WO2009134040A2

WO2009134040A2 - Electronic device and method for controlling program thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2009134040A2
Application number: PCT/KR2009/002184
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yeung Jun Park; In-Soo Bae
Original assignee: Innochips Technology Co.,Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-04-28
Filing date: 2009-04-27
Publication date: 2009-11-05
Also published as: WO2009134040A9; TWI497352B; TW200949630A; WO2009134040A3

Abstract

Provide are an electronic device and a method for controlling a program of the electronic device. A plurality of input control signals are generated by combining a movement signal output response to a movement of an actuating member and a click signal output in response to a clicking action on a dome switch. The program is controlled using the input control signals so that the size and manufacturing costs of an input unit of the electronic device can be reduced.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PROGRAM THEREOF

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling a program of the electronic device, and more particularly, to a method for controlling operations of a program of an electronic device including an input unit having a magnetic sensor movable on a two-dimensional plane.

Recent electronic devices are small and multifunctional. For example, recent cellular phones provide photographing and music-replay functions as well as calling functions.

Various input units are used for controlling operations of a program of such a recent electronic device. In the related art, devices such as mouse devices, touch pads, click buttons, and click pads are used as input devices. However, since mouse devices and touch pads are relatively large, they are unsuitable for small electronic devices.

In a recently proposed method, operational actions of a program are allocated to a plurality of click buttons, and when a click button is pressed, an operation action allocated to the pressed click button is performed for controlling an executed program. However, in this case, more click buttons are required as the number of input signals necessary for controlling a program is increased. For example, if four input signals are necessary for controlling a program running on an electronic device, four click buttons are necessary, and if seven input signals are necessary, seven click buttons are necessary. Therefore, the manufacturing costs of an electronic device can be increased due to an increased number of click buttons.

In the related art, a dome switch is generally used as a click button. However, the dome switch requires a relatively large installation space, and thus it is difficult to reduce the size of an electronic device using a dome switch.

The present disclosure provides a small, inexpensive electronic device including an input unit having an actuating member movable or rotatable on a two-dimensional plane, and a method for controlling various functions of a program of the electronic device by using input control signals generated using movement signals output in response to movement of the actuating member.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling a program of an electronic device including a pointing control unit capable of two-dimensional movement and up/down movement, The method includes: receiving at least one of a movement signal generated by a two-dimensional movement of the pointing control unit and a click signal generated by an up/down movement of the pointing control unit; generating an input control signal by combining the received signals; and controlling an operation of the program using the input control signal.

The electronic device may further include sensors respectively disposed on ±x and ±y axes, output levels of the sensors being variant according to a movement of the pointing control unit, and the movement signal may include an axial direction movement signal generated by linear movement of the pointing control unit, and a rotation signal generated by curved movement of the pointing control unit according to the output of the sensors.

The movement signal may be successively applied at each signal input period, wherein if the same movement signals are applied for at least 4 to 6 signal input periods, the movement signals are recognized as the axial direction movement signals, and if movement signals applied for not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods are different, the movement signals are recognized as rotation signals.

The axial direction movement signal may include a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, and a -y-axis movement signal, and the rotation signal may include a clockwise rotation signal and a counterclockwise rotation signal.

If only a click signal is received, a first input control signal may be generated; if the same +x-axis movement signals, -x-axis movement signals, +y-axis movement signals, or -y-axis movement signals may be successively received for at least 4 to 6 signal input periods, a second, third, fourth, or fifth input control signal is generated according to the movement signals corresponding to the respective axes; if a click signal is received after a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is received, a sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth input control signal may be generated according to the movement signals corresponding to the respective axes; if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is received in a state where a click signal is continuously received, a tenth, eleventh, twelfth, or thirteenth input control signal may be generated according to the movement signals corresponding to the respective axes; if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is continuously varying within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods, a fourteenth or fifteenth input control signal may be generated according to vector values of the varied movement signals; if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is continuously varying within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods in a state where a click signal is continuously received, a sixteenth or seventeenth input control signal may be generated according to vector values of the varied movement signals; if a click signal is received after a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is continuously varying within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods, an eighteenth or nineteenth input control signal may be generated according to vector values of the varied movement signals; if only a click signal is received within 30 to 300 signal input periods, a twentieth input control signal may be generated; if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is received within 4 to 10 signal input periods after a click signal is received, a twenty-first, twenty-second, twenty-third or twenty-fourth input control signal may be generated according to the corresponding axial direction movement signal; if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is continuously varying within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods after a click signal is received, a twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth input control signal may be generated according to vector values of the varied movement signals, and if at least two click signals are non-successively received within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods, a twenty-seventh input control signal may be generated.

The pointing control unit may include: a magnet part; an actuating member configured to actuate the magnet part according to a manipulation of a user; an intermediate member configured to return the magnet part and the actuating member to original positions; and a dome switch disposed at a bottom side of the magnet part.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling a music playing program of an electronic device by using replay, stopping, volume-adjustment, music selection, and forwarding/rewinding functions, the electronic device comprising a pointing control unit capable of two-dimensional movement on an x-y plane and up/down movement according to a manipulation of a user; and a sensor configured to output a signal according to the movement of the pointing control unit, the method including: determining whether a first click signal is applied in response to an up/down movement of the pointing control unit; if it is determined that the first click signal is applied, performing the replay function or the stopping function; if it is determined that the first click signal is not applied, determining whether the pointing control unit is moved in an axial direction or rotated; if it is determined that the pointing control unit is rotated, the volume-adjustment function is performed according to a direction of rotation of the pointing control unit; if it is determined that that the pointing control unit is moved in an axial direction, determining a movement direction of the pointing control unit; after determining the movement direction, determining whether a second click signal is applied; if the second click signal is applied, performing the music selection function according to the movement direction; and if the second click signal is not applied performing the forwarding/rewinding function according to the movement direction.

The sensor may output a signal at each signal input period, and if signals output from the sensor for 5 to 10 signal input periods are different, it may be determined that the pointing control unit is rotated, and if the same signals are output form the sensor for 5 to 10 signal input periods, it may be determined that the pointing control unit is moved.

The sensor may output a signal at each signal input period, and if the second click signal is not applied within 5 to 300 signal input periods after the determining of the movement direction, it may be determined that the second click signal is not applied; and if the second click signal is applied within 5 to 300 signal input periods after determining the movement direction, it may be determined that the second click signal is applied.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, an electronic device includes: a pointing control unit capable of two-dimensional planar movement and up/down movement, the pointing control unit being configured to output a click signal according to the up/down movement and a movement signal according to the two-dimensional movement; a pointer control module configured to generate an input control signal by combining the click signal and the movement signal; and a control module configured to control a program according to the input control signal.

The movement signal may include an axial direction movement signal generated according to a sensing signal output when a manipulation unit is linearly moved, and a rotation signal generated according to a sensing signal when the manipulation unit is moved along a curved path, and the movement signal is successively generated at each signal input period, wherein if the same movement signals are applied for at least 4 to 6 signal input periods, the movement signals may be recognized as axial direction movement signals, and if movement signals applied for not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods are different, the movement signals may be recognized as rotation signals.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a recording medium is configured to: generate an input control signal by combining a movement signal and a click signal generated according to a movement of a pointing control unit, the pointing control unit capable of two-dimensional planar movement and up/down movement by a manipulation of a user; and control an operation of a program by using the input control signal.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling a program of an electronic device including an actuating member moving by a manipulation of a user and a dome switch disposed at a bottom side of the actuating member, the method including: receiving a sensing signal generated in response to a movement of the actuating member and a click signal or a double click signal generated in response to a clicking action on the dome switch; selecting an operation mode from a plurality of operation modes; and performing an operation of the program according to the sensing signal in the selected operation mode.

