KR20150000681A - Mobile terminal and operation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operation method of a mobile terminal which provides an in-operation screen unlock function for a preset application. The method includes: a step of displaying an operation screen of a certain application on a display unit while a screen lock mode is set; a step of setting a screen unlock function for the certain application; a step of switching the operation mode of a mobile terminal to a sleep mode while the certain application is being run; a step of receiving a user input to convert from the sleep mode to a wakeup mode; and a step of displaying the operation screen instead of the lock screen in response to the received user input.

Description

[0001] MOBILE TERMINAL AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF [0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and an operation method thereof, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal providing a lock screen release function during operation for a predetermined application and an operation method thereof.

A mobile terminal is a portable device having one or more functions capable of carrying out voice and video communication, capable of inputting and outputting information, and storing data, while being portable. As the functions of the mobile terminal are diversified, the mobile terminal has complicated functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, playback of a music file or a moving picture file, reception of a game, broadcasting, wireless Internet, and transmission / reception of a message. .

In order to implement complex functions, mobile terminals implemented in the form of multimedia devices are being applied variously in terms of hardware and software. For example, there is a user interface environment in which a user can easily and conveniently search for or select a function. In addition, the mobile terminal is considered to be a personal item for expressing the personality of a user, and various design changes such as a double-sided LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a front touch screen are required.

In addition, a mobile terminal having a touch screen may include a screen lock function of various methods in order to restrict an unintentional user's touch input in a standby mode or restrict an unauthorized access of a third party . For example, in recent mobile terminals, screen lock functions using PIN, PIN, fingerprint or face recognition are provided.

With any one of these various screen locking functions set, the mobile terminal can execute a specific application according to a user command. When the user input for entering the sleep mode is received while the application is being executed or the predetermined time has elapsed without any operation control, the mobile terminal is in a sleep mode (wake-up mode) ) To save battery power.

In order to enter the operation screen of the application running in the background in the sleep mode, there is an inconvenience that the lock screen must be released after entering the wake-up mode in the sleep mode at all times. Therefore, there is a need for a method capable of directly entering the operation screen in the sleep mode, without releasing the lock screen, for a specific application in operation.

The present invention provides a mobile terminal that provides a lock screen release function during operation for a predetermined application and an operation method thereof.

The present invention also provides a mobile terminal and an operation method thereof that can control an operation of a predetermined application through an operation of a shortcut key in a sleep mode.

In addition, the present invention provides a mobile terminal capable of temporarily releasing a lock screen of an active application through a preset notification bar and an operation method thereof.

The method includes displaying an operation screen of a specific application on a display unit while a screen lock mode is set; Setting a lock screen release function for the specific application; Switching the operation mode of the mobile terminal to the sleep mode while the specific application is running; Receiving a user input for switching from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode; And displaying the operation screen instead of the lock screen corresponding to the received user input.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal can directly enter an operation screen in the background from a sleep mode without releasing a lock screen for a predetermined application.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal can easily control the operation of a corresponding application through operation of a shortcut key in a sleep mode without releasing a lock screen for a predetermined application.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal can directly display an operation screen running in the background without releasing a lock screen through a notification bar operation of a lock screen.

Meanwhile, various other effects will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description according to the embodiment of the present invention to be described later.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2; FIG.
4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a diagram illustrating an operation for setting a 'lock release' function for a music playback application in a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of performing a screen unlock function for a music playback application running in the background in the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
7 is a view for explaining an operation of setting a 'lock screen release' function for a plurality of applications in the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
8 is a view for explaining an operation of performing a screen unlock function for a plurality of applications in multitasking in a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
9 is a view for explaining an operation of a mobile terminal moving to another application in which a screen unlock function is set while an application having a screen unlock function is being executed;
10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of setting a 'hot key' function for a music playing application in a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
13 is a view for explaining an operation to enter an operation screen of a music playback application running in the background without releasing a screen lock in a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a view for explaining an operation of entering a screen of a broadcast application running in the background without releasing a screen unlock in the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
15 is a view for explaining an operation of a mobile terminal entering an operation screen of an application running in the background without releasing a screen in a sleep mode in multitasking;

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Examples of the mobile terminal described in the present specification include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a camera, tablet computers, e-book terminals, and the like. In addition, suffixes "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given merely for convenience of description, and do not give special significance or role in themselves. Accordingly, the terms "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in terms of functional components.

1, a mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an audio / video (A / V) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, A controller 160, an interface 170, a controller 180, and a power supply 190. When such components are implemented in practical applications, two or more components may be combined into one component, or one component may be divided into two or more components as necessary.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 113, a wireless Internet module 115, a short distance communication module 117, and a GPS module 119.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. At this time, the broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, and the like. The broadcast management server may refer to a server for generating and transmitting at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information and a server for receiving at least one of the generated broadcast signal and broadcast related information and transmitting the broadcast signal to the terminal.

