Mobile terminal and method of performing functions using the same

A mobile terminal and a method of performing functions using the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal performs various functions using color information acquired through a color sensor, and the method performs functions using the mobile terminal.

The present application claims priority to Korean Application No. 10-2009-0054816 filed in Korea on Jun. 19, 2009, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal that performs various functions using color information acquired through a color sensor, and a method of performing functions using the mobile terminal.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In general, there is a limitation on a size of a mobile terminal to ensure mobility and portability. Such size limitations lead to a size limitation of the terminal's input means and display means, that causes the user's inconvenience.

Accordingly, many efforts have been made to ensure mobility and portability of the mobile terminal and reduce the user's inconvenience. Mostly, such efforts are made to simplify inputting of information and performance of functions and improve convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal that performs various functions using color information acquired through a color sensor, and a method of performing functions using the mobile terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal that can use a color sensor as an input means, and a method of performing functions using the mobile terminal.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal that can complement performance of functions provided thereby, using color information acquired through a color sensor, when performing the functions, and a method of performing functions using the mobile terminal.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal that can easily and rapidly perform functions provided thereby, using color information acquired through a color sensor, and a method of performing functions using the mobile terminal.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is a mobile terminal that includes: a communication unit configured to provide an Internet access function; a color sensor configured to sense color information of an external object; and a controller configured to transmit the color information transferred from the color sensor to a website that provides a search function so as to perform the search function, in a state where the controller accesses the website through the communication unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is a mobile terminal that includes: a display unit; a memory configured to store one or more applications; a color sensor configured to sense color information of an external object; and a controller configured to change a graphical object provided to the display unit by the activated application among the one or more applications, based on the color information transferred from the color sensor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is a mobile terminal that includes: a color sensor configured to sense color information of an external object; and a controller configured to perform a function corresponding to predetermined color information, when receiving the predetermined color information from the color sensor.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is a mobile terminal that includes: a display unit; a color sensor configured to sense color information of an external object; and a controller configured to provide the display unit with plural pieces of color information transferred from the color sensor, and store one or more selected pieces of color information in a color information database, when the one or more pieces of color information are selected from the plural provided pieces of color information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is a method of performing functions using a mobile terminal that includes: accessing a website that provides a search function; sensing color information of an external object using a color sensor; and transmitting the sensed color information to the website so as to perform the search function.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is a method of performing functions using a mobile terminal that includes: activating an application; sensing color information of an external object using the color sensor; and changing a graphical object provided by the activated application, based on the sensed color information.

The mobile terminal and the method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the present invention have the following effects.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal can use the color sensor as new input means.

In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal can complement performance of the functions provided thereby, using the color information acquired through the color sensor, when performing the functions.

Moreover, according to an aspect of the present invention, the mobile terminal can easily and rapidly perform the functions provided thereby, using the color information acquired through the color sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings and description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since such description would detract from the clarity and concision of the disclosure of the invention.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The terms ‘module’ and ‘unit’ are used to conveniently denote components in the following description, however these terms do not have special meanings or distinguishing roles.

The mobile terminal explained in this description may be a cellular phone, smart phone, laptop computer, digital broadcasting terminal, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), navigator, and so on.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal100may include a radio communication unit110, an audio/video (A/V) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface170, a controller180, and a power supply190. Not all of the components shown inFIG. 1are essential, and it is possible to implement a mobile terminal with more or fewer components.

Hereinafter, the components will be described one by one.

The radio communication unit110may include at least one module that enables radio communication between the mobile terminal100and a radio communication system or between the mobile terminal100and a network in which the mobile terminal100is located. For example, the radio communication unit110may include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a local area communication module114and a position information module115.

The broadcast receiving module111receives broadcast signals and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcasting channel.

The broadcasting channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may generate and transmit broadcast signals and/or broadcast-related information, or receive previously created broadcast signals and/or broadcast-related information and transmit the broadcast signals and/or broadcast-related information to a terminal. The broadcast signals may include not only TV broadcast signals, radio broadcast signals and data broadcast signals, but also signals in the form of some combination of a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal and a data broadcast signal.

The broadcast-related information may be information on a broadcasting channel, a broadcast program or a broadcasting service provider, and may be provided even through a mobile communication network. In the latter case, the broadcast-related information can be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast-related information may exist in various forms. For example, the broadcast-related information may exist in the form of an electronic program guide (EPG) of the digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) system or an electronic service guide (ESG) of the digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system.