The selecting of the operation mode may be determined according to whether the click signal or the double click signal is received or not.

If the click signal and the double click signal are not received, a first operation mode may be selected; if the click signal is received, a second operation mode may be selected, and if the double click signal is received, a third operation mode may be selected.

Performing the operation of the program may include: if the selected operation mode is a first operation mode, generating a plurality of first movement control signals according to the sensing signal; if the selected operation mode is a second operation mode, generating a plurality of second movement control signals according to the sensing signal; and if the selected operation mode is a third operation mode, generating a plurality of third movement control signals according to the sensing signal.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling a program editing an image displayed on a screen of an electronic device, the electronic device including an actuating member configured to be moved according to a manipulation of a user, a dome switch disposed at a bottom side of the actuating member, and a sensor configured to output a sensing signal according to a movement of the actuating member, the method including: selecting one of a movement mode and a zoom-in/out mode according to a signal output from the dome switch; if the movement mode is selected, moving the image according to a sensing signal output from the sensor; and if the zoom-in/out mode is selected, enlarging or reducing the image according to a sensing signal output from the sensor and terminating the zoom-in/out mode according to a signal output from the dome switch.

If no signal is output from the dome switch, the movement mode may be selected, and if a click signal is output from the dome switch, the zoom-in/out mode may be selected.

If the movement mode is selected, a movement range of the actuating member may be divided into a plurality of regions and the image may be moved in a direction corresponding to a region where the actuating member is located, or the image may be moved in a movement direction of the actuating member.

If the zoom-in/out mode is selected, a movement range of the actuating member may be divided into two regions, and the image may be enlarged or reduced according to a region where the actuating member is located.

The method may further include selecting a menu generating mode according to a signal output from the dome switch, wherein when the menu generating mode is performed:

menus are generated;one of the generated menus is activated according to a sensing signal output from the senor; and

the menu generating mode is terminated after performing the activated menu or without performing the the activated menu according to a signal output from the dome switch.

The menu generating mode may be performed if a double click signal is output from the dome switch.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, an electronic device includes: a control module configured to control an executed program according to a plurality of movement control signals; a pointing control unit configured to output a click signal and a double click signal of a dome switch and a sensing signal according to a movement of a magnet part disposed at a top side of the dome switch; and a pointer control module configured to determine an operation mode of the program according to whether a click signal and a double click signal are output from the pointing control unit, and configured to generate different movement control signals according to a sensing signal output from the pointing control unit after the operation mode of the program is determined.

If a click signal and a double click signal are not output from the pointing control unit, a movement mode may be selected to move an image displayed on a screen by the program according to a sensing signal output from the pointing control unit, and if a click signal is output from the pointing control unit, a zoom-in/out mode may be selected to enlarge or reduce the image according to a sensing signal output from the pointing control unit, and then the zoom-in/out mode may be terminated according to whether a click signal and a double click signal are output from the pointing control unit.

As described above, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a program can be controlled by using a plurality of input control signals generated by combining a click signal of the dome switch with a movement signal output according to a movement of the actuating member which is movable within a predetermined range.

Furthermore, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, since a plurality of input control signals can be generated using the single dome switch and the actuating member disposed movably on the dome switch, the electronic device can have a small size, and the manufacturing costs of the electronic device can be reduced.

In addition, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, operation mode can be selected by using only the single dome switch, the movable magnet part, and the sensor configured to sense a magnetic field; and in the selected operation mode, sensing signals can be used for different purposes.

Moreover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the number of necessary dome switches can be reduced, and the sizes of the magnet part and the sensor can be reduced. That is, the input unit of the electronic device can have a small size and slip shape, and thus the manufacturing costs of the electronic device can be reduced.

Exemplary embodiments can be understood in more detail from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a pointing control unit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view taken in the direction of arrow A-A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining the clicking of a dome switch and the movement of an intermediate member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling a program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling a music playing program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating an electronic device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining operations of an image control program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a pointing control unit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view taken in the direction of arrow A-A of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining the clicking of a dome switch and the movement of an intermediate member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling a program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling a music playing program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the electronic device of the current embodiment includes a display unit 3000 configured to display a pointer and an image; an input unit 1000 configured to generate a movement signal (that is, a sensing signal) according to user's manipulation and other signals (e.g., a key/button signal and a click signal); and a main body unit 2000 configured to execute or control a program according to the movement signal and output a signal to the display unit 3000 for displaying an image on the display unit 3000.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device further includes: a case 40000 configured to accommodate the input unit 1000, the main body unit 2000, and the display unit 3000; and a power supply unit (not shown) configured to supply power to the units.

The display unit 3000 receives an image signal from the main body unit 2000 for displaying an image on a screen. That is, the display unit 3000 may display a program window executed (activated) by the main body unit 2000. In FIG. 2, a music playing program window is displayed. A pointer may be displayed on the display unit 3000, and the pointer may be moved according to a control signal generated by the main body unit 2000. The display unit 3000 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a cathode-ray tube (CRT), or organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).

The input unit 1000 generates a movement signal according to a manipulation of a user and transmits the movement signal to the main body unit 2000. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the input unit 1000 includes a pointing control unit 1100 and a key/button control unit 1200. The pointing control unit 1100 outputs a movement signal generated according to a movement of an intermediate member caused by a manipulation of a user. The key/button control unit 1200 outputs a key or button signal according to a manipulation of a user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main body unit 2000 includes a pointer control module 2100, a memory 2200, a driving control module 2300, an audio/video control module 2400, and a wire/wireless communication control module 2500. The pointer control module 2100 receives a movement signal from the pointing control unit 1100 and generates an input control signal corresponding to a movement of the intermediate member. The memory 2200 stores various information (data related to video, driving, controlling, and programs). The driving control module 2300 controls overall operations of the main body unit 2000 and execute or control a program in response to input control signals of the pointer control module 2100. The audio/video control module 2400 processes audio/video signals received from a separate video input device, video signals (i.e., image signals) to be displayed on the display unit 3000, and audio signals received from a speaker, an earphone, or a microphone. The wire/wireless communication control module 2500 processes data which are received or to be transmitted through a wire/wireless communication method. The main body unit 2000 may further include a modem configured to convert an analog signal to a digital signal, or a digital signal to an analog signal. Although not shown, the main body unit 2000 may be fabricated in the form of a chip in which modules are integrated on a printed circuit board. That is, for example, the main body unit 2000 may be fabricated in the form of a microprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP). That is, each of the modules of the main body unit 2000 may be fabricated in the form of a chip, or the modules of the main body unit 2000 may be integrated in a single chip.

The electronic device of the current embodiment may provide various programs (for example, programs related to movie or music display, photographing or video-shooting, wire/wireless communication, web surfing, data processing such as image data processing, games, or navigation), and such programs may be executed or controlled by using signals and data stored in the main body unit 2000 and signals input through the input unit 1000. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The electronic device may be used to execute other programs. For example, the electronic device may be a cellular phone. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device may be a digital camera, a camcorder, an MP3 player, a PMP, a PDA, a GPS, a laptop computer, an electronic game machine, a remote controller, and an electronic dictionary.

In the current embodiment, when a user manipulates the input unit 1000, the pointing control unit 1100 outputs a movement signal to the pointer control module 2100. Then, the pointer control module 2100 may execute or control a program in response to the movement signal.

Hereinafter, the pointing control unit 1100 installed at the electronic device as shown in FIG. 2 will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the pointing control unit 1100 includes a substrate 1110, a magnet part 1120 disposed on the substrate 1110, an actuating member 1130 configured to move the magnet part 1120 according to manipulation of a user, an intermediate member 1140 configured to move, rotate, and restore the magnet part 1120 and the actuating member 1130, a sensor part 1160 configured to output movement signals (i.e., sensing signals) according to magnetic field variations caused by movements of the magnet part 1120, and a cover part 1150 fixed to the substrate 1110 in a state where the intermediate member 1140 is fixed to the cover part 1150.