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 mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information can also be provided through a mobile communication network, in which case it can be received by the mobile communication module 113. Broadcast-related information can exist in various forms.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems. In particular, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S) ), Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. In addition, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for all broadcasting systems that provide broadcasting signals, as well as the digital broadcasting system. 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 113 transmits and receives a radio signal to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data according to a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 115 is a module for wireless Internet access, and the wireless Internet module 115 can 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 117 refers to a module for short-range communication. Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and Near Field Communication (NFC) may be used as the short distance communication technology.

A GPS (Global Position System) module 119 receives position information from a plurality of GPS satellites.

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 (not shown). 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. Then, 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. [ The camera 121 may be equipped with two or more cameras according to the configuration of the terminal.

A microphone (not shown) receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, and 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 113 and output when the voice data is in the call mode. The microphone (not shown) may be used with various noise reduction algorithms to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates key input data that the user inputs to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (static / static) capable of receiving commands or information by a user's pressing or touching operation. The user input unit 130 may be a jog wheel for rotating the key, a jog type or a joystick, or a finger mouse. Particularly, when the touch pad has a mutual layer structure with the display unit 151 described later, it can be called a touch screen.

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, Thereby generating a sensing signal. 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. In addition, a sensing function related to whether or not the power supply unit 190 is powered on, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device, and the like can be handled.

The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, a pressure sensor 143, a motion sensor 145, and the like. The proximity sensor 141 can detect an object approaching the mobile terminal 100 or the presence or absence of an object in the vicinity of the mobile terminal 100 without mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 can detect a nearby object by using a change in the alternating magnetic field or a change in the static magnetic field, or a rate of change in capacitance. The proximity sensor 141 may be equipped with two or more sensors according to the configuration.

The pressure sensor 143 can detect whether or not pressure is applied to the mobile terminal 100, the magnitude of the pressure, and the like. The pressure sensor 143 may be installed at a portion where the pressure of the mobile terminal 100 is required according to the use environment. When the pressure sensor 143 is installed on the display unit 151, the touch input through the display unit 151 and the pressure applied by the touch input The pressure touch input can be identified. Also, the magnitude of the pressure applied to the display unit 151 at the time of the pressure touch input can be determined according to the signal output from the pressure sensor 143. [

The motion sensor 145 senses the position or movement of the mobile terminal 100 using an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like. An acceleration sensor that can be used for the motion sensor 145 is a device that converts an acceleration change in one direction into an electric signal and is widely used along with the development of MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technology.

The acceleration sensor measures the acceleration of a small value built in the airbag system of an automobile and recognizes the minute motion of the human hand and measures the acceleration of a large value used as an input means such as a game There are various kinds. Acceleration sensors are usually constructed by mounting two or three axes in one package. Depending on the usage environment, only one axis of Z axis is required. Therefore, when the acceleration sensor in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction is used instead of the Z-axis direction for some reason, the acceleration sensor may be mounted on the main substrate by using a separate piece substrate.

The gyro sensor is a sensor for measuring the angular velocity, and it can sense the direction of rotation with respect to the reference direction.

The output unit 150 is for outputting an audio signal, a video signal, or an alarm signal. The output unit 150 may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 153, an alarm unit 155, and a haptic module 157.

The display unit 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 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 or received images can be displayed individually or simultaneously, and the UI and the GUI are displayed.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the display unit 151 and the touch pad have a mutual layer structure to constitute a touch screen, the display unit 151 may be an input device capable of inputting information by a user's touch in addition to the output device Can also be used.

If the display unit 151 is configured as a touch screen, it may include a touch screen panel, a touch screen panel controller, and the like. In this case, the touch screen panel is a transparent panel that is attached to the outside, and can be connected to the internal bus of the mobile terminal 100. The touch screen panel keeps a watch on the contact result, and if there is a touch input, sends the corresponding signals to the touch screen panel controller. The touch screen panel controller processes the signals, and then transmits corresponding data to the controller 180 so that the controller 180 can determine whether the touch input has been made and which area of the touch screen has been touched.

The display unit 151 may be formed of an e-paper. Electronic paper (e-Paper) is a kind of reflective display, and has excellent visual characteristics such as high resolution, wide viewing angle and bright white background as conventional paper and ink. The electronic paper (e-paper) can be implemented on any substrate such as plastic, metal, paper, and the image is maintained even after the power is shut off, and the battery life of the mobile terminal 100 is long Can be maintained. As the electronic paper, a hemispherical twist ball filled with a telephone can be used, or an electrophoresis method and a microcapsule can be used.

In addition, the display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a three- (3D display). In addition, there may be two or more display units 151 according to the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the mobile terminal 100 may include an external display unit (not shown) and an internal display unit (not shown) at the same time.