The broadcast receiving module111receives broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems. Particularly, the broadcast receiving module111can receive digital broadcast signals using digital broadcasting systems such as the digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T) system, the digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S) system, the media forward link only (MediaFLO) system, the DVB-H and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) system, etc. The broadcast receiving module111can also be constructed to be suited to broadcasting systems providing broadcast signals other than the above-described digital broadcasting systems.

The broadcast signals and/or broadcast-related information received through the broadcast receiving module111can be stored in the memory160.

The mobile communication module112transmits/receives a radio signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal and a server in a mobile communication network. The radio signal may include a voice call signal, a video telephony call signal or data in various forms according to transmission and reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module113corresponds to a module for wireless Internet access and may be included in the mobile terminal100or externally attached to the mobile terminal100. A wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro), world interoperability for microwave access (Wimax), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) and so on can be used as a wireless Internet technique.

The local area communication module114corresponds to a module for local area communication. Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB) and ZigBee can be used as a local area communication technique.

The position information module115confirms or obtains the position of the mobile terminal. The position information module115can acquire position information using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Here, GNSS refers to radio navigation satellite systems that orbit the earth and transmit reference signals so that the location of certain types of radio navigation receivers on the earth's surface can be determined or approximated. GNSS includes a global positioning system (GPS) managed by the USA, Galileo managed by Europe, global orbiting navigational satellite system (GLONASS) managed by Russia, COMPASS managed by China, and quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) managed by Japan.

As one representative example of GNSS, the position information module115may be a GPS module. The GPS module115can calculate information on distances between one point (object) and at least three satellites, information on the time when the distance information is measured, and use the obtained distance information to triangulate three-dimensional position information on the point (object) according to latitude, longitude and altitude at a predetermined time. Moreover, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the calculated position and time information using another satellite can also be used. In addition, the GPS module115continuously calculates the current position in real time and calculates velocity information using the position information.

Referring toFIG. 1, the A/V input unit120is used to input an audio signal or a video signal and includes a camera121and a microphone122. The camera121processes image frames of still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video telephony mode or a photography mode. Further, the processed image frames can be displayed on a display unit151.

The image frames processed by the camera121can be stored in the memory160or transmitted to an external device through the radio communication unit110. The mobile terminal100may include at least two cameras.

The microphone122receives an external audio signal in a call mode, a recording mode or a speech recognition mode and processes the received audio signal into electric audio data. The processed audio data can then be converted into a form that can be transmitted to a mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module112and output in the call mode. Further, the microphone122can employ various noise removal algorithms for removing noise generated when the external audio signal is received.

The user input unit130generates input data for controlling the operation of the terminal from a user. The user input unit130may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (constant voltage/capacitance), jog wheel, jog switch and so on.

The sensing unit140senses the current state of the mobile terminal100, such as an open/closed state of the mobile terminal100, the position of the mobile terminal100, whether the user touches the mobile terminal100, the direction of the mobile terminal100and the acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal100, and generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal100. For example, the sensing unit140can sense whether a slide phone is opened or closed when the mobile terminal100is the slide phone. In addition, the sensing unit140can sense whether the power supply190supplies power and whether the interface170is connected to an external device. Meanwhile, the sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor.

Particularly, the sensing unit140may include a color sensor141. The color sensor141acquires color information of a peripheral or external object. For example, the color sensor141may sense color information of a specific object located outside the mobile terminal100, and transfer the sensed value to the controller180as an analog or digital value.

A method of acquiring color information using the color sensor141may be implemented in various ways. For example, the color sensor141may sense frequency differences or color temperature differences of colors to acquire color information.

The color sensor141may identify red, green and blue, which are three primary colors of light, and transfer their quantities to the controller180. The controller180can acquire final color information using the values transferred from the color sensor141.

In addition, the color sensor141may acquire the final color information by itself, and then transfer the final color information to the controller180.

Moreover, the color sensor141may measure an ambient light quantity.

The output unit150generates visual, auditory and/or tactile output and may include the display unit151, an audio output module152, an alarm153and a haptic module154.

The display unit151displays information processed by the mobile terminal100. For example, the display unit151displays a user interface (UI) or graphic user interface (GUI) related to a telephone call when the mobile terminal is in the call mode. The display unit151also displays a captured and/or received image, UI or GUI when the mobile terminal100is in the video telephony mode or the photography mode.

The display unit151may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a flexible display and a three-dimensional display.