The substrate 1110 may be a printed circuit board. For example, the substrate 1110 may be a printed circuit board (e.g., main substrate) of the main body unit 2000. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a dome switch 1111 is disposed at the top surface of the substrate 1110. Therefore, when the actuating member 1130 is pushed in a z-axis direction, the dome switch 1111 is pressed by the intermediate member 1140. Upon the dome switch 1111 being pressed, the pointing control unit 1100 outputs a click signal to the main body unit 2000.

As shown in FIG. 3, a lubrication pad 1112 is disposed at least on the dome switch 1111 of the substrate 1110. The lubrication pad 1112 reduces friction between the dome switch 1111 and the intermediate member 1140.

The magnet part 1120 is disposed at center portions of the intermediate member 1140 and the actuating member 1130. The magnet part 1120 is moved according to the movement of the actuating member 1130 and is moved back to its original position by the intermediate member 1140.

The actuating member 1130 is disposed at the top side of the magnet part 1120. The actuating member 1130 is movable by manipulation of a user.

The actuating member 1130 includes a post part and a separation preventing part. The magnet part 1120 is disposed at a center region of the bottom side of the post, and the separation preventing part extends from the post part 410. An upper portion of the magnet part 1120 is inserted and fixed to a lower portion of the post part. The separation preventing part prevents the actuating member 1130 from escaping away from the cover part 1150 disposed at the upper side of the actuating member 1130.

The actuating member 1130 is configured to be moved and rotated by an external force (that is, a manipulation motion of a user), and the movement or rotation of the actuating member 1130 is transmitted to the magnet part 1120. That is, since the magnet part 1120 fixed to the actuating member 1130, the magnet part 1120 is moved and rotated together with the actuating member 1130.

If the external force applied to the actuating member 1130 is removed, the actuating member 1130 and the magnet part 1120 are returned to their original positions by the intermediate member 1140. In the current embodiment, the intermediate member 1140 is configured to fix the magnet part 1120 to the actuating member 1130 and apply a resilient force.

As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate member 1140 includes a center part 1141, a plurality of pattern parts 1142 extending form the center part 1141, a plurality of fixing parts 1143 disposed at end portions of the pattern parts 1142, and fixing protrusion parts 1144 protruded from the center part 1141 for supporting and positioning the magnet part 1120. As shown in FIG. 4, the center part 1141 includes a click protrusion part 211 protruded downward from the bottom side of the center part 1141. The intermediate member 1140 may be formed of a high-strength plastic (e.g., polyoxymethylene (POM) or Polycarbonate (PC)) by an injection molding method. In this case, since the intermediate member 1140 can be manufactured through a simple process, mass production of the intermediate member 1140 can be easily carried out. In addition, the center part 1141, the pattern parts 1142, the fixing parts 1143, and the fixing protrusion parts 1144 of the intermediate member 1140 may be formed in one piece. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The intermediate member 1140 may be formed of a metal. In this case, the intermediate member 1140 may be formed through a metal etching or cutting process. The intermediate member 1140 may be formed of a lubricant, abrasion-resistant, and resilient material.

The center part 1141 has a circular plate shape. The center part 1141 is located at the center position of the fixing parts 1143. In the current embodiment, three fixing parts 1143 are disposed around the center of the center part 1141 as shown in FIG. 4. In detail, the center of the center part 1141 is located at the center of a triangle formed by the three fixing parts 1143.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the center part 1141 may be smaller than the magnet part 1120 placed at the top side of the center part 1141.

In the current embodiment, each of the pattern parts 1142 is formed in a curved strip shape extending between the center part 1141 and the fixing part 1143. In the current embodiment, the intermediate member 1140 may further include a plurality of deflection preventing protrusion parts 1146 on bottom surfaces of the pattern parts 1142.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the pattern parts 1142 is approximately S-shaped (that is, a sinusoidal curve shape). As shown in FIG. 4, each of the pattern parts includes: a first connection part connected to the center part 1141; a first extension strip part extending from the first connection part in a circular arc shape; a second extension strip part bent and extending from the first extension strip part in a circular arc shape; and a second connection part extending from the second extension strip part and connected to the fixing part 1143. The first and second extension parts are curved in different directions.

Ends of the pattern parts 1142 are connected to the fixing parts 1143. The fixing parts 1143 are fixed to the cover part 1150. Therefore, escaping of the pattern parts 1142 can be prevented. In addition, the fixed ends of the pattern parts 1142 may be used as reference points for designing the resilience of the intermediate member 1140. Owing to the above-described structure of the pattern parts 1142, the center part 1141 may be two-dimensionally moved within a range of approximately 0.6 mm to approximately 3.0 mm when a force is applied to the center part 1141. The center part 1141 may be moved in a linear, curved, or circular pattern. When the force is removed from the center part 1141, the center part 1141 may smoothly return to the center position of the fixing parts 1143 by the pattern parts 1142.

When the center part 1141 is moved or rotated by an external force, the pattern parts 1142 support the center part 1141. When the external force is removed (that is, when the center part 1141 is not moved or rotated), the pattern parts 1142 move the center part 1141 to its original position.

The shape of the pattern parts 1142 is not limited to the above-described shapes. That is, the pattern parts 1142 may have various shapes. For example, as the pattern parts 1142, a spiral strip part (for example, having a swirling shape) may be disposed around the center part 1141 between the center part 1141 and the fixing parts 1143. In another example, a plurality of oblique strip parts may be provided as the pattern parts 1142.

In the current embodiment, the fixing parts 1143 are fixed to the cover part 1150. The fixing parts 1143 may be fixed to the cover part 1150 by fitting the fixing parts 1143 into notches of the cover part 1150. In the current embodiment, the fixing parts 1143 are provided in the form of points. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fixing parts 1143 may be provided in the form of strips.

As described above, the intermediate member 1140 of the current embodiment includes the fixing protrusion parts 1144. The fixing protrusion parts 1144 extend from the center part 1141 and support the magnet part 1120 for stably transmitting a moving force and a resilient force to the magnet part 1120. The fixing protrusion parts 1144 support portions of the bottom and lateral sides of the magnet part 1120. The fixing protrusion parts 1144 are inserted and fixed between the magnet part 1120 and the actuating member 1130.

Owing to this structure, the magnet part 1120 can be fixed. In addition, the movement of the actuating member 1130 can be transmitted to the pattern parts 1142 through the center part 1141, and the resilient force of the pattern parts 1142 can be transmitted to the actuating member 1130 and the magnet part 1120.

In the current embodiment, the magnet part 1120 is fixed to the actuating member 1130 by the fixing protrusion parts 1144 of the intermediate member 1140, and the actuating member 1130 and the magnet part 1120 are fixed to the cover part 1150 by the fixing parts 1143 of the intermediate member 1140 fixed to the cover part 1150.

The cover part 1150 includes: an accommodation body part including a sidewall part and an upper plate through which a penetration hole is formed; a plurality of fixing notch parts formed in a lower side of the sidewall part; a plurality of fixing hook parts extending from the lower side of the sidewall part; and a plurality of fixing pin parts extending from the lower side of the sidewall part.

When assembled, the post part of the actuating member 1130 protrudes through the penetration hole. The diameter of the penetration hole may be greater than the diameter of the post part. In this case, a gap may be formed between the post part and the penetration hole to allow two-dimensional movement of the magnet part 1120. That is, the magnet part 1120 moves within the circular penetration hole of the cover part 1150.

