U.S. patent application number 16/474877 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Minkyoung CHANG, Yujune JANG, Sangkuk JEON, Jaewoo JEONG, Jonghwan KIM.
Application Number | 20210141481 16/474877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005388894 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210141481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JEON; Sangkuk ; et
al. |
May 13, 2021 |
ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
An electronic device includes a touch screen configured to
display screen information and receive a touch input; a touch
sensing module including a first sensing layer having a plurality
of first electrode lines and a second sensing layer having a
plurality of second electrode lines extending in a direction
intersecting the first electrode lines; a plurality of first and
second switches configured to selectively connect the plurality of
first and second electrode lines to a circuit board; and a
controller configured to in response to the received touch input
having a touch pressure below a predetermined pressure, control the
first switches to connect respective first electrode lines
corresponding to a touch area of the touch input, and execute a
first function corresponding the received touch input, in response
to the received touch input having the touch pressure equal to or
above the predetermined pressure, control the second switches to
connect respective first and second electrode lines corresponding
to the touch area of the touch input to change a first sensing
resolution of the touch area to a second sensing resolution higher
than the first sensing resolution, and obtain fingerprint
information of a finger making contact with the touch area, and
execute a second function more secure than the first function based
on the obtained fingerprint information matching prestored
fingerprint information.
Inventors: |
JEON; Sangkuk; (Seoul,
KR) ; JEONG; Jaewoo; (Seoul, KR) ; KIM;
Jonghwan; (Seoul, KR) ; CHANG; Minkyoung;
(Seoul, KR) ; JANG; Yujune; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
1000005388894 |
Appl. No.: |
16/474877 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 29, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2016/015527 |
371 Date: |
June 28, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0416
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. An electronic device, comprising: a touch screen configured to
display screen information and receive a touch input; a touch
sensing module including a first sensing layer having a plurality
of first electrode lines and a second sensing layer having a
plurality of second electrode lines extending in a direction
intersecting the first electrode lines; a plurality of first and
second switches configured to selectively connect the plurality of
first and second electrode lines to a circuit board; and a
controller configured to: in response to the received touch input
having a touch pressure below a predetermined pressure, control the
first switches to connect respective first electrode lines
corresponding to a touch area of the touch input, and execute a
first function corresponding the received touch input, in response
to the received touch input having the touch pressure equal to or
above the predetermined pressure, control the second switches to
connect respective first and second electrode lines corresponding
to the touch area of the touch input to change a first sensing
resolution of the touch area to a second sensing resolution higher
than the first sensing resolution, and obtain fingerprint
information of a finger making contact with the touch area, and
execute a second function more secure than the first function based
on the obtained fingerprint information matching prestored
fingerprint information.
27. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein the controller is
further configured to group the first electrode lines connected to
the first switches and the second electrode lines connected to the
first switches into a plurality of respective sensing electrode
lines in a touch input mode having the touch pressure below the
predetermined pressure.
28. The electronic device of claim 27, further comprising: a
plurality of grouping switches configured to connect the grouped
first and second sensing electrode lines to one single sensing
electrode line in the touch input mode.
29. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the controller is
further configured to: activate a pen input mode when the touch
input is applied to the touch screen by a stylus pen, and
disconnect the grouped switches so the touch screen has a third
sensing resolution, which is higher than the first sensing
resolution and lower than the second sensing resolution.
30. The electronic device of claim 29, wherein the controller is
further configured to activate one of a fingerprint sensing mode
corresponding to the touch input having the touch pressure equal to
or above the predetermined pressure, the pen input mode, and the
touch input mode based on a range of touch applied to the touch
screen.
31. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the controller is
further configured to disconnect part of the plurality of first and
second electrode lines, in the touch input mode, from the first and
second switches so as not to detect a change in capacitance.
32. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein the controller is
further configured to ignore a touch input applied to a remaining
area except the touch area receiving the touch input.
33. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein at least part of the
plurality of first and second electrode lines includes first and
second connecting line portions so as to be connected to the first
and second switches, respectively.
34. The electronic device of claim 26, further comprising: a cover
glass covering the touch screen to form an outer appearance; and a
pressure sensor disposed below the cover glass so as to sense the
pressure of the touch input.
35. The electronic device of claim 34, wherein the pressure sensor
includes a deformable layer disposed between the first and second
sensing layers.
36. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein the controller is
further configured to display an image related to the screen
information on the touch screen corresponding to the first
function.
37. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the controller is
further configured to: perform a user authentication procedure
based on the obtained fingerprint information, and display
information on the touch screen related to a result of the
authentication procedure.
38. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the controller is
further configured to display a lock screen on the touch screen
indicating a screen lock state, and display the screen information
on the lock screen when a specific event occurs.
39. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the controller is
further configured to stop displaying the image on the touch screen
when the touch input is released from the touch screen.
40. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the controller is
further configured to display the image on the lock screen in a
form of a pop-up window.
41. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein the controller is
further configured to: control the touch sensing module to acquire
a plurality of fingerprint information when a plurality of touch
inputs are applied to the touch screen, and generate single
fingerprint information by combining the plurality of fingerprint
information.
42. An electronic device, comprising: a touch screen configured to
display screen information and receive a touch input at a first
sensing resolution, wherein the touch screen includes a plurality
of electrode lines intersecting with each other and a touch sensing
module including first and second switches connected to the
plurality of electrode lines, respectively; and a controller
configured to: execute a specific function based on the touch
input, and control at least part of the plurality of switches to
change the first sensing resolution to a higher second sensing
resolution, based on a specific command input while the touch input
is being applied, so that a fingerprint of a finger making contact
with one area is detected.
43. The electronic device of claim 42, wherein the plurality of
electrode lines connected to the first switches are grouped into a
plurality of respective sensing electrode lines when the touch
sensing module has the first sensing resolution.
44. The electronic device of claim 42, further comprising: a
plurality of grouping switches configured to connect the plurality
of grouped sensing electrode lines to a single sensing electrode
line, in a touch input mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is the National Phase of PCT International
Application No. PCT/KR2016/015527 filed on Dec. 29, 2016, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a
method for controlling the same.
Discussion of the Related Art
[0003] Terminals may be divided into mobile/portable terminals and
stationary terminals according to mobility. Also, the mobile
terminals may be classified into handheld types and vehicle mount
types according to whether or not a user can directly carry.
[0004] The terminal has various functions according to development
of technologies. For example, a mobile terminal can be allowed to
capture still images or moving images, play music or video files,
play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented
as an integrated multimedia player. Efforts are ongoing to support
and increase the functionality of terminals. Such efforts include
software improvements, as well as changes and improvements in the
structural components.
[0005] In recent years, biometric user authentication technologies
have been developed. In particular, a fingerprint sensing device,
which uses fingerprint data having unique biometric information of
an individual as a user authentication method, has been applied to
a mobile terminal. However, in a mobile terminal employing a
fingerprint sensor, a fingerprint can only be detected in a
specific area of the mobile terminal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide
a mobile terminal capable of detecting a fingerprint on one area of
a touch screen.
[0007] In order to achieve the aspect and other advantages of the
present invention, there is provided an electronic device including
a touch screen having a display area for displaying screen
information and receiving a touch input at a first sensing
resolution, and a controller configured to execute a first function
based on the touch input. The controller may change a sensing
resolution of at least one area including a touch area on the touch
screen to a second sensing resolution, which is higher than the
first sensing resolution, so as to obtain fingerprint information
of a finger making contact with the touch area while the touch
input is being applied, and execute a second function related to
the first function based on fingerprint information detected.
[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a touch sensing
module may be further provided. The touch sensing module may
include a first sensing layer having a plurality of first electrode
lines, and a second sensing layer having a plurality of second
electrode lines extending in a direction intersecting the first
electrode lines. Each of the plurality of first and second
electrode lines may be connected to a circuit board by one of a
plurality of first and second switches. Accordingly, a sensing
resolution may be changed by grouping a plurality of electrode
lines, thereby sensing a touch input or acquiring fingerprint
information.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a pressure
sensor may be further provided. The pressure sensor is disposed
below a cover glass to sense pressure of a touch input. When
pressure is sensed by the pressure sensor, a controller may change
the first sensing resolution, which allows a user to perform a
different function by applying a pressed touch input. In addition,
the user can quickly obtain desired information without going
through an additional user authentication procedure.
Advantageous Effects
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an
additional fingerprint sensor is unnecessary since a sensing
resolution of a touch sensing layer for sensing a touch input
applied to a touch screen is changed to detect a fingerprint.
[0011] In addition, fingerprint information can be acquired in any
area on a touch screen. Thus, fingerprint sensing information can
be obtained while a touch input for controlling a specific function
is applied.
[0012] Further, a function can be performed without a separate user
authentication procedure based on fingerprint information acquired
while receiving a touch input.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 1B and 1C are views of a mobile terminal according to
one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from
different directions.
[0015] FIGS. 2A to 2F are conceptual views illustrating a structure
of a display module and a touch sensing module in accordance with
various embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 3A to 3C are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for changing a sensing resolution of a touch sensing
module.
[0017] FIG. 3D is a conceptual view illustrating a control method
for changing a sensing resolution when a touch input by a stylus
pen is applied to a touch screen.
[0018] FIGS. 4A and 4B are conceptual views illustrating a
configuration of a pressure sensor for sensing pressure of a touch
input applied to a touch screen.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a conceptual view illustrating a method of
controlling a touch sensing module in a touch receiving mode, a pen
input mode, and a fingerprint sensing mode.
[0020] FIG. 6A is a conceptual view illustrating a control method
of a mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6B is a conceptual view illustrating a control method
of FIG. 6A.
[0022] FIGS. 6C and 6D are conceptual views illustrating a control
method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 7A to 7D are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for executing a specific function using fingerprint
information.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a conceptual view illustrating a control method
for adding setting information to a specific function when
fingerprint information is acquired.
[0025] FIGS. 9A to 9C are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for executing different functions based on acquired
fingerprint information, in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a
mobile terminal using fingerprint information, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a
conceptual view illustrating a control method of FIG. 10A.
