KR20090077603A - Character input device and method of mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention implements a mobile terminal displaying a semi-transparent text input window, so that the terminal inputs text such as a memo, SMS service or messenger service while the terminal occupies the entire screen (eg, watching a broadcast or playing a video). This made it possible.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a display unit having a touch screen and a control unit which checks whether a specific function is executed when a menu requiring text input is selected, and displays a text input window having transparency if the function is being executed. It is configured to include.

Description

Character input device and method of mobile terminal {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INPUTTING MESSAGE OF MOBILE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a user interface (UI) of a mobile terminal having a touch pad.

Recently, as the functions are diversified, the mobile terminal has a complicated function of taking a picture or video, playing a music or video file, playing a game, receiving a broadcast, and so on. A terminal having a function of receiving has also appeared. That is, it is implemented in the form of a comprehensive multimedia player.

Various new attempts have been applied in terms of hardware or software to implement such complex comprehensive multimedia devices. For example, a user interface (UI) environment in which a user interacts with a touch screen is provided to easily and conveniently search for or select a function.

In the case of a touch screen (terminal not having a separate keypad), a virtual character input keypad must be displayed on the screen for text input. When the broadcast screen or video screen is displayed in full mode, the keypad screen and the broadcast screen must be displayed on one screen for text input such as memo, SMS service, and messenger. Therefore, these screens overlap each other or display only one screen. There are only problems.

The main aspect of the present invention is that the inventor has recognized the problems of the prior art mentioned above, and the inventor has proposed a solution to this problem as follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal which enables character input while performing a task occupying all or part of a terminal screen.

As an object to achieve the above object, the present invention implements a mobile terminal that receives a character by using a virtual keypad having transparency.

As another object to achieve the above object, the present invention implements a mobile terminal that receives a user's handwriting and performs a character input.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention will be realized in particular by the structure pointed out in the written description as well as the description and the appended drawings.

The present invention implements a mobile terminal displaying a semi-transparent text input window, so that the terminal inputs text such as a memo, SMS service or messenger service while the terminal occupies the entire screen (eg, watching a broadcast or playing a video). This made it possible.

In order to achieve the above object, the mobile terminal according to the present invention

The display unit may be configured to perform text input according to a user's touch, and a controller may be configured to display different text input windows according to a function occupying the current screen when a menu requiring text input is selected.

In order to achieve the above object, the character input method of the mobile terminal according to the present invention is

When a menu requiring text input is selected, a process of checking whether a specific function is running, displaying a text input window according to the function if the function is executed, and performing a user input through the input window Including the process.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a preferred portable terminal of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal of the present invention.

The mobile terminal can be implemented in various forms. For example, the mobile terminal described herein includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like. .

Referring to Figure 1, looking at the mobile terminal of the present invention from a functional point of view as follows.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory unit 160, and an interface unit. It may include components such as the 170, the controller 180 and the power supply 190.

1 illustrates a mobile terminal having various components. However, not all illustrated components are essential components. The mobile terminal may be implemented by more components than the illustrated components, or the mobile terminal may be implemented by fewer components.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

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

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal having a data broadcast signal combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

Meanwhile, the broadcast related information may be provided through a mobile communication network, and in this case, may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

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

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal using various broadcast systems, and in particular, digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), and media forward link (MediaFLO). Digital broadcast signals may be received using digital broadcasting systems such as only), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 is configured to be suitable for all broadcast systems providing broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcast system described above. The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

In addition, the mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a radio signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 is for wireless internet access and may be embedded or external to the portable terminal.

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

In addition, the location information module 115 is a module for checking or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal. One example is the Global Position System (GPS) module. The GPS module receives location information from a plurality of satellites. Here, the location information may include coordinate information represented by latitude and longitude. For example, the GPS module can measure the exact time and distance from three or more satellites and accurately calculate the current position by triangulating three different distances. A method of obtaining distance and time information from three satellites and correcting the error with one satellite may be used. In particular, the GPS module can obtain not only the location of latitude, longitude, and altitude but also accurate time together with the three-dimensional speed information from the location information received from the satellite.

The A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 processes an image frame of a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151.

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the terminal.

