Method of operating touch module and electronic device supporting same

Methods and apparatuses are provided for operating a touch module of an electronic device. A communication related event is received at the electronic device. The touch module is switched from operation at a first operating frequency to operation at a second operating frequency, upon reception of the communication related event. The first operating frequency enables the touch module to receive a touch input. The second operating frequency enables the touch module to detect a specified event.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean patent Application No. 10-2014-0009004 filed Jan. 24, 2014, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to operation of a touch module of an electronic device, and more particularly, to a method for decreasing a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the operation of a touch module.

2. Background of the Invention

Many electronic devices utilize a touch function as an input unit so that user input may be easily accepted.

Typical electronic devices emit electromagnetic waves to support a communication function. These electromagnetic waves may adversely affect the human body.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been made to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a method of operating a touch module and an electronic device supporting the same that may adaptively perform a SAR decrease function

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device is provided that includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to supply a first operating frequency to a touch module of the electronic device, and to supply a second operating frequency to the touch module, instead of the first operating frequency, upon reception of a communication related event at the electronic device. The first operating frequency enables the touch module to receive a touch input, and the second operating frequency enables the touch module to detect a specified event.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for operating a touch module of an electronic device. A communication related event is received at the electronic device. The touch module is switched from operation at a first operating frequency to operation at a second operating frequency, upon reception of the communication related event. The first operating frequency enables the touch module to receive a touch input. The second operating frequency enables the touch module to detect a specified event.

An article of manufacture is provided for operating a touch module of an electronic device, and includes a machine readable medium containing one or more programs which when executed implement the steps of: receiving a communication related event at the electronic device; and switching the touch module from operation at a first operating frequency to operation at a second operating frequency, upon reception of the communication related event. The first operating frequency enables the touch module to receive a touch input. The second operating frequency enables the touch module to detect a specified event.

The expressions “include” or “may include” that may be used in describing the embodiments of the present invention indicate the presence of a disclosed corresponding function, operation, and/or component but does not exclude one or more additional functions, operations, or components. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms “includes” or “has” indicate the presence of characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof represented in the present disclosure but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In describing various embodiment of the present invention, the expression “or” includes any and all combinations of enumerated words. For example, the expression “A or B” may include A, B, or both A and B.

In describing various embodiments of the present invention, the expression “a first”, “a second”, “firstly”, or “secondly” may modify various components in various embodiments of the present invention, but do not limit corresponding components. For example, the expressions above do not limit the order and/or importance of corresponding components. The expressions above may be used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first user device and a second user device are all both user devices that may be mutually different user devices. For example, the first component may be named as the second component without departing from the scope of various embodiments of the present invention, and similarly, the second component may also be named as the first component.

When any component is referred to as being “connected to” or “accessed by” another component, it should be understood that the former can be directly connected to the latter, or there may be another component in between. On the contrary, when any component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly accessed by” another component, it should be understood that there may be no other component in between.

The terms used in describing the embodiments of the present invention are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit embodiments of the present invention. The terms in singular form include the plural form unless otherwise specified.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as those generally understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art. Terms defined in generally used dictionaries should be construed to have meanings matching contextual meanings in the related art, and should not be construed as having an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless otherwise defined in the embodiments of the present invention.

An electronic device, according to embodiments of the present invention, may include a touch module. For example, the electronic device may be embodied as at least one of a smart phone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a net book computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, and a wearable device (e.g., a Head-Mounted-Device (HMD) such as electronic glasses, electronic clothing, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic “appcessory”, an electronic tattoo, or a smart watch).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may be a smart home appliance having a communication function and a touch module. The smart home appliance may include, for example, at least one of a TV, a Digital versatile Disc (DVD) player, an audio set, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a TV box, a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., a Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) device, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device, a Computed Tomography (CT) device, a camera, and an ultrasonicator), a navigator, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a car infotainment device, electronic equipment for a ship (e.g., a navigator for a ship or a gyro compass), avionics, a security device, a head unit for a car, an industrial or home robot, a financial institution's Automated Teller Machine (ATM), or a store's Point Of Sales (POS) system.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may include at least one of a portion of a building/structure or furniture including a communication function, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various measurement devices (e.g., water, electricity, gas and electric wave measurement devices). The electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be one or more combinations of the above-described various devices. Moreover, an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may be a flexible device. Moreover, it is obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is not limited to the above-described devices.

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, an electronic device100includes a first touch module40, and a second touch module50.