[0027] FIGS. 10C and 10D are conceptual views illustrating a
control method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 11A to 11C are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for executing an additional function through fingerprint
information, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIGS. 12A to 12C are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for executing a specific function based on fingerprint
information, in accordance another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Description will now be given in detail according to
exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with
reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be
provided with the same or similar reference numbers, and
description thereof will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such
as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or
components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to
facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself
is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In
describing the present disclosure, if a detailed explanation for a
related known function or construction is considered to
unnecessarily divert the gist of the present disclosure, such
explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those
skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings are used to help
easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and
it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is
not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present
disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations,
equivalents and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.
[0031] Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a
variety of different types of terminals. Examples of such terminals
include cellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop
computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable
computers (PCs), slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable
devices (for example, smart watches, smart glasses, head mounted
displays (HMDs)), and the like.
[0032] By way of non-limiting example only, further description
will be made with reference to particular types of mobile
terminals. However, such teachings apply equally to other types of
terminals, such as those types noted above. In addition, these
teachings may also be applied to stationary terminals such as
digital TV, desktop computers, and the like.
[0033] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] The mobile terminal 100 may be shown having components such
as a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing
unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170,
a controller 180, and a power supply unit 190. FIG. 1 shows the
mobile terminal 100 having various components, but it may be
understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is
not a requirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively be
implemented.
[0035] In more detail, the wireless communication unit 110 may
typically include one or more modules which permit communications
such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and
a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile
terminal 100 and another mobile terminal, or communications between
the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. Further, the
wireless communication unit 110 may typically include one or more
modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or more
networks.
[0036] The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more
of 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.
[0037] The input unit 120 may include a camera 121 or an image
input unit for obtaining images or video, a microphone 122, which
is one type of audio input device for inputting an audio signal,
and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, a mechanical
key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information. Data
(for example, audio, video, image, and the like) may be obtained by
the input unit 120 and may be analyzed and processed according to
user commands.
[0038] The sensing unit 140 may typically be implemented using one
or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the
mobile terminal 100, the surrounding environment of the mobile
terminal 100, user information, and the like. For example, the
sensing unit 140 may include at least one of a proximity sensor
141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration
sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion
sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan
sensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera
121), a microphone 122, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (for
example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation
detection sensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among
others), and a chemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a
health care sensor, a biometric sensor, and the like). The mobile
terminal disclosed herein may be configured to utilize information
obtained from one or more sensors of the sensing unit 140, and
combinations thereof.
[0039] The output unit 150 may typically be configured to output
various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output,
and the like. The output unit 150 may be shown having at least one
of a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, a haptic module
153, and an optical output module 154. The display unit 151 may
have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a
touch sensor in order to implement a touch screen. The touch screen
may function as the user input unit 123 which provides an input
interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user and
simultaneously provide an output interface between the mobile
terminal 100 and a user.
[0040] The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various
types of external devices that are coupled to the mobile terminal
100. The interface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired
or wireless ports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless
data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting a device having
an identification module, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O
ports, earphone ports, and the like. In some cases, the mobile
terminal 100 may perform assorted control functions associated with
a connected external device, in response to the external device
being connected to the interface unit 160.
[0041] The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to
support various functions or features of the mobile terminal 100.
For instance, the memory 170 may be configured to store application
programs executed in the mobile terminal 100, data or instructions
for operations of the mobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of
these application programs may be downloaded from an external
server via wireless communication. Other application programs may
be installed within the mobile terminal 100 at time of
manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the case for basic
functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving a
call, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and
the like). It is common for application programs to be stored in
the memory 170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed
by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the
mobile terminal 100.
[0042] The controller 180 typically functions to control an overall
operation of the mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations
associated with the application programs. The controller 180 may
provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user
by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are
input or output by the aforementioned various components, or
activating application programs stored in the memory 170.
[0043] Also, the controller 180 may control at least some of the
components illustrated in FIG. 1A, to execute an application
program that have been stored in the memory 170. In addition, the
controller 180 may control at least two of those components
included in the mobile terminal 100 to activate the application
program.
[0044] The power supply unit 190 may be configured to receive
external power or provide internal power in order to supply
appropriate power required for operating elements and components
included in the wearable device 100, under the control of the
controller 180. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery,
and the battery may be configured as an embedded battery or a
detachable battery.
[0045] At least part of the components may cooperatively operate to
implement an operation, a control or a control method of the mobile
terminal 100 according to various embodiments disclosed herein.
Also, the operation, the control or the control method of the
mobile terminal 100 may be implemented on electronic device by an
activation of at least one application program stored in the memory
170.
[0046] Hereinafter, description will be given in more detail of the
aforementioned components with reference to FIG. 1A, prior to
describing various embodiments implemented through the mobile
terminal 100.
[0047] First, regarding the wireless communication unit 110, the
broadcast receiving module 111 is typically configured to receive a
broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an
external broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. The
broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial
channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcast
receiving modules 111 may be utilized to facilitate simultaneous
reception of two or more broadcast channels, or to support
switching among broadcast channels.
[0048] The mobile communication module 112 may transmit and/or
receive wireless signals to and from one or more network entities.
Typical examples of a network entity include a base station, an
external mobile terminal, a server, and the like. Such network
entities form part of a mobile communication network, which is
constructed according to technical standards or communication
methods for mobile communications (for example, Global System for
Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA),
CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO (Enhanced
Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA
(WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High
Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long
Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like).
[0049] 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.
[0050] The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for
wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or
externally coupled to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless
Internet module 113 may transmit and/or receive wireless signals
via communication networks according to wireless Internet
technologies.
[0051] Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless
LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living
Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink
Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA),
Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A) and the like. The
wireless Internet module 113 may transmit/receive data according to
one or more of such wireless Internet technologies, and other
Internet technologies as well.
[0052] When the wireless Internet access is implemented according
to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A
and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, the
wireless Internet module 113 performs such wireless Internet
access. As such, the Internet module 113 may cooperate with, or
function as, the mobile communication module 112.
[0053] The short-range communication module 114 is configured to
facilitate short-range communications. Suitable technologies for
implementing such short-range communications include BLUETOOTH.TM.,
Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association
(IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication
(NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB
(Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like. The short-range
communication module 114 in general supports wireless
communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless
communication system, communications between the mobile terminal
100 and another mobile terminal 100, or communications between the
mobile terminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or
an external server) is located, via wireless area networks. One
example of the wireless area networks is a wireless personal area
networks.
[0054] Here, another electronic device may be a wearable device,
for example, a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display
(HMD), which is able to exchange data with the mobile terminal 100
(or otherwise cooperate with the mobile terminal 100). The
short-range communication module 114 may sense or recognize the
wearable device, and permit communication between the wearable
device and the mobile terminal 100. In addition, when the sensed
wearable device is a device which is authenticated to communicate
with the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180, for example, may
cause transmission of at least part of data processed in the mobile
terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-range
communication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may
use the data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable
device. For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal
100, the user may answer the call using the wearable device. Also,
when a message is received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can
check the received message using the wearable device.
[0055] The location information module 115 is generally configured
to detect, calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position (or
current position) of the mobile terminal 100. As an example, the
location information module 115 includes a Global Position System
(GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. For example, when the mobile
terminal 100 uses a GPS module, a position of the mobile terminal
100 may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPS satellite. As
another example, when the mobile terminal 100 uses the Wi-Fi
module, a position of the mobile terminal 100 may be acquired based
on information related to a wireless access point (AP) which
transmits or receives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi
module. If desired, the location information module 115 may
alternatively or additionally perform a function of any of the
other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data
related to the position of the mobile terminal 100. The location
information module 115 is a module used for acquiring the position
(or the current position) of the mobile terminal 100, and may not
be limited to a module for directly calculating or acquiring the
position of the electronic device.
[0056] Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting image information
(or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information
input from a user. For inputting image information, the mobile
terminal 100 may be provided with a plurality of cameras 121. Such
cameras 121 may process image frames of still pictures or video
obtained by image sensors in a video or image capture mode. The
processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit 151 or
stored in memory 170. Meanwhile, the cameras 121 provided in the
mobile terminal 100 may be arranged in a matrix configuration to
permit a plurality of image information having various angles or
focal points to be input to the mobile terminal 100. Also, the
cameras 121 may be located in a stereoscopic arrangement to acquire
left and right images for implementing a stereoscopic image.
[0057] The microphone 122 processes an external audio signal into
electric audio (sound) data. The processed audio data can be
processed in various manners according to a function being executed
in the mobile terminal 100. If desired, the microphone 122 may
include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove unwanted noise
generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.
[0058] The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by
a user. Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control
operation of the mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may
include one or more of a mechanical input element (for example, a
mechanical key, a button located on a front and/or rear surface or
a side surface of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch, a jog
wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or a touch-sensitive input
element, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitive input
element may be a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key, which is
displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a touch
key which is located on the electronic device at a location that is
other than the touch screen. On the other hand, the virtual key or
the visual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various
shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or a combination
thereof.
[0059] The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or
more of internal information of the mobile terminal 100,
surrounding environment information of the mobile terminal 100,
user information, or the like, and generates a corresponding
sensing signal. The controller 180 generally cooperates with the
sending unit 140 to control operations of the mobile terminal 100
or execute data processing, a function or an operation associated
with an application program installed in the mobile terminal based
on the sensing signal. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented
using any of a variety of sensors, some of which will now be
described in more detail.
[0060] The proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor to sense
presence or absence of an object approaching a surface, or an
object located near a surface, by using an electromagnetic field,
infrared rays, or the like without a mechanical contact. The
proximity sensor 141 may be arranged at an inner region of the
mobile terminal 100 covered by the touch screen, or near the touch
screen.
[0061] The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a
transmissive type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type
photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric
sensor, a high-frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a
capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity
sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, and the like. When the
touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, the proximity
sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative to the touch
screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which is responsive
to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case, the
touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximity
sensor.