The microphone 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output in the call mode. The microphone 122 may have various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data for the user to control the operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like. In particular, when the touch pad forms a mutual layer structure with the display unit 151 described later, this is called a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 determines the current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as the open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence or absence of user contact, the orientation of the mobile terminal, the acceleration / deceleration of the mobile terminal, and the like. Sensing and generating a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, if the mobile terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, it is responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power, whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device, and the like.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. For example, wired / wireless headset ports, external charger ports, wired / wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting devices with identification modules, audio input / output (I / O) ports, The video input / output (I / O) port, the earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.

Here, the identification module is a chip that stores a variety of information for authenticating the use authority of the mobile terminal 100, a user identification module (UIM), Subscriber Identify Module (SIM) '), A Universal Subscriber Identity Module ("USIM"), and the like. In addition, the device equipped with the identification module (hereinafter, 'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Therefore, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through a port.

The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits the data to each component inside the mobile terminal 100 or transfers the data of the mobile terminal 100 to the external device.

The output unit 150 is for outputting an audio signal, a video signal, or an alarm signal. The output unit 150 may include a display unit 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and the like.

The display unit 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in a call mode, the mobile terminal displays a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a photographed and / or received image, a UI, or a GUI.

As described above, when the display unit 151 and the touch pad form a mutual layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 151 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, or a three-dimensional display. 3D display). In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist according to the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, an external display unit (not shown) and an internal display unit (not shown) may be simultaneously provided in the mobile terminal 100.

The sound output module 152 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. In addition, the sound output module 152 outputs a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of the event include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and the like. The alarm unit 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event in a form other than an audio signal or a video signal. For example, the signal may be output in the form of vibration. When a call signal is received or a message is received, the alarm unit 153 may output a vibration to inform this. Alternatively, when a key signal is input, vibration may be output as feedback to the key signal input. The user can recognize the occurrence of the event through the vibration output as described above. Of course, a signal for notification of event occurrence may be output through the display unit 151 or the sound output module 152.

The memory 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 180, and a function for temporarily storing input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). You can also do The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM Random Access Memory (RAM) Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) magnetic memory, It may include at least one type of storage medium of the optical disk. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may operate a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 150 on the Internet.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. Perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc. In addition, the controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for playing multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the controller 180 or may be implemented separately from the controller 180.

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component.

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

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like. It may be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing the functions. These may be implemented by the controller 180.

In a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that allow at least one function or operation to be performed. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. In addition, the software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

In the above, the internal components of the mobile terminal related to the present invention have been described from a functional point of view. Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the external components of the mobile terminal related to the present invention from a functional point of view will be described. Hereinafter, for simplicity, a slider type mobile terminal is described as an example among various types of mobile terminals such as a folder type, a bar type, a swing type, a slider type, and the like. This does not mean that the present invention is limited to the slider type mobile terminal, and may be applied to all types of mobile terminals including the above-described type.

2 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 of the present invention includes a first body 200 and a second body 205 configured to be slidable in at least one direction on the first body 200. In the case of a folder phone, the mobile terminal 100 will include a first body and a second body configured to be folded or unfolded on at least one side of the first body.

A state in which the first body 200 is disposed to overlap with the second body 205 may be referred to as a closed configuration, and as shown in the drawing, the first body 200 may be referred to as the second body 205. The exposed state of at least a portion of the N may be referred to as an open configuration.

The mobile terminal mainly operates in a standby mode in a closed state, but the standby mode may be released by a user's operation. In addition, although the mobile terminal operates mainly in a call mode or the like in an open state, the mobile terminal may be switched to a standby mode by a user's manipulation or a lapse of a predetermined time.

The case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming the exterior of the first body 200 is formed by the first front case 220 and the first rear case 225. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the first front case 220 and the first rear case 225. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the first front case 220 and the first rear case 225.

The cases may be formed by injecting a synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The display unit 151, the audio output module 152, the camera 121, or the first user input unit 210 may be disposed in the first body 200, specifically, the first front case 220.

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), and the like, which visually express information.

In addition, since the touch pad is superimposed on the display unit 151 in a layer structure, the display unit 151 may operate as a touch screen to enable input of information by a user's touch.

The sound output module 152 may be implemented in the form of a speaker.

The camera 121 may be implemented to be suitable for capturing an image or a video of a user or the like.