Some of these displays may be of a transparent type or a light transmission type so that the user can see the outside through the display. It can be called a transparent display. One representative example of the transparent display is a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD). The rear structure of the display unit151may be of the light transmission type. Accordingly, the user can see an object located behind the body of the mobile terminal100through the transparent area of the body of the mobile terminal100, that is occupied by the display unit151.

The mobile terminal100may include two or more display units151. For example, the mobile terminal100may include a plurality of display units that are arranged on a single face separately or integrally. The plurality of display units may be arranged on different sides.

When the display unit151and a sensor sensing touch (hereinafter, referred to as a touch sensor) form a layered structure, hereinafter referred to as a touch screen, the display unit151may be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The touch sensor can be in the form of a touch film, a touch sheet and a touch pad, for example.

The touch sensor may be constructed to convert a variation in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit151or a variation in capacitance generated at a specific portion of the display unit151into an electric input signal. The touch sensor may also be constructed to sense pressure of touch as well as the position and area of the touch.

When the user applies touch input to the touch sensor, a signal(s) corresponding to the touch input is transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller then processes the signal(s) and transmits data corresponding to the processed signal(s) to the controller180. Accordingly, the controller180can detect a touched portion of the display unit151.

Referring toFIG. 1, the proximity sensor may be located in an internal region of the mobile terminal, surrounded by the touch screen, or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor senses an object approaching a predetermined sensing face or an object located near the proximity sensor using an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without mechanical contact. Further, the proximity sensor has a longer lifespan than a contact sensor and thus has wide-ranging applications.

The proximity sensor includes a transmission type photo-electric sensor, a direct reflection type photo-electric sensor, a mirror reflection type photo-electric sensor, a high-frequency oscillating proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, etc.

A capacitive touch screen is constructed such that proximity of a pointer is detected through a variation in an electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this instance, the touch screen (touch sensor) can be classified as a proximity sensor.

For convenience of explanation, the action of the pointer approaching the touch screen without actually touching the touch screen is referred to as “proximity touch” and an action of bringing the pointer into contact with the touch screen is referred to as “contact touch” in the following description. The proximity touch position of the pointer on the touch screen is equivalent to a position of the pointer orthogonal to the touch screen when the pointer proximity-touches the touch screen.

The proximity sensor senses the proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (for example, a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch velocity, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch moving state, etc.) Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch action and proximity touch pattern can then be displayed on the touch screen.

The audio output module152can output audio data received from the radio communication unit110or stored in the memory160in a call signal receiving mode, a telephone call mode or a recording mode, a speech recognition mode and a broadcast receiving mode. Further, the audio output module152outputs audio signals related to functions (for example, a call signal incoming tone, a message incoming tone, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal100. The audio output module152may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, etc. Furthermore, the audio output module152can output sound through an earphone jack116. The user can connect earphones to the earphone jack116and hear the output sound.

In addition, the alarm153outputs a signal for indicating generation of an event of the mobile terminal100. For example, events generated in the mobile terminal100include receiving a call signal, receiving a message, inputting a key signal, inputting touch, etc. The alarm153can also output signals in forms different from video signals or audio signals, for example, a signal for indicating generation of an event through vibration. The video signals or the audio signals can be also output through the display unit151or the audio output module152.

The haptic module154generates various haptic effects that the user can feel. One representative example of the haptic effects generated by the haptic module154is vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module154can also be controlled. For example, different vibrations can be combined and output or sequentially output.

The haptic module154can generate a variety of haptic effects including an effect of stimulus according to arrangement of pins vertically moving against a contact skin surface, an effect of stimulus according to a jet force or sucking force of air through a jet hole or a sucking hole, an effect of stimulus of rubbing the skin, an effect of stimulus according to contact of an electrode, an effect of stimulus using electrostatic force, and an effect according to reproduction of cold and warmth using an element capable of absorbing or radiating heat in addition to vibration.

The haptic module154not only transmits haptic effects through direct contact but also allows the user to feel haptic effects through a kinesthetic sense of the user's fingers or arms. The mobile terminal100may include two or more haptic modules154.

The memory160can store a program for operation of the controller180and temporarily store input/output data (for example, phone book, messages, still images, moving images, etc.). The memory160can also store data about vibrations and sounds in various patterns that are output when a touch input is applied to the touch screen.

The memory160may include at least one of a flash memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM) magnetic memory, a magnetic disk and an optical disk. The mobile terminal100can also operate in relation to a web storage performing the storing function of the memory160on the Internet.