As described above, the magnet part 1120, the actuating member 1130, the intermediate member 1140, and the cover part 1150 are disposed at the substrate 1110, and the sensor part 1160 is disposed at the bottom side of the substrate 1110 as shown in FIG. 3. The sensor part 1160 outputs sensing signals by detecting magnetic field variations caused by the movement of the magnet part 1120 disposed at the top side of the substrate 1110.

That is, the sensor part 1160 detects movements (two-dimensional movements) of the magnet part 1120 in up, down, left, and right directions. The sensor part 1160 includes a plurality of magnetic sensors configured to output x-axis sensing signals (i.e., ± x-axis coordinate values) according to magnetic field variations caused by a movement of the magnet part 1120 in an x-axis direction, and a plurality of magnetic sensors configured to output y-axis sensing signals (± y-axis coordinate values) according to magnetic field variations caused by a movement of the magnet part 1120 in an y-axis direction.

In addition, a control unit (not shown) amplifies output signals of the magnetic sensors of the sensor part 1160 and detects overall magnetic field variations using the amplified output signals. In the current embodiment, the magnetic sensors of the sensor part 1160 are modulated in one sensor chip. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, instead of modulating the magnetic sensors, the magnetic sensors may be arranged around the magnet part 1120 at four positions (that is, in up, down, left, and right directions), respectively. In this case, the magnetic sensors may be symmetric with respect to the center portion of the magnet part 1120.

In the current embodiment, the magnetic sensors of the sensor part 1160 may be hole devices, semiconductor magnetic resistive devices, or magneto magnetic resistive devices or giant magneto resistive (GMR). The electric characteristics of the magnetic sensors may be varied according to variations of a magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensors. In the current embodiment, the magnetic sensors are hole devices of which output voltages are varied in proportion to the density of a magnetic flux. In the current embodiment, sensing signals output from the sensor part 1160 include coordinate data of the magnet part 1120 moved by a user (movement data). That is, the sensing signals are signals (movement signals) providing information about the movement of the magnet part 1120 (that is, the intermediate member 1140).

Therefore, in the current embodiment, a plurality of input control signals can be generated by combining a plurality of movement signals generated in response the movement of the magnet part 1120 and the intermediate member 1140 and a click signal generated in response to a clicking of the dome switch 1111, so as to control the operation of a program using the input control signals.

Referring to FIG. 6, an explanation will now be given on a method of controlling a program. It is determined whether a movement signal and/or a click signal is applied according to user's manipulation (S10). If it is determined that a movement signal and/or a click signal is not applied, it is determined that there is no manipulation of a user, and no action is taken. If is determined that a movement signal and/or a click signal is applied, an input control signal is generated by combining the movement signal and the click signal (S11). Various input control signals may be generated by combining movement signals and click signals, and this will be described later in more detail. Next, the program is controlled using the input control signal (S12).

Hereinafter, an explanation will be given on a method of controlling an operation of a program, mainly on operations of the pointing control unit 1100 and the pointer control module 2100.

In the current embodiment, the actuating member 1130, the magnet part 1120, and the intermediate member 1140 are two-dimensionally moved on a plane, and a movement signal is generated in response to the movements thereof. If the dome switch 1111 is pressed as the actuating member 1130, the magnet part 1120, and the intermediate member 1140 are moved down, a click signal is generated. The actuating member 1130 will now be described in detail. The actuating member 1130, the magnet part 1120, and the intermediate member 1140 are moved together. In the following description, the term "movement" of the actuating member 1130 means the movement of the center point of the actuating member 1130, and the displacement range of the actuating member 1130 means the displacement range of the center point of the actuating member 1130.

In the current embodiment, when the actuating member 1130 is manipulated by a user, the actuating member 1130 is moved within a circular two-dimensional plane confined by the cover part 1150, and positions of the two-dimensional plane are expressed using x and y axes. Furthermore, the actuating member 1130 can be moved down from the two-dimensional plane.

When there is no external force acting on the actuating member 1130, the actuating member 1130 is placed at the center point of its displacement range by the intermediate member 1140.

If a force is applied to the actuating member 1130 by a user, the actuating member 1130 may be moved in up, down, left, and right directions (±y-axis and ±x-axis directions). At this time, the actuating member 1130 can be moved on a region defined between the x-axis and the y-axis. In the current embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the displacement range of the actuating member 1130 is divided into four axial displacement regions (refer to A, B, C, and D in FIG. 5(a)) based on ±45-degree reference lines defined from the x-axis and the y-axis. In other words, the displacement range is divided into ±x-axis displacement regions A and C, and ±y-axis displacement regions B and D. If the actuating member 1130 is moved in the +x-axis displacement region A, it is determined that the actuating member 1130 moves in the +x-axis direction. If the actuating member 1130 is moved in the +y-axis displacement region B, it is determined that the actuating member 1130 moves in the +y-axis direction. If the actuating member 1130 is moved in the -x-axis displacement region C, it is determined that the actuating member 1130 moves in the -x-axis direction. If the actuating member 1130 is moved in the -y-axis displacement region D, it is determined that the actuating member 1130 moves in the -y-axis direction.

Furthermore, the actuating member 1130 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise upon a manipulation of a user. In addition, the actuating member 1130 can be moved down from the two-dimensional plane upon a manipulation of a user. If a force acting on the actuating member 1130 is removed, the actuating member 1130 is returned to its original position (center point).

As explained above, the actuating member 1130 is moved in various directions or manners, and thus a sensing signal measured according to the movement of the actuating member 1130 may have various values. In the current embodiment, such various signal values are used to generate an input control signal for controlling an executed program.

Signals generated according to movements of the actuating member 1130 will now be explained with reference to FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 5(a), a click signal may be generated when the actuating member 1130 is pressed. That is, when the dome switch 1111 is clicked, the pointing control unit 1100 outputs a click signal to the pointer control module 2100. The pointer control module 2100 generate a first input control signal by using the click signal received from the pointing control unit 1100. Then, one of functions of a program may be performed according to the first input control signal.

Referring to FIG. 5(b), when the actuating member 1130 is moved on the two-dimensional plane, a +x-axis movement signal (a right movement signal), a -x-axis movement signal (a left movement signal), a +y-axis movement signal (an upward movement signal), or a -y-axis movement signal (a downward movement signal) may be generated. When the actuating member 1130 is moved on the two-dimensional plane, the sensor part 1160 may output a sensing signal (an axial direction movement signal) having various levels to the pointer control module 2100. By using the axial direction movement signal, the pointer control module 2100 determines whether the movement direction of the actuating member 1130 from the center point is one of ±x-axis and ±y-axis directions. Then, the pointer control module 2100 outputs one of second to fifth input control signals based on the determination result.

At this time, the pointer control module 2100 receives axial direction movement signals successively (at a predetermined signal input frequency). In the current embodiment, the pointer control module 2100 of the main body unit 2000 receives axial direction movement signals from the pointing control unit 1100 at predetermined intervals (of approximately 5 msec to approximately 1000 msec). For example, the pointer control module 2100 may receive axial direction movement signals at intervals of 20 msec (a signal input period). However, the input period of axial direction movement signals is not limited thereto. The signal input period may be increased or decreased according to the sensitivity of the sensor part 1160 and the response sensitivity of the pointer control module 2100.