Like the first body 200, the case forming the exterior of the second body 205 is formed by the second front case 230 and the second rear case 235.

The second user input unit 215 may be disposed on the second body 205, specifically, on the front face of the second front case 230.

The third user input unit 245, the microphone 122, and the interface unit 170 may be disposed on at least one of the second front case 230 or the second rear case 235.

The first to third user inputs 210, 215, and 245 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion 130, and may be any type of tactile manner in which the user operates while giving a tactile feeling. Either may be employed.

For example, the user input unit may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch pad capable of receiving a command or information by a user's push or touch operation, or a wheel or jog method of rotating a key, or a manipulation method such as a joystick. May also be implemented.

In functional terms, the first user input unit 210 is for inputting a command such as start, end, scroll, etc., and the second user input unit 215 is for inputting numbers, letters, symbols, and the like. The third user input unit 245 may operate as a hot key for activating a special function in the mobile terminal. In particular, the present invention includes a shortcut key (hot key) for text input of an SMS service, which is included in the first to third user inputs 210, 215, and 245.

The microphone 122 may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface unit 170 serves as a passage for allowing the mobile terminal according to the present invention to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface unit 170 is wired or wirelessly, a connection terminal for connecting with an earphone, a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA port), a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN) Port (wireless Lan port, etc.), or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal.

The interface unit 170 may be a card socket that accommodates an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) and a memory card for storing information.

The power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal is mounted on the second rear case 235.

The power supply unit 190 may be detachably coupled for charging, for example, as a rechargeable battery.

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a camera 121 may be additionally mounted on the rear surface of the second rear case 235 of the second body 205. The camera 121 of the second body 205 has a photographing direction substantially opposite to the camera 121 of the first body 200, and the camera 121 and the camera 121 of the first body 200. And may have different pixels.

For example, the camera 121 of the first body 200 has a low pixel (low resolution) so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call or the like, and the camera 121 of the second body 121 In general, it is preferable to have a high pixel (high resolution) because a normal subject is often photographed and not immediately transmitted.

The flash 250 and the mirror 255 may be further disposed adjacent to the camera 121 of the second body 205. The flash 250 illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the camera 121 of the second body 205. The mirror 255 allows the user to see the user's face or the like when the user wants to photograph himself (self-photographing) using the camera 121 of the second body 205.

The sound output module 152 may be further disposed on the second rear case 235.

The sound output module 152 of the second body 205 may implement a stereo function together with the sound output module 152 of the first body 200, and may be used for a call in a speakerphone mode.

In addition, an antenna 260 for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed on one side of the second rear case 235. The antenna 260 may be installed to be pulled out of the second body 205.

A portion of the slide module 265 that slidably couples the first body 200 and the second body 205 is disposed at the side of the first rear case 225 of the first body 200.

The other part of the slide module 265 may be disposed on the second front case 230 side of the second body 205 and may not be exposed to the outside as shown in the drawing.

In the above description, the second camera 121 and the like have been described as being disposed in the second body 205, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, at least one or more of the components 260, 121 to 250, and 152 described as disposed on the second rear case 235, such as the camera 121 of the second body, may be the first body 200. May be mounted on the first rear case 225. In such a case, there is an advantage that the configuration (s) disposed in the first rear case 225 in the closed state are protected by the second body 205. Furthermore, even if the camera 121 of the second body is not provided separately, the camera 121 of the first body may be rotatably formed so that the camera 121 of the second body may be photographed up to the photographing direction of the camera 121 of the second body. .

The terminal 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 may operate in a communication system capable of transmitting data through a frame or packet, including a wired / wireless communication system and a satellite-based communication system. It can be configured to.

Next, a communication system capable of operating a terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The communication system may use different air interfaces and / or physical layers. For example, a radio interface usable by a communication system may include frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), and code division multiple access (Code Division). Multiple Access (CDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS) (especially Long Term Evolution (LTE)), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. May be included. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the description will be limited to CDMA. However, it is a matter of course that the present invention is applicable to all communication systems including the CDMA wireless communication system.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CDMA wireless communication system includes a plurality of terminals 100, a plurality of base stations (BS) 270, and base station controllers (BSCs) 275. ), And a mobile switching center (MSC) 280. The MSC 280 is configured to be connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 290 and is also configured to be connected to BSCs 275. The BSCs 275 may be coupled to the BS 270 through a backhaul line. The backhaul line may be provided according to at least one of E1 / T1, ATM, IP, PPP, Frame Relay, HDSL, ADSL, or xDSL. Thus, a plurality of BSCs 275 may be included in the system shown in FIG.

