Mobile terminal and data extracting method in a mobile terminal

A mobile terminal and data extracting method therein are disclosed, by which specific data meeting a specific condition can be selected and extracted conveniently and quickly in the course of displaying a data list constructed with a plurality of data. The present invention includes receiving an input of a touch action for selecting specific data and a classification condition corresponding to the specific data using a displayed data list upon receiving the input of the touch action, selecting at least one data including the specific data as the data including the classification condition from a plurality of data, receiving an input of an extraction command signal for extracting the selected at least one data, and extracting the selected at least one data upon receiving the input of the extraction command signal.

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2009-0095632, filed on Oct. 8, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and data extracting method in a mobile terminal. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for a mobile terminal provided with a data display function using a touchscreen.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals. The mobile terminals can be classified into handheld terminals and vehicle mounted terminals again according to the possibility of a user's portability.

As functions of mobile terminals are diversified, the mobile terminals are implemented as multimedia players provided with composite functions such as photographing of photos or moving pictures, playback of music or moving picture files, game play and/or broadcast reception, for example.

To support and increase functions of mobile terminals, improvements of structural parts and/or software parts are often required. In mobile terminals according to the related art, in order to extract specific data from a data list constructed with a plurality of data, it is inconvenient for a user to select the specific data to extract one by one. The related art fails to provide a method of selecting and extracting specific data directly without image switching while a data list constructed with a plurality of data is displayed. Moreover, if specific data is selected from a data list constructed with a plurality of data, the related art fails to provide a method of selecting and extracting other data associated with the selected specific data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and data extracting method thereof, by which specific data meeting a specific condition can be selected and extracted conveniently and quickly in the course of displaying a data list having a plurality of data.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, in one aspect a mobile terminal includes a touchscreen and a controller. The touchscreen is configured to display a data list including a plurality of data and to receive a first input for selecting specific data of the plurality of data and a second input for selecting a classification condition corresponding to the specific data. The controller is configured to select at least one data that satisfies the classification condition, including the specific data, from the plurality of data in response to the second input and to extract the selected at least one data from the data list in response to the mobile terminal receiving a third input.

In another aspect, a mobile terminal includes a touchscreen and a controller. The touchscreen is configured to display a data list including a plurality of data and to receive a first input for selecting specific data of the plurality of data and a second input for selecting a classification condition corresponding to the specific data. The controller is configured to select at least one data that satisfies the classification condition, including the specific data, from the plurality of data in response to the second input and to extract the selected at least one data from the data list in response to detection on the touchscreen of a touch and drag action upon the specific data.

In another aspect, a method of extracting data in a mobile terminal includes displaying a data list including a plurality of data on a touchscreen, receiving a first input via the touchscreen for selecting specific data of the plurality of data, receiving a second input via the touchscreen for selecting a classification condition corresponding to the specific data, selecting, via a controller, at least one data that satisfies the classification condition, including the specific data, from the plurality of data in response to the second input, receiving a third input via the mobile terminal for extracting the selected at least one data from the data list, and extracting the selected at least one data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. As used herein, the suffixes ‘module’ and ‘unit’ are used for elements in order to facilitate the disclosure only. Therefore, significant meanings or roles are not given to the suffixes themselves and it is understood that the ‘module’ and ‘unit’ can be used together or interchangeably.

Mobile terminals described herein can include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a PMP (portable multimedia player), and a navigation system. Except for a case applicable to a mobile terminal only, it is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the configurations described herein are also applicable to stationary terminals, such as digital TVs and desktop computers.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1, the mobile terminal100includes a wireless communication unit110, an A/V (audio/video) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface unit170, a controller180and a power supply unit190. AlthoughFIG. 1shows the mobile terminal100having various components, it is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement. More or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

The wireless communication unit110may include one or more components that permit wireless communication between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system or network within which the mobile terminal100is located. For example, the wireless communication unit110can include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a short-range communication module114, and a position-location module115.