At a given signal input period, the position of the actuating member 1130 is recognized by using a signal output from the pointing control unit 1100 according to the movement of the actuating member 1130. That is, in the current embodiment, an axial direction movement signal may be determined by a sensing signal output according to the movement of the actuating member 1130. In detail, the pointing control unit 1100 includes four sensors configured to generate a plurality of sensing signals, and two of the sensors are disposed along the x-axis and the other two are disposed along the y-axis. The level of a sensing signal of each sensor is varied according to the position of the magnet part 1120 moved together with the actuating member 1130. For example, if the actuating member 1130 is moved in the +x-axis direction, the level of a sensing signal of the sensor disposed on the +x-axis is largely increased, and the level of a sensing signal of the sensor disposed on the -x-axis is largely decreased. In addition, the levels of sensing signals of the sensors disposed on the +y-axis and the -y-axis are decreased.

In this way, according to the movement of the actuating member 1130, the levels of sensing signals output from the pointing control unit 1100 are varied, and a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, and a -y-axis movement signal are generated according to the variations of the sensing signals. That is, the +x-axis movement signal is a signal generated when the actuating member 1130 is in the +x-axis movement region A, and the -x-axis movement signal is a signal generated when the actuating member 1130 is in the -x-axis movement region C. The +y-axis movement signal is a signal generated when the actuating member 1130 is in the +y-axis movement region B, and the -y-axis movement signal is a signal generated when the actuating member 1130 is in the -y-axis movement region D. As described above, the pointer control module 2100 of the current embodiment receives a signal at each signal input period (for example, approximately 20 msec). Therefore, for example, if the pointer control module 2100 receives movement signals of the same axis for at least four to six signal input periods, the pointer control module 2100 determines the signals as axial direction movement signals. For example, when the actuating member 1130 is moved in the +x-axis movement region A, the pointing control unit 1100 outputs a +x-axis movement signal at each signal input period. At this time, If +x-axis movement signals are successively input to the pointer control module 2100 for approximately five signal input periods, the pointer control module 2100 generate a second input control signal in response to the +x-axis movement signals.

The minimal number of signal input periods for determining an axial movement of the actuating member 1130 may be set to the above-described range due to the following reasons. If the minimal number of signal input periods is too small, an axial direction movement signal may be generated in response to a very short movement. In this case, an unexpected operation can be performed. Therefore, the minimal number of signal input periods may be set to the above-described range. The maximal number of signal input periods is not be set because a user can maintain the actuating member 1130 in the same movement region. However, the maximal number may be set to 1000. In this case, during an operation of the electronic device, generation of infinite axial direction movement signals can be prevented.

Referring to FIG. 5(c), a +x-axis movement click signal, a -x-axis movement click signal, a +y-axis movement click signal, or a -y-axis movement click signal can be generated by moving the actuating member 1130 on the two-dimensional plane and clicking the dome switch 1111 by pressing the actuating member 1130. In this case, the pointer control module 2100 determines one of +x-axis, -x-axis, +y-axis, and -y-axis directions along which the actuating member 1130 is moved before the dome switch 1111 is clicked, and then the pointer control module 2100 generates one of sixth to ninth input control signals according to the determined result.

That is, if a click signal is generated in response to the clicking of the dome switch 1111 after an axial direction movement signal is generated in response to an axial movement of the actuating member 1130, the sequential signals are recognized as a +x-axis, -x-axis, +y-axis, or -y-axis movement click signal, and a corresponding input control signal is generated. At this time, the axial direction movement signal is determined according to a sensing signal as described above, the click signal is determined based on the state of the dome switch 1111. For example, as described in FIG. 5(b), if the actuating member 1130 is in the +x-axis movement region A, the pointing control unit 1100 generates a +x-axis movement signal. Thereafter, if a click signal is not generated for a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 100 signal input periods), the pointer control module 2100 recognizes the +x-axis movement signal as a +x-axis movement signal and generates a second input control signal. However, if a click signal is generated within the predetermined time after the +x-axis movement signal is generated, the pointer control module 2100 recognize the sequential signals as a +x-axis movement click signal and generates a sixth input control signal.

Referring to FIG. 5(d), a +x-axis click signal, a -x-axis click signal, a +y-axis click signal, or a -y-axis click signal can be generated by clicking the dome switch 1111 by pressing the actuating member 1130, and moving the actuating member 1130 on the two-dimensional plane. At this time, the pointer control module 2100 determines whether a click signal is maintained and determines one of +x-axis, -x-axis, +y-axis, and -y-axis directions along which the actuating member 1130 is moved, so as to generate one of tenth to thirteenth input control signals. For example, as explained in FIG. 5(a), if the dome switch 1111 is clicked, a click signal is generated. Thereafter, if an axial direction movement signal is not generated for a predetermined time (for example, 3 to 100 signal input periods), the pointer control module 2100 recognizes the click signal as a click signal and generates a first input control signal. However, if an axial direction movement signal is generated within the predetermined time after the click signal is generated, the pointer control module 2100 recognizes the sequential signals as an axial click signal and generates a corresponding input control signal. That is, for example, if a +x-axis movement signal is generated after a click signal is generated, the sequential signals are recognized as a +x-axis click signal, and a tenth input control signal is generated.

Referring to FIG. 5(e), clockwise and counterclockwise rotation signals can be generated by rotating the actuating member 1130 on the two-dimensional plane. The pointer control module 2100 may generate fourteenth and fifteenth input control signals in response to the rotation signals.

As described above, in the current embodiment, the pointer control module 2100 receives movement signals successively at respective signal input periods. Therefore, according to signals output from the pointing control unit 1100 during predetermined signal input periods, it can be determined whether the actuating member 1130 is rotated. In detail, when the actuating member 1130 is moved, the levels of signals output from the sensors disposed on the respective axes are varied. At this time, if movement signals successively generated for not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods are different signals, it is determined that the actuating member 1130 is rotated. Then, it is determined whether the actuating member 1130 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise based on the vector values of the movement signals. The maximal number of signal input periods for determining rotation of the actuating member 1130 may be set to the above-described mentioned range due to the following reason. If the maximal number is greater than the above-described mentioned range, an unexpected operation can be performed. The minimal number may be 1. Alternatively, the maximal number may be smaller or greater than the above-described mentioned range. For example, the maximal number may be 5 or less, or greater than 10. The maximal number may be varied according to the length of the signal input period. As a result, if a different signal is generated within a time range of approximately 40 msec to approximately 2 sec, it may be determined that the actuating member 1130 is rotated.

For example, while the actuating member 1130 is moved for 3 signal input periods, if output sensing signals indicate that the coordinate of the actuating member 1130 is varied in the order of (1, 0), (0.5, 0.5), and (0, 1), the pointer control module 2100 may determine that the actuating member 1130 is rotated counterclockwise and generate a fifteenth input control signal. At this time, as well as sensing signals (signals output from the sensors), axial direction movement signals generated by grouping sensing signals as described above may be input to the pointer control module 2100. Therefore, if the actuating member 1130 is in an axial movement region for predetermined signal input periods, it may be determined that the actuating member 1130 is moved in a corresponding axial direction, and if the actuating member 1130 escapes from the axial movement region within the predetermined signal input periods, it may be determined that that actuating member 1130 is rotated.

Referring to FIG. 5(f), a clockwise rotation click signal and a counterclockwise rotation click signal can be generated by clicking the dome switch 1111 by pressing the actuating member 1130, and rotating the actuating member 1130 on the two-dimensional plane. The pointer control module 2100 may generate sixteenth and seventeenth input control signals in response to the rotation click signals. The sixteenth and seventeenth input control signals are generated when an axial direction movement signal is varied in a state where the dome switch 1111 is kept in a clicked state (that is, in a state where a click signal is continuously output).

As described above, in the current embodiment, approximately 17 input control signals can be generated according to the movement of the actuating member 1130 and the clicking of the dome switch 1111, and the input control signals can be used as input control signals for controlling operations of a program. That is, the number of input control signals can be increased by combining movement signals and click signals without having to increasing the size of the dome switch 1111, and thus fewer dome switches or a smaller dome switch can be used for controlling operations of a program. As a result, the price (manufacturing costs) of the electronic device can be reduced, and the electronic device can have a small size and slim shape.