[0062] The term "proximity touch" will often be referred to herein
to denote the scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be
proximate to the touch screen without contacting the touch screen.
The term "contact touch" will often be referred to herein to denote
the scenario in which a pointer makes physical contact with the
touch screen. For the position corresponding to the proximity touch
of the pointer relative to the touch screen, such position will
correspond to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the
touch screen. The proximity sensor 141 may sense proximity touch,
and proximity touch patterns (for example, distance, direction,
speed, time, position, moving status, and the like). In general,
the controller 180 may process data corresponding to proximity
touches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor
141, and cause visual information corresponding to the processed
data to be output on the touch screen. In addition, the controller
180 can control the mobile terminal 100 to execute different
operations or process different data (or information) according to
whether a touch with respect to a point on the touch screen is
either a proximity touch or a contact touch.
[0063] A touch sensor senses a touch (or a touch input) applied to
the touch screen (or the display unit 151) using any of a variety
of touch methods. Examples of such touch methods include a
resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, and a magnetic
field type, among others.
[0064] As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to
convert changes of pressure applied to a specific part of the
display unit 151, or convert capacitance occurring at a specific
part of the touch screen, into electric input signals. The touch
sensor may also be configured to sense not only a touched position
and a touched area, but also touch pressure and/or touch
capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply a touch
input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objects
include a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the
like.
[0065] When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor,
corresponding signals may be transmitted to a touch controller. The
touch controller may process the received signals, and then
transmit corresponding data to the controller 180. Accordingly, the
controller 180 may sense which region of the display unit 151 has
been touched. Here, the touch controller may be a component
separate from the controller 180, the controller 180, and
combinations thereof.
[0066] Meanwhile, the controller 180 may execute the same or
different controls according to a type of touch object that touches
the touch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch
screen. Whether to execute the same or different control according
to the object which provides a touch input may be decided based on
a current operating state of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently
executed application program, for example.
[0067] The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implemented
individually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches.
Such touches include a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a
multi-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a
pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.
[0068] If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to
recognize location information relating to a touch object using
ultrasonic waves. The controller 180, for example, may calculate a
position of a wave generation source based on information sensed by
an illumination sensor and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since
light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, the time for which the
light reaches the optical sensor is much shorter than the time for
which the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. The
position of the wave generation source may be calculated using this
fact. For instance, the position of the wave generation source may
be calculated using the time difference from the time that the
ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on the light as a
reference signal.
[0069] The camera 121, which has been depicted as a component of
the input unit 120, typically includes at least one a camera sensor
(CCD, CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser
sensor.
[0070] Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow
detection of a touch of a physical object with respect to a 3D
stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be laminated on, or
overlapped with, the display device. The photo sensor may be
configured to scan movement of the object in vicinity of the touch
screen. In more detail, the photo sensor may include photo diodes
and transistors (TRs) at rows and columns to scan content received
at the photo sensor using an electrical signal which changes
according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the photo
sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical object
according to variation of light to thus obtain location information
of the physical object.
[0071] The display unit 151 is generally configured to output
information processed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the
display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an
application program executing at the mobile terminal 100 or user
interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in
response to the execution screen information.
[0072] Also, the display unit 151 may be implemented as a
stereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images. A
typical stereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic display
scheme such as a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an
auto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a projection scheme
(holographic scheme), or the like.
[0073] The audio output module 152 may receive audio data from the
wireless communication unit 110 or output audio data stored in the
memory 170 during modes such as a signal reception mode, a call
mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast
reception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can
provide audible output related to a particular function (e.g., a
call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.)
performed by the mobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152
may also be implemented as a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the
like.
[0074] A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various
tactile effects that a user feels, perceives, or otherwise
experiences. A typical example of a tactile effect generated by the
haptic module 153 is vibration. The strength, pattern and the like
of the vibration generated by the haptic module 153 can be
controlled by user selection or setting by the controller. For
example, the haptic module 153 may output different vibrations in a
combining manner or a sequential manner.
[0075] Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate
various other tactile effects, including an effect by stimulation
such as a pin arrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a
spray force or suction force of air through a jet orifice or a
suction opening, a touch to the skin, a contact of an electrode,
electrostatic force, an effect by reproducing the sense of cold and
warmth using an element that can absorb or generate heat, and the
like.
[0076] The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the
user to feel a tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as
the user's fingers or arm, as well as transferring the tactile
effect through direct contact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may
be provided according to the particular configuration of the mobile
terminal 100.
[0077] An optical output module 154 may output a signal for
indicating an event generation using light of a light source of the
mobile terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the mobile
terminal 100 may include message reception, call signal reception,
a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an email reception,
information reception through an application, and the like.
[0078] A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be
implemented in such a manner that the mobile terminal 100 emits
monochromatic light or light with a plurality of colors to a front
or rear surface. The signal output may be terminated as the mobile
terminal 100 senses that a user has checked the generated event,
for example.
[0079] The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external
devices to be connected with the mobile terminal 100. For example,
the interface unit 160 can receive data transmitted from an
external device, receive power to transfer to elements and
components within the mobile terminal 100, or transmit internal
data of the mobile terminal 100 to such external device. The
interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headset ports,
external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memory
card ports, ports for connecting a device having an identification
module, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone
ports, or the like.
[0080] The identification module may be a chip that stores various
information for authenticating authority of using the mobile
terminal 100 and may include a user identity module (UIM), a
subscriber identity module (SIM), a universal subscriber identity
module (USIM), and the like. In addition, the device having the
identification module (also referred to herein as an "identifying
device") may take the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the
identifying device can be connected with the mobile terminal 100
via the interface unit 160.
[0081] When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external
cradle, the interface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow
power from the cradle to be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or
may serve as a passage to allow various command signals input by
the user from the cradle to be transferred to the mobile terminal
therethrough. Various command signals or power input from the
cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile
terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.
[0082] The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of
the controller 180 and store input/output data (for example,
phonebook, messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170
may store data related to various patterns of vibrations and audio
which are output in response to touch inputs on the touch
screen.
[0083] The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage
mediums including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid
state disk (SSD) type, a silicon disk drive (SDD) type, a
multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX
memory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access
Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only
memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk,
and the like. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in
relation to a network storage device that performs the storage
function of the memory 170 over a network, such as the
Internet.
[0084] The controller 180 may typically control operations relating
to application programs and the general operations of the mobile
terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may set or release a
lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control command
with respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal
100 meets a preset condition.
[0085] The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and
processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video
calls, and the like, or perform pattern recognition processing to
recognize a handwriting input or a picture drawing input performed
on the touch screen as characters or images, respectively. In
addition, the controller 180 can control one or a combination of
those components in order to implement various exemplary
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0086] The power supply unit 190 receives external power or
provides internal power and supply the appropriate power required
for operating respective elements and components included in the
wearable device 100 under the control of the controller 180. The
power supply unit 190 may include a battery, which is typically
rechargeable or be detachably coupled to the terminal body for
charging.
[0087] The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The
connection port may be configured as one example of the interface
unit 160 to which an external charger for supplying power to
recharge the battery is electrically connected.
[0088] As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be
configured to recharge the battery in a wireless manner without use
of the connection port. In this example, the power supply unit 190
can receive power, transferred from an external wireless power
transmitter, using at least one of an inductive coupling method
which is based on magnetic induction or a magnetic resonance
coupling method which is based on electromagnetic resonance.
[0089] Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a
computer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar
medium using, for example, software, hardware, or any combination
thereof.
[0090] Hereinafter, description will be given of a structure of the
mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the present
invention illustrated in FIG. 1A or a terminal having those
components, with reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal
100 includes a bar-like terminal body. However, the mobile terminal
100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of
different configurations. Examples of such configurations include
watch type, clip-type, glasses-type, or a folder-type, flip-type,
slide-type, swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more
bodies are combined with each other in a relatively movable manner,
and combinations thereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a
particular type of mobile terminal. However, such teachings with
regard to a particular type of mobile terminal will generally be
applied to other types of mobile terminals as well. Here,
considering the mobile terminal 100 as at least one assembly, the
terminal body may be understood as a conception referring to the
assembly.
[0092] The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for
example, frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the
appearance of the terminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed
using a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic
components are interposed into a space formed between the front
case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be
additionally positioned between the front case 101 and the rear
case 102.
[0093] The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of
the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, a window
151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101
to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the
front case 101.
[0094] In some embodiments, electronic components may also be
mounted to the rear case 102. Examples of such electronic
components include a detachable battery 191, an identification
module, a memory card, and the like. In this case, a rear cover 103
is shown covering the electronic components, and this cover may be
detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore, when the rear
cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, the electronic
components mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the
outside.
[0095] As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the
rear case 102, a side surface of the rear case 102 may partially be
exposed. In some cases, upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may
also be completely shielded by the rear cover 103. Meanwhile, the
rear cover 103 may include an opening for externally exposing a
camera 121b or an audio output module 152b.
[0096] The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding
synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless
steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like. As an
alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form an
inner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100
may be configured such that one case forms the inner space. In this
case, a mobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a
manner that synthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to
a rear surface.
[0097] Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a
waterproofing unit (not shown) for preventing introduction of water
into the terminal body. For example, the waterproofing unit may
include a waterproofing member which is located between the window
151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the
rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103,
to hermetically seal an inner space when those cases are
coupled.
[0098] The mobile terminal 100 may include a display unit 151,
first and second audio output module 152a and 152b, a proximity
sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, an optical output module
154, first and second cameras 121a and 121b, first and second
manipulation units 123a and 123b, a microphone 122, an interface
unit 160, and the like.
[0099] Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, description
will be given of the exemplary mobile terminal 100 in which the
front surface of the terminal body is shown having the display unit
151, the first audio output module 152a, the proximity sensor 141,
the illumination sensor 142, the optical output module 154, the
first camera 121a, and the first manipulation unit 123a, the side
surface of the terminal body is shown having the second
manipulation unit 123b, the microphone 122, and the interface unit
160, and the rear surface of the terminal body is shown having the
second audio output module 152b and the second camera 121b.