The first touch module40is arranged on the lower end of a side of the electronic device100. The second touch module50is arranged on the upper end of the first touch module40. A first touch panel41, included in the first touch module40, and a second touch panel51, included in the second touch module50, are arranged on a display panel60. In this embodiment of the present invention, the area of the display panel60includes the area of the first touch module40and the area of the second touch module50. Although there is a space between the first touch module40and the second touch module50inFIG. 1, it may be understood in other embodiments of the present invention that the first touch module40and the second touch module50are areas without a separator on the display panel60. A home key121and at least one other key122and123are arranged on the first touch module40.FIG. 1illustrates that the at least one other touch key122and123includes a back key (or a back space key)122and a menu key123. The electronic device100, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may change the setting of the first touch module40to execute an SAR decrease function when a communication related event occurs. For example, the electronic device100may change a first operating frequency of the first touch module40related to executing a touch function for reception of touch input, to a second operating frequency related to executing the SAR decrease function. When a function performed by a communication related event is released, the electronic device100may change the operating frequency of the first touch module40to the first operating frequency.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100may control a change in the operating frequency of the first touch module40, by maintaining one of the turn-on or turn-off states of the display panel60in the previous state (e.g., turn-on or turn-off state).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100may change the operation frequency of the first touch module40to the second operating frequency for executing the SAR decrease function, by maintaining the turn-off state of the display panel60, if the display panel60is in a turn-off state and a communication related event occurs. In this process, after activating a touch function that operates at the first operating frequency of the first touch panel41of the first touch module40, the electronic device100may enable a touch function that operates at the first operating frequency, to operate at the second operating frequency according to a designated event (e.g., a designated time elapse or a designated touch event). The electronic device100may activate the first touch module to execute the SAR decrease function when the first touch module40operating at the second operating frequency detects a specified event. For example, the electronic device100may control a change in power setting to decrease power supplied to a communication module110to a specified value. According to an embodiment of the present invention, power related to the specified event may be less than a power value of the communication module110. It is possible to include an operation of restoring the power of the communication module110to power before the reception of the specified event, when the specified event or the communication related event is released. While detecting an event set to decrease the SAR, the electronic device100may continue to supply the second operating frequency so that the first touch module40performs a detection function related to executing the SAR decrease function.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the electronic device100receives a communication related event while the display panel60is in a turn-off state, the electronic device100may maintain a turn-off state of the display panel60for a certain time period. When a certain time period elapses without the detection of the specified event, the electronic device100may output a screen according to communication related event reception, allow an input event reception state, or output the screen and allow the input state. For example, the display panel60of the electronic device100may output a screen that provides a notice of voice call or video call event reception. In this embodiment of the present invention, the display panel60may display a virtual key button related to receiving and processing an event. The second touch module50may perform a touch function related to a virtual key button operation. The electronic device100may process the turn-off state of the display panel60to be maintained, when the specified event is detected within a certain time period. In this embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100may allow the first touch module40to execute a detection function.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100may activate the display panel60to display a screen related to communication related event reception without waiting for a certain time period, when receiving a communication related event while the display panel60is in a turn-off state. The electronic device100may switch the display panel60to the turn-off state when a specified event is detected from the first touch module40while a specific screen is displayed on the display panel60.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100may maintain the turn-on state of the display panel60and activate the first touch module40supporting a touch function to be reset (such as, for example, initialization or restoration to a designated state) and operate at the second operating frequency for supporting the SAR decrease function. The electronic device100may allow the SAR decrease function to be executed when a specified event related to the SAR decrease function is detected. The electronic device100may activate the first touch module40to operate at the first operating frequency related to supporting a touch function when the communication related event is ended. The electronic device100may allow SAR decrease function application to be released when the communication related event is ended.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device100may allow an applied SAR decrease function to be released when a specified event is not detected. In this process, the electronic device100may activate the first touch module40to operate at the second operating frequency related to a detection function until the communication related event is released.

The specified event may include an event that the back key122and the menu key123are selected together. Also, the specified event may be an event for touching an area equal to or larger than a specified certain size on the touch panel of the first touch panel. Alternatively, the specified event may include a touch event that occurs on at least one of the back key122and the menu key123several times for a certain time period.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating the electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2, the electronic device100includes the communication module110, an input module120, a multimedia module130, a display module140, a storage module150, and a control module160.

The electronic device100may allow the first touch module40of the display module140to turn (or switch) to a sensor for detecting specified event occurrence related to an SAN decrease. According to an embodiment, the first touch module40is a device component arranged on the lower end of the display module140. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the first touch module40is an area adjacent to the home key121, or an area on which the back key122or the menu key12is arranged. In this example, the home key121may be a button key. The back key122and the menu key123may be touch keys.

The communication module110includes at least one communication unit associated with the communication function of the electronic device100. For example, the communication module110may include various communication units, such as, for example, a mobile communication unit, a broadcast receiving unit, such as a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) module or a Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) module, a short-range communication unit, such as an Near Field Communication (NFC) module or Zigbee module being a Bluetooth module, and a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication unit. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module110may receive a voice call connection request message from another electronic device. The communication module110may receive a video call connection request message from another electronic device. Alternatively, the communication module110may transmit the voice call connection request message to another electronic device in response to a user request. The communication module110may transmit the video call connection request message to another electronic device in response to a user request. The communication module110may form a voice call channel or video call channel according to user control. Alternatively, the communication module110may form a data communication channel that receives data from another electronic device or a server device.