The audio output module 153 outputs 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, In addition, the sound output module 153 outputs sound signals related to functions performed in the mobile terminal 100, for example, call signal reception tones, message reception tones, and the like. The sound output module 153 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 155 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events that occur in the mobile terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, and key signal input. The alarm unit 155 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than an audio signal or a video signal. For example, it is possible to output a signal in a vibration mode. The alarm unit 155 can output a signal to notify when a call signal is received or a message is received. Also, when the key signal is inputted, the alarm unit 155 can output the signal as the feedback to the key signal input. The user can recognize the occurrence of an event through the signal output by the alarm unit 155. A signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in the mobile terminal 100 may also be output through the display unit 151 or the sound output module 153. [

The haptic module 157 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 157 is a vibration effect. When the haptic module 157 generates vibration with a haptic effect, the intensity and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module 157 can be converted, and the different vibrations can be synthesized and output or sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 157 may be provided with a function of stimulating by a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, an effect of stimulating air through the injection or suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, The effect of stimulation through contact of the electrode (eletrode), the effect of stimulation by the electrostatic force, and the effect of reproducing the cool / warm using the device capable of endothermic or exothermic can be generated. The haptic module 157 can be implemented not only to transmit the tactile effect through direct contact but also to feel the tactile effect through the muscular sense of the user's finger or arm. The haptic module 157 may include two or more haptic modules 157 according to the configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the control unit 180 and may store a function for temporarily storing input or output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, .

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 , And a ROM. ≪ / RTI > In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may operate a web storage for storing the memory 150 on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. Examples of the external device connected to the mobile terminal 100 include a wired / wireless headset, an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card, a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card, a UIM An audio input / output (I / O) terminal, a video I / O (input / output) terminal, and an earphone. The interface unit 170 may receive data from the external device or supply power to the respective components in the mobile terminal 100 and may transmit data in the mobile terminal 100 to the external device .

The interface unit 170 may be a path through which the power from the cradle connected to the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the cradle when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the cradle, And may be a passage to be transmitted to the terminal 100.

The controller 180 typically controls the operation of the respective units to control the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, voice communication, data communication, video communication, and the like. In addition, the control unit 180 may include a multimedia playback module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia playback module 181 may be configured in hardware in the controller 180 or separately from software in the controller 180. [

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 mobile terminal 100 having such a configuration can be configured to be operable in a communication system capable of transmitting data through a frame or a packet, including a wired / wireless communication system and a satellite-based communication system. have.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described in terms of components according to the external appearance. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a bar type mobile terminal having a front touch screen among various types of mobile terminals such as a folder type, a bar type, a swing type, a slider type, etc. will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the bar-type mobile terminal but can be applied to all types of mobile terminals including the above-mentioned types.

Referring to FIG. 2, the case constituting the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 is formed by the front case 100-1 and the rear case 100-2. Various electronic components are incorporated in the space formed by the front case 100-1 and the rear case 100-2.

The display unit 151, the first sound output module 153a, the first camera 121a, and the first through third user input units 130a, 130b, and 130c are connected to the main body, specifically, the front case 100-1 . A fourth user input portion 130d may be disposed on a side surface of the rear case 100-2 and a microphone (not shown) may be disposed on a lower surface of the rear case 100-2.

The display unit 151 may be constructed such that the touch pad is overlapped with the layer structure so that the display unit 151 operates as a touch screen so that information can be input by a user's touch.

The first acoustic output module 153a may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker. The first camera 121a may be implemented in a form suitable for capturing an image or a moving image of a user. The microphone (not shown) may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The first to fourth user input units 130a, 130b, 130c and 130d and the fifth user input unit 130e to be described later may collectively be referred to as a user input unit 130. The user input unit 130 may be a method tactile manner, any method can be employed.

For example, the user input unit 130 may be embodied as a dome switch or a touch pad capable of receiving a command or information by a user's pressing or touching operation, or may be a wheel, a jog type or a joystick Or the like.

In a functional aspect, the first user input unit 130a is a menu key for inputting a command for calling a menu related to an application currently being executed, and the second user input unit 130b is a home key, The third user input unit 130c is for inputting a command for canceling the currently executing application as a back key.

Also, the fourth user input unit (i.e., the side key 130d) may operate as a key for switching between a sleep mode and a wake-up mode, or may operate as a special function within the mobile terminal 100 As a hot-key for activating the < / RTI > Here, the sleep mode indicates a state in which the backlight of the display unit 151 is turned off to save battery consumption of the mobile terminal, and the wake-up mode indicates a state in which the backlight of the display unit 151 is turned on.

3, a second camera 121b may be further mounted on the rear surface of the rear case 100-2, a fifth user input unit 130e may be disposed on a side surface of the rear case 100-2 And the interface unit 170 may be disposed on the lower surface of the rear case 100-2.

The second camera 121b has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a, and may have pixels different from those of the first camera 121a. A flash (not shown) and a mirror (not shown) may be additionally disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. In addition, another camera may be installed adjacent to the second camera 121b to use it for shooting a three-dimensional stereoscopic image.