The interface170serves as a path to external devices connected to the mobile terminal100. The interface170receives data from the external devices or power and transmits the data or power to the internal components of the mobile terminal100or transmits data of the mobile terminal100to the external devices. For example, the interface170may include a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I/O port, a video I/O port, an earphones port, etc.

The identification module is a chip that stores information to authenticate the authority to use the mobile terminal100. For example, the user identification module may be a user identify module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM) and a universal subscriber identify module (USIM). An identification device including the user identification module may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the mobile terminal100through a port.

The interface170can also be a path through which power from an external cradle is provided to the mobile terminal100when the mobile terminal100is connected to the external cradle or a path through which various command signals input by the user through the cradle are transmitted to the mobile terminal100. The various command signals or power input from the cradle can be used as signals for confirming whether the mobile terminal is correctly set in the cradle.

The controller180can control overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, the controller180performs control and processing for voice communication, data communication and video telephony. The controller180may include a multimedia module181for playing multimedia. The multimedia module181may be included in the controller180or may be separate from the controller180.

The controller180can perform a pattern recognition process capable of recognizing handwriting input or picture-drawing input applied to the touch screen as characters or images.

The power supply190receives external power and internal power and provides power required for the operations of the components of the mobile terminal under the control of the controller180.

Various embodiments explained herein can be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or the like, using, e.g., software, hardware or a combination thereof.

In the case of hardware implementation, the embodiments explained herein can be implemented using at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), digital signal processing device (DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field programmable gate array (FPGA), processor, controller, micro-controller, microprocessor, and electric unit for performing a function. In some cases, these embodiments can be implemented by the controller180.

In the case of software implementation, the embodiments such as procedures or functions can be implemented with a separate software module that enables at least one function or task. A software code can be implemented by a software application written in an appropriate programming language. Also, the software code can be stored in the memory160and performed by the controller180.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the display unit151is a touch screen151. As described above, the touch screen151can perform both an information display function and an information input function. However, it should be recognized that the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, touch explained below may include both contact touch and proximity touch.

FIG. 2is a flowchart of a method of performing functions using a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 3ato7are diagrams illustrating examples of images in which the method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention is implemented.

The method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in the mobile terminal100explained with reference toFIG. 1, or in another appropriately configured mobile terminal. Hereinafter, the method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention and operations of the mobile terminal100for implementing the same will be explained in detail below with reference to necessary drawings.

The controller180can access a specific website connected to the Internet through the radio communication unit110(step S100). For example, the controller180can access the Internet using the mobile communication module112or the wireless Internet module113.

The website can provide a search function. The search function mentioned in this description may be used in various meanings.

For example, the search function may imply a function of searching a web using a specific search word or keyword. Representatively, the user accesses GOOGLE or YAHOO and does web surfing.

Moreover, the search function may imply a function of searching for contents corresponding to specific information in the specific connected website. For example, the user searches for goods in an Internet shopping mall, or searches for an image to be used as his/her blog background image in a website providing a blogging function.

The controller180receives input of a search word (or keyword) to perform the search function (step S110). The user can input a specific search word using the user input unit130. Alternatively, when the display unit151is a touch screen, the user can input a specific search word using a virtual keyboard provided to the touch screen by the controller180. Still alternatively, the user can select a specific search word in a search word list provided by the controller180or the connected website.

FIGS. 3aand3billustrate an example of an image in which the controller180accesses the website providing the search function.

In one example shown inFIG. 3a, the website may provide a search window10and a search icon11for receiving input of search performance. In another example shown inFIG. 3b, the website may provide the search window10, the search icon11, and a color input window12for receiving input of color information. Other examples are also possible.

Reference numeral20shown inFIGS. 3aand3bdenotes an example of a function icon20for acquiring color information of a peripheral or external object using the color sensor141. The function icon20may be provided by the controller180or the connected website.

The function icon20may be replaced by a specific menu22ain a menu window22shown inFIG. 3c.

As described later, the user can select the function icon20or the specific menu22aprovided in the menu window22to acquire the color information of the peripheral or external object.

FIGS. 3aand3bshow a case where ‘Desk’ is input as the search word or keyword to perform the search function.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the connected website provides the image shown inFIG. 3b, and the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained below according to this assumption.

The controller180drives the color sensor141to sense one or more pieces of color information from the peripheral or external object (step S120).

As illustrated inFIG. 4a, the user can select the function icon20for the sensing operation. As illustrated inFIG. 4b, with the selection of the function icon20, the controller180can display, on the display unit151, an announcement window23that announces that the color sensor141is sensing color information.