The communication module110may maintain a communication channel according to one of a plurality of power values. For example, the communication module110may operate with a first power value before the execution of the SAR decrease function. The communication module110may operate with a second power value, which is less than the first power value, after the execution of the SAR decrease function. The second power value may be a power value that satisfies a specified SAR decrease specification and maintains a communication channel that is currently formed. The SAR decrease specification may vary depending on the country or the age. Accordingly, the setting of the second power value may also vary. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module110may operate with the second power value when a specified event occurs on the first touch module40that operates at the second operating frequency for the SAR decrease function. The communication module110may operate with the first power value, when a specified event is not detected on the first touch module40operating at the second operating frequency. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module110may operate with the second power value until function execution by the communication related event is ended, and after the occurrence of a specified event.

The input module120may generate an input signal of the electronic device100. The input module120may include at least one of a key pad, a dome switch, a (static pressure/capacitive) touch pad, a jog wheel, and a jog switch, for example. The input module120may be realized in a button form on the outside of the electronic device100and some buttons may also be realized as the display module140having a touch function. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the input module120may include a plurality of keys for obtaining numeric or text information and setting various functions. Such keys may include a menu call key, a screen ON/OFF key, a power ON/OFF key, a volume control key, and the home key121ofFIG. 1. According to an embodiment, the home key121may be arranged on one side of the display module140. For example, the home key121ofFIG. 1may be arranged on a certain part of an area on which the touch module40is arranged. The input module120may include the first touch module40and the second touch module50, which generate touch events.

The input module120may generate an input signal related to processing a call connection request message received according to the operation of the communication module110. Also, the input module120may generate an input signal for ending a communication related event execution function. The communication related event execution function may also be ended by a request from another electronic device or a server device. The input module120may generate an input signal for turning-on the display module140or an input signal for turning-off the display module140. A corresponding input signal may be provided for the control module160and may be changed to a set of commands related to the control of a turn-on or turn-off operation.

The multimedia module130may process an audio signal of the electronic device100. For example, the multimedia module130may transmit an audio signal input from the control module160to a speaker SPK. The multimedia module130may perform the function of transferring an audio signal, such as, for example, voice input from a microphone MIC, to the control module160. The multimedia module130may convert an audio signal, such as, for example, the voice input received from the microphone MIC, into a digital signal and transfer the digital signal to the control module160.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multimedia module130may make a guidance sound related to communication related event reception or provide sound effect related thereto. For example, when a call connection request message is received, the multimedia module130may ring the bell or make a guidance sound, to provide a notice of corresponding request message reception. Also, the multimedia module130may also produce vibration that corresponds to the request message reception. The multimedia module130may make a guidance sound related to communication channel release or provide sound effect related thereto. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multimedia module130may make a guidance sound or provide a sound effect, to guide a change from a touch function to a detection function related to SAR decrease function execution according to the change of the operating frequency of the first touch module40. Also, the multimedia module130may also make a guidance sound or provide a sound effect, to guide a switch from the detection function to the touch function in response to the change of the operating frequency of the first touch module40. The function of making a guidance sound or providing a sound effect, as described above, may also be left out according to a user setting or a design change.

The display module140may display various screens corresponding to functions processed by the electronic device100. For example, the display module140may display a standby screen, a main screen, or a lock screen. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display module140includes the first touch module40, the second touch module50, and the display panel60. According to an embodiment, the first touch module40may be arranged on an area where the touch keys122and123(ofFIG. 1) of the display panel60are arranged. The second touch module50may be arranged on the upper area of the first touch module40arranged on the display panel60.

The first touch module40includes the first touch panel41and a first driving module42.

On the first touch panel41, a plurality of signal lines may be arranged horizontally and vertically. The first touch panel41may provide an area touched according to the first operating frequency that is provided by the first driving module42. According to an embodiment, the first touch panel41may be arranged at the lower end of the display panel60, such as on an area adjacent to the home key121ofFIG. 1. On the first touch panel41, areas for the back key122and the menu key123ofFIG. 1may be arranged. The first touch panel41may provide an area from which a touch, a grip, or pressure is sensed according to the second operating frequency that is provided by the first driving module42.

