KR101681586B1 - Terminal and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a display apparatus comprising: a display unit displaying a plurality of menu keys; A user input for receiving a user input for selecting at least two menu keys among the displayed plurality of menu keys; And a controller for executing a function corresponding to a combination of the selected menu key.

Description

[0001] TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME [0002]

The present invention relates to a terminal that displays a menu and executes a function set according to a selection of a displayed menu, and a control method thereof.

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

Such a terminal has various functions, for example, in the form of a multimedia device having multiple functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, reception of a game and broadcasting, etc. .

In order to support and enhance the functionality of such terminals, it may be considered to improve the structural and / or software parts of the terminal.

As the functions of the terminal are diversified, the configuration of the menu for the user to select the terminal has also become complicated. Accordingly, there is an inconvenience that the number of menu keys to be displayed on the terminal increases, and that the user must select the menu in several steps in order to select a specific function desired by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal capable of selecting two or more menu keys together and a control method thereof.

In order to accomplish the above object, a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit for displaying a plurality of menu keys; A user input for receiving a user input for selecting at least two menu keys among the displayed plurality of menu keys; And a controller for executing a function corresponding to the combination of the selected menu key.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a terminal, the method comprising: displaying a plurality of menu keys; Receiving a user input for selecting at least two menu keys from among the displayed plurality of menu keys; And performing a function corresponding to a combination of the menu keys selected by the user input.

The mobile terminal according to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above can reduce the number of menu keys displayed to select a function to be executed.

The mobile terminal according to at least one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above can reduce the number of menu selection steps at various stages required to perform a specific function.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
3A and 3B are front views of a portable terminal for explaining an operation state of the portable terminal according to the present invention.
4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the proximity depth of the proximity sensor.
5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a control method for a touch operation in a form in which a pair of display units are overlapped.
Figure 6 illustrates a menu displayed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram showing a menu structure expressed in the form of a tree.
8 is a conceptual diagram showing a combination of menu keys to be selected and a function to be executed according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9A-9F illustrate user input for selecting one or more menu keys, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
10 illustrates menu keys displayed in separate areas of a display unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 11A-11F illustrate a multitasking process in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role.

The mobile terminal described in this specification may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), navigation and the like. 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 of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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 (DVF-H) 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 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 121 may be provided depending on the use 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 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. Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 is for generating output related to the visual, auditory or tactile sense and includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154 .

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 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, and a 3D 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 an 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 each other, or may be disposed on different surfaces.

(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 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal or in the vicinity of the touch screen, which is surrounded 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 a 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. The haptic module 154 may include two or more haptic modules 154 according to the configuration of the portable 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), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM 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 use 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 may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or various command signals input by the user to the cradle may be transmitted It can be a passage to be transmitted to the 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. [

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

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 May be implemented using at least one of a processor, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electronic units for performing other functions. In some cases, The embodiments described may be implemented by the control unit 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. Software code can 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. [

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

The disclosed mobile terminal 100 has 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.

The body includes a case (a casing, a housing, a cover, and the like) which forms an appearance. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. [ A variety of electronic components are embedded in the space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one intermediate case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. [

The cases may be formed by injection molding a synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti) or the like.

The display unit 151, the sound output unit 152, the camera 121, the user input units 130/131 and 132, the microphone 122, the interface 170, and the like may be disposed in the front body 101 have.

The display unit 151 occupies most of the main surface of the front case 101. A sound output unit 151 and a camera 121 are disposed in an area adjacent to one end of both ends of the display unit 151 and a user input unit 131 and a microphone 122 are disposed in an area adjacent to the other end. The user input unit 132 and the interface 170 may be disposed on the side surfaces of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. [

The user input unit 130 is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 100 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.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a camera 121 'may be further mounted on the rear surface of the terminal body, that is, the rear case 102. The camera 121 'may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 121 (see FIG. 2A), and may be a camera having different pixels from 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 is preferable to have a large number of pixels. The cameras 121 and 121 'may be installed in the terminal body so as 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 124 allows the user to illuminate the user's own face or the like when the user intends to shoot himself / herself (self-photographing) using the camera 121 '.

An acoustic output 152 'may be additionally disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. 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.