The flash illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121b. The mirror enables the user to illuminate the user's own face or the like when the user intends to photograph (self-photograph) himself / herself using the second camera 121b.

A second sound output module (not shown) may be further disposed in the rear case 100-2. The second sound output module may implement the stereo function together with the first sound output module 153a, and may be used for talking in the speakerphone mode.

The interface unit 170 can be used as a path for exchanging data with an external device. An antenna for receiving broadcast signals (not shown) may be disposed in one area of the front case 100-1 and the rear case 100-2 in addition to the antenna for communication. The antenna may be installed to be capable of being drawn out from the rear case 100-2.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100 may be mounted on the rear case 100-2. The power supply unit 190 may be a rechargeable battery, for example, and may be detachably coupled to the rear case 100-2 for charging or the like.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the second camera 121b and the like are disposed in the rear case 100-2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, the first camera 121a may be rotatably formed so that the second camera 121b can be photographed up to the photographing direction, even if the second camera 121b is not separately provided.

In the foregoing, the configuration of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention has been described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. Hereinafter, a mobile terminal providing a lock screen release function during operation of a predetermined application according to an embodiment of the present invention and an operation method thereof will be described in detail.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the controller 180 sets a screen lock function by selecting one of various screen lock functions installed in the mobile terminal 100 according to a user command (S405).

If one of the plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of applications installed on the desktop is selected in the state that the screen lock function is set, the controller 180 displays the operation screen (or the execution screen) of the application corresponding to the selected icon, On the display unit 151 (S410).

In the state that the operation screen is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the setting menu of the currently executing application on the operation screen according to the user's input (S415). At this time, the setting menu includes a 'lock screen release' item newly defined in the present invention.

If the 'lock screen release' item is selected in the state that the setting menu is displayed, the controller 180 sets a lock screen release function during operation for the application currently being executed (S420). Thereafter, the control unit 180 continues the operation of the application according to the control command input from the user.

On the other hand, if the fourth user input unit 130d is operated while the corresponding application is being executed, or if the predetermined time has elapsed without any external input, the controller 180 switches the operation mode of the mobile terminal from the wakeup mode to the sleep mode And the battery consumption is saved (S425). At this time, the application operates in the background state in the mobile terminal 100.

If the first user input for switching from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode is received (S430), the controller 180 determines whether or not the lock- On the display unit 151, an operation screen of an application running in the background (S435). At this time, the operation screen displayed on the display unit 151 is the operation screen of the application for which the 'lock screen release' function is set. In addition, the controller 180 may display a predetermined indicator in one area of the operation screen to inform the user that the current state of the mobile terminal 100 is temporarily the screen unlock state.

In the state that the operation screen is displayed, the controller 180 performs various functions of the application according to the control command of the user. On the other hand, in order to execute another application while the operation screen is displayed, it is necessary to return to the lock screen and release the screen lock state.

Also, in a state where such an operation screen is displayed, the control unit 180 checks whether a second user input for switching the operation screen to the original lock screen is received (S440). At this time, the second user input may be an input for touching a home key or the like, or an input for touching the predetermined indicator, but is not limited thereto.

If it is determined in step 440 that the second user input for displaying the lock screen has not been received, the controller 180 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed without inputting an external user (step S445). If a predetermined time has elapsed without inputting an external user, the controller 180 moves to step 425 and enters a sleep mode. On the other hand, if a predetermined time has not elapsed without inputting an external user, the controller 180 proceeds to step 435 and continues to display the operation screen.

If it is determined in step 440 that the second user input for displaying the lock screen has been received, the control unit 180 displays the lock screen on the display unit 151 instead of the operation screen. If the password or the unlock pattern is input while the lock screen is displayed, the controller 180 displays the standby screen (or the home screen) on the display unit 151 after releasing the screen lock.

As described above, the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention allows the user to directly enter the operation screen in the background in the sleep mode without having to release the lock screen for the preset application.

Hereinafter, an operation method of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. At this time, it is assumed that the mobile terminal has a screen lock function preset by the user.

5 is a view for explaining an operation of setting a 'lock screen release' function for a music playback application in the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the controller 180 displays a home screen (not shown) or a menu screen 510 on the display unit 151 according to a user command.

When the music reproduction icon 515 is selected in the state that the menu screen 510 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the execution screen 520 of the music reproduction application as shown in FIG. 5 (b) 151).

If the first user input unit (i.e., the menu key 130a) is selected while the execution screen 520 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the menu window 523 related to the music reproduction application on the execution screen 520 do. At this time, the menu window 523 includes a shared menu, a delete menu, a setting menu, and a selection play menu.

When the setting menu 525 is selected in the state that the menu window 523 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the music setting screen 530 as shown in FIG. 5C on the display unit. At this time, the music setting screen 530 includes a sound effect item, a lyric item, an equalizer item, an automatic music termination item, a sleep reservation item, and a lock screen release item.