The first driving module42may regularly supply an operating frequency needed for the operation of the first touch panel41. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first driving module42may supply the first operating frequency related to touch function support, to the first touch panel41. The first operating frequency may have a frequency value such as, for example, 60 Hz or 120 Hz. The first driving module42may supply the second operating frequency, for event detection function support related to SAR decrease function execution, to the first touch panel41. The second operating frequency may have a frequency value such as, for example, 1 Hz, 5 Hz, or 7 Hz. The first driving module42may transfer a touch event or a specified event occurring on the first touch panel41, to the control module160. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first driving module42may supply the first operating frequency or the second operating frequency according to the control of at least one of an Application Processor (AP) module163and a Communication Processor (CP) module161that are included in the control module160.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first driving module42may supply the first operating frequency according to the control of the AP module163and then transfer a touch event occurring on the first touch panel41to the AP module163. The first driving module42may supply the second operating frequency to the first touch panel41according to the control of the AP module163when a communication related event occurs. In this embodiment of the present invention, according to the occurrence of the communication related event, the CP module161may transfer a corresponding event to the AP module163.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a specified event is detected from the first touch panel41operating at the second operating frequency, the first driving module42may transfer the specified event to the CP module161. When specified event detection stops, the first driving module42may supply the first operating frequency to the first touch panel41according to the control of the CP module161or AP module163. When communication related event function execution is ended, the first driving module42may supply the first operating frequency to the first touch panel41according to the control of the CP module161or AP module163.

The second touch module50includes the second touch panel51and a second driving module52. The second touch module50may be activated when the display panel60is activated. For example, the second touch module50may have a turn-off state when the display60is in a turn-off state. The second touch module50may have a turn-on state when the display60is in a turn-on state. On the second touch panel51, an effective area may be defined for a virtual key button, a specific icon, or a specific menu item that is displayed on the display panel60. The second driving module52may output a specific operating frequency related to the operation of the second touch panel51. For example, the second driving module52may transmit, to the second touch panel51, the first operating frequency that is relevant to (e.g., two times), similar to, or equal to the first operating frequency output from the first driving module42. The display panel60may include a backlight unit and a panel area. The panel area may be configured in various forms, according to the characteristics of the display panel60. For example, the panel area may be configured as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). When the panel area is configured as the LCD, the display panel60may include the backlight unit. The backlight unit may irradiate light related to pixel realization onto the LCD. When the panel area is in a turn-on state, the backlight unit may have a turn-on state. When the panel area is in a turn-off state, the backlight unit may have a turn-off state. The backlight unit may be provided with, e.g., Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The display module140may support a horizontal-mode screen display and a vertical-mode screen display, according to the rotation direction (or arrangement direction) of the electronic device100, and a screen change display, according to the change between the horizontal mode and the vertical mode. The display module140may include at least one of an LCD, a Thin Film Transistor-LCD (TFT LCD), an LED, an Organic LED (OLED), an Active Matrix OLED (AMOLED), a flexible display, a bent display, and a 3-Dimensional (3D) display. Some of these displays may be realized as transparent displays that are transparent or optically transferable to enable external viewing.

A user input corresponding to a user gesture that occurs on the first touch module40is transferred to the control module160. In this embodiment of the present invention, the user input caused by fingers or a touch unit, such as a touch pen, may include a touch, multiple touches, a tap, double taps, a long tap, tap and touch, drag, a flick, a press, pinch in, and pinch out. Some of the above-described user inputs, such as a multiple touch input, detected on the first touch module40may be used as a specified event that detects SAR decrease function execution. Alternatively, the long tap input detected on the first touch module40may be defined as a specified event.

The storage module150may store various programs and data related to processing and controlling data related to the operation of the electronic device100. For example, the storage module150may store an Operating System (OS). The storage module150may store a communication related function such as, for example, a voice call support program, a video call support program, and a data download or upload support program. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage module150includes an SAR decrease routine151. The SAR decrease routine151may include a routine (a set of commands, phrases, or functions related to the set of commands) that detects a communication related event, a routine that controls the turn-on or turn-off state of the display panel60, a routine that activates the first touch module40, and a routine that enables the state of the second touch module50to be maintained in the previous state. The SAR decrease routine151may include a routine that monitors whether a specified event is detected on the first touch module40, a routine that requests SAR decrease function execution when the specified event is detected, a routine that request SAR decrease function cancellation when a specified event is not detected, and a routine that requests SAR decrease function cancellation when a communication related event is released.

The above-described storage module150may include, as a storage medium, at least one of a flash memory, a hard disk, a micro type memory, a card type memory (for example, Secure Digital (SD) card or eXtreme Digital (XD) card), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static RAM (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), an Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM), a Magnetic RAM (MRAM), a magnetic disk type memory, and an optical disk type memory. The electronic device100may also operate along with a web storage that performs a storage function of the storage module150over the Internet.

The control module160may process and transfer data related to the operation of the electronic device100and process and transfer a control signal. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control module160may control the execution of the function of switching the first touch module40to a specified event detection type related to SAR decrease function execution, the function of changing a setting related to an SAR decrease when detecting a specified event according to a detection function, the function of restoring (or cancelling) a changed setting when a specified event is not detected, and the function of restoring the touch function of the first touch module40when a communication related event is released or a function execution performed by a communication related event is ended.

The above-described control module160includes the CP module161and the AP module163.