[0100] However, those components may not be limited to the
arrangement. Some components may be omitted or rearranged or
located on different surfaces. For example, the first manipulation
unit 123a may be located on another surface of the terminal body,
and the second audio output module 152b may be located on the side
surface of the terminal body other than the rear surface of the
terminal body.
[0101] The display unit 151 is generally configured to output
information processed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the
display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an
application program executing at the mobile terminal 100 or user
interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in
response to the execution screen information.
[0102] The display module 151 may include at least one of a liquid
crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-LCD (TFT LCD), an
organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a
three-dimensional (3D) display and an e-ink display.
[0103] The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display
devices, according to the configuration type thereof. For instance,
a plurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side,
either spaced apart from each other, or these devices may be
integrated, or these devices may be arranged on different
surfaces.
[0104] The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses
a touch with respect to the display unit 151 so as to receive a
control command in a touch manner. Accordingly, when a touch is
applied to the display unit 151, the touch sensor may sense the
touch, and a controller 180 may generate a control command
corresponding to the touch. Contents input in the touch manner may
be characters, numbers, instructions in various modes, or a menu
item that can be designated.
[0105] On the other hand, the touch sensor may be configured in a
form of a film having a touch pattern and disposed between a window
and a display (not illustrated) on a rear surface of the window, or
may be a metal wire directly patterned on the rear surface of the
window. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally
with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on
a substrate of the display, or may be provided inside the
display.
[0106] In this way, the display unit 151 may form a touch screen
together with the touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen
may function as the user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). In some
cases, the touch screen may replace at least some of functions of a
first manipulation unit 123a. Hereinafter, for the sake of
explanation, the display unit (display module) for outputting the
image and the touch sensor are collectively referred to as a touch
screen 151.
[0107] The first audio output module 152a may be implemented as a
receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the
second audio output module 152b may be implemented as a loud
speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia
reproduction request sounds.
[0108] The window 151a of the display unit 151 may include a sound
hole for emitting sounds generated from the first audio output
module 152a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto,
and the sounds may be released along an assembly gap between the
structural bodies (for example, a gap between the window 151a and
the front case 101). In this case, a hole independently formed to
output audio sounds may not be seen or may otherwise be hidden in
terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying the appearance of
the mobile terminal 100.
[0109] The optical output module 154 may be configured to output
light for indicating an event generation. Examples of such events
may include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed
call, an alarm, a schedule alarm, an email reception, information
reception through an application, and the like. When a user has
checked a generated event, the controller 180 may control the
optical output module 154 to stop the light output.
[0110] The first camera 121a may process image frames such as still
or moving images obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or
a video call mode. The processed image frames can then be displayed
on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170.
[0111] The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b are
examples of the user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a
user to provide input to the mobile terminal 100. The first and
second manipulation units 123a and 123b may also be commonly
referred to as a manipulating portion. The first and second
manipulation units 123a and 123b may employ any method if it is a
tactile manner allowing the user to perform manipulation with a
tactile feeling such as touch, push, scroll or the like. The first
and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may also be manipulated
through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, and the like, without
a user's tactile feeling.
[0112] The drawings are illustrated on the basis that the first
manipulation unit 123a is a touch key, but the present disclosure
may not be necessarily limited to this. For example, the first
manipulation unit 123a may be configured with a mechanical key, or
a combination of a touch key and a push key.
[0113] The content received by the first and second manipulation
units 123a and 123b may be set in various ways. For example, the
first manipulation unit 123a may be used by the user to input a
command such as menu, home key, cancel, search, or the like, and
the second manipulation unit 123b may be used by the user to input
a command, such as controlling a volume level being output from the
first or second audio output module 152a or 152b, switching into a
touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.
[0114] On the other hand, as another example of the user input unit
123, a rear input unit (not shown) may be disposed on the rear
surface of the terminal body. The rear input unit may be
manipulated by a user to input a command for controlling an
operation of the mobile terminal 100. The content input may be set
in various ways. For example, the rear input unit may be used by
the user to input a command, such as power on/off, start, end,
scroll or the like, controlling a volume level being output from
the first or second audio output module 152a or 152b, switching
into a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.
The rear input unit may be implemented into a form allowing a touch
input, a push input or a combination thereof.
[0115] The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the display
unit 151 of the front surface in a thickness direction of the
terminal body. As one example, the rear input unit may be disposed
on an upper end portion of the rear surface of the terminal body
such that a user can easily manipulate it using a forefinger when
the user grabs the terminal body with one hand. However, the
present disclosure may not be limited to this, and the position of
the rear input unit may be changeable.
[0116] When the rear input unit is disposed on the rear surface of
the terminal body, a new user interface may be implemented using
the rear input unit. Also, the aforementioned touch screen or the
rear input unit may substitute for at least part of functions of
the first manipulation unit 123a located on the front surface of
the terminal body. Accordingly, when the first manipulation unit
123a is not disposed on the front surface of the terminal body, the
display unit 151 may be implemented to have a larger screen.
[0117] On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 may include a
finger scan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller
may use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor as
an authentication means. The finger scan sensor may be installed in
the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.
[0118] The microphone 122 may be configured to receive the user's
voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be
provided at a plurality of places, and configured to receive stereo
sounds.
[0119] The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the
mobile terminal 100 to interface with external devices. For
example, the interface unit 160 may be at least one of a connection
terminal for connecting to another device (for example, an
earphone, an external speaker, or the like), a port for near field
communication (for example, an Infrared DaAssociation (IrDA) port,
a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, and the like), or a power
supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The
interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket for
accommodating an external card, such as Subscriber Identification
Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memory card for
information storage.
[0120] The second camera 121b may be further mounted to the rear
surface of the terminal body. The second camera 121b may have an
image capturing direction, which is substantially opposite to the
direction of the first camera unit 121a.
[0121] The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses
arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be
arranged in a matrix form. The cameras may be referred to as an
`array camera.` When the second camera 121b is implemented as the
array camera, images may be captured in various manners using the
plurality of lenses and images with better qualities may be
obtained.
[0122] The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera
121b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121b,
the flash 124 may illuminate the subject.
[0123] The second audio output module 152b may further be disposed
on the terminal body. The second audio output module 152b may
implement stereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the
first audio output module 152a, and may be also used for
implementing a speaker phone mode for call communication.
[0124] At least one antenna for wireless communication may be
disposed on the terminal body. The antenna may be embedded in the
terminal body or formed in the case. For example, an antenna which
configures a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG.
1A) may be retractable into the terminal body. Alternatively, an
antenna may be formed in a form of film to be attached onto an
inner surface of the rear cover 103 or a case including a
conductive material may serve as an antenna.
[0125] The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190
(see FIG. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The
power supply unit 190 may include a batter 191 which is mounted in
the terminal body or detachably coupled to an outside of the
terminal body.
[0126] The battery 191 may receive power via a power cable
connected to the interface unit 160. Also, the battery 191 may be
(re)chargeable in a wireless manner using a wireless charger. The
wireless charging may be implemented by magnetic induction or
electromagnetic resonance.
[0127] On the other hand, the drawing illustrates that the rear
cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 for shielding the battery
191, so as to prevent separation of the battery 191 and protect the
battery 191 from an external impact or foreign materials. When the
battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, the rear case 103
may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.
[0128] An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or
extending the functions of the mobile terminal 100 may further be
provided on the mobile terminal 100. As one example of the
accessory, a cover or pouch for covering or accommodating at least
one surface of the mobile terminal 100 may be provided. The cover
or pouch may cooperate with the display unit 151 to extend the
function of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of the
accessory may be a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch
input onto a touch screen.
[0129] An antenna according to the present invention includes an
antenna pattern 110' formed in one area of the mobile terminal body
100. The antenna pattern 110' has a predetermined length to
transmit and receive a radio signal in a predetermined frequency
range. For example, the antenna pattern 110' according to one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be formed at a
lower end portion of the mobile terminal body 100. However, a
placement position of the antenna pattern 110' is not limited
thereto. For example, the antenna pattern 110' may be formed on one
area of the rear cover 103, or on an inner frame that forms an
inner structure of the mobile terminal body 100.
[0130] FIGS. 2A to 2F are conceptual views illustrating a structure
of a display module and a touch sensor according to various
embodiments of the present invention.
[0131] A touch screen 151 according to FIG. 2A includes a cover
glass 151a, a display module 151b, and a touch sensing module 310.
The touch sensing module 310 is formed on the display module 151b,
and the cover glass 151a is formed on the touch sensing module 310.
An adhesive layer (OCA) 151a' is formed between the display module
151b and the touch sensing module 310, and between the cover glass
151a and the touch sensing module 310, respectively.
[0132] The touch sensing module 310 is formed on both surfaces of a
glass substrate 301, and includes first and second sensing layers
311, 312 which include a plurality of electrode lines intersecting
with each other. The first and second sensing layers 311, 312 are
formed with a Tx layer and an Rx layer, respectively.
[0133] The first and second sensing layers 311, 312 are insulated
by the glass substrate 301. Capacitance is changed by a finger
making contact with the cover glass 151a, and a touch input is
sensed through changes in the capacitance.
[0134] In a touch screen 151 according to FIG. 2B, the display
module 151b is coupled below the cover glass 151a by the adhesive
layer 151a'. The display module 151b includes a backplane glass
having a back light, a liquid crystal layer, and a color filter
layer. The touch sensing module 310 is formed on the backplane
glass.
[0135] The first sensing layer 311 is formed on the backplane
glass, and an insulator layer 302 is formed in contact with the
first sensing layer 311. The second sensing layer 312 is formed on
the insulator layer 302 and the backplane glass so as not to be in
contact with the first sensing layer 311. Accordingly, the first
and second sensing layers 311, 312 may be formed on the backplane
glass in an insulated state from each other by the insulator layer
302.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 2C, the first and second sensing layers
311, 312 are formed in contact with the cover glass 151a. For
example, the first sensing layer 311 is formed in an inner surface
of the cover glass 151a, and the insulator layer 302 is formed in
contact with the first sensing layer 311. The second sensing layer
312 is formed on the insulator layer 302 and the cover glass 151a
so as not to be in contact with the first sensing layer 311.