In addition to the antenna for talking and the like, a broadcast signal reception antenna 116 may be additionally disposed on the side of the terminal body. The antenna 116, which forms part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1), can be installed to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the portable 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.

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.

Hereinafter, a related operation of the display unit 151 and the touch pad 135 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

3A and 3B are front views of a portable terminal for explaining an operation state of the portable terminal according to the present invention.

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

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

FIG. 3A shows a touch input to a soft key through a front surface of a terminal body.

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

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

FIG. 3B shows the input of a touch applied to the soft key through the rear surface of the terminal body. FIG. 3A shows a case where the terminal body is vertically arranged, and FIG. 3B shows a case where the terminal body is arranged horizontally. The display unit 151 may be configured to convert the output screen according to the arrangement direction of the terminal body.

3B shows that the text input mode is activated in the portable terminal. The display unit 151 displays an output window 151a 'and an input window 151b'. In the input window 151b ', a plurality of soft keys 151c' displayed with at least one of letters, symbols, and numbers may be arranged. The soft keys 151c 'may be arranged in the form of a QWERTY key.

When the soft keys 151c 'are touched through the touch pad 135 (see FIG. 2B), characters, numbers, symbols corresponding to the touched soft keys are displayed on the output window 151a'. As described above, the touch input through the touch pad 135 is advantageous in that the soft key 151c 'can not be blocked by the finger when the touch is input, compared with the touch input through the display unit 151. [ In the case where the display unit 151 and the touch pad 135 are formed to be transparent, the fingers located on the rear side of the terminal body can be visually confirmed, thereby enabling a more accurate touch input.

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

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

The proximity sensor 141 described with reference to Fig. 1 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig.

4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the proximity depth of the proximity sensor.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a pointer such as a user's finger, a pen, or the like approaches the touch screen, the proximity sensor 141 disposed in or near the touch screen senses the proximity sensor and outputs a proximity signal.

The proximity sensor 141 may be configured to output different proximity signals according to the distance between the proximity-touched pointer and the touch screen (hereinafter referred to as "proximity depth").

In FIG. 4, for example, a cross-section of a touch screen having proximity sensors capable of sensing three proximity depths is illustrated. Of course, proximity sensors that detect less than three or more than four proximity depths are also possible.

Specifically, when the pointer is completely in contact with the touch screen (d0), it is recognized as a contact touch. If the pointer is located on the touch screen at a distance less than the distance d1, it is recognized as a proximity touch of the first proximity depth. If the pointer is located on the touch screen at a distance d1 or less and less than the distance d2, the pointer is recognized as a proximity touch of the second proximity depth. If the pointer is located on the touch screen at a distance d2 or more and less than the distance d3, it is recognized as a proximity touch of the third proximity depth. If the pointer is located at a distance d3 or more on the touch screen, it is recognized that the proximity touch is released.

Accordingly, the controller 180 can recognize the proximity touch as various input signals according to the proximity depth and proximity position of the pointer, and perform various operation control according to the various input signals.

5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a control method for a touch operation in a form in which a pair of display units 155 and 156 are overlapped.

The terminal shown in this figure is a folder type terminal connected to a main body so that a folder portion is foldable. The first display unit 155 mounted on the folder unit may be of a light transmitting type or a transparent type such as TOLED or the second display unit 156 mounted on the main body may be a form that does not transmit light like an LCD. The first and second display units 155 and 156 may be configured as a touch screen capable of touch input, respectively.

For example, when a touch (a contact touch or a proximity-touch) to the first display unit or the TOLED 155 is detected, the control unit 180 determines whether the touch At least one of the images displayed in the TOLED 155 may be selected or run.

Hereinafter, with respect to the manner in which the information displayed on the other display unit or the LCD 156 is controlled when touching the TOLED 155 exposed to the outside in an overlapped form, a touch, a long touch, a long touch and drag ), And so on.

In the overlapped state (the mobile terminal is in a closed state), the TOLED 155 is arranged to overlap the lower side of the LCD 156. In this state, if a touch such as a long touch (for example, a touch that lasts for 2 seconds to 3 seconds) is detected in a manner different from the touch for controlling the image displayed on the TOLED 155 in advance, ) Causes at least one image of the image list displayed on the LCD 156 to be selected according to the sensed touch input. The result according to the execution of the selected image is displayed on the TOLED 155.