The CP module161may control the activation of the communication module110. The CP module161may process a communication related event through the activation of the communication module110, when the event is detected. For example, when a call connection request message is received, the CP module161may control a screen display that provides a notice corresponding to request message reception. The CP module161may form a call channel with another electronic device when an input event related to a call connection occurs. In this process, the CP module161may activate a microphone or activate a camera and the microphone, when there is a request for making a video call.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the CP module11may transfer a communication related event to the AP module163when the event occurs. The CP module161may receive an alarm for specified event occurrence from the AP module163. The CP module161may change the amplitude of power supplied to the communication module110when a specified event occurs. For example, the CP module161may change a power setting so that the amplitude of power supplied to the communication module110is suitable for a specified SAR decrease specification. The CP module161may receive an alarm for specified event detection release from the AP module163. The CP module161may restore a power setting changed for an SAR decrease to original setting when the specified event detection is not detected. The CP module161may restore (or cancel) a power setting changed for an SAR decrease when a communication related event is released or a function execution performed by the communication related event is ended.

The AP module163may control the activation of the first touch module40in response to communication related event occurrence received from the CP module161. The AP module163may control the first touch module40performing a touch function so that the first touch module performs an event detection function related to SAR decrease function execution. For example, the AP module163may change the operating frequency of the first touch module40. The AP module163may check whether there is a specified event on the first touch module40having a detection function. For example, the AP module163may check whether the back key122and the menu key123are touched together on the first touch module40, performing the detection function. When a specified event occurs, the AP module163may transfer the event to the CP module161. When a specified event is not detected, the AP module163may transfer it to the CP module161. The AP module163may return the touch function to the first touch module40when communication related event occurrence is released or function execution according to communication related event occurrence is ended.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the AP module163may activate the first touch module40to perform the detection function, when the display module140receives communication related event occurrence in a turn-off state. The AP module163may check whether a specified event occurs on the first touch module40performing the detection function. In this process, the AP module163may activate the second touch module50and maintain a turn-off state of the display panel60, when a specified event occurs. When a specified event does not occur, the AP module163may perform screen processing according to communication related event occurrence.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the AP module163may activate the first touch module40having an activated touch function to turn to the detection function, when the display module140receives communication related event occurrence in a turn-on state. For example, the AP module163may change the first operating frequency supplied to the first touch module40, and related to touch function support, to the second operating frequency related to the detection function. The AP module163may request the CP module161to apply an SAR decrease function when a specified event occurs on the first touch module40. The AP module163may request the CP module161to restore a setting change related to an SAR decrease, when a specified event is not detected, a communication related event is released, or a function corresponding to a communication related event is ended.

Various embodiments described in the present invention may be implemented in a recording medium that may be read with a computer or a similar device by using software, hardware, or a combination thereof. According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by using at least one of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions. In some cases, the embodiments of the present invention may be implanted in the control module160itself. According to a software implementation, embodiments of the present invention such as procedures and functions may be implemented in separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control module160of the above-described electronic device100includes buses167and at least one processor165. The processor165may include the CP module161and the AP module163, for example.

The buses167may be circuits that connect components (such as, for example, processors, the storage module150, the input module120, the display module140, and the communication module110) included in electronic devices and that transfer communication (such as control messages) between the components.

The processor165may receive commands through the buses167from the components included in the electronic devices, decrypt the received commands, and perform calculation or data processing according to the decrypted commands. The processor165executes at least one application stored in the storage module150and provides a service based on a corresponding application.

Also, the processor165may include one or more APs or one or more CPs. The AP module163or the CP module161may be included in the processor165or they may be included in different IC packages respectively. Also, the AP module163or the CP module161may also be included in one IC package. The AP module163may execute an operating system or application programs to control a plurality of hardware and software components connected to the AP module163, and may perform processing and calculation on various data, including multimedia data. The AP module163may be implanted in a System on Chip (SoC). Also, the CP module161may perform at least some of the multimedia control functions. Also, the CP module161may use a a SIM card to identify and authenticate terminals in a communication network. The CP module161may provide a service including a voice call, a video call, a text message, or a packet data service for a user. Also, the CP module161may control the data transmission and reception of the communication module110. The AP module163or the CP module161may load, on volatile memories, commands or data received from non-volatile memories connected to the AP module or the CP module, or from at least one other component and may process the commands or data. Also, the AP module163or the CP module161may store, in non-volatile memories, data received from at least one other component or generated by at least one other component. The CP module161may manage a data link when communication is performed between an electronic device, including hardware, and other electronic devices connected through a network, and perform a function of converting a communication protocol. The CP module161may be implanted in a SoC. Furthermore, the processor165may further include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU).

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating communication between processors related to touch module operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, the AP module163processes the touch function of the first touch module40ofFIG. 2, in step301. For example, the AP module163may activate the first touch module40to operate at the first operating frequency. Alternatively, the AP module163may activate the first touch module40to maintain a turn-off state.

The CP module161receives a communication related event, in step303. The CP module161may activate the communication module110to a state in which the communication related event may be received. The CP module161provides a notice of an event, in step305, when the communication related event is received. For example, the CP module161may transfer a notice of communication related event reception to the AP module163.