The controller180can provide the one or more sensed pieces of color information (step S130).

FIG. 4cillustrates an example in which plural pieces of color information are provided to the display unit151. As illustrated inFIG. 4c, the controller180can display, on the display unit151, a color information providing region24that contains the one or more pieces of color information sensed in step S120.

The controller180can receive a signal that selects specific color information from the one or more pieces of color information provided in step S130(step S140).

FIG. 4dillustrates an example in which the user selects ‘Red’ among the plural pieces of color information provided in the color information providing region24. As illustrated inFIG. 4e, the user can finish the process of selecting specific color information by selecting ‘OK’ button.

FIG. 4fillustrates an example in which the color information selected by step S140is displayed in the color input window12.

Although the color information is selected via the user's manual selection above, the technical ideas disclosed in this description are not limited thereto.

For example, the user may cause the mobile terminal100to change color information transferred in real time from the color sensor141to the controller180. After the color sensor141is driven via selection of the function icon20, color information acquired by the color sensor141can be displayed in the color input window12in real time.

The controller180can transmit the color information selected in step S140and the search word to the website (step S150).

Web transmission of the color information and the search word may be implemented in various ways. For example, step S150may be performed when selection of the color information is finished in step S140. Alternatively, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 4g, step S150may be performed when the search icon11is selected.

Meanwhile, although the search word is input first and the color information is selected later above, the technical ideas disclosed in this description are not limited thereto.

For example, when the search word is input or the search icon11is selected, color information currently transferred from the color sensor141may be transmitted automatically to the website. While the controller180buffers the color information transferred substantially in real time from the color sensor141, as soon as inputting of the search word is done, the controller180may transmit the color information presently stored in its buffer to the website with the search word.

In addition, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 3a, when the website provides only the search window10as a search region, after the user inputs a search word through the search window10, as soon as the color sensor141senses color information, the controller180may transmit the search word and the sensed color information to the website.

As the search icon11is selected in the mobile terminal100, the website performs the search function using the search word and the color information.

According to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3ato4g, the website performs the search function in conditions of ‘Desk’, ‘Red’ and ‘And’.

For example, if the website relates to a shopping mall, the website can search for the ‘Desk’ of ‘Red’ color. In addition, for example, if the website is a portal site providing a web search function, the website can search a web by a web search robot, designating ‘Red’ and ‘Desk’ as search words.

FIG. 5aillustrates an example of a message30provided to the display unit151of the mobile terminal100, while the website performs the search function. The message30may be provided by the mobile terminal100or the website.

The website transmits a performance result of the search function to the mobile terminal100.

The controller180can receive the search result of the performed search function from the website through the radio communication unit110(step S160), and output the received search result (step S170).

FIG. 5billustrates an example in which the controller180receives a search result31using ‘Desk’ and ‘Red’ as keywords from the website through the radio communication unit110, and displays the search result31on the display unit151.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate another example of the method of selecting the color information as explained in step S140.

Referring toFIG. 6, the controller180can provide the display unit151with a color window25that displays colors corresponding to the plural acquired pieces of color information, respectively, as a result of step S120.

Referring toFIG. 7(a), the user can touch a favorite color with his/her finger among the colors displayed in the color window25and drag the color to the color input window12. Alternatively, the user can transfer the color to the color input window12with a tap, double tap, swipe or other predetermined motion. The motion can be set or reset by the user.

Referring toFIG. 7(b), the controller180can display ‘White’ in the color input window12according to the user's dragging operation. The color information displayed in the color input window12can be transferred to the website.

Although the user drags specific color information to the color input window12that is a color selection region inFIGS. 6 and 7, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, the user may drag specific color information to the search window10that is a search region. As illustrated inFIG. 3a, when the website provides only the search region as an input region, the user can drag the specific color information to the search window10.

The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above in the assumption that the user intends to search for a ‘Desk’ of a specific color using the search function provided in the website.

As set forth herein, the technical ideas disclosed in this description are not limited thereto. For example, according to a method similar to the foregoing embodiment, the mobile terminal100may transmit color information acquired through the color sensor141to a specific website.

The color information transmitted to the website may be used in association with various functions provided in the website.

For example, as described above, a background image corresponding to the color information transmitted to the website may be applied to a blog provided in the website.