The broadcast receiving module111receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and/or a terrestrial channel. The broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information received by the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in a suitable storage device, such as in the memory160.

The external broadcast managing server generally refers to a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information or a server that is provided with a previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and then transmits the provided signal or information to the mobile terminal100. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, or other known type of signal. If desired, the broadcast signal may include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information includes information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast associated information can be provided via a mobile communication network, in which case the broadcast associated information can be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information can be implemented in various forms. For example, broadcast associated information may include an electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module111may be configured to receive broadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems. For example, such broadcasting systems include digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only (MediaFLO®) and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T). Optionally, the broadcast receiving module111can be configured to be suitable for other broadcasting systems as well as the above-explained digital broadcasting systems. The broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information received by the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in a suitable storage device, such as in the memory160.

The mobile communication module112transmits/receives wireless signals to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, external terminal, or server). Such wireless signals may represent, for example, audio, video, and data according to text/multimedia message transceivings.

The wireless Internet module113supports Internet access for the mobile terminal100. The wireless Internet module113may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100. The wireless Internet technology can include WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), or other types of known wireless Internet technology.

The short-range communication module114facilitates relatively short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing this module include radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at the networking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth™ and ZigBee®.

The position-location module115identifies or otherwise obtains the location of the mobile terminal100. If desired, the position location module115may be implemented with a global positioning system (GPS) module.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the audio/video (A/V) input unit120may be configured to provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal100. As shown, the A/V input unit120includes a camera121and a microphone122.

The camera121receives and processes image frames of still pictures or video, which are obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on a display unit151. The image frames processed by the camera121can be stored in the memory160or can be externally transmitted via the wireless communication unit110. Optionally, at least two cameras121can be provided in the mobile terminal100according to an environment of use.

The microphone122receives an external audio signal while the mobile terminal100is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording mode or voice recognition mode. The external audio signal is processed and converted into electric audio data. The processed audio data is transformed into a format transmittable to a mobile communication base station via the mobile communication module112when in a call mode. The microphone122typically includes assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The user input unit130generates input data in response to user manipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of such input devices include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, and a jog switch.

The sensing unit140provides sensing signals for controlling operations of the mobile terminal100using status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal. The sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor141. For example, the sensing unit140may detect an open/close status of the mobile terminal100, relative positioning of components (e.g., a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal100, a change of position of the mobile terminal100or a component of the mobile terminal100, a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal100, orientation of the mobile terminal100or acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal100.

As an example, the mobile terminal100may be configured as a slide-type mobile terminal. In this configuration, the sensing unit140may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobile terminal is open or closed. Other examples include the sensing unit140sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply190and the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface unit170and an external device. The sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor141and a motion detection sensor142.

The output unit150generates outputs relevant to the senses of sight, hearing, and touch. The output unit150may include the display unit151, an audio output module152, an alarm unit153, a haptic module154, and a projector module155.

Some of the above displays can be implemented as a transparent or optical transmittive type, hereafter referred to as a transparent display. A TOLED (transparent OLED) is a representative example of the transparent display. A rear configuration of the display unit151can also be implemented in the optical transmittive type. In this configuration, a user is able to see an object at the rear of the terminal body via the area occupied by the display unit151of the terminal body.

At least two display units151can be provided in the mobile terminal100. For example, a plurality of display units151can be arranged on a single face of the mobile terminal100spaced apart from each other or built in one body. Alternatively, a plurality of display units151can be arranged on different faces of the mobile terminal100.

If the display unit151and a sensor for detecting a touch action (hereinafter called ‘touch sensor’) configures a mutual layer structure (hereinafter called ‘touchscreen’), the display unit151may be used as both an input device and an output device. In this case, the touch sensor can be configured as a touch film, a touch sheet, or a touchpad.

The touch sensor can be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit151or a variation of a capacitance generated from a specific portion of the display unit151to an electric input signal. Moreover, the touch sensor may detect a pressure of a touch as well as a touched position or magnitude of the touch.