Each BS 270 may include at least one sector, and each sector may include an omnidirectional antenna or an antenna pointing radially out of BS 270. In addition, each sector may include two or more antennas of various types. Each BS 270 may be configured to support a plurality of frequency assignments, each of which has a specific spectrum (eg, 1.25 MHz, 5 MHz, etc.).

The intersection of sectors and frequency assignments may be called a CDMA channel. BS 270 may be referred to as a base station transceiver subsystem ('BTSs'). In this case, the word "base station" may be called the sum of one BSC 275 and at least one BS 270. The base station may also indicate “cell site”. Alternatively, each of the plurality of sectors for a particular BS 270 may be called a plurality of cell sites.

As shown in FIG. 4, a broadcasting transmitter (BT) 295 transmits a broadcast signal to terminals 100 operating in the system. The broadcast module 111 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the terminal 100 to receive a broadcast signal transmitted by the BT 295.

In addition, FIG. 4 illustrates several satellite positioning systems (GPS) satellites 300. The satellites 300 help to locate the at least one terminal of the plurality of terminals 100. Although two satellites are shown in FIG. 4, useful location information may be obtained by two or less or more satellites. The GPS module 115 shown in FIG. 1 cooperates with the satellites 300 to obtain desired location information. Here, the location can be tracked using all the techniques that can track the location, not just the GPS tracking technology. In addition, at least one of the GPS satellites 300 may optionally or additionally be responsible for satellite DMB transmission.

During typical operation of a wireless communication system, BS 270 receives a reverse link signal from various terminals 100. At this time, the terminals 100 are connecting a call, transmitting or receiving a message, or performing another communication operation. Each of the reverse link signals received by a particular base station 270 is processed within by the particular base station 270. The data generated as a result of the processing is transmitted to the connected BSC 275. BSC 275 provides call resource allocation and mobility management functionality, including the organization of soft handoffs between base stations 270. In addition, the BSC 275 transmits the received data to the MSC 280, and the MSC 280 provides an additional transmission service for connection with the PSTN 290. Similarly, PSTN 290 connects with MSC 280, MSC 280 connects with BSCs 275, and BSCs 275 send BSs 270 to transmit a forward link signal to terminals 100. ).

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention implements a mobile terminal that enables text input such as a memo, SMS service, and messenger service in a situation in which a task of occupying the entire terminal screen, such as broadcasting or video play, is being executed.

A first embodiment of overlaying a semi-transparent keypad on a terminal screen, a second and third embodiments of overlaying a translucent handwriting input window on a terminal screen, and display of received messages on one side of the screen; A fourth embodiment of overlaying a handwriting input window, a fifth embodiment of displaying a received message on one side of the screen and overlaying the virtual keypad, and a handwriting input window (or virtual keypad) on one side of the screen, We propose a sixth embodiment that overlays a received message.

For convenience of description, it is assumed that a mobile terminal according to the present invention receives a text input command for a short message service (SMS) while displaying a broadcast screen.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a character input method according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of a terminal according to the first embodiment.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6 will be described the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, a user first presses a specific key of the first or third operation unit 130-1 or 130-3 or inputs a predetermined menu displayed on the display unit 151 for text input of an SMS service. Touch (or soft key). (S10)

Then, the controller 180 detecting the user's input (or touch) checks whether the broadcast (viewing) function is currently being executed. If the broadcasting function is not executed, the controller 180 performs a general character input routine. (S70)

When a function of occupying the whole (or part) of the terminal screen, such as a broadcast or a video, is running, there is not enough space to display a virtual keypad separately on the terminal screen. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the broadcast screen occupies the screen of the terminal, the controller 180 outputs the virtual keypad to the display unit 151 in a translucent state. In operation S30, text input is performed according to a user's touch. The transparency setting value of the virtual keypad may be arbitrarily changed by the user.