If the lock screen release item 535 is selected in the state that the music setting screen 530 is displayed, the control unit 180 sets the lock screen release function during operation for the music reproduction application.

6 is a view for explaining an operation of performing a screen unlock function for a music playback application running in the background in the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6A, while the music playback application is running, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode as the fourth user input unit 130d is operated or a predetermined time passes without any user input do. At this time, the music playback application operates in the background state in the mobile terminal 100. [

When the second user input unit (i.e., the home key 130 (b)) or the fourth user input unit (i.e., site key 130 (d)) is operated in the sleep mode, the controller 180 Switch back to wake-up mode. At this time, the control unit 180 directly displays the music playback screen 540 shown in FIG. 6B on the display unit 151 instead of displaying the lock screen. Accordingly, the user of the mobile terminal 100 can directly enter the operation screen of the music playback application running in the background in the sleep mode without selecting the lock screen, and can select another song or adjust the volume or the like .

The control unit 180 displays a screen lock icon 545 in the status bar area of the operation screen 540 to notify the user that the current mobile terminal 100 is temporarily in the screen unlock state with respect to the music playback application currently being executed, Can be displayed.

When the screen lock icon 545 is touched or the home key 130 (b) or the like is selected in the state that the operation screen 540 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the screen shown in FIG. 6 (c) The same lock screen 550 is displayed on the display unit 151. [ On the other hand, although not shown in the drawing, when the side key 130 (d) is selected while the operation screen 540 is displayed, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode again from the wake-up mode.

7 is a view for explaining an operation of setting a 'lock screen release' function for a plurality of applications in the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the control unit 180 executes a music playback application according to a user command. If the first user input unit (i.e., the menu key 130a) is selected while the execution screen of the application is displayed, the control unit 180 displays a menu window (not shown) related to the music playback application on the execution screen.

When a setting item (not shown) is selected in a state where the menu window (not shown) is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the music setting screen 710 as shown in FIG. 7A on the display unit 151, . At this time, the music setting screen 710 includes a lock screen cancel item 715. If the lock screen cancellation item 715 is selected in the state that the music setting screen 710 is displayed, the control unit 180 sets a lock screen cancellation function for the music playing application during operation.

Referring to FIG. 7 (b), in a state where the music reproduction application is running, the control unit 180 executes the web application according to the user command. If the first user input unit (i.e., the menu key 130a) is selected while the execution screen of the application is displayed, the control unit 180 displays a menu window (not shown) associated with the web application on the execution screen.

When the setting item (not shown) is selected in the state that the menu window (not shown) is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the web setting screen 720 as shown in FIG. 7B on the display unit 151, . At this time, the web setting screen 720 includes a lock screen cancel item 725. If the lock screen cancel item 725 is selected in the state that the web setting screen 720 is displayed, the control unit 180 sets a lock screen release function for the web application during operation.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 7, in a state where the music reproduction and the web application are being executed, the control unit 180 executes a YouTube (You Tube) application according to a user command. If the first user input unit (i.e., the menu key 130a) is selected while the execution screen of the application is displayed, the control unit 180 displays a menu window (not shown) related to the YouTube application on the execution screen.

When the setting item (not shown) is selected in the state that the menu window (not shown) is displayed, the controller 180 displays the YouTube setting screen 730 as shown in FIG. 7C on the display unit 151, . At this time, the YouTube setting screen 730 includes a lock screen cancel item 735. If the lock screen release item 735 is selected in the state that the YouTube setting screen 730 is displayed, the control unit 180 sets a lock screen release function during operation for the YouTube application.

As described above, the lock screen release function can be set for a plurality of applications during the operation through the above-described processes.

8 is a view for explaining an operation of performing a screen unlock function for a plurality of applications in multitasking in the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a music playback application, a web application, and a YouTube application are sequentially executed and are in a multitasking state.

8A, while a plurality of applications are being multitasked, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode according to the passage of a predetermined period of time without the operation of the fourth user input unit 130d or external user input .

When the second user input unit (i.e., the home key 130 (b)) or the fourth user input unit (i.e., site key 130 (d)) is operated in the sleep mode, the controller 180 Wake-up mode. At this time, the control unit 180 displays the YouTube execution screen 740 as shown in FIG. 8B on the display unit 151 instead of displaying the lock screen. That is, the control unit 180 displays the last YouTube execution screen 740 among the multitasking applications on the display unit 151. Accordingly, the user of the mobile terminal 100 can directly enter the operation screen of the YouTube application running in the background and select another video item without releasing the lock screen.

In addition, the control unit 180 displays a screen lock icon 745 in the status bar area of the operation screen 740 to notify the user that the mobile application 100 is temporarily in the screen unlock state with respect to the YouTube application currently being executed Can be displayed.