The AP module163switches the first touch module40to a detection function related to SAR decrease function execution, in step307, when the notice of the event is received from the CP module161. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the first touch module40is in a turn-off state, the AP module163may transfer an Inter-Integrated Circuit Serial Clock Line (I2C SCL) signal or an Inter-Integrated Circuit Serial Data Line (I2C SDL) signal to the first driving module42to control the activation of the first touch module40. The AP module163may control the first driving module42so that the first touch panel41performs a detection function, when the first touch panel41having a touch function is activated by the first driving module42. For example, the AP module163may control a change in the operation frequency of the first driving module42so that the first touch module42operates at the second operating frequency. In this process, the AP module163may transfer an XRES signal so that the first driving module42transmits the second operating frequency.

The AP module163checks whether a specified event is received from the first touch module41. When the specified event is received, in step309, the AP module163requests the CP module161to apply an SAR decrease function, in step311. In this process, the AP module163may transfer an interrupt signal INT corresponding to specified event occurrence to the CP module161to request application of the SAR decrease function.

The CP module161performs an SAR decrease, in step313, when the interrupt signal is received from the AP module163. For example, the CP module161may change power supplied to the communication module110to a value corresponding to a specified certain specification. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the CP module11may change the power setting of the communication module110to a value defined by an SAR specification.

The AP module163checks and determines that the specified event is no longer detected, in step315. The AP module163may activate the first touch module40to perform a detection function when the communication related event occurs or a function corresponding to the communication related event is performed. When no specified event is detected, the AP module163transfers an SAR decrease cancellation request to the CP module161, in step317. The CP module161performs SAR decrease cancellation, in step319. For example, the CP module161may restore a power setting changed in an SAR decrease process, to an original value. The CP module161may change a setting related to the SAR decrease, when the interrupt signal related to applying an SAR decrease function is received from the AP module163.

The CP module161detects communication related event release, in step321. Alternatively, the CP module161may detect the end event of a function being performed in response to the communication related event, in step321. The CP module161transfers a notice of communication related event release to the AP module163, in step323.

The AP module163regains the touch function, in step325. For example, the AP module163may transfer an XRES signal to the first touch module40to turn the detection function to the touch function. The first touch module40may change a second operating frequency being transmitted to perform the detection function, according to the XRES signal transferred to the AP module163, to a first operating frequency related to performing the touch function. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the AP module163deactivates the first touch module40when the display panel60is in a turn-off state before the communication related event occurs.

Although it is described above that one of the detection function or the touch function related to performing the SAR decrease function of the first touch module40is performed by the AP module163, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the adjustment of the operating frequency of the first touch module40may also be performed directly by the control of the CP module161.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating operation of a touch module by an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 4, the control module160of the electronic device100performs an operation or awaits an operation in standby, in step401. In this process, the control module160may display a screen related to a specific function operation on the display panel60. Also, the control module160may activate the second touch module50to enable a virtual key button, an icon, or a specific link related to the specific function operation to be selected. Also, the control module160may activate the first touch module40that performs a touch function in the context of the control of the electronic device100. The first touch module40may operate based on the first operating frequency related to touch function support. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control module160may change the state of display module140to a turn-off state when it enters a sleep mode. The control module160may maintain the communication module110in a communication standby state.

The control module160determines whether a communication related event is received, in step403. When the communication related event is not received, the control module160controls a specific function to be performed, in step405. For example, the control module160may continue to operate a function already being performed or activate a new function, in response to an occurred event. Alternatively, the control module160may control the display module40to maintain a sleep state, i.e., a turn-off state.

When a communication related event is received, the control module160determines whether the display module140is in a turn-off state, in step407. When the display module140is in turn-off state, the control module160activates the detection function of the first touch module40, maintaining the turn-off state of the display panel60, in step409. The control module160may activate the first touch panel41and then change an operating frequency so that the first touch panel performs a detection function.

When the display module140is in a turn-on state, the control module160controls the first touch module40, performing a touch function, to switch to the detection function, in step411. The control module160may reset the first touch module40(e.g., initialization or return to a designated value), and then activate the first touch module40to operate at a second operating frequency for performing the detection function.

The control module160determines whether a specified event occurs on the first touch panel41, in step413. When the specified event does not occur, the methodology of the control module160proceeds to step421, which is described in detail below. When the specified event occurs on the first touch panel41, the control module160performs SAR decrease processing, in step415. For example, the control module160may change a power setting of the communication module110to enable electromagnetic-wave inhibition defined in an SAR specification. The control module160determines whether a specified event is released, in step417. When there is no specified event release, the methodology of the control module160returns to step413. When the specified event is released, the control module160controls SAR decrease cancellation, in step419. For example, the control module160may restore a change in a power setting performed for an SAR decrease, to an original state.