The long touch may also be used to selectively move a desired one of the entities displayed on the LCD 156 to the TOLED 155 (without performing any action thereto). That is, when a user selects one area of the TOLED 155 corresponding to a specific entity of the LCD 156 In the case of a long touch, the control unit 180 moves the corresponding object to the TOLED 155 to be displayed. The entity displayed on the TOLED 155 may also be displayed on the LCD 156 by a predetermined touch input to the TOLED 155, for example, flicking, swirling, and the like. In this figure, the menu No. 2 displayed on the LCD 156 is displayed on the TOLED 155.

If another input, for example, a drag, is detected in addition to the long touch, the control unit 180 is a function related to the image selected by the long touch. For example, a preview screen for the image is displayed on the TOLED 155, As shown in FIG. In this drawing, a case where a preview (male photograph) is performed on the menu No. 2 (image file) is illustrated.

The control unit 180 displays a selection cursor (or a selection bar) of the LCD 156 in the state that the preview screen is being output, while dragging toward another image is further performed on the TOLED 155 while maintaining the long touch And displays the image selected by the selection cursor on a preview screen (female photograph). Thereafter, when the touch (long touch and drag) ends, the controller 180 displays the first image selected by the long touch.

When the slide (the operation of the proximity touch corresponding to the drag) is detected together with the long proximity touch (the proximity touch continuing for at least 2 seconds to 3 seconds) to the TOLED 155 .

When a touch operation other than those described above is detected, the controller 180 can operate in the same manner as a general touch control method.

The control method for the touch operation in the overlapped form can be applied to a terminal having a single display. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a terminal different from a folder type having a dual display.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control method that can be implemented in the terminal configured as above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments can be used alone or in combination with each other. In addition, the embodiments described below may be used in combination with the above-described user interface (UI).

6 is a diagram illustrating a menu displayed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Generally, a menu means a list of commands provided to a user at a terminal. A terminal using a graphical user interface (GUI) displays an object such as a text, a symbol, or an icon symbolically / implicitly, and the user can use the aforementioned keypad, , A proximity sensor, and the like to select the objects, thereby selecting commands, functions, and the like represented by the objects. Hereinafter, each of the objects constituting the menu is referred to as a "menu key ". When a specific menu key is selected, a predetermined function is executed according to a command indicated by the menu key, or an application indicated by the menu key is driven. In addition, a sub menu key of the menu key, Keys, or menu keys according to a driven application.

7 is a diagram showing a menu structure expressed in a tree form. In the conventional menu configuration, when one of the menu keys is selected, the corresponding function is executed. For example, if the message menu key is selected, the associated application is executed (or a separate application is not executed) and the submenu keys such as message creation, message archive, and message configuration are displayed. If the user selects a desired function again, the control unit 180 displays the lower menu key again or executes a corresponding function or the like. Therefore, in order to execute the desired function, the user must select the menu key displayed step by step several times.

8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a combination of menu keys to be selected and a function to be performed according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, it is assumed that three menu keys, which are displayed as "A", "B", and "C" on one screen, are simultaneously displayed on the display unit 151. If three menu keys can be selected twice, 9 (= 3 ^ 2) different functions can be set. That is, when one menu key is selected (first, fifth, ninth functions) and when two different menu keys are selected (second, third, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth functions ) Can be selected. Therefore, in the case of the menu shown in FIG. 6, 256 (16 16) different functions can be selected by using the menu key.

In addition, different functions can be executed even when the same two menu keys are selected according to the type of touch input (such as drag, multi-touch, long touch, double-click, etc.) For example, the second function -> the 2-1 function and the 2-2 function). Further, the same function (for example, the second function = the fourth function) can be executed or the other function (for example, the second function = the fourth function) can be executed irrespective of the order of the selected menu key. Of course, no function may be connected to a particular menu key alone or a combination of certain menu keys (e.g., the fifth function and the seventh function may not be present).

In addition, the number of menu keys that can be combined is not limited to two, and may be three or more. If three menu keys can be selected three times, 27 (3 ^ 3) different functions can be matched.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a combination of menu keys to be selected, a selection order of each menu key, a type of a touch input for selecting a menu key, and functions corresponding thereto are stored in a memory 160 in the form of a table, a matrix, The control unit 180 identifies the selected menu key, the selection order of each menu key, the type of the touch input for selecting the menu key, and stores the selected type of touch input in the memory 160 And reads and executes a corresponding function using the stored table.