If the screen lock icon 745 is touched or the home key 130 (b) or the like is selected in the state that the operation screen 740 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the screen shown in FIG. 6C The same lock screen 750 is displayed on the display unit 151. [ On the other hand, although not shown in the drawing, when the side key 130 (d) is selected while the operation screen 740 is displayed, the controller 180 enters the sleep mode again in the wake-up mode.

9 is a view for explaining the operation of the mobile terminal moving from the application in which the screen unlock function is set to the other application in which the screen unlock function is set.

9A, during the multitasking, the controller 180 enters the sleep mode according to a predetermined time elapse without the operation of the fourth user input unit 130d or external user input.

When the second user input unit (i.e., the home key 130 (b)) or the fourth user input unit 130 (d) is operated in the sleep mode, the controller 180 changes from the sleep mode to the wakeup mode Switch. At this time, the control unit 180 displays the YouTube execution screen 740 as shown in FIG. 9 (b) on the display unit 151 instead of displaying the lock screen. In other words, the control unit 180 displays the last-used YouTube execution screen 740 among the multitasking applications on the display unit 151.

When the back key 130 (c) is selected in the state that the YouTube execution screen 740 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the web page screen 760 as shown in FIG. 9C on the display unit 151). That is, the control unit 180 moves to the operation screen 760 of the web application used before the execution of the YouTube application among the multitasking applications. Accordingly, the user of the mobile terminal 100 can directly enter the operation screen of the running web application in the background and retrieve another web page without releasing the lock screen.

When the back key 130 (c) is again selected in the state that the web page screen 760 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the music playback screen 770 as shown in FIG. 9 (d) And displays it on the display unit 151. That is, the control unit 180 moves to the operation screen 770 of the music playback application used before the execution of the web application among the multitasking applications. Accordingly, the user of the mobile terminal 100 can directly enter the operation screen of the music playback application running in the background and select another song, or adjust the volume, without releasing the lock screen.

On the other hand, if the screen lock icon 745 is touched or the home key 130 (b) or the like is selected while these operation screens 740, 760, 770 are displayed, the control unit 180) displays a lock screen (not shown) on the display unit 151. If the side key 130 (d) is selected while these operation screens 740, 860 and 770 are displayed, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode again in the wake-up mode do.

As described above, the present embodiment illustrates setting and performing a screen unlock function during operation for a music playback application, a web application, and a YouTube application, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit 180 sets a screen locking function by selecting one of several screen locking functions installed in the mobile terminal 100 according to a user command (S1005).

If any of the plurality of icons displayed on the desktop is selected in the state that the screen lock function is set, the control unit 180 displays the operation screen (or execution screen) of the application corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit 151 (S10100).

In the state that the operation screen is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the setting menu of the currently executing application on the operation screen according to the user's input (S1015). At this time, the setting menu includes a 'hot key setting' item newly defined in the present invention.

When the setting menu is displayed, if the 'hot key setting' item is selected, the controller 180 sets a hot key function for controlling the operation of the application running in the background in the sleep mode (S1020). Thereafter, the control unit 180 continues the operation of the application according to the control command of the user.

On the other hand, if the fourth user input unit 130d is operated while the corresponding application is being executed, or if the predetermined time has elapsed without any external input, the controller 180 switches the operation mode of the mobile terminal from the wakeup mode to the sleep mode And then the battery consumption is saved (S1025). At this time, the application operates in the background state in the mobile terminal.

In the sleep mode, if the preset hot key is input (S1030), the controller 180 controls the application running in the background to perform the function corresponding to the inputted hot key (S1035). Accordingly, in the sleep mode, the user of the mobile terminal 100 can easily operate the currently executing application by using the preset hot key without releasing the lock screen.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal can easily control the operation of the application through the operation of the hot key in the sleep mode without releasing the lock screen for the preset application do.

11 is a view for explaining an operation of setting a 'hot key' function for a music playback application in a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the controller 180 displays a home screen (not shown) or a menu screen 1110 on the display unit 151 according to a user command.

When the music reproduction icon 1115 is selected in the state that the menu screen 1110 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the execution screen 1120 of the music reproduction application as shown in FIG. 11 (b) 151).

If the first user input unit (i.e., the menu key 130a) is selected while the execution screen 1120 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the menu window 1123 related to the music reproduction application on the execution screen 1120 do. At this time, the menu window 1123 includes a shared menu, a delete menu, a setting menu, and a selection play menu.

When the setting menu 1125 is selected in the state that the menu window 1123 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the music setting screen 1130 as shown in FIG. 11C on the display unit. At this time, the music setting screen 1130 includes a sound effect item, a lyric item, a sleep reservation item, a lock screen release item, and a shortcut key setting item.

If the shortcut setting item 1135 is selected in the state that the music setting screen 1130 is displayed, the control unit 180 sets a shortcut key function for controlling the operation of the music playing application running in the background in the sleep mode. At this time, the shortcut key function to be set may be provided by default by the manufacturer or may be set by the user through a shortcut key setting menu provided separately.