Moreover, the specific website may request the user to input his/her favorite color information in the user's profile. Here, the user drives the color sensor141and puts the mobile terminal100over an object (e.g., book, clothes, wall) of his/her favorite color, so that the controller180of the mobile terminal100can control the color sensor141to acquire color information, and transfer the color information to the specific website.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the color sensor141can serve as input means in a narrow meaning for the mobile terminal100or the user. The narrow meaning of the input means is that the color sensor141can input color information that the user should input through the keypad or virtual keypad.

According to second and third embodiments of the present invention described below, the color sensor141can serve as input means in a broad meaning for the mobile terminal100or the user. The broad meaning of the input means is that the color sensor141can input commands that the user should input through the keypad or virtual keypad.

FIG. 8is a flowchart of a method of performing functions using a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 9is a detailed flowchart of step S220ofFIG. 8, andFIGS. 10 to 16bare diagrams illustrating examples of images in which the method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention is implemented.

The method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in the mobile terminal100explained with reference toFIG. 1, or in another appropriately configured terminal. Hereinafter, the method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention and operations of the mobile terminal100for implementing the same will be explained in detail below with reference to necessary drawings.

The memory160provided in the mobile terminal100can store one or more applications. In addition, the memory160can store Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) corresponding to the one or more applications, respectively. The GUI optionally contains one or more graphical objects. Exemplary graphical objects include a background image, an icon and a menu. The graphical object may include all graphical elements forming the GUI.

When a specific application is activated, the controller180can invoke a GUI corresponding to the specific activated application, referring to the memory160, and display the GUI on the display unit151.

The controller180activates a specific application (step S200). A process of activating the specific application may be implemented in various ways.

For example, when the mobile terminal100is in an idle mode, if the display unit151is on, an application that manages a background image displayed on the display unit151may be activated automatically.

In addition, for example, an application that manages a phonebook may be activated by the user's command. Here, the controller180can display the phonebook on the display unit151.

Moreover, for example, when receiving a message, an E-mail or a call from the outside through the radio communication unit110, the controller180may activate an application that manages the same and display the corresponding GUI on the display unit151.

The controller180can drive the color sensor141by the user's command or automatically to sense external color information (step S210).

Here, if a specific predesignated application is activated, the controller180can drive the color sensor141to automatically sense external color information. Alternatively, the controller180may receive the user's command and sense external color information through the color sensor141.

The controller180can change a graphical object provided by the activated application, based on the color information transferred from the color sensor141(step S220).

Here, the controller180may change the graphical object into another different graphical object or change a color of the graphical object.

As mentioned above, there are various graphical objects such as a background image and an icon. In addition, the graphical object may be changed in various modes and/or ways. Hereinafter, a detailed process of performing step S220will be explained below with reference toFIG. 9.

The controller180can judge whether or not a function mode according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been set as an automatic mode or a manual mode (step S221).

When the function mode is set as the manual mode, the controller180can provide the display unit151with colors associated with the sensed color information (step S222).

The colors associated with the sensed color information may be preset. For example, a color belonging to a category contrasted with the color corresponding to the color information sensed through the color sensor141, and/or a color belonging to the same category as the corresponding color may be the colors associated with the sensed color information.

The contrasted category means a complementary color relation. For example, green G and magenta M, yellow Y and blue B, and cyan C and red R each have a complementary color relation, respectively.

For example, when the color information sensed through the color sensor141is red R, cyan C (that belongs to the contrasted category) may be determined to be the color associated with the sensed color information.

The color belonging to the same category may include not only a color matching with the sensed color information accurately but also a color of similar color sense. For example, when the color information sensed through the color sensor141is red R, red R and pink that belong to the same category may be determined as the colors associated with the sensed color information.

At the above step S222, the controller180can provide a user interface so that the user can select at least one of the color belonging to the contrasted category and the color belonging to the same category.

The controller180receives a selection signal that selects at least one of the colors provided in step S222(step S223).

The controller180can change the graphical object to reflect the at least one color selected in step S223(step S227).

In the meantime, when the function mode is set as the automatic mode in a judgment result of step S221, the controller180judges whether a same category mode that determines a color belonging to the same category as the color corresponding to the sensed color information as a color to be reflected to the graphical object has been set (step S224).

When the same category mode is set in a judgment result of step S224, the controller180can select the color corresponding to the sensed color information (step S225), and change the graphical object to reflect the selected color (step S227).

When the same category mode is not set in the judgment result of step S224, the controller180can select a color that contrasts the sensed color information (step S226), and can change the graphical object to reflect the selected color (step S227).

Hereinafter, implementation examples of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 10 to 16b.