Then, when the short message is completed through the text input (S50), the controller 180 performs an SMS service for transmitting the short message through a mobile communication network. (S60)

In step S20, the controller 180 may also consider a method of checking the free space of the terminal screen. In this case, to determine whether the virtual keypad can be displayed without covering the broadcast screen, the controller 180 checks the free space of the terminal screen.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a text input method according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of a terminal according to the second embodiment.

A second embodiment of the present invention recognizes a user's handwriting as a character and performs a text input. A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 as follows.

As shown in FIG. 8, a user first presses a specific key of the first or third operation unit 130-1 or 130-3 or inputs a predetermined menu displayed on the display unit 151 for text input of an SMS service. Touch (or soft key). (S110)

Then, the controller 180 detects a user's input (or touch) and checks whether a broadcast function is currently being executed. (S120)

At this time, if the broadcast function is not running, the controller 180 performs a general character input routine. However, when the writing input window cannot be separately displayed on the terminal screen as illustrated in D110 of FIG. 8, the controller 180 displays the writing input window on the display unit 151 in a translucent state. (S130) The handwriting input window of D120 is composed of an area (D130-2) for inputting handwriting (or letters) and an area (D130-1) for displaying a recognized character, and a shape drawn according to a user's touch ( A list of letters or numbers) (hereinafter referred to as 'writing'), that is, the user's handwriting input is performed through the handwriting input area D130-2. (S140)

When the handwriting input is completed, the user inputs a predetermined button or soft key (not shown) indicating that the handwriting is completed, and the controller 180 detects the handwriting character (or number) through a predetermined handwriting recognition process. Recognize it and perform the process of conversion. The recognized characters (or numbers) are displayed on the display area D130-1. The writing and recognition of the writing (S140 ˜ S160) may be performed in units of characters or in units of words or sentences.

Then, when all of the user input through the processes (S140 ~ S160) is completed, (S170) the controller 180 generates a short message as the characters displayed in the area (D130-1), a short message through the mobile communication network Perform the SMS service to send. The generated message is preferably transmitted through the mobile communication network in ASCII format.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a character input method according to a third embodiment of the present invention as another embodiment of FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of a terminal according to the third embodiment.

The third embodiment of the present invention proposes a method of performing an SMS service by storing a user's handwriting as an image. 9 and 10, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, a user first presses a specific key of the first or third operation unit 130-1 or 130-3 or inputs a predetermined menu displayed on the display unit 151 for text input of an SMS service. Touch (or soft key). (S210)

Then, as in the first and second embodiments, the controller 180 detects the user's input (or touch) and checks whether the broadcasting function is currently being executed. (S220)

At this time, if the broadcast function is not being executed, the controller 180 performs a general character input routine. However, when the writing input window cannot be separately displayed on the terminal screen as illustrated in D210 of FIG. 10, the controller 180 displays the writing input window in a translucent state as in the second embodiment. (151). The user's handwriting input is performed through the handwriting input window. After (S240), when the writing input is completed, (S250) control unit 180 is a single image (eg bmp type, tiff type, jpg type, gif type, the user's handwriting (or handwriting input window screen)) pcx type). At this time, the image storage uses a compression technology to minimize the storage space.

Thereafter, the controller 180 attaches the stored image to a short message to perform an SMS service through a mobile communication network. (S270)

11 is a flowchart illustrating a character input method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention as another embodiment of FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of a terminal according to the fourth embodiment.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrates a text input method of displaying a received message and overlaying a writing input window on one side of a broadcast screen.

When the SMS message is received (S310), the controller 180 divides one side of the broadcast screen currently being displayed on the display unit 151 and divides the received message D320-1 as shown in FIG. 12. Display on the screen area. (S320)

In addition, when a user presses a specific key of the first or third operation unit 130-1 or 130-3 or touches a predetermined menu (or soft key) displayed on the display unit 151 for text input of an SMS service, As in the second embodiment, the controller 180 checks whether a broadcasting function is currently being executed and displays the writing input window in a translucent state. (S340 ~ S350)

Subsequently, when the user inputs the handwriting into the handwriting input area D330-2 (S360), the user recognizes the input handwriting as a letter (or number) through a predetermined handwriting recognition process and displays the recognized character (or number) in the display area. Display on (D330-1). (S370-S380)

When all of the character recognition of the user's handwriting is completed, the controller 180 generates a short message using the recognized characters and transmits the short message through the mobile communication network. (S390-S398)

FIG. 13 illustrates a screen configuration of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a text input method of displaying a received message and overlaying a virtual keypad on one side of a broadcast screen.