For example, in the sleep mode, when the volume up key and the power key are operated at the same time, a function of selecting the previous music of the currently playing music can be performed. If the volume down key and the power key are operated simultaneously, It is possible to perform a function of selecting a song. In addition, when the home key is operated, the currently playing song can be temporarily stopped, and when the power key is operated again, the temporarily stopped song can be reproduced again. On the other hand, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other shortcut key functions can be set.

12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the controller 180 sets a screen lock function by selecting one of various screen lock functions installed in the mobile terminal 100 according to a user command (S1205).

If one of the plurality of icons displayed on the desktop is selected in the state where the screen lock function is set, the control unit 180 displays the execution screen of the application corresponding to the selected icon on the display unit 151 (S1210) . Then, the control unit 180 performs the operation of the application according to the control command of the user.

On the other hand, if the fourth user input unit 130d is operated while the corresponding application is being executed, or if the predetermined time has elapsed without any external input, the controller 180 switches the operation mode of the mobile terminal from the wakeup mode to the sleep mode Then, the battery consumption is saved (S1215). At this time, the application operates in the background state in the mobile terminal.

When the user input for switching from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode is received (S430), the controller 180 displays the lock screen on the display 151 (S1220).

If the predetermined first user input is received (S1225) while the lock screen is displayed, the control unit 180 displays a notification bar for providing information of the currently running application in the background to the work screen of the lock screen (S1230).

If a predetermined icon is selected in the state that the notification bar is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the operation screen of the application running in the background directly on the display unit 151 without releasing the lock screen (S1240). At this time, the control unit 180 may display a screen lock icon in one area of the operation screen in order to notify the user that the current mobile terminal 100 is temporarily in the screen unlock state with respect to the application in operation.

In a state where such an operation screen is displayed, the controller 180 performs various functions of the application according to a control command of the user (S1245). On the other hand, in order to execute another application in the state that the operation screen is displayed, it is necessary to return to the lock screen and release the screen lock state.

On the other hand, if the screen lock icon is touched or the home key 130 (b) is selected while the operation screen is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the lock screen on the display unit 151 again. If the side key 130 (d) is selected while the operation screen is displayed, the controller 180 enters the sleep mode again in the wake-up mode.

 As described above, the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention can display an operation screen running in the background immediately without releasing the lock screen using the notification bar on the lock screen.

Hereinafter, an operation method of the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13 to FIG. At this time, it is assumed that the mobile terminal has a screen lock function preset by the user.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention to enter an operation screen of a music playback application running in the background without releasing a screen lock.

13A, while the music playback application is running, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode according to the lapse of a predetermined period of time without the operation of the fourth user input unit 130d or external user input.

When the second user input unit (i.e., the home key 130 (b)) or the fourth user input unit (i.e., site key 130 (d)) is operated in the sleep mode, the controller 180 Wake-up mode. At this time, the control unit 180 displays the lock screen 1310 on the display unit 151.

13 (b), when the user touches the upper end of the display unit 151 and then drags the user input 1315 in a downward direction by a predetermined distance in a state where the lock screen 1310 is displayed, The notification bar 1320 is displayed on the top of the lock screen 1310 as shown in FIG. That is, the control unit 180 displays the notification bar 1320 on the display unit 151, which provides the information of the music playback application currently running in the background.

When the album icon 1325 is touched while the notification bar 1320 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the operation screen 1330 of the music playback application running in the background on the display unit 151). At this time, the control unit 180 displays a screen lock icon 1335 in the status bar area of the operation screen 1330 to inform the user that the current music playback application is temporarily in the screen unlock state, Can be displayed. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the album icon 1325 is selected to display the operation screen, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the state where the operation screen 1330 is displayed, the controller 180 performs various functions of the music reproduction application according to a control command of the user.

13 (c) and 13 (d), when the 'playlist icon' 1333 of the operation screen 1330 is selected, the control unit 180 displays the playlist screen 1340 on the display unit 1330, (151).

13 (e) and 13 (f), when the 'next music selection icon' 1337 of the operation screen 1330 is selected, the control unit 180 displays the next music of the music currently being played And displays the operation screen 1350 to be reproduced on the display unit 151.

If the screen lock icon 1335 is touched or the home key 130 (b) or the like is selected while these operation screens 1330, 1340 and 1350 are displayed, the control unit (not shown) 180 again displays the lock screen 1310 on the display unit 151. When the side key 130 (d) is selected while the operation screens 1330, 1340, and 1350 are displayed, the controller 180 enters the sleep mode again in the wakeup mode.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining an operation for entering a screen of a broadcast application running in the background without releasing a screen lock in a mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14A, while the broadcast application is being executed, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode according to the lapse of a predetermined period of time without the operation of the fourth user input unit 130d or external user input.

When the second user input unit (i.e., the home key 130 (b)) or the fourth user input unit (i.e., site key 130 (d)) is operated in the sleep mode, the controller 180 Wake-up mode. At this time, the control unit 180 displays the lock screen 1410 on the display unit 151.