[0137] The display module 151b is mounted below the cover glass
151a formed integrally with the touch sensing module 310. According
to these embodiments, the first and second sensing layers, which
need to be insulated from each other, are formed on one glass
substrate (window or backplane glass), thereby reducing a thickness
of a touch screen.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 2D, an insulator layer 303, and a first
sensing layer 311, and a second sensing layer 312 constituting a
touch sensing module 310 may be disposed between each component of
a display module 320.
[0139] The display module 320 includes a TFT electrode layer 322
formed on one surface of a TFT glass 321, a color filter layer 324
formed on one surface of a color filter glass 325, a liquid crystal
layer 323 disposed between the color filter layer 324 and the TFT
electrode layer 322, and a polarizer 327 disposed on the color
filter glass 325. The polarizer 327 is attached by a transparent
adhesive layer (OCA) 151a'.
[0140] The TFT electrode layer 322 is formed on the TFT glass 321,
and the color filter layer 324 is formed on the color filter glass
325. The liquid crystal layer 323 is disposed between the color
filter layer 323 and the TFT electrode layer 322.
[0141] The second sensing layer 312 is formed on the color filter
glass 325, and the insulator layer 303 is disposed on the second
sensing layer 312. The first sensing layer 311 is formed on the
insulator layer 303.
[0142] A coating layer 326 is formed on the first sensing layer 311
and a polarizer 327 attached to a cover (or window) glass 151a is
formed on the coating layer 326. In other words, since the first
and second sensing layers 311, 312 are formed on the color filter
glass 325, which is used for a glass substrate among the components
of the display module 151b, no additional configuration is
required, thereby reducing a thickness of a display module.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 2E, the display module 320 includes the
TFT electrode layer 322 formed on one surface of the TFT glass 321,
the color filter layer 324 formed on one surface of the color
filter glass 325, the liquid crystal layer 323 disposed between the
color filter layer 324 and the TFT electrode layer 322, and the
polarizer 327 disposed on the color filter glass 325. The polarizer
327 is attached by the transparent adhesive layer 151a'.
[0144] The first sensing layer 311 is formed on the color filter
glass 325, and the coating layer 326 is formed on one surface on
which the first sensing layer 311 is formed. The second sensing
layer 312 is formed on the TFT glass 321.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 2F, the second sensing layer 312 is formed
on the TFT glass 321, but the first sensing layer 311 is formed on
one surface on which the polarizer 327 of the cover glass 151a is
formed. In other words, according to the embodiments, the first and
second sensing layers included in the touch sensing module (or
layer) 310 may be disposed in different areas of the display module
and the cover glass.
[0146] Hereinafter, a method for controlling the touch sensing
module 310 having the first and second sensing layers will be
described.
[0147] FIGS. 3A to 3C are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for changing a sensing resolution of a touch sensing module.
Referring to FIG. 3A, the touch sensing module 310 includes first
electrode lines Tx and second electrode lines Rx arranged in
directions intersecting with each other. The first electrode lines
form the first sensing layer, and the second electrode lines form
the second sensing layer, and may have a structure according to one
of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A to 2F.
[0148] The first and second electrode lines are connected to a
switch unit, respectively. At least part of the plurality of first
electrode lines is connected to a plurality of first switches or
second switches, respectively, and are electrically connected to
the circuit board. One first electrode line connected to the first
switch is grouped with another first electrode line connected to
the first switches so as to be connected to the circuit board as
one single first electrode line. That is, first electrode lines
adjacent to each other are formed as one single sensing electrode
line when they are electrically connected to the circuit board by
the first switch. Accordingly, a sensing resolution for detecting a
finger touch is decreased. As a result, the touch sensing module
has a first sensing resolution capable of sensing a general touch
input.
[0149] On the other hand, when the first electrode line is
electrically connected to the circuit board by the second switch,
the one first electrode line is electrically connected to the
circuit board as one single sensing electrode line. Thus, the
sensing resolution is increased. Accordingly, the touch sensing
module has a second sensing resolution that senses a finer touch
than a general touch input to sense a fingerprint of a finger.
[0150] Hereinafter, a control method for changing a sensing
resolution will be described with reference to FIGS. 3B to 3D.
[0151] FIG. 3B is a conceptual view illustrating an operation of a
touch sensing module having a first sensing resolution for sensing
a general touch input. Referring to FIG. 3B, the touch sensing
module 310 is connected to a circuit board by a connecting line
portion, and the connecting line portion is controlled based on a
mode.
[0152] Each and every of the first and second electrode lines is
connected to the first and second switches 411 and 412. The first
and second switches 411, 412 control connection and disconnection.
The first switch 411 groups each of the first electrode lines into
a plurality of sensing electrode lines, and the second switch 412
forms the first and second electrode lines as respective sensing
electrode lines. Accordingly, when the first electrode lines are
connected to the first switches 411, a sensing resolution
decreases, and when the second electrode lines are connected to the
second switches 412, the sensing resolution increases. The
plurality of first electrode lines 413 include first and second
connecting portions 413a, 413b. The first and second connecting
portions 413a, 413b may be selectively connected to the first and
second switches 411, 412, respectively.
[0153] In a touch receiving mode, the controller 180 connects the
first and second lines to the first switches 411 for grouping the
plurality of first electrode lines. In the touch receiving mode, a
touch is detected at the first sensing resolution. For example, in
the touch receiving mode, the seven first electrode lines form one
single touch (sensing) line. Meanwhile, a grouping switch 414 is
further provided for ungrouping each grouped first electrode lines
by the first switches 411 to form one single sensing electrode line
again. When all of the grouping switches 414 are connected, the
touch sensing module 310 may sense a touch input at the lowest
sensing resolution.
[0154] Meanwhile, the plurality of second electrode lines are
selectively connected by the first and second switches 421 and 422.
The second electrode line 423 includes first and second connecting
portions 423a, 423b connected to the first and second switches 421,
422, respectively.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 3B, the plurality of second electrode
lines grouped by the first and second switches 421, 422 are
electrically connected to the circuit board by N number of
connection terminals. One connection terminal includes a
predetermined number of electrode lines. The predetermined number
of electrode lines grouped into one connection terminal is arranged
adjacent to each other. Although not specifically illustrated in
the drawing, the plurality of first electrode lines is also grouped
into a specific number of terminals.
[0156] FIG. 3C is a conceptual view illustrating a control method
for a touch sensing module 310 having a second sensing resolution
for acquiring fingerprint information. The controller 180 connects
all of the plurality of first and second electrode lines 413, 423
to the second switches 412, 422. Each of the first and second
electrode lines 413, 423 connected to the second switches 412, 422
forms a sensing electrode line, and is connected to the circuit
board. A connection terminal is formed on each of the first
electrode lines to form P number of connection terminals Cp in the
fingerprint sensing mode. Also, P number of connection terminals Cp
are formed on each of the second electrode lines. Accordingly, the
fingerprint information is detected at the resolution of pxp.
[0157] The P number may correspond to the number of each of the
first electrode lines and the second electrode lines, which is
greater than the N number. That is, the controller 180 may change
the sensing resolution by connecting each of the grouped electrode
lines to a circuit board.
[0158] In the fingerprint sensing mode, the controller 180 may
switch the sensing resolution to the second sensing resolution by
connecting all of the first and second electrode lines to the
second switches. In this case, a touch input is not detected in the
entire area of the touch screen 151, and fingerprint information of
a finger making contact with the touch screen 151 is detected in
the entire area of the touch screen 151.
[0159] Meanwhile, the controller 180 may control the touch sensing
module 310 to remove grouping (ungrouping) of specific first and
second electrode lines that sense an area or region to which the
touch input is applied. That is, first and second electrode lines
corresponding to one touch point (area) may be connected to the
second switches, and first and second electrode lines of the
remaining area may be continually connected to the first switches.
In this case, fingerprint information may be acquired at the one
touch point, and a touch input may be sensed in the remaining
area.
[0160] FIG. 3D is a conceptual view illustrating a control method
for changing a sensing resolution when a touch input by a stylus
pen is applied to a touch screen. Referring to FIG. 3D, the
grouping switches 414, 424 are disconnected. As a result, the
number of electrode lines to be grouped decreases compared to the
fingerprint sensing mode. In the pen input mode, in which a touch
input by the stylus pen is applied to the touch screen 151, the
touch sensing module 310 has a third sensing resolution, which is
higher than the first sensing resolution, and lower than the second
sensing resolution.
[0161] The controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 so
as to detect a touch at one of the first to third sensing
resolutions based on a touch area and/or pressure sensed by the
pressure sensor. Alternatively, the controller 180 may change the
sensing resolution of the touch sensing module 310 when a specific
function is executed based on a touch applied to one area of screen
information displayed on the touch screen 151.
[0162] According to the present invention, the controller 180 can
change the sensing resolution of each area of the touch sensing
module 310. Thus, an additional fingerprint sensor unit is
unnecessary. In addition, fingerprint information can be obtained
in any area of the touch screen 151, so that fingerprint
information can be acquired regardless of a position on the touch
screen 151. Accordingly, various functions using a touch input and
fingerprint information can be implemented.
[0163] FIGS. 4A and 4B are conceptual views illustrating a
configuration of a pressure sensor for sensing pressure of a touch
on a touch screen. Referring to FIG. 4A, the cover glass 151a, the
adhesive layer 151a', the glass substrate 301, the first and second
sensing layers 311, 312, and the display module 151b are disposed.
A pressure (force) sensor 510 is formed below the display module
151b.
[0164] The pressure sensor 510 is supported by the inner frame of
the mobile terminal body 100. Accordingly, the pressure sensor 510
senses touch pressure according to deformation of the cover glass
151a, the glass substrate 301, and the display module 151b when a
touch is applied to the touch screen 151.