Hereinafter, functions that can be selected according to menu keys and combinations thereof will be described by way of example with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG.

Type 1

The second function (or the fourth function) executed in accordance with the A and B menu key selection may be a function separate from the first function and the fifth function executed when the A and B menu keys are respectively selected. (Or function) 201, A is a menu (or function) 203, A + B is a menu (or function) 202, . As described above, different functions may be matched according to the order in which menu keys are selected (for example, A- > B = menu 202, B- > A = menu 204). In this case, it is possible to reduce the number of menu keys displayed so that a desired function can be selected at the same level (i.e., the menu key corresponding to the function 203 may not be displayed separately).

Preferably, the function (second or fourth function) set for the combination of the A and B menu keys is a combination of the text, symbol or image of each of the A and B menu keys, It can be a function. (Second function) set for the combination of the A and B menu keys may be a function using both the functions (the first function and the fifth function) imposed on each of the A and B menu keys Which may be applied to the embodiment).

For example, when the "camera" menu key for executing the camera function and the "calling" menu key for executing the voice call function are selected together, the second function is a function for using the first function and the fifth function together, A video call function using both the function and the call function is executed. In addition, the combination of the " camera "menu key for executing the still image shooting function and the" movie "

Type 2

The second function executed according to the A and B menu key selections is the first function (or menu) executed when the A and B menu keys are respectively selected, or the subfunction (or submenu) of the fourth function have. (Or function) 201 represented by the tree form shown in Fig. 7, A corresponds to the menu (or function) 201, B corresponds to the menu (or function) 203, A + B corresponds to the menu , Or a sub-menu (or function, 211) As described above, different functions may be matched according to the order in which menu keys are selected (for example, A-> B = menu 211, B-> A = menu 212). In this case, in order to execute the function desired by the user, the desired function and its subfunction (or submenu) can be selected at once without going through various steps in the hierarchically configured menu.

Preferably, a menu key (hereinafter referred to as a submenu key) corresponding to a menu key (hereinafter referred to as an upper menu key) representing each function and a submenu, subfeature, setting condition or search condition of another menu is displayed together, As the key and sub-menu key are selected together, one menu is automatically selected as the search condition of the other menu and the result is displayed. One menu key may correspond to a higher menu key or a lower menu key (depending on the menu key selected or in the order selected).

For example, when the "calling" menu key and the "history" menu key for executing the voice call function are selected together, the "history" menu (or the submenu "calling" Quot; menu) is executed. If the " message "menu key and the" history "menu key are selected together, the latest text message list display function displays the latest Internet connection list display function, When the "setting" menu key and the "history" menu key are selected together, a recently changed list of mobile phone settings is displayed.

Also, for example, if the "setting" menu key is selected with either the "calling" menu key, the "message" menu key, the "camera" menu key, or the "Wi-Fi" menu key, , Message related setting, camera related setting, Wi-Fi setting function are executed.

Also, for example, when the "browser" menu key and the "Wi-Fi" menu key are selected together, a web browser connected via Wi-Fi is executed.

Also, when the "video camera" menu key and the "music" menu are selected together, the movie shooting function is executed and the background music selection menu to be used for movie recording is displayed.

Type 3

The second function executed in accordance with the A and B menu key selections is the first function (or a specific sub function of the first function) executed when the A and B menu keys are respectively selected and the fourth function (or the specific sub function of the fourth function Function) sequentially. Also, as described above, the order of the functions to be executed may be different depending on the order in which the menu keys are selected. Data or the like may be processed or selected through the first function, and then data selected or processed in the first function may be reprocessed through the fourth function.

For example, when the "memo" menu key for executing the memo function and the "message" menu key for executing the text message function are selected together, the memo function is executed first. When a specific memo is selected from a memo previously stored or a new memo is created, a message sending function is executed. The selected or newly created memo is transmitted according to the message transmission function.

Also, for example, when the "gallery" menu key and the "browser" menu key are selected together, a gallery function for selecting and displaying contents such as photographs, music, and moving images is executed first, and when the user selects one of them , And information related to the selected contents (e.g., title, elbow, singer, lyric / small, etc.) in the case of music contents. Next, the web browser is executed, and the extracted information is inputted through the executed web browser to display the search result for the selected content.

