the preset area and is located within the preset area, the control unit 180 refers to the acquired location information, and informs that the external device is located within the preset area May be output using at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile methods.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal can output information on the callable status of the call object in various ways so that the user can easily recognize the callable status.

Hereinafter, a method of informing a user that the callable party is available to talk is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, when the callable party is available for a call. 7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams for explaining a method of providing information related to a talkable state in a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a call object is available for communication, information on the call object is provided to the user in a manner similar to a call reception screen can do.

For example, as shown in 7a, the control unit 180 can output the vibration together with the screen information 710 indicating that the call can be made when the call object is available for the call. 7B, the control unit 180 may output a notification sound or a ringing tone together with the screen information 710 indicating that the call can be made when the call object is available for the call. On the other hand, the controller 180 outputs the vibration only when the mobile terminal is in the silent mode, and outputs a buzzer or a buzzer when the mobile terminal is not in the silent mode.

In addition, the control unit 180 can automatically make a call when the call object is available, and the function can be set or released according to the user's selection.

As described above, in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a call object is available, information related to a callable state is provided to a user similar to a method of informing a call reception method, Information about the object can be effectively informed.

Hereinafter, a method for updating contact information using data of LTE (Long Term Evolution) or VoLTE (voice over long term evolution) method will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method for updating contact information in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines whether there is no identification information of the external device corresponding to the communication object through the information related to the communication availability status received from the external device or the external server corresponding to the communication object, .

For example, information related to a callable state of an external device corresponding to a call object is transmitted to the external device or the wireless communication unit 110 using data of LTE (Long Term Evolution) or VoLTE (voice over long term evolution) And an external server relaying the external device, and may receive information related to the availability status in response to the request. The received information may include information related to whether the identification information of the external device corresponding to the communication object has been changed or does not exist.

8A and 8B, when the identification information of the external device is changed, the control unit 180 determines whether the identification information of the external device is changed through the pop-up window 810 indicating that the identification information of the external device has been changed, And may provide a function of performing a message function or updating or updating identification information of the external device using the information. On the other hand, when the recipient is selected on the screen for transmitting a text message, such a call object can be recognized as being automatically selected as the call destination, in addition to the call originating function.

8B, the controller 180 may use long term evolution (LTE) or voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) data on the phone book (or phone book) , It is possible to check whether the identification information stored in the telephone directory has been changed or not.

As shown, an update function icon 820 may be output on the phone book and the control unit 180 may determine whether the update function icon 820 is selected based on long term evolution (LTE) or voice over long term evolution method, it is possible to check whether the identification information stored in the telephone directory has been changed or not, and update the identification information. Also, the control unit 180 can select or automatically delete the contact item corresponding to the non-existent identification information.

As described above, in the mobile terminal and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, data of LTE (long term evolution) or VoLTE (voice over long term evolution) It is possible to organize the identification information.

In addition, the mobile terminal and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention can check whether an external device corresponding to an object of a call is in a callable state by using data, and inform the user of the check result. Accordingly, even if the user does not make a call to the external device by using the mobile terminal continuously until the call with the external device for a call with the external device, the user can provide information on the availability of the call with the external device Can receive.

Further, according to the embodiment disclosed herein, the above-described method can be implemented as a code that can be read by a processor on a medium on which the program is recorded. Examples of 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) .

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

Claims

A user input section for selecting a target of a call;
A wireless communication unit for performing data communication with an external device corresponding to an object of the call;
A checking unit for checking whether the external device is in a callable state based on data communication with the external device; And
And outputting information related to a communication availability state with the external device based on the result of the check.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit
And outputs a graphic object for providing information related to a communication availability state with the external device on a display unit.

3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein when the external device is in a callable state, the graphic object is output to the uppermost end in priority to other screen information output to the display unit.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the control unit
And controls the wireless communication unit to perform a communication with the external device through data communication when the graphic object is selected.

3. The method of claim 2,
The graphic object is output on an idle screen, the visual appearance changes according to the state of the external device,
The state of the external device
Wherein the mobile terminal is one of a call capable, a busy state, a power off state, and an unidentifiable state of identification information.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit
If the external device is in a callable state, outputs a function icon for connecting a call with the external device together with a notification sound,
And controls the wireless communication unit to perform a communication with the external device through data communication when the function icon is selected.

The method according to claim 1,
And a display unit,
On the display unit, a call log or a phone book list including a contact item to be a call target is output,
The control unit
Outputting a graphic object indicating information related to the callable state to one area of the contact item,
Wherein the control unit controls the display unit such that the visual appearance of the graphic object is different according to whether the external device is in a callable state.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the check unit
And checks whether or not the external device can communicate with the external device at a predetermined time interval if the external device is not in a state of being able to communicate with the external device.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit
Acquiring positional information of the external device based on data transmitted or received through data communication with the external device,
When the external device is located outside the predetermined area and is located within the predetermined area, notification information indicating that the external device is located within the preset area is used by using at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile methods And outputs the output signal.

The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the wireless communication unit communicates data with the external device using data of LTE (Long Term Evolution) or VoLTE (voice over long term evolution) method.