In addition, the pointer control module 2100 can generate eighteenth and nineteenth input control signals when rotation click signals are received according to the rotation of the actuating member 1130 and the clicking of the dome switch 1111. In addition, when only click signals are input to the pointer control module 2100 for a long time (for example, 30 to 300 signal input periods), the pointer control module 2100 may generate a twentieth input control signal. In addition, if an axial direction movement signal is applied to the pointer control module 2100 within a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 100 signal input periods) after a click signal is additional transparent resin layer the pointer control module 2100, the pointer control module 2100 may generates twenty-first to twenty-fourth input control signals according to the click signal and the axial direction movement signal. As described above, the tenth to thirteenth input control signals are signals generated when an axial direction movement signal is applied in a state where a click signal is kept (that is, in a state where a click signal is continuously applied). However, the twenty-first to twenty-fourth input control signals are generated when an axial direction movement signal is applied after a click signal is applied for a short time. In addition, if a rotation signal is applied within a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 100 signal input periods) after a click signal is applied, the pointer control module 2100 may generate twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth input control signals according to the rotation direction detected from the rotation signal. In addition, when a double-click signal is applied, the pointer control module 2100 may generate a twenty-seventh input control signal. That is, the twenty-seventh input control signal may be generated when at least two click signals are applied within a predetermined time interval. However, the twenty-seventh input control signal may not be generated when a click signal is continuously applied.

Hereinafter, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 6, a detailed explanation will be given on a method of controlling the music playing program of FIG. 2 by using the pointing control unit 1100 and the pointer control module 2100. The following explanation will be given based on operations of the pointer control module 2100.

Referring to FIG. 7, it is determined whether a click signal is output (S100). In detail, if there is no input signal for a predetermined time after a click signal is output from the dome switch 1111, an action corresponding to the click signal is performed. For example, reproducing or stopping may be performed (S110). At this time, a present operation such as reproducing or stopping is performed according to the level of an input control signal generated by the pointer control module 2100 in response to a signal received from the pointing control unit 1100. That is, operation rules of a program prepared according to levels of input control signals are previously stored in the memory 2200, and when the program is executed, the operation rules are loaded.

If it is determined that a click signal is not output, it is determined whether the actuating member 1130 is moved (S120). If so, it is determined that the actuating member 1130 is moved or rotated (S130). In detail, if sensing signals (that is, axial direction movement signals) output for 5 to 10 signal input periods have different values, it is determined that the actuating member 1130 is rotated, and if the sensing signals have substantially the same value (within an error range of approximately ± 10%), it is determined that the actuating member 1130 is moved.

In the case where it is determined that the actuating member 1130 is rotated, the volume of the program is adjusted according to the rotation direction of the actuating member 1130 (S140). For example, if the actuating member 1130 is rotated clockwise, the volume of the program is increased, and if the actuating member 1130 is rotated counterclockwise, the volume is decreased.

In the case where it is determined that the actuating member 1130 is moved, the direction of the movement is determined (S150). In detail, based on the axial direction movement signals, the direction of the movement of the actuating member 1130 is determined among +x-axis, -x-axis, +y-axis, and -y-axis directions. Thereafter, it is determined whether a click signal is input (S160). In detail, if there is no click signal within approximately 5 to 300 signal input periods after a movement signal is generated, it is determined that a click signal is not input, and if there is a click signal within approximately 5 to 300 signal input periods after a movement signal is generated, it is determined that a click signal is input.

In the case where a click signal is input, the previous or next music is selected according to the direction information of the movement signal (S170). In detail, in the case where a +x-axis movement signal is input and then a click signal is input, the next music may be selected, and in the case where a -x-axis movement signal is input and then a click signal is input, the previous music may be selected. In the case where it is determine that there is no click signal, fast-forwarding or rewinding is performed according to the direction information of the movement signal (S180). In detail, if only a +x-axis movement signal is applied, fast-forwarding may be performed, and if only a -x-axis movement signal is applied, rewinding may be performed.

In the above-described embodiments, an electronic device including an input unit, a main body unit, and a display unit has been described. In other embodiments, some parts of the input unit and some parts of the main body unit may be combined to constitute a pointer device for controlling a pointer on a screen. That is, some parts of the input unit and some parts of the main body unit may be provided in the form of an integrated module.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the pointer control module may be provided in the form of a program included in a control chip (integrated chip) of the main body unit or stored in a recording medium. Of course, the pointer control module can be provided in the form of a program recorded in the pointing control unit. Here, the program stored in the recording medium is readable by a computer.

As explained above in the above embodiments, the pointer control module generates various input control signals by using movement signals generates in response to the movement of the actuating member and click signals generated when the dome switch is pressed by the actuating member, and the pointer control module controls the operation of a program using the input control signals. Therefore, the number of dome switches necessary for controlling the operation of a program can be reduced.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The pointer control module can move a pointer on a screen by using movement signals generated in response to the movement of the actuating member. That is, the pointer (mouse or cursor) can be placed on the screen according to a mode selection signal applied to the pointer control module, and a program can be executed and controlled by clicking the dome switch using the pointer. As described above, the pointer of the screen can be moved to a desired position in the x-axis or y-axis direction by moving the actuating member, the magnet part, and the intermediate member, so as to place the pointer in a region where an executed program can be controlled using the pointer. Then, the dome switch can be pressed to perform a function of the program corresponding to the current position of the pointer.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. According to the present invention, operations of various programs can be controlled by various methods. In the following description, an explanation will be given on a method of controlling an operation of an image control and management program in accordance with another exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description of the current embodiment, the same explanation as that of the above-described embodiment will be omitted. The technology of the current embodiment may be applied to the above-described embodiment, and vice versa.

FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating an electronic device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device of the current embodiment includes: a display unit 3000 configured to display a pointer and an image; an input unit 1000 configured to generate a sensing signal according to user's manipulation and other signals; and a main body unit 2000 configured to execute or control a program according to the sensing signal and output a signal to the display unit 3000 for displaying an image on the display unit 3000.

The input unit 1000 includes a pointing control unit 1100 and a key/button control unit 1200. The pointing control unit 1100 includes a substrate 1110, a magnet part 1120, an actuating member 1130, an intermediate member 1140, a sensor part 1160, and a cover part 1150. The main body unit 2000 includes a pointer control module 2100, a memory 2200, a driving control module 2300, an audio/video control module 2400, and a wire/wireless communication control module 2500. The display unit 3000 is configured to display an image on a screen by using an image signal received from the main body unit 2000. That is, a program executed (activated) by the main body unit 2000 may be displayed on the display unit 3000. In FIG. 8, a map search (or an image editor) program is displayed on the screen of the display unit 3000. The display unit 3000 can display a pointer on the screen and move the pointer on the screen according to a pointer movement control signal received from the main body unit 2000.

The input unit 1000, the display unit 3000, and the main body unit 2000 will not be described in detail because they are the same as those explained in the above embodiments.

In the following description, a method of controlling an image (e.g., map or photograph) control program will be described based on operations of the pointer control module 2100 and the pointing control unit 1100 configured to generate sensing signals and/or click signals. The following description is given on operations performed after an image related with a map is loaded on the display unit 3000. The image may be loaded on the display unit 3000 in response to a signal (sensing signal, click signal) output from the pointing control unit 1100.

Referring to FIG. 9, an operation mode is selected by determining whether a click signal or a double click signal is input (S1100). According to the click signal or double click signal, a movement mode or a zoom-in/out mode is selected. In addition, a menu create mode can be selected.