[0165] Meanwhile, the first and second sensing layers 311, 312 may
be formed on both surfaces or one surface of the glass substrate
301. When the first and second sensing layers 311, 312 are formed
on one surface of the glass substrate 301, the first and second
sensing layers 311, 312 are formed so as not to be in contact with
each other.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 4B, touch pressure is sensed by the first
and second sensing layers 311, 312. The first sensing layer 311 is
formed on a first glass substrate 301, and the second sensing layer
312 is formed on a second glass substrate 304.
[0167] A deformation layer 520 is formed between the first glass
substrate 301 and the second glass substrate 304. The deformation
layer 520 may be made of a transparent elastic OCA such that one
region can be elastically deformed in response to touch
pressure.
[0168] The first and second sensing layers 311, 312 sense a touch
input applied to the cover glass 151a. Meanwhile, when the cover
glass 151a, the first glass substrate 301, and the deformation
layer 520 are deformed in response to touch pressure of the touch
input, the first and second sensing layers 311, 312 get closer. As
the distance between the first and second sensing layers 311, 312
becomes closer, a capacitance change is increased accordingly. When
changes in the capacitance increase while the touch input is being
applied, the controller 180 determines that the touch pressure is
sensed.
[0169] According to the embodiment of the present invention, when
pressure greater than a specific reference (criterion) is sensed
while the touch input is being applied, the controller 180 detects
that a pressed touch including touch pressure is applied. The
controller 180 executes a specific function in response to the
pressed touch in order to control the touch sensing module 310 to
have one of the first to third sensing resolutions.
[0170] FIG. 5 is a conceptual view illustrating a method for
controlling a touch sensing module 310 in a touch receiving mode, a
pen input mode, and a fingerprint sensing mode. Referring to FIG.
5, the controller 180 senses a touch at the first sensing
resolution in the general touch receiving mode. The first sensing
resolution is applied to the entire area of the touch screen
151.
[0171] Meanwhile, when a touch input by a stylus pen is sensed, the
controller 180 detects the touch at the third sensing resolution.
The third sensing resolution is higher than the first sensing
resolution. Accordingly, it is possible to more delicately detect a
touch by a stylus pen whose touch range is smaller than as of a
finger. In this case, the sensing resolution of the entire area of
the touch sensing module 310 is also set to the third sensing
resolution. The controller 180 may sense touch pressure applied to
the touch screen 151, or activate the pen input mode based on a
touch range.
[0172] When the fingerprint sensing mode is activated, the
controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 to have the
second sensing resolution with respect to one area corresponding to
a specific area or the entire area of the touch screen 151. For
example, when touch pressure is sensed while a touch input is
applied to a specific area on the touch screen 151, the touch
sensing module 310 is controlled to have the second sensing
resolution only in the specific area. In this case, the remaining
area is blocked from detecting the touch input or is controlled to
have the first sensing resolution.
[0173] Alternatively, when the mode is switched to the fingerprint
sensing mode by executing a specific function, the controller 180
may set the sensing resolution of all areas of the touch sensing
module 310 corresponding to the entire area of the touch screen 151
to the second sensing resolution. Alternatively, when the sensing
resolution of a specific area of the touch sensing module is
switched to the second sensing resolution, the controller 180 may
ignore a touch input applied to another area of the touch screen
(or display unit).
[0174] Referring back to FIG. 3A, when the plurality of electrode
lines of the touch sensing module 310 have the first and third
sensing resolutions, the controller 180 controls the first and the
second switches so as not to connect part of the plurality of first
and second electrode lines to the circuit board. In more detail,
when all of the first and second electrode lines are not connected
to the first and second switches, dummy electrode lines are
generated. Accordingly, a sensor pinch of the connected electrode
lines grouped by the dummy electrode lines is tuned (synchronized
or matched).
[0175] FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a
mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6B is a conceptual view illustrating a control
method of FIG. 6A. A mobile terminal 100 according to FIGS. 6A and
6B further includes a pressure sensor for sensing touch pressure
while a touch input is being applied to the touch screen 151. The
touch screen 151 of the mobile terminal 100 displays screen
information 611 (S11). The screen information 611 may include
specific information of a control command by a user, or may include
a notification image 611, which is displayed when information
related to an application is received or an event occurs.
[0176] When a touch input is applied onto the existing notification
image 611, the touch sensing module 310 detects the touch input on
the notification image 611 (S12). The controller 180 controls the
touch sensing module 310 so as to sense the touch input at the
first sensing resolution (S13).
[0177] Meanwhile, when pressure of a touch input applied to the
notification image 611 is detected by the pressure sensor, the
controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 to acquire
fingerprint information at the second sensing resolution. The
controller 180 controls one area corresponding to the notification
image 611 or the entire area of the touch sensing module 310 to
have the second sensing resolution.
[0178] The controller 180 controls the touch screen 151 to display
a specific image related to screen information based on the
fingerprint information and the touch input when the touch sensing
module 310 has the second sensing resolution (S14). In more detail,
when touch pressure is sensed while the touch input is being
applied to the notification image 611 or the touch is applied for a
specific period of time, the controller 180 outputs screen
information related to the notification image 611 base on the touch
input and the fingerprint information detected by the touch sensing
module 310 (S14).
[0179] When the fingerprint information is obtained by the touch
applied to the notification image 611, the controller 180 displays
a pop-up image 612 including information related to the
notification image 611 in a form of a pop-up window. The relevant
information may be set to be displayed after a user authentication
procedure.
[0180] Meanwhile, when touch pressure of a touch input applied to
the notification image 611 is detected, and the fingerprint
information is obtained by the detected pressure of touch input,
the controller 180 executes an application related to the
notification image 611, and controls the touch screen 151 so as to
display the application execution screen 613.
[0181] FIGS. 6C and 6D are conceptual views illustrating a control
method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6C, the touch screen
151 displays notification screen information 614 including
notification message information, and operating (execution)
information in response to a specific touch input.
[0182] When a touch input is applied to the notification image 614a
related to a specific application among the notification screen
information 614, the controller 180 outputs additional information
related to the notification image 614a or an application execution
screen related to the application. The notification image 614a may
correspond to a push alarm (notification), or the like of the
application.
[0183] Meanwhile, when a touch input including touch pressure is
applied to the notification image 614a, the controller 180 changes
the sensing resolution of at least one area of the touch sensing
module 310 to the second sensing resolution for acquiring
fingerprint information.
[0184] The controller 180 proceeds with a user authentication
procedure for accessing to the application based on fingerprint
information acquired by the touch input. The controller 180 may log
in to the application based on the fingerprint information.
Accordingly, the touch screen 151 displays an execution screen 615
of the application in a logged-in state. The execution screen 615
displays an indicator 615a indicating that the application is
logged in based on the fingerprint information.
[0185] Although not illustrated in the drawings, when a login
attempt based on the acquired fingerprint information fails, the
controller 180 may control the touch screen 151 to display an alarm
window notifying that the login attempt has failed, or to display
an execution screen of the application in a non-logged in
state.
[0186] Referring to FIG. 6D, when a notification image 616 of a
specific application is displayed in a screen lock state, the
controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 to have the
second sensing resolution when touch pressure is detected while a
touch input is being applied to the notification image 616.
[0187] The controller 180 executes an application corresponding to
the notification image 616 based on the touch input and the
fingerprint information, and performs a user authentication
procedure. When the user authentication procedure based on the
fingerprint information is completed, the touch screen 151 is
controlled to display an execution screen 617 corresponding to
completion of the authentication procedure (a logged-in state). The
execution screen 617 may include an indicator 617a indicating the
completion of the authentication procedure.
[0188] According to these embodiments, a user can perform a
function without an additional authentication procedure since
fingerprint information is also acquired while applying a touch to
an image displayed on any position of the touch screen 151 to
generate a control command.
[0189] FIGS. 7A to 7D are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for executing a specific function using fingerprint
information.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 7A, when a specific event is received in a
screen lock state, the touch screen 151 displays a notification
image 618 related to the event. When touch pressure is detected
while a touch input is applied to the notification image 618, the
controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 to acquire
fingerprint information.
[0191] The controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 to
acquire the fingerprint information while the touch input is
applied to the notification image 618. The touch screen 151
displays a notification window 618a notifying that fingerprint
recognition is in progress on an area adjacent to the notification
image 618 while the fingerprint information is being acquired.
[0192] The controller 180 performs a user authentication procedure
based on the fingerprint information. The controller 180 controls
the touch screen 151 to display an information window (info window)
619 related to the notification image 618 when the authentication
procedure is performed. The notification image 618 and the related
information window 619 may be displayed on a lock screen in a
screen lock state of the mobile terminal.
[0193] When the touch on the touch screen 151 is released, the
relevant information window 619 disappears from the touch screen
151, and the notification image 618 is displayed on the lock screen
again.
[0194] In other words, the relevant information window is displayed
only when a verified user applies a touch to the touch screen 151
after completing the user authentication through the fingerprint
information. Accordingly, personal information can be kept safe and
secure, and a user can get desired information easily without
additional or separate steps for unlocking and user
authentication.
[0195] Referring to FIG. 7B, a lock screen 602 is displayed when
the mobile terminal 100 is in a lock state. The lock screen 602 may
include a graphic image, or the like for entering a password to
unlock. In addition, the lock screen 602 may include at least one
icon 621 for receiving a touch input so as to quickly execute a
specific application.
[0196] When a touch input is applied to the icon 621, the
controller 180 outputs preset information. When fingerprint
information of the touch input applied to the icon 621 is acquired,
the controller 180 controls the touch screen 151 to display
additional information related to the fingerprint information.
[0197] For example, the icon 621 may correspond to a graphic image
for making an emergency call to a specific number. When a touch
input is applied to the icon 621, an emergency call function for
making a phone call to a specific emergency number is executed
without unlocking.
[0198] When pressure of the touch input applied to the icon 621 is
detected, and fingerprint information is acquired by the touch
input, the controller 180 provides an additional phone number
related to a user other than the emergency number. Alternatively,
even when the touch pressure is not detected, the controller 180
may control the touch sensing module 310 to acquire fingerprint
information when a touch input is sensed for a specific period of
time.