If a touch input is made to the touch sensor, a signal(s) corresponding to the touch is transferred to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transfers the processed signal(s) to the controller180. Therefore, the controller180may determine whether a prescribed portion of the display unit151is touched.

Referring again toFIG. 1, a proximity sensor141can be provided on an internal area of the mobile terminal100enclosed by the touchscreen or around the touchscreen. The proximity sensor141is a sensor that detects a presence or non-presence of an object approaching a prescribed detecting surface or an object existing around the proximity sensor using an electromagnetic field strength or infrared ray without mechanical contact. Hence, the proximity sensor141has greater durability and greater utility than a contact type sensor.

The proximity sensor141can include a transmittive photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective photoelectric sensor, a radio frequency oscillation proximity sensor, an electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, or other type of known proximity sensor. The touchscreen may include an electrostatic capacity proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity of a pointer using a variation of electric field according to the proximity of the pointer and can be classified as the proximity sensor141.

In the following description, for clarity, an action in which a pointer approaches without contacting the touchscreen, yet is recognized as being located on the touchscreen, is named ‘proximity touch’. An action in which a pointer actually touches the touchscreen is named ‘contact touch’. The position on the touchscreen proximity-touched by the pointer refers to the position of the pointer that vertically opposes the touchscreen when the pointer performs the proximity touch.

The proximity sensor141detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch duration, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch shift state). Information corresponding to the detected proximity touch action and the detected proximity touch pattern can be displayed on the touchscreen.

The proximity sensor141described with reference toFIG. 1is explained in detail with reference toFIG. 2as follows.FIG. 2is a conceptual diagram for explaining a proximity depth of the proximity sensor141. Referring toFIG. 2, when a pointer, such as a user's finger or a pen, for example, approaches the touchscreen, the proximity sensor141provided within or in the vicinity of the touchscreen detects the approach of the pointer and outputs a proximity signal in response. The proximity sensor141can be configured to output a different proximity signal according to a distance between the pointer and the proximity-touched touchscreen (hereinafter named ‘proximity depth’).

FIG. 2illustrates a cross-section of the touchscreen is shown provided with a proximity sensor141capable of detecting three proximity depths. It is understood that a proximity sensor capable of detecting more or fewer proximity depths is possible.

If the pointer fully contacts the touchscreen (D0), it is recognized as a contact touch. If the pointer is positioned a distance from the touchscreen that is smaller than D1, it is recognized as a proximity touch to a first proximity depth. If the pointer is positioned a distance from the touchscreen equal to or greater than D1and less than D2, it is recognized as a proximity touch to a second proximity depth. If the pointer is positioned a distance from the touchscreen smaller than D3and equal to or greater than D2, it is recognized as a proximity touch to a third proximity depth. If the pointer is positioned a distance from the touchscreen equal to or greater than D3, no proximity touch is recognized.

The controller180recognizes the proximity touch as one of various input signals according to the proximity depth and position of the pointer. The controller180performs various operation controls according to the various input signals.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare diagrams relating to a proximity touch recognition area and a tactile effect generation region.FIG. 3Arepresents an object such as an icon or a menu item in a circle type for ease of description.

As shown in FIG.3A(a), a region for displaying an object on the display unit151may be divided into a first region A at a central part and a second region B that encloses or surrounds the first region A. The first and second regions A and B may be configured to generate tactile effects, such as strength or pattern, which differ from each other. For example, the first and second regions A and B may be configured to generate 2-step vibrations by outputting a first vibration when the second region B is touched or outputting a second vibration greater than the first vibration when the first region A is touched.

If both the proximity touch recognition region and the haptic region are simultaneously set in the region displaying the object therein, the haptic region may be set for generating the tactile effect that is different from the proximity touch recognition region for detecting the proximity signal. In particular, the haptic region may be narrower or wider than the proximity touch recognition region.