FIG. 10illustrates an example in which, when the mobile terminal100is in an idle state (or standby mode), an application that manages the idle state is activated. The application that manages the idle state can manage displaying of a background image40and icons41and20provided to the background image40. The background image40and the icons41and20may correspond to the graphical objects provided by the application that manages the idle state.

As a result of performing the above step S210through the controller180, an image shown inFIG. 11may be provided. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the controller180may provide the display unit151with an information region43that contains the result of step S210.

The information region43may include a color information region44that provides plural pieces of color information acquired through the color sensor141so that the user can select one or more pieces of color information, and a graphical object selection region45that enables the user to select a graphical object so as to reflect some or the whole of the acquired color information.

As illustrated inFIG. 12a, the user can select one or more of the plural pieces of color information provided to the color information region44. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 12b, the user can select one or more of the graphical objects provided to the graphical object selection region45.

InFIGS. 12aand12b, the user selects ‘Red’ and ‘Background Image’. The controller180can change the background image40into ‘Red’ or change a current background image to a background image corresponding to ‘Red’ according to the user's selection.

Although the controller180provides the colors corresponding to the color information acquired through the color sensor141inFIGS. 11,12aand12b, the technical ideas of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, as described above, the controller180may provide at least one of the color corresponding to the sensed color and the color contrasted with the sensed color.

FIG. 13illustrates an example in which an application that manages a message is activated. Particularly,FIG. 13shows an example in which an image for preparing a message is activated among various functions provided by the message management application. Reference numeral50denotes a background image of the message preparation image, and51denotes a cursor.

The controller180can change the background image of the message preparation image in the same way as the example explained with reference toFIGS. 10 to 12b. That is, the controller180can change the background image of the message preparation image to reflect the color information acquired through the color sensor141. For example, the controller180may change the background image into another image or change a color of the background image.

FIG. 14illustrates an example in which a video telephony application is activated. Graphical objects provided by the video telephony application may include a first image region55that displays an image of a receiving part, a second image region56that displays the user's image, and function icons57that are allocated with various functions required of the video telephony, respectively.

InFIG. 14, reference numeral21denotes an indicator indicating that the color sensor141is currently being driven.

The image provided to the second image region56may be an image acquired through the camera121. The image provided to the second image region56may be divided into the user's image56aand a background image56b. The image provided to the second image region56can be transmitted to the current receiving part performing the video telephony.

The controller180can drive the color sensor141to acquire peripheral color information. The controller180compares the acquired peripheral color information with the user's image56a. When both colors are similar, the controller180can correct the color of the background image56b.

When the acquired peripheral color information is similar to the user's image56a, because the user's image56aand the background image56bare of similar colors, the receiving part cannot identify user's face well.

Accordingly, in this case, the controller180can correct the color of the background image56bso that the background image56bcan reflect a color contrasted with the acquired peripheral color information. After the correction, the call receiving part can clearly identify the user's image56a.

FIGS. 15aand15bshow a case where an application that manages an image projection function is activated. The mobile terminal100includes an image projection module to project an image to the outside. The image projection function is generally called beam projection.

FIG. 15ashows a state where the controller180drives the image projection module to project an enlarged image60on an external wall surface or a screen61.

The controller180can drive the color sensor141to sense color information of the wall surface or the screen61. For example, the user may bring the mobile terminal100close to the wall surface or the screen61so that the wall surface or the screen61can be located within a color sensing distance of the color sensor141.

As illustrated inFIG. 15b, after the color information of the wall surface or the screen61is sensed, the controller180can provide the display unit151with a selection window63so that the user can select one or more of graphical objects forming the enlarged image60.

Here, the controller180may be set to display the selection window63when at least one color of the graphical objects forming the enlarged image60corresponds to the sensed color information.

The user can select a specific graphical object through the selection window63. The controller180can correct or change a color of the selected graphical object so that the color of the selected graphical object can be contrasted with the sensed color information.

For example, when a color of the wall surface or the screen61is ‘White’ and a color of the background image of the enlarged image60is also ‘White’, the controller180may provide the selection window63. The user can select ‘Background image’ in the selection window63and change the color of the background image forming the enlarged image60into a color other than ‘White’.

Meanwhile, the controller180can automatically change the graphical object of a similar color to the sensed color information among the graphical objects forming the enlarged image60according to the sensed color information.

For example, when the color of the wall surface or the screen61is ‘Black’ and a color of characters contained in the enlarged image60is also ‘Black’, the controller180may automatically change the color of the characters into another color (e.g., ‘White’) and project the enlarged image60without providing the selection window63.