[0199] The controller 180 controls the touch screen 151 to display
contacts information 622 related to the user when user
authentication based on the fingerprint information is
completed.
[0200] Contacts information 622 is displayed on the lock screen
602. The contacts information 622 may correspond to a list of
recent calls made by the user, a preset favorite list and/or an
emergency contact set by the user, etc.
[0201] The controller 180 executes a call-making function to make a
call to a selected contact number based on a touch input applied to
the contacts information 622. When the call-making function is
executed, an execution screen 623 related to the call-making
function is displayed on the touch screen 151.
[0202] The touch screen 151 may change the lock screen 602 to the
execution screen 623, or display the execution screen 623 on the
lock screen 602 in a form of a pop-up window.
[0203] Accordingly, the call-making function can be executed more
quickly since an additional step for unlocking or making a phone
call is not needed.
[0204] Referring to FIG. 7C, the lock screen 602 includes an icon
624 for activating a camera 121, and receiving a touch input to
execute a photographing function. When a touch input on the icon
624 is received, the controller 180 displays a preview image 625
obtained through the camera 121 on the touch screen 151. However,
another picture stored in the memory 170 may not be activated by
just applying a touch input to the icon 624.
[0205] The preview image 625 only includes a photographing icon
625a for shooting an image or a video through the camera 121. When
an image, or the like is photographed and stored by the
photographing icon 625a, the relevant preview image may be
displayed.
[0206] The controller 180 displays the preview image 625 on the
touch screen 151 when fingerprint information is obtained by
pressure of the touch input applied to the icon 624. Alternatively,
even when the touch pressure is not detected, the controller 180
may control the touch sensing module 310 to acquire fingerprint
information when a touch input is sensed for a specific period of
time.
[0207] In addition, the preview image 625 displays a graphic image
625b for displaying images stored in the memory 170. When the touch
input is applied to the preview image 625, prestored images may be
displayed on the touch screen 151.
[0208] In other words, the screen lock state may be unlocked while
a touch input applied to an icon for activating the camera 121 is
being received.
[0209] Although not specifically illustrated in the drawings, when
pressure of a touch input applied to the photographing icon 625a is
detected, a photographed image or picture (or video) may be stored
in a locked state.
[0210] Referring to FIG. 7D, the touch screen 151 displays a home
screen page 603 including at least one icon. A widget 626 of a
calendar application that records data by date is displayed on the
home screen page 603. Referring to (a) of FIG. 7D, the controller
180 outputs an execution screen 627 of the calendar application
when a touch input is applied to the widget 626 of the calendar
application.
[0211] Referring to (b) of FIG. 7D, when fingerprint information is
acquired while the touch input is being applied to the widget 626,
the controller 180 controls the touch screen 151 to display hidden
additional information 626a on the widget 626. The additional
information 626a refers to stored information locked by a user. The
touch screen 151 may display the additional information 626a while
the touch input is being continuously applied.
[0212] The controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 so
as to acquire fingerprint information when a touch input is
continuously applied to the widget 626 for a specific period of
time, or pressure of a touch input is detected.
[0213] FIG. 8 is a conceptual view illustrating a control method
for adding setting information to a specific function when
fingerprint information is acquired.
[0214] Referring to FIG. 8, the touch screen 151 displays a message
screen 628 for transmitting a content 628a to an external device
100a. The message screen 628 displays at least one of contents 628a
and 628b based on a specific control command. The controller 180
may transmit the content 628a to the external device based on a
touch input applied to the content 628a.
[0215] However, when pressure of a touch input applied to the
content 628a is detected, the controller 180 acquires fingerprint
information while the touch input is being applied. The controller
180 selects the touched content 628a and transmits the selected
content 628a to the external device. However, the controller 180
controls the wireless communication unit 110 so that a specific
function is included in the content 628a upon transmitting based on
the fingerprint information.
[0216] (b) of FIG. 8 illustrates an external device 100a to which
the content 628a is transferred. A received content 628a' is
displayed on a touch screen 151' of the external device. The touch
screen 151' may display the content 628a' as a full screen when a
touch is applied to the received content 628a.
[0217] However, the controller 180 controls the touch screen 151'
so that the received content 628a' disappears after a predetermined
time. That is, when the fingerprint information is acquired, the
controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may set a limit for
displaying a content after passing a predetermined time before
transmitting the content 628a to the external device 100a.
[0218] Accordingly, a user can add a desired option based on
fingerprint information acquired upon touching to execute a
function without any additional step for setting a specific
function.
[0219] FIGS. 9A to 9C are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for executing different functions based on acquired
fingerprint information, in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0220] Referring to FIG. 9A, the touch screen 151 displays an icon
629 included in a home screen page 603. The icon 629 may correspond
to a music play icon of an application.
[0221] When fingerprint information is acquired while a touch input
is being applied to the icon, the controller 180 executes a first
function of receiving music information while executing a wireless
communication function. For example, the first function 629a may
correspond to wireless communication data consumption.
[0222] Meanwhile, when fingerprint information is not acquired
while a touch input is being applied to the icon, or when a user
authentication procedure is not completed based on the fingerprint
information, the controller 180 executes a second function related
to the first function instead of executing the wireless
communication function.
[0223] The second function 629b may correspond to displaying music
information stored in the memory 170 of the mobile terminal 100.
Alternatively, when the fingerprint information is obtained but the
user authentication is failed, the controller 180 may only display
the music information stored in the memory 170, or may control to
play music using Wi-Fi (communication) instead of using data.
[0224] Although not specifically illustrated in the drawings, the
controller 180 may control the touch screen 151 to display a
confirmation window for checking which communication method is used
to execute a function when the fingerprint information is
acquired.
[0225] In other words, the controller 180 determines whether a
function is executed by the user's intention based on the obtained
fingerprint information, and executes a function with a lower risk
as an alternative.
[0226] Referring to FIG. 9B, the home screen page 603 includes an
icon 631 of a specific application. The controller 180 may obtain
fingerprint information by the touch sensing module 310 while a
touch input is being applied to the icon 631 for executing the
application. The controller 180 may change the sensing resolution
of the touch sensing module 310 to acquire the fingerprint
information when touch pressure is sensed while the touch input is
being applied to the icon 631.
[0227] The controller 180 executes an application corresponding to
the icon 631 based on the touch input. When executing the wireless
communication unit 110 is required for the application execution,
the controller 180 may change the wireless communication state
based on whether the fingerprint information is acquired.
[0228] For example, when the fingerprint information is acquired,
the controller 180 executes the application using a cellular data
communication (A) method. Alternatively, when user authentication
based on the fingerprint information is failed and acquiring the
fingerprint information is failed, the controller 180 blocks the
cellular data communication (A), and uses Wi-Fi (B) (communication)
to execute the application.
[0229] In other words, when a fee is charged for using a
communication method of executing an application, the controller
180 may select the communication method according to whether user's
fingerprint information is acquired.
[0230] Referring to FIG. 9C, the touch screen 151 displays an
execution screen 633 of a specific application. The execution
screen may correspond to a login screen. The execution screen 633
includes an input window for entering a user ID and a password to
login, and a graphic image 633a for applying a control command.
After information or data is entered into the input window, the
controller 180 performs a user authentication procedure based on a
touch applied to the graphic image 633a, and displays next screen
information 634.
[0231] Meanwhile, the controller 180 acquires fingerprint
information while the touch input is being applied to the graphic
image 633a in a state where no information is entered into the
input window. The controller 180 may control the touch sensing
module 310 to acquire the fingerprint information when pressure of
the touch input is sensed.
[0232] Referring to (a) of FIG. 9C, the controller 180 performs a
user authentication procedure based on the fingerprint information.
When the fingerprint information matches with a prestored user's
fingerprint, the controller 180 controls the touch screen 151 to
display the next screen information 634.
[0233] Referring to (b) of FIG. 9C, the controller 180 controls the
touch screen 151 to display registered login information 633b based
on a touch input and fingerprint information applied to the graphic
image 633a.
[0234] The login information 633b includes a plurality of login
information stored in the mobile terminal 100, and the plurality of
login information may be verified by the acquired fingerprint
information. Accordingly, the user may perform a login procedure
with one of the plurality of login information.
[0235] FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating a control method a
mobile terminal using fingerprint information, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a
conceptual view illustrating a control method of FIG. 10A.
[0236] Referring to FIG. 10A, a touch input applied to the touch
screen 151 is received (S21). The controller 180 determines whether
touch pressure applied to the touch screen 151 is sensed while the
touch input is being applied (S22).
[0237] Referring to FIG. 10B, the touch screen 151 displays screen
information 637 including a graphic image 637a for applying a
control command to execute a first function. For example, the
screen information 637 may correspond to a shopping mall homepage
including a `BUY` icon for purchasing an item.
[0238] The controller 180 determines whether pressure of a touch
input applied to the graphic image 637a is sensed. When the touch
pressure is not detected, the controller 180 displays a guide image
for acquiring fingerprint information. The controller 180 controls
the touch sensing module 310 to change its sensing resolution to
the second sensing resolution in order to obtain the fingerprint
information. Accordingly, the fingerprint information may be
acquired based on the touch of the finger (S24).
[0239] The first function is executed based on the fingerprint
information (S26), and the touch screen 151 is controlled to
display an execution completion screen 637c of the function.
[0240] Meanwhile, when the fingerprint information is not acquired,
the controller 180 executes a second function different from the
first function (S27). Although not illustrated in the drawings, the
controller 180 may control to execute another function based on a
touch input applied to the graphic image 637a.
[0241] When the fingerprint information is acquired while the touch
input is being applied (S25), the controller 180 executes the first
function using the fingerprint information (S26). Referring to FIG.
10B, when touch pressure (F) is sensed while a touch input is being
applied to the graphic image 637a, the controller 180 controls the
touch sensing module 310 so as to acquire fingerprint
information.