Type 4

The second function executed in accordance with the A and B menu key selections is the first function (or a specific sub function of the first function) executed when the A and B menu keys are respectively selected and the fourth function (or the specific sub function of the fourth function Function) at the same time. In addition, when a specific function is not set in the menu key combination, the multitasking function can always be executed (or only in the case of a specific touch input such as a multitouch).

For example, when the "browser" menu key and the "DMB" menu key are simultaneously selected, the web browser and the DMB viewing application are driven, and the display area is divided and displayed in the respective areas.

Although the functions that can be executed according to the combination of the two menu keys have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the two menu keys, and can be applied to three or more menu key combinations as well. For example, when three menu keys are selected, a function corresponding to one menu key may be executed, and the remaining two menu keys may correspond to a submenu of the executed function, a search condition, and the like. In addition, three or more menu key combinations may include two or more of the above-described types.

9A-9G illustrate user input for selecting one or more menu keys, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The touch input for selecting one or two or more menu keys may include a tap (an operation for short-touching a specific point on the touch screen), a long-touch (an operation for touching a specific point on the touch screen for a predetermined time or longer) , Double-tap (touching a certain point on the touch screen twice), drag (dragging, touching a specific point on the touch screen and moving to another point while maintaining contact), multi-touch touching, touching two or more points of the touch screen at the same time), flicking, or a combination thereof. Will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

9A shows a drag input. When the drag input is completed through the touch screen (touchdown- > drag-> touch up), the control unit 180 displays a menu key selected by dragging and a menu key And a menu key ("browser") corresponding to the touch-up point.

9B shows a drag input for selecting three or more menu keys. The control unit 180 identifies a menu key ("history") corresponding to a touchdown point, a long touched menu key ("browser") and a menu key ("gallery" For example, if the user touches down the "history" menu key and remains in touch with the "browser" menu key and remains in touch for longer than a predetermined time (long touch), the "browser" menu key is selected When the user touches the "gallery" menu key while holding the touch again, the three menu keys are selected, or the control unit 180 displays the dragged form (e.g., analysis of directional change points) to identify the selected menu key.

9C shows a multi-touch input for selecting two or more menu keys. The touch screen senses two or more touch inputs being simultaneously input. For example, when the "history" menu key is touched down, the "message" menu key and / or the "gallery" menu key are touched down, Key, and the order thereof, and executes a function corresponding to the combination.

FIG. 9D shows a plurality of consecutive tap inputs for selecting two or more menu keys. When a tab (touch down -> touch up) is inputted through the touch screen, the control unit 180 identifies a menu key corresponding to the tap input point, for example, a "history" menu key, A table relating to a menu key combination stored in the memory 160, and the like to determine whether there is a menu key available. If there is no menu key that can be combined, the control unit 180 immediately executes a function corresponding to the selected menu key, and if there is a combination menu key, the control unit 180 waits for the next touch input. When the next tab is input in the touch input waiting state, the "schedule" menu key corresponding to the input tab is identified and whether there is a third menu key that can be combined with the two again selected menu keys ("history & . If there is no third menu key that can be combined, the controller 180 immediately executes a function corresponding to the combination of the two selected menu keys, and if there is a combination menu key, the controller 180 waits for the next touch input.

If another touch input such as a double tap, a long touch or a specific menu key (for example, "homescreen") is input in addition to the tap input, the corresponding touch input Function (a function corresponding to the "history" menu key or a function corresponding to a combination of "history "and" schedule "

FIG. 9E shows selection of two or more menu keys using a specific menu key. When a menu key to be selected by the user is sequentially or simultaneously dragged to the (homescreen) menu key (multi-touch), the controller 180 combines the selected menu keys to perform a corresponding function as described in FIGS. 9A to 9D .