The control module160determines whether a communication related event is released, in step421. When there is no communication related event release, the methodology of the control module160returns to step407. When the communication related event is released, the control module160switches the first touch module40to the previous state, in step423. For example, the control module160may switch the first touch module40to a turn-off state, when the display module140is in a turn-off state. The control module160may switch the first touch module40to a touch function, when the display module140is in a turn-on state. The control module160may step423and then return to step401.

As described above, the control module160may detect a situation in which the specified event occurs on the first touch module40in a state in which the communication related event occurs. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the electronic device100is arranged to be in contact with a human body in a state in which the electronic device is in a pocket, the electronic device100receiving the communication related event may detect that a specified event, such as, for example, an event touching the back key122and the menu key123together, is detected on the first touch module40. When the electronic device in the pocket is in contact with a human body, the control module160may perform an SAR decrease so that an electromagnetic wave occurring on the electronic device100does not affect the human body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a communication related event occurs while the electronic device100operates, it is possible to switch (or turn) the first touch module40performing a touch function to a detection function and it is possible to detect the operation of gripping the electronic device100. The electronic device100may inhibit the generation of an electromagnetic wave through an SAR decrease when a grip operation is detected through the first touch module40.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a communication related event occurs while the display module140of the electronic device140is in a turn-off state, it is possible to operate the first touch module40under a detection function, maintaining the display panel60in a turn-off state. The control module160may perform an SAR decrease function when a specified event occurs on the first touch module40, and may process the communication related event irrespective of an SAR decrease when the specified event does not occur. Accordingly, the control module160may optimize power consumption by maintaining the display panel60is in a turn-off state. In this example, when the specified event does not occur within a certain time period, the control module160may activate the second touch module50and the display panel60to receive and process the communication related event. For example, when the electronic device100is arranged to be in contact with a human body while the electronic device is in a pocket, the specified event may occur on the first touch module40within a certain time period. Cases where the specified event does not occur within the certain time period may mean that the display module140may be in a turn-off state and in no contact with a human body, such as in a state in which the electronic device is not gripped. The electronic device100may provide a notice of request message reception by appropriately processing the communication related event. When a communication channel is formed in response to the notice of request message reception, the electronic device100may activate the first touch module40to perform a detection function to apply an SAR decrease function.

As described above, the touch module operation method, according to embodiments of the present invention, may include the operation of receiving a communication related event, and the operation of enabling (or providing, or driving) the touch module operating at a first operating frequency to perform a touch function to operate at a second operating frequency to detect specified event reception.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the process of changing the power setting of the communication module110to a power setting related to an SAR decrease, when detecting the specified event.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the process of restoring a changed power setting related to an SAR decrease when a specified event is not detected or the communication related event is released.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may include the process of enabling the first touch module40to operate at another operating frequency related to touch event detection, when a specified event is not detected.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may include one of the process of enabling the first touch module40to operate at another operating frequency related to touch event detection when the communication related event is released, and the process of switching the first touch module40to a turn-off state when the communication related event is released.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may include the operation of receiving at least one of a voice call connection request message reception event, a video call connection request message reception event, a voice call connection request message transmission event, and a video call connection request transmission event, as a communication related event.

According to embodiments of the present invention, when at least one of an event touching a plurality of touch keys together, an event touching a specified certain area of the touch module, and an event touching at least one touch key several times within a certain time period occurs, the specified event may include the operation of detecting an SAR decrease related event and performing an SAR decrease function.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may include the operation of enabling a second operating frequency lower than the first operating frequency.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the operation of changing the power of the communication module receiving a communication related event to power related to the specified event, when the specified event is received.

According to embodiments of the present invention, in the method, the power related to the specified event may include a power related to an SAR decrease function execution related event.

According to embodiments of the present invention, power related to the specified event may include a power less than a power value of the communication module.

According to embodiments of the present invention, when the specified event is released or the communication related event is released, the method may further include the operation of restoring the power of the communication module to a power before the reception of the specified event.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include one of the operation of enabling the touch module to operate at a first operating frequency related to a touch event when the communication related event is released or a function performed by the communication related event is ended, and the operation of switching the touch module to a turn-off state when the communication related event is released or a function performed by the communication related event is ended.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch-effective area may include an area recognizing a user touch input.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a touch-ineffective area may include an area not recognizing a user touch input.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an electronic device having a first touch module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, the electronic device100includes the first touch module40and the second touch module50having touch areas on the front and side of the electronic device.

The second touch module50is arranged on the upper front area of the electronic device100. The first touch module40is arranged on the lower front area of the electronic device100. The electronic device100may include front, rear, and lateral sides, as shown inFIG. 5.

The first touch module40includes a front touch area43, a left touch area44, and a right touch area45. The front touch area43is horizontally arranged at the lower end of the display panel of the electronic device100with a certain thickness. The back key122and the menu key123are arranged on the front touch area43. The home key121may also be arranged on a certain part of the front touch area43. The home key121may be a button key and may operate independently from the touch event of the front touch area43.