[0242] When the fingerprint information is obtained, the controller
180 compares it with the prestored fingerprint information to
proceed with user authentication, and the touch screen 151 displays
a notification image 637b. The controller 180 executes the first
function after completing the user authentication procedure. The
notification image 637b may be displayed on the screen information
637 while the touch is being applied to the graphic image 637a.
[0243] FIGS. 10C and 10D are conceptual views illustrating a
control method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0244] Referring to FIG. 10C, the touch screen 151 displays an icon
638a included in a home screen page 603. When a touch input is
applied to the icon 638a, the touch screen 151 may display a guide
image for instructing a finger input for user authentication. The
controller 180 switches the sensing resolution of the touch sensing
module 310 to obtain fingerprint information while displaying the
guide image.
[0245] The controller 180 acquires the fingerprint information when
the touch input is applied to the guide image, and controls the
touch screen 151 to display an execution screen 638c of the
application.
[0246] Meanwhile, when pressure of a touch input applied to the
icon 638a is sensed, the controller 180 controls the touch sensing
module 310 to change the sensing resolution so as to obtain the
fingerprint information.
[0247] The touch screen 151 displays screen information 638b
notifying that the fingerprint recognition is in progress while the
fingerprint information is being acquired by the touch input. The
controller 180 controls the touch screen 151 to display an
execution screen 638c of the application when the fingerprint
information is obtained, and the user authentication procedure is
completed using the fingerprint information.
[0248] Referring to FIG. 10D, the controller 180 executes the
application and controls the touch sensing module 310 to obtain
fingerprint information while a touch input is being applied to an
execution screen of the application. For example, the sensing
resolution of the touch sensing module 310 may be alternately
changed to the first and second sensing resolutions by the
controller 180 so as to receive a touch input to generate a control
command and acquire fingerprint information.
[0249] For example, when a touch input is applied to a home screen
page icon for executing the application, the controller 180 obtains
fingerprint information while the touch input is being applied.
Fingerprint information is additionally obtained by a touch input
applied while first and second execution screens 635a and 635b of
the application are sequentially displayed based on the touch
input.
[0250] The fingerprint information acquired at each step is
incomplete, and the controller 180 may combine the fingerprint
information acquired from each step to generate one fingerprint
information.
[0251] The controller 180 determines whether accuracy of
fingerprint information acquired from the plurality of steps is
equal to or greater than preset accuracy when a function required
for user authentication through a fingerprint is executed. When the
authentication procedure is completed based on the fingerprint
information, the controller 180 displays an execution completion
screen 636a without an additional authentication procedure.
[0252] Alternatively, the controller 180 may control the touch
screen 151 to display a fingerprint authentication screen 636c even
when an additional authentication procedure is unnecessary. In this
case, a user may apply a touch input for the additional fingerprint
authentication.
[0253] Alternatively, when the acquired fingerprint information
accuracy is equal to or greater than the preset accuracy, the
controller 180 displays a confirmation window 636b notifying that
the fingerprint information has been acquired so that the user
receives a confirmation command for executing the function.
[0254] Although not illustrated in the drawings, the controller 180
may perform an additional authentication procedure for acquiring
fingerprint information when accuracy of the fingerprint
information obtained through the plurality of steps is less than a
specific accuracy level.
[0255] According to these embodiments, a user can execute a
specific function more easily by skipping a user authentication
procedure only when reliable fingerprint information is acquired
while the user applies a control command.
[0256] FIGS. 11A to 11C are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for executing an additional function through fingerprint
information, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0257] Referring to FIG. 11A, the touch screen 151 displays a
preview image 625 obtained by the camera 121. The preview image 625
includes a graphic image 625a for shooting an image (picture) or
video (moving image) through the camera 121 and a graphic image
625b for activating a prestored image.
[0258] The controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 to
acquire fingerprint information while a touch input is applied to
the graphic image 625b. The touch screen 151 may display an image
625c indicating that fingerprint information is being analyzed
while the fingerprint information is obtained.
[0259] The controller 180 controls the camera 121 to shoot an image
or a video in response to a touch input applied to the graphic
image 625b. When the fingerprint information is found to be matched
with prestored fingerprint information through user authentication,
the controller 180 logs in an account of a specific application.
The touch screen 151 displays a guide window 625d indicating a
logged in state. The guide window 625d is displayed on the preview
image 625. The guide window 625d may include an icon representing
an application.
[0260] Also, the controller 180 uploads a photographed image (or
video) in response to the touch input applied to the logged in
application. For example, the controller 180 may transmit the image
(or video) to a specific server or to a specific external
device.
[0261] According to the embodiment of present invention, the
controller 180 acquires fingerprint information while a touch input
for shooting an image (or a video) is applied, shoots an image (or
a video) in response to the touch input, and executes a specific
function of the application using a photographed image.
[0262] In this case, a user may set the application and a specific
function of the application in advance.
[0263] Accordingly, the user can execute a desired function without
going through complicated steps such as photographing, execution of
an application, selection of a photographed image (or video),
execution of a function, etc.
[0264] Referring to FIG. 11B, the controller 180 shoots an image
(or video) in response to a touch applied to the photographing icon
625a. The controller 180 controls the touch sensing module to
acquire fingerprint information while the touch input is being
applied.
[0265] The controller 180 executes an application related to an
image shooting filter function together when the fingerprint
information is acquired and the authentication procedure is
completed. A graphic image 625f indicating the image shooting
filter function is displayed on the preview image 625. The graphic
image 625f may be created based on history information associated
with an authenticated user.
[0266] In other words, according to the embodiment, a photographing
function can be performed based on a touch input for controlling
the photographing function, and execution of a specific application
and user authentication can be performed at once.
[0267] Referring to FIG. 11C, the touch screen 151 displays a home
screen page 603 including an icon 639 of an application. For
example, the application may correspond to a gallery application
for providing stored images and videos. When a touch is applied to
the icon 639, the controller 180 executes the gallery application
to display prestored images and videos or folder images including
images and videos.
[0268] As illustrated in the drawings, when pressure of a touch
input applied to the icon 639 is sensed, the controller 180
increases the sensing resolution of the touch sensing module 310
corresponding to an area on which the icon 639 is displayed.
[0269] The controller 180 acquires fingerprint information by the
touch sensing module 310. The controller 180 displays a pop-up
window 639a including a plurality of folder images stored by the
application based on the fingerprint information on one area
adjacent to the icon 639 of the home screen page 603.
[0270] When the controller detects pressure of a touch input
applied to one of the folder images of the pop-up windows 639a, the
selected one folder image is unlocked. The controller 180 displays
an execution screen 642 of the application based on a touch input
applied to the folder image.
[0271] The controller 180 unlocks the selected folder image only,
and controls the touch screen 151 to display a plurality of images
625b included in the unlocked folder. In addition, a folder image
642a indicating a lock state is displayed together with the
plurality of images 625b while the rest of the folders which are
not selected remain locked.
[0272] Meanwhile, when a touch input including touch pressure is
detected on the icon 639 while the pop-up window 639a is displayed,
all the folders included in the application are unlocked.
Accordingly, the touch screen 151 displays an execution screen 641
including a plurality of unlocked images.
[0273] According to the embodiment of the present invention, a
screen lock state can be unlocked without an additional input by
acquiring fingerprint information together with executing an
application on a home screen page before displaying an execution
screen of the application.
[0274] FIGS. 12A to 12C are conceptual views illustrating a control
method for executing a specific function based on fingerprint
information, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0275] Referring to FIG. 12A, the touch screen 151 displays a lock
screen 643 in a lock state. The controller 180 controls the touch
sensor layer 310 to obtain fingerprint information based on a touch
input applied onto one area of the lock screen 643. The touch
sensing module 310 obtains fingerprint information by switching the
sensing resolution of the one area to which the touch input is
applied.
[0276] The controller 180 unlocks the lock state based on the
fingerprint information. When unlocked, the controller 180 controls
the touch screen 151 to display an application list 644 indicating
applications that have been recently activated.
[0277] Accordingly, a user may skip steps of unlocking and
activating a list of applications by applying an additional control
command.
[0278] Referring to FIG. 12B, when the mobile terminal 100 and an
external device 200 are wireless connected (BT connection), the
controller 180 controls the touch sensing module to acquire
fingerprint information of a touch input applied to the touch
screen 151.
[0279] The controller 180 selects an external device 200 that has
fingerprint information substantially identical to the acquired
fingerprint information to connect. Accordingly, there is no need
for the mobile terminal 100 to search for a unique number of an
external device to connect.
[0280] FIG. 12C is a conceptual view illustrating a control method
for acquiring fingerprint information to input authentication
information.
[0281] Referring to FIG. 12C, a graphic image 645a for information
643 to be transmitted to a specific server is displayed. The
controller 180 controls the touch sensing module 310 to acquire
fingerprint information when a touch input is applied to the
graphic image 645a.
[0282] The controller 180 compares the fingerprint information with
preset fingerprint information to perform a user authentication
procedure, and transfers the authentication result to the specific
server while transmitting the information 643 based on the touch
input.
[0283] In other words, when the authentication result and the
information 643 are transmitted together based on the fingerprint
information, information of a set specific clearance level is
transmitted to the specific server. Accordingly, a user
authentication procedure or entering additional information for
setting a specific clearance level is unnecessary.
[0284] The present invention can be implemented as
computer-readable codes in a program-recorded medium. The
computer-readable medium may include all types of recording devices
each storing data readable by a computer system. Examples of such
computer-readable media may include hard disk drive (HDD), solid
state disk (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM,
magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage element and the
like. Also, the computer-readable medium may also be implemented as
a format of carrier wave (e.g., transmission via an Internet). The
computer may include the controller of the terminal. Therefore, it
should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are
not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description,
unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly
within its scope as defined in the appended claims, Therefore, all
changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of
the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore
intended to be embraced by the appended claims.
[0285] Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic
device having a touch sensing module for sensing a touch input that
can acquire fingerprint information. Therefore, these embodiments
may be applied to various relevant industrial fields.
* * * * *