FIG. 9F shows highlighting and displaying a menu key that can be selected together with a specific menu key. When the user touches (or keeps touching) the "history" menu key, the "calling", "message" and "setting" menu keys that can be selected with the "history" menu key are highlighted and displayed. A method of highlighting and displaying a menu key may be various methods such as making the menu key larger or brighter. Then, one or more of "calling", "message" and "setting" can be selected according to the above-described method.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating menu keys displayed in individual areas of the display unit 151 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 10, the menu keys may be displayed in a separate area of the display unit 151 indicated by "communication", "tools", "multimedia", "sub-menu" In addition, the menu keys may be divided and displayed on two or more display units 155 and 156. For example, menu keys are displayed on the display units 155 and 156 respectively located in the main body unit and the folder unit of the folder type terminal, and the menu keys displayed on the different display units 155 and 156 are shown in Figs. 9A to 9E Can be selected together as described above.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, menu keys displayed in each area may be changed according to user input. The user can individually adjust the menu keys displayed in the respective areas by touching the direction keys such as, and,, or inputting the gesture such as flick. Accordingly, when the menu keys which can be combined are separately arranged in separate areas, the user adjusts them using a direction key or the like so that a menu key to be selected is displayed in each area, and when all menu keys to be selected together are displayed, .

In the area indicated by "sub-menu ", menu keys mainly used as submenus of other menus can be displayed. ("New"), delete ("delete"), open ("open"), change settings ("setting" history ") can be displayed in a separate area separately from the upper menu key.

11A to 11F are diagrams illustrating a multi-tasking process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the user drags the " calling "menu key with the" history "menu key (FIG. 11A), the control unit 180 detects this and executes a function corresponding to the selected two menu keys, . If a multitasking key ("homescreen") is input during the execution of the function, the controller 180 does not terminate the function being executed and displays the menu keys again (FIG. 11C). As shown in FIG. 11C, the control unit 180 indicates that one function related to the "history" menu key is being executed ("1").

When the user drags the "message" menu key with the "history" menu key (FIG. 11C), the control unit 180 detects this and executes the recent text message list display function (FIG. When a multitasking key ("homescreen") is input again during execution of the recent text message list display function, the control unit 180 does not terminate the function being executed and displays the menu keys again (FIG. As shown in FIG. 11E, the control unit 180 indicates that two functions related to the "history" menu key are being executed ("2").

11E, when the touch for selecting the "history" menu key is input, the control unit 180 summarizes the functions being executed in association with the "history" message "menu key, one screen is divided and displayed at the same time (Fig. 11 (f)). When any of the functions displayed in summary in the displayed state (input for touching divided areas or input for touching a displayed menu key) is displayed on the full screen as shown in FIG. 11F, (FIG. 11B or FIG. 11D).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the menu keys (two or more menu keys and their order), the type of the touch input and the corresponding function may be set according to the user's selection.

When a predetermined key (a command for adding a combination of menu keys) is input from the user, the controller 180 displays the menu keys as shown in FIG. 6 and waits for the user to select a menu key. The user selects two or more menu keys to which the function is to be added by the method described in Figs. 9A to 9E. Upon detecting the touch input, the controller 180 identifies the selected menu key and the type of the touch input according to the touch input of the user (or corresponds to a user input for selecting a plurality of menu keys without inputting the predetermined key) The user can display a message asking whether to add the selected menu key combination). Next, the control unit 180 displays a list of functions that can be set in the combination of the selected menu key. The list of functions that can be set may be an application stored in the terminal, a tree-shaped menu shown in Fig. 7, and the like. When a function to be executed by the user is selected, the controller 180 stores the selected function in the memory 160 together with the selected menu key and the input type of touch, and then executes the function set by the user when the set menu keys are selected.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described method can be implemented as a code that can be read by a processor on a medium on which the program is recorded. Examples of 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 above-described terminal and its control method are not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, but the embodiments may be modified so that all or some of the embodiments are selectively combined .

In the foregoing, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Here, the terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the technical ideas of the present invention are described. Therefore, It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be present.