14 (b), when the user touches the upper end of the display unit 151 and then drags the user input 1415 downward by a certain distance in a state where the lock screen 1410 is displayed, The notification bar 1420 is displayed on the top of the lock screen 1410 as shown in FIG. That is, the control unit 180 displays a notification bar 1420 for providing information on the broadcast application currently running in the background.

If the TV icon 1425 is touched while the notification bar 1420 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the operation screen 1430 of the broadcast application running in the background on the display unit 151 ). At this time, the control unit 180 displays a screen lock icon 1335 in the status bar area of the operation screen 1430 to notify the user that the current application is temporarily in the screen unlock state Can be displayed. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the TV icon 1425 is selected to display the operation screen 1430, but this is not a limitation.

In the state where the operation screen 1430 is displayed, the controller 180 performs various functions related to the broadcast application according to the control command of the user.

If the screen lock icon 1435 is touched or the home key 130 (b) is selected in the state that the operation screen 1430 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the lock screen 1410 on the display unit 151 ). On the other hand, if the side key 130 (d) is selected while the operation screen 1430 is displayed, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode again from the wake-up mode.

15 is a view for explaining an operation of a mobile terminal entering an operation screen of an application running in the background in a sleep mode in multitasking without releasing a screen lock.

Referring to FIG. 15A, during the multitasking, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode according to the elapse of a predetermined time without the operation of the fourth user input unit 130d or the user input.

When the second user input unit (i.e., the home key 130 (b)) or the fourth user input unit (i.e., site key 130 (d)) is operated in the sleep mode, the controller 180 Wake-up mode. At this time, the control unit 180 displays the lock screen 1510 on the display unit 151.

When a user input (not shown) for dragging the upper end of the display unit 151 and dragging the lower end of the display unit 151 by a predetermined distance is received while the lock screen 1510 is displayed, The notification bar 1520 is displayed on the upper part of the lock screen 1310 as shown in FIG. That is, the control unit 180 displays a notification bar 1520 for providing information on the music playback application and the broadcast application that are currently being multitasked in the background.

If the album icon 1525 is touched while the notification bar 1520 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the operation screen 1530 of the music playback application running in the background on the display unit 151). At this time, the control unit 180 displays a screen lock icon 1535 in the status bar area of the operation screen 1530 to notify the user that the current mobile terminal 100 is temporarily in the screen unlock state with respect to the application currently being executed can do. In the state where the operation screen 1530 is displayed, the controller 180 performs various functions of the music reproduction application according to a control command of the user.

On the other hand, in order to execute another application that is being multitasked, the current operation screen 1530 must return to the lock screen 1510 again. 15B, when the screen lock icon 1535 of the operation screen 1530 is selected, the control unit 180 displays the lock screen 1510 on the display unit 151 again do.

When a user input (not shown) for touching the upper end of the display unit 151 and dragging it downward by a certain distance is received in the state that the lock screen 1510 is displayed, The notification bar 1520 is displayed on the top of the lock screen 1310 again.

If the TV icon 1527 is touched while the notification bar 1520 is displayed, the control unit 180 displays the operation screen 1540 of the broadcast application running in the background on the display unit 151 ). At this time, the control unit 180 displays a screen lock icon 1535 in the status bar area of the operation screen 1540 to inform the user that the current mobile terminal 100 is temporarily in the screen unlock state with respect to the application currently being executed can do. In the state that the operation screen 1540 is displayed, the controller 180 performs various functions of the broadcast application according to the control command of the user.

If the side key 130 (d) is selected while the operation screens 1530 and 1540 are displayed, the control unit 180 enters the sleep mode again from the wake-up mode .

As described above, the present embodiment exemplifies performing the screen unlocking function for the music reproducing application and the broadcasting application, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the present invention can be implemented as a code readable by a processor in a processor-readable recording medium provided in a mobile terminal. The processor-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording apparatuses in which data that can be read by the processor is stored. Examples of the recording medium readable by the processor include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and the like, and also a carrier wave such as transmission over the Internet. In addition, the processor readable recording medium may be distributed over networked computer systems so that code readable by the processor in a distributed manner can be stored and executed.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

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

Claims (5)

Displaying an operation screen of a specific application on the display unit while the screen lock mode is set;
Setting a lock screen release function for the specific application;
Switching an operation mode of the mobile terminal to a sleep mode while the specific application is running;
Receiving a user input for switching from the sleep mode to a wake-up mode; And
And displaying the operation screen instead of the lock screen in response to the received user input. 2. The method according to claim 1,
And setting the lock screen release function through a setting menu of the specific application. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the setting menu includes a lock screen cancel item. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the setting menu includes a shortcut key setting item. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein when the shortcut key setting item is selected, the operation of the specific application is controlled through the operation of the preset hot key in the sleep mode.

Images