FIGS. 16aand16bshow a case where the mobile terminal100is provided with light emission means70such as LED.

When an application that controls the light emission means70is activated, as illustrated inFIG. 16a, the controller180can provide plural pieces of color information71acquired through the color sensor141. As illustrated inFIG. 16b, the user can select a specific color from the plural pieces of color information71.

The controller180can control the light emission means70to emit light of the specific selected color.

Although the plural pieces of color information71are provided inFIGS. 16aand16bfor convenience of explanation, the technical ideas of the present invention are not limited thereto.

For example, the controller180may use a color corresponding to color information provided in real time from the color sensor141so as to control the light emission means70.

In addition, the controller180may provide a selection window that enables the user to select colors contrasted with the sensed pieces of color information, or may automatically use the colors contrasted with the sensed pieces of color information to control the light emission means70.

Moreover, the controller180may periodically drive the color sensor141at intervals of a certain time, and use acquired color information to control the light emission means70whenever the color sensor141is driven.

FIG. 17is a flowchart of a method of performing functions using a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 18 to 20are diagrams used to explain the method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in the mobile terminal100explained with reference toFIG. 1, or another appropriately configured terminal. Hereinafter, the method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention and operations of the mobile terminal100for implementing the same will be explained in detail below with reference to necessary drawings.

The controller180senses color information using the color sensor141(step S300).

The controller180judges whether a specific function corresponds to the sensed color information (step S310).

As a judgment result of step S310, when the specific function corresponds to the sensed color information, the controller180performs the corresponding function (step S320).

While the color sensor141is driven, the user brings the mobile terminal100close to an object of a specific color, to thereby perform the function corresponding to the specific color. Therefore, the user can perform the specific function without entering a special menu or manipulating the user input unit130.

FIG. 18is a conceptual diagram illustrating a case where the user brings the mobile terminal100close to a book80of a specific color so that the color sensor141can sense the specific color of the book80.

FIG. 19illustrates an example of a table in which specific functions match with specific colors.

Referring toFIG. 19, for example, when receiving color information corresponding to ‘Red’81from the color sensor141, the controller180can drive a web browser.

In addition, for example, when receiving color information corresponding to ‘Black’82from the color sensor141, the controller180can set the mobile terminal100to be in a lock mode.

Moreover, for example, when receiving color information corresponding to ‘White’83from the color sensor141, the controller180can release the mobile terminal100from the lock mode.

Furthermore, for example, when receiving color information corresponding to ‘Blue’84from the color sensor141, the controller180can perform a function of entering a phonebook.

FIG. 20shows a table in which specific colors85,86,87and88match with contact numbers recorded or stored in the phonebook. According to the table ofFIG. 20, color information can serve as a short key.

Referring toFIG. 20, for example, when receiving color information corresponding to ‘Green’85from the color sensor141, the controller180can send a call to ‘James’. The phonebook stores a telephone number corresponding to ‘James’.

In addition, for example, in a state where the color sensor141is driven and the functions according to the third embodiment of the present invention are activated, when the user brings the mobile terminal100close to an object of a color corresponding to ‘Black’, the controller180sends a call to ‘Kevin’.

Moreover, for example, when successively receiving ‘White’ and ‘Black’ from the color sensor141within a predetermined time, the controller180can send a call, designating ‘010-1111-2222’ as a receiving part.

The matching tables shown inFIGS. 19 and 20may be set or changed by the user. The controller180can provide a user interface for the setting or changing.

Although the methods of sensing the color using the color sensor141and using the sensed color have been explained in the foregoing embodiments, the technical ideas disclosed in this description are not limited thereto.

For example, an ambient light quantity may be measured using the color sensor141, and used in the same manner as the foregoing embodiments. One representative example thereof is to adjust brightness of the graphical object provided to the display unit151or the enlarged image60projected to the outside by the image projection function.

The method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disk, flash memory, etc.) as a program to be executed in the computer.

The method of performing the functions using the mobile terminal according to the present invention can be executed through software. When they are executed through software, the components of the present invention are code segments that perform required tasks. The programs or code segments can be stored in a processor-readable medium or transmitted via a computer data signal combined with a carrier wave in a transmission medium or a communication network.

The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices storing data readable by a computer system. Exemplary computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, DVD±ROM, DVD-RAM, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, hard disks, and optical data storage devices. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed among network-coupled computer systems to store and execute the computer-readable codes in a distributed fashion.