When the SMS message is received as in the fourth embodiment, the controller 180 divides one side of the broadcast screen currently displayed on the display unit 151 and displays the received message D400-1 in the divided screen area. . Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the semi-transparent virtual keypad D400-2 is displayed.

The fourth embodiment and the present embodiment provide the user with the convenience of writing a reply message while the broadcast screen and the received message are displayed.

14 illustrates a screen configuration of a terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a text input method of displaying a writing input window (or a virtual keypad) on one side of a broadcast screen and overlaying a received message.

When the SMS message is received as in the fourth embodiment, the controller 180 displays the received message D500-3 on the broadcast screen currently displayed on the display unit 151 in a translucent state.

In addition, when a user presses a specific key of the first or third operation unit 130-1 or 130-3 or touches a predetermined menu (or soft key) displayed on the display unit 151 for text input of an SMS service, The controller 180 divides one side of the broadcast screen and displays handwriting input windows D500-1 and D500-2 (or a virtual keypad) in the divided screen area as shown in FIG.

The character input method according to each embodiment of the present invention can be embodied as computer readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored.

Examples of the computer-readable medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and are also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It includes being. The computer may include the controller 180 of the mobile terminal.

As described above, the present invention implements a mobile terminal displaying a semi-transparent character input window, so that the terminal performs a memo or SMS service while performing an operation occupying the entire screen (eg, watching a broadcast or playing a video). Character input such as messenger service.

The present invention has the advantage of being able to perform text input operations such as memo, SMS service, and messenger service while maintaining these tasks while performing tasks that need to occupy the screen, such as watching a broadcast or playing a video.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system in which a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may operate.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a character input method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of a terminal according to the first embodiment.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a character input method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of a terminal according to the second embodiment.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a character input method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration of a terminal according to the third embodiment.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a character input method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

12 illustrates a screen configuration of a terminal according to the fourth embodiment.

13 is a view showing a screen configuration of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a view showing a screen configuration of a terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

*** Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing ***

100: mobile terminal

110: wireless communication unit 120: AV input unit

130: user input unit 140: sensing unit

150: output unit 160: memory

170: interface unit 180: control unit

190: power supply unit

Claims (15)

In a mobile terminal having a touch screen, A display unit which performs character input according to a user's touch; When the menu that requires character input is selected, the mobile terminal comprising a control unit for displaying different character input window according to the function occupying the current screen. The method of claim 1, wherein the text input window is Mobile terminal, characterized in that the virtual keypad. The method of claim 1, wherein the screen occupancy function Mobile terminal, characterized in that the broadcasting function. The method of claim 1, wherein the text input window is Mobile terminal, characterized in that the handwriting input window. The method of claim 4, wherein the control unit When the user's text input is completed, the mobile terminal, characterized in that for storing the screen of the writing input window as an image. The method of claim 4, wherein the control unit Mobile terminal, characterized in that for converting the user's handwriting in the handwriting input window to the corresponding character. The method of claim 6, wherein the writing input window A mobile terminal comprising an area for receiving a user's handwriting and an area for displaying a recognized character. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit A mobile terminal, characterized in that for displaying a character input window having a transparency. If a menu requiring text input is selected, checking whether a specific function is being executed; If the function is being executed, displaying a text input window according to the function; Character input method of a mobile terminal, characterized in that the process of performing a user input through the input window. The method of claim 9, wherein the display process Character input method of a mobile terminal, characterized in that for displaying a virtual keypad. The method of claim 9, wherein the display process Character input method of a mobile terminal, characterized in that for displaying a handwriting input window. The method of claim 11, wherein the display process When the user's character input is completed, the method for inputting the text of the handwriting input window further comprising the step of storing as an image. The method of claim 11, wherein the display process Character input method of the mobile terminal further comprises the step of recognizing and displaying the user's handwriting input to the input window as a character. The method of claim 9, wherein the checking process Character input method of a mobile terminal, characterized in that to check whether the broadcast watching function is running. The method of claim 9, wherein the display process Character input method of a mobile terminal, characterized in that for displaying a character input window having a transparency.

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