If a click signal or a double click signal is not input, the movement mode is selected. In movement mode, a map (image) is moved on a screen up, down, left, or right according to a sensing signal generated in response to a movement of the actuating member 1130 (S1110). At this time, the pointer control module 2100 generates a movement control signal according to movement direction information included in the sensing signal. Then, the map is moved on the display unit 3000 according to the movement control signal.

At this time, the actuating member 1130 is moved on a two-dimensional plane (±x-axis and ±y axis).

If the movement range of the actuating member 1130 is divided into four regions (+x, -x, +y, and -y regions), four movement control signals may be generated. That is, the pointing control unit 1100 outputs a +x-axis sensing signal, a -x-axis sensing signal, a +y-axis sensing signal, or a -y-axis sensing signal according to the movement of the actuating member 1130. In response to the sensing signal, the pointer control module 2100 generates a right movement control signal, a left movement control signal, an upward movement control signal, or a downward movement control signal. Then, the map is moved right, left, up, or down. The four regions may be determined by lines between x and y axes (lines making 45 degrees with the x-axis).

However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the movement range of the actuating member 1130 may be divided into eight regions (+x, +x+y, +y, -x+y, -x-y, -y, and -y+x regions). In this case, the map may be moved on the screen in the right, right-upward, upward, left-upward, left, left-downward, downward, and right-downward directions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The movement range of the actuating member 1130 may be divided into more or fewer regions. Alternatively, instead of dividing the movement range, the map may be moved on the screen directly according to the movement of the actuating member 1130. In this case, variations of sensing signals output in response to a movement of the actuating member 1130 may be directly converted to a movement control signal.

In addition, the actuating member 1130 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. In this case, the pointer control module 2100 may generate a movement control signal corresponding to the rotation of the actuating member 1130.

After the map is moved on the screen according to the movement of the actuating member 1130 as described above, it is determined whether a click signal is applied.

If a click signal is applied, the zoom-in/out mode is selected. In zoom-in/out mode, the map of the screen is zoomed in or out according to a sensing signal generated in response to a movement of the actuating member 1130 (S1120).

For this, in the current embodiment, the pointer control module 2100 divides sensing signals output form the pointing control unit 1100 into two signal groups, and then the pointer control module 2100 generates a zoom-in movement control signal and a zoom-out movement control signal according to the signal groups. This means that the movement range of the actuating member 1130 is divided into two regions.

For example, if the movement range of the actuating member 1130 is divided into upper and lower regions with reference to the x-axis, a sensing signal generated when the actuating member 1130 is located in the upper region is converted into a zoom-in movement control signal for enlarging the map of the screen. On the other hand, a sensing signal generated when the actuating member 1130 is located in the lower region is converted into a zoom-out movement control signal for reducing the scale of the map of the screen. In this case, the zoom-in and zoom-out may be performed with a predetermined magnification ratio. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as explained above, the movement range of the actuating member 1130 may be divided into a plurality of regions, and different magnification ratios may be allocated to the regions. Alternatively, sensing signals generated by clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the actuating member 1130 may be converted to movement control signals for zoom-in and zoom-out, respectively. In this case, whether the actuating member 1130 is rotated is determined by a sensing signal input to the pointer control module 2100 at each signal input period. In detail, for example, if sensing signals input to the pointer control module 2100 for not more than 2 to 5 signal input periods are different, it is determined that the actuating member 1130 is rotated, and a corresponding movement control signal is generated.

When a click signal is applied, the position of the pointer (mouse pointer) located on the map may be the center portion of the screen.

After the scale of the map of the screen is enlarged or reduced as explained above, it is determined whether a click signal or a double click signal is applied (S1130). If a click signal or a double click signal is not applied, the zoom-in/out operation is re-performed. If a click signal or a double click is applied, the zoom-in/out mode is ended. That is, the operation mode is changed to the movement mode. If a double click signal is applied, menus of the zoom-in/out mode are displayed.

In the case where a double click signal is applied during the operation mode selection operation or in the zoom-in/out mode, a menu generating mode is performed. This will now be explained in detail.

The menu generating mode is performed in response to a double click signal. In the menu generating mode, various popup menus for controlling the map of the screen are displayed (S1140).

Then, one of the popup menus may be activated according to a sensing signal (S1150). In detail, if a user moves the actuating member 1130 left, right, up, or down, a sensing signal is generated in response to the user's manipulation. Then, the pointer control module 2100 generates a movement control signal in response to the sensing signal, and an activation region is moved left, right, up, or down according to the movement control signal so that a desired menu can be activated. Thereafter, it is determined whether a click signal is applied (S1160). If a click signal is applied, an operation corresponding to the activated menu is performed, and the menu generating mode is ended (S1170). On the other hand, if a click signal is not applied, the menu generating mode is ended without performing an operation corresponding to the activated menu. At this time, whether a click signal is applied is determined for not more than 2 to 200 signal input periods. That is, if a click signal is not applied within not more than 2 to 200 signal input periods, the menu generating mode is ended. That is, the operation mode is changed from the menu generating mode to the movement mode.

Examples of the menus include map menus such as editor stop, mode change, zoom-in, zoom-out, search, designation of origin and destination, distance calculation, and point fixing; image editing menus; and navigation menus.

As described above, according to the current embodiment, the operation mode can be selected in different manners according to a click signal or a double click signal, and a desired image controlling operation can be performed according to a sensing signal in the selected operation mode. In this way, various control operations related to an image (i.e., photograph, map, and picture) can be performed using a dome switch, a magnet, and a sensor configured to output a signal according to variations of a magnetic field of the magnet. Therefore, the size of an input unit and the number of necessary dome switches can be reduced.

In addition, according to the current embodiment, various movement control signals can be generated using a click signal, a double click signal, and x-axis and y-axis sensing signals (movement signals).

For example, a movement control signal may be generated according to a click signal; four movement control signals may be generated according to ±x and ±y axis sensing signals; and a movement control signal may be generated according to a double click signal. In addition, two movement control signals may be generated according to clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the actuating member 1130 of the pointing control unit 1100. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, more movement control signals can be generated according to various combinations of click signals, double click signals, ±x and ±y axis sensing signals, and rotation signals.

As described above, operation mode may be selected according to a movement control signal generated in response to a click signal or a double click signal, and then a desired operation may be performed in the selected operation mode according to the next movement control signal.

Although the electronic device and the method for controlling a program thereof have been described with reference to the specific embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A method for controlling a program of an electronic device comprising a pointing control unit capable of two-dimensional movement and up/down movement, the method comprising:

receiving at least one of a movement signal generated by the two-dimensional planar movement of the pointing control unit and a click signal generated by the up/down movement of the pointing control unit;

generating an input control signal by combining the received signals; and

controlling an operation of the program using the input control signal.
The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device further comprises sensors respectively disposed on ±x and ±y axes, output levels of the sensors being variant according to a movement of the pointing control unit, and

the movement signal comprises an axial direction movement signal generated by linear movement of the pointing control unit, and a rotation signal generated by curved movement of the pointing control unit according to the output of the sensors.
The method of claim 2, wherein the movement signal is successively applied at each signal input period,

wherein if the same movement signals are applied for at least 4 to 6 signal input periods, the movement signals are recognized as the axial direction movement signals, and

if movement signals applied for not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods are different, the movement signals are recognized as rotation signals.
The method of claim 2, wherein the axial direction movement signal comprises a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, and a -y-axis movement signal, and

the rotation signal comprises a clockwise rotation signal and a counterclockwise rotation signal.
The method of claim 4, wherein if only a click signal is received, a first input control signal is generated,

if the same +x-axis movement signals, -x-axis movement signals, +y-axis movement signals, or -y-axis movement signals are successively received for at least 4 to 6 signal input periods, a second, third, fourth, or fifth input control signal is generated according to the corresponding axial direction movement signal,