The left touch area44is formed next to the front touch area43and is arranged on a certain area of the left side of the electronic device100. The right touch area45is formed next to the front touch area43and is arranged on a certain area of the right side of the electronic device100. When a communication related event occurs, the first touch module40performs a detection function and when a plurality of touch events occur together on the left touch area44, the front touch area43, and the right touch area45, the control module160may determine that a specified event occurs. For example, the control module160may determine that the electronic device100is in a grip state. When the specified event occurs, the control module160may activate an SAR decrease function.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the control module160may deactivate the left touch area44and the right touch area45when a communication related event does not occur. Alternatively, the control module160may recognize the left touch area44and the right touch area45as an ineffective area. According to embodiments of the present invention, when a communication related event does not occur, the control module160may activate only the back key122and the menu key123to be recognized as an touch-effective area and remaining areas to be recognized as an ineffective area. Accordingly, the control module160may inhibit unnecessary touch event occurrence or processing to be caused by gripping the electronic device100in the process of operating the electronic device100.

When the communication related event occurs, the control module160changes the operating frequency of the first touch module40to a second operating frequency related to a detection function to expand the touch-effective area. For example, the control module160may recognize the left touch area44, the front touch area43, and the right touch area45as one touch-effective area.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the process of recognizing, the front touch area43, the left touch area44, and the right touch area45as a touch-effective area, when the communication related event is received, and the process of recognizing the left touch area44and the right touch area45as a touch-ineffective area before the communication related event is received or when the communication related event is released.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may include the process of recognizing, the front touch area43, the left touch area44, the right touch area45, a first rear touch area46that is formed next to the left touch area44and arranged on the rear of the electronic device100, and a second rear touch area47that is formed next to the right touch area45and arranged on the rear of the electronic device100, as a touch-effective area, when the communication related event is received, and the process of recognizing only certain areas of the front touch area43as a touch-effective area before the communication related event is not received or when the communication related event is released.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the process of providing a notice of communication related event reception when the specified event is not received within a certain time period.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an electronic device having a first touch module, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 6, the electronic device100includes the first touch module40and the second touch module50having touch areas on the front, side, and rear of the electronic device.

The second touch module50is arranged on the upper front area of the electronic device100. The first touch module40is arranged on the lower front area of the electronic device100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the electronic device100may include the front, the rear, and sides, as shown inFIG. 6. The edges of the sides may be rounded.

The first touch module40includes the first rear touch area46, the front touch area43, the left side touch area44, the right side touch area45, and the second rear touch area47. According to an embodiment, the front touch area43may be horizontally arranged at the lower end of the display panel of the electronic device100with a certain thickness. On the front touch area43, the back key122and the menu key123may be arranged. Also, the home key121may be arranged on a certain part of the front touch area43. The home key121may be a button key and may operate independently from the touch event of the front touch area43.

According to an embodiment, the left touch area44is formed next to the front touch area43and may be arranged on a certain area of the left side of the electronic device100.

The first rear touch area46is formed next to the left touch area44and is arranged on a certain area of the rear of the electronic device100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the first rear touch area46is arranged on the left side of the rear of the electronic device100.

According to an embodiment, the right touch area45is formed next to the front touch area43and may be arranged on a certain area of the right side of the electronic device100. The second rear touch area47is formed next to the right touch area45and is arranged on a certain area of the rear of the electronic device100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the second rear touch area47is arranged on the right side of the rear of the electronic device100.

Although the touch areas arranged on the rear of the electronic device100are classified into the first rear touch area46and the second touch area47in the above descriptions, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the first rear touch area46and the second rear touch area47may be connected to each other. Accordingly, the electronic device100may also have a touch area on the rear of the electronic device. When a touch area is provided on the rear, a corresponding rear touch area may be provided to be parallel to the front touch area43. Accordingly, the electronic device100may also have a first touch module surrounding the front and rear of the electronic device, the first touch module having a band shape.

When a communication related event occurs, the first touch module40performs a detection function, and when a plurality of touch events occur together on the first rear touch area46, the left touch area44, the front touch area43, the right touch area45, and the second rear touch area47or a touch event occurs on a certain area, the control module160may determine that a specified event occurs. For example, the control module160may determine that the lower end of the electronic device100is in a grip state. When the specified event occurs, the control module160may activate an SAR decrease function.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the control module160may deactivate the first rear touch area46, the left touch area44, the right touch area45, and the second rear touch area47when a communication related event does not occur. Alternatively, the control module160may recognize the first rear touch area46, the left side touch area44, the front touch area43, and the second rear touch area47as an ineffective area. According to embodiments, when a communication related event does not occur, the control module160may activate only the back key122and the menu key123to be recognized as an touch-effective area and remaining areas to be recognized as an ineffective area. Accordingly, the control module160may inhibit unnecessary touch event occurrence or processing to be caused by gripping the electronic device100in the process of operating the electronic device100.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the first touch module40may include at least one of the lower front touch area43, the left touch area44, the right touch area45, the first rear touch area46, and the second rear touch area47.