100: mobile terminal 110: wireless communication unit
120: A / V input unit 130: user input unit
140: sensing unit 150: output unit
160: memory 170: interface section
180: control unit 190: power supply unit

Claims (20)

Claim 1 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. Displaying a plurality of menu keys;
Receiving a user input for selecting at least two menu keys from among the displayed plurality of menu keys;
And performing a function corresponding to a combination of the menu keys selected by the user input,
Displaying an execution screen of the first function on the basis that a specific menu key and a different menu key are selected together from the plurality of menu keys;
Displaying the plurality of menu keys again on the basis of selection of a preset multitasking key during execution of the first function and displaying the number of functions being executed in the specific menu key;
Executing a second function together with the first function on the basis that the specific menu key and another menu key are selected together, and displaying an execution screen of the second function;
Displaying again the plurality of menu keys and displaying the number of functions being executed in the specific menu key based on that the multitasking key is again selected during execution of the first function and the second function; And
Further comprising displaying the execution screen of the first function and the execution screen of the second function on the divided screen, respectively, based on the selection of the specific menu key. Claim 2 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the user input is a touch input input to a touch screen on which menu keys are displayed. Claim 3 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the user input is a tap for sequentially touching at least two menu keys or a multi-touch for simultaneously touching at least two menu keys. Claim 4 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the user input is a gesture for selecting the first and second menu keys by dragging from a first menu key to a second menu key. Claim 5 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the user input is a gesture for further selecting the third menu key by dragging from the second menu key to the third menu key. Claim 6 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the function corresponding to the combination of the selected menu keys comprises:
A function corresponding to another one of the sub-functions of the functions corresponding to any one of the menu keys, a function corresponding to each of the selected menu keys, A function of sequentially executing the functions, and a function of simultaneously executing each function corresponding to each of the selected menu keys. Claim 7 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising setting a function selected by a user for a combination of menu keys selected by the user input,
In the executing step,
And executing a function selected by the user. Claim 8 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the function corresponding to the combination of the selected menu keys is different according to the selected menu keys, the order of selecting the selected menu keys, and the type of touch input for selecting the menu keys. Claim 9 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
In the displaying step
Menu keys may be divided into at least two areas of one display unit 151 or at least two display units 155 and 156 and a predetermined number of menu keys among the arranged menu keys may be allocated to a corresponding area or a corresponding display unit Lt; / RTI >
Wherein the menu key displayed among the arranged menu keys is changed according to a user input. Claim 10 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. The method according to claim 1,
And displaying only the execution screen of the selected function among the execution screens. A display unit for displaying a plurality of menu keys;
A user input for receiving a user input for selecting at least two menu keys among the displayed plurality of menu keys; And
And a controller for executing a function corresponding to a combination of the selected menu keys,
The display unit includes:
Displaying an execution screen of the first function based on that a specific menu key and a different menu key are selected together from among the plurality of menu keys,
Displaying the plurality of menu keys again based on the selection of the preset multitasking key during the execution of the first function, displaying the number of functions being executed in the specific menu key,
Executing a second function together with the first function on the basis that the specific menu key and another menu key are selected together, displaying an execution screen of the second function,
Displaying the plurality of menu keys again based on that the multitasking key is again selected during the execution of the first function and the second function, displaying the number of functions being executed in the specific menu key,
And displays the execution screen of the first function and the execution screen of the second function on the divided screen, respectively, based on the selection of the specific menu key. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the user input is a touch input input to the display unit. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the user input is a tap for sequentially touching at least two menu keys or a multi-touch for simultaneously touching at least two menu keys. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the user input is a gesture for selecting the first and second menu keys by dragging from a first menu key to a second menu key. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the user input is a gesture for further selecting the third menu key by dragging from the second menu key to the third menu key. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the function corresponding to the combination of the selected menu keys comprises:
A function corresponding to another one of the sub-functions of the functions corresponding to any one of the menu keys, a function corresponding to each of the selected menu keys, A function of sequentially executing functions, and a function of simultaneously executing each function corresponding to each of the selected menu keys. 12. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising setting a function selected by a user for a combination of menu keys selected by the user input,
In the executing step,
And executes the function selected by the user. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the function corresponding to the combination of the selected menu keys is different according to the selected menu keys, a selection order of the selected menu keys, and a type of a touch input for selecting the menu keys. 12. The method of claim 11,
The display unit
The display device includes at least two regions or at least two display portions located on one display portion where the menu keys are divided and arranged. The display portion displays a predetermined number of menu keys among the arranged menu keys on the corresponding region or the corresponding display portion,
Wherein the predetermined number of menu keys displayed among the arranged menu keys is changed according to user input. Claim 20 has been abandoned due to the setting registration fee. 12. The method of claim 11,
The display unit includes:
And displays only the execution screen of the selected function among the execution screens.

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