if a click signal is received after a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is received, a sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth input control signal is generated according to the corresponding axial direction movement signal,

if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is received in a state where a click signal is continuously received, a tenth, eleventh, twelfth, or thirteenth input control signal is generated according to the corresponding axial direction movement signal,

if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is continuously varying within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods, a fourteenth or fifteenth input control signal is generated according to vector values of the varied movement signals,

if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is continuously varying within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods in a state where a click signal is continuously received, a sixteenth or seventeenth input control signal is generated according to vector values of the varied movement signals,

if a click signal is received after a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is continuously varying within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods, an eighteenth or nineteenth input control signal is generated according to vector values of the varied movement signals,

if only a click signal is received within 30 to 300 signal input periods, a twentieth input control signal is generated,

if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is received within 4 to 10 signal input periods after a click signal is received, a twenty-first , twenty-second, twenty-third or twenty-fourth input control signal is generated according to the corresponding axial direction movement signal,

if a +x-axis movement signal, a -x-axis movement signal, a +y-axis movement signal, or a -y-axis movement signal is continuously varying within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods after a click signal is received, a twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth input control signal is generated according to vector values of the varied movement signals, and

if at least two click signals are non-successively received within not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods, a twenty-seventh input control signal is generated.
The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pointing control unit comprises:

a magnet part;

an actuating member configured to actuate the magnet part according to a manipulation of a user;

an intermediate member configured to return the magnet part and the actuating member to original positions; and

a dome switch disposed at a bottom side of the magnet part.
A method for controlling a music playing program of an electronic device by using replay, stopping, volume-adjustment, music selection, and forwarding/rewinding functions, the electronic device comprising: a pointing control unit capable of two-dimensional movement on an x-y plane and up/down movement according to a manipulation of a user; and a sensor configured to output a signal according to the movement of the pointing control unit, the method comprising:

determining whether a first click signal is applied in response to an up/down movement of the pointing control unit;

if it is determined that the first click signal is applied, performing the replay function or the stopping function;

if it is determined that the first click signal is not applied, determining whether the pointing control unit is moved in an axial direction or rotated;

if it is determined that the pointing control unit is rotated, the volume-adjustment function is performed according to a direction of rotation of the pointing control unit;

if it is determined that that the pointing control unit is moved in an axial direction, determining a movement direction of the pointing control unit;

after determining the movement direction, determining whether a second click signal is applied;

if the second click signal is applied, performing the music selection function according to the movement direction; and

if the second click signal is not applied performing the forwarding/rewinding function according to the movement direction.
The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor outputs a signal at each signal input period, and

if signals output from the sensor for 5 to 10 signal input periods are different, it is determined that the pointing control unit is rotated, and

if the same signals are output form the sensor for 5 to 10 signal input periods, it is determined that the pointing control unit is moved.
The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor outputs a signal at each signal input period, and

if the second click signal is not applied within 5 to 300 signal input periods after determining the movement direction, it is determined that the second click signal is not applied; and

if the second click signal is applied within 5 to 300 signal input periods after the determining of the movement direction, it is determined that the second click signal is applied.
An electronic device comprising:

a pointing control unit capable of two-dimensional planar movement and up/down movement, the pointing control unit being configured to output a click signal according to the up/down movement and a movement signal according to the two-dimensional movement;

a pointer control module configured to generate an input control signal by combining the click signal and the movement signal; and

a control module configured to control a program according to the input control signal.
The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the movement signal comprises an axial direction movement signal generated according to a sensing signal output when a manipulation unit is linearly moved, and a rotation signal generated according to a sensing signal when the manipulation unit is moved along a curved path, and

the movement signal is successively applied at each signal input period,

wherein if the same movement signals are applied for at least 4 to 6 signal input periods, the movement signals are recognized as axial direction movement signals, and

if movement signals applied for not more than 4 to 10 signal input periods are different, the movement signals are recognized as rotation signals.
A recording medium configured to:

generate an input control signal by combining a movement signal and a click signal generated according to a movement of a pointing control unit, the pointing control unit capable of two-dimensional planar movement and up/down movement by a manipulation of a user; and

control an operation of a program by using the input control signal.
A method for controlling a program of an electronic device comprising an actuating member moving by a manipulation of a user and a dome switch disposed at a bottom side of the actuating member, the method comprising:

receiving a sensing signal generated in response to a movement of the actuating member and a click signal or a double click signal generated in response to a clicking action on the dome switch;

selecting an operation mode from a plurality of operation modes; and

performing an operation of the program according to the sensing signal in the selected operation mode.
The method of claim 13, wherein the selecting of the operation mode is determined according to whether the click signal or the double click signal is received or not.
The method of claim 14, wherein if the click signal and the double click signal are not received, a first operation mode is selected,

if the click signal is received, a second operation mode is selected, and

if the double click signal is received, a third operation mode is selected.
The method of claim 15, wherein performing the operation of the program comprises:

if the selected operation mode is a first operation mode, generating a plurality of first movement control signals according to the sensing signal;

if the selected operation mode is a second operation mode, generating a plurality of second movement control signals according to the sensing signal; and

if the selected operation mode is a third operation mode, generating a plurality of third movement control signals according to the sensing signal.
A method for controlling a program editing an image displayed on a screen of an electronic device, the electronic device comprising an actuating member configured to be moved according to a manipulation of a user, a dome switch disposed at a bottom side of the actuating member, and a sensor configured to output a sensing signal according to a movement of the actuating member, the method comprising:

selecting one of a movement mode and a zoom-in/out mode according to a signal output from the dome switch;

if the movement mode is selected, moving the image according to a sensing signal output from the sensor; and

if the zoom-in/out mode is selected, enlarging or reducing the image according to a sensing signal output from the sensor and terminating the zoom-in/out mode according to a signal output from the dome switch.
The method of claim 17, wherein if no signal is output from the dome switch, the movement mode is selected, and

if a click signal is output from the dome switch, the zoom-in/out mode is selected.
The method of claim 17, wherein if the movement mode is selected, a movement range of the actuating member is divided into a plurality of regions and the image is moved in a direction corresponding to a region where the actuating member is located, or the image is moved in a movement direction of the actuating member.
The method of claim 17, wherein if the zoom-in/out mode is selected, a movement range of the actuating member is divided into two regions, and the image is enlarged or reduced according to a region where the actuating member is located.
The method of any one of claims 17 to 20, further comprising selecting a menu generating mode according to a signal output from the dome switch,

wherein when the menu generating mode is performed:

menus are generated;one of the generated menus is activated according to a sensing signal output from the senor; and

the menu generating mode is terminated after performing the activated menu or without performing the the activated menu according to a signal output from the dome switch.
The method of claim 21, wherein the menu generating mode is performed if a double click signal is output from the dome switch.
An electronic device comprising:

a control module configured to control an executed program according to a plurality of movement control signals;

a pointing control unit configured to output a click signal and a double click signal of a dome switch and a sensing signal according to a movement of a magnet part disposed at a top side of the dome switch; and

a pointer control module configured to determine an operation mode of the program according to whether a click signal and a double click signal are output from the pointing control unit, and configured to generate different movement control signals according to a sensing signal output from the pointing control unit after the operation mode of the program is determined.
The electronic device of claim 23, wherein if a click signal and a double click signal are not output from the pointing control unit, a movement mode is selected to move an image displayed on a screen by the program according to a sensing signal output from the pointing control unit, and

if a click signal is output from the pointing control unit, a zoom-in/out mode is selected to enlarge or reduce the image according to a sensing signal output from the pointing control unit, and then the zoom-in/out mode is terminated according to whether a click signal and a double click signal are output from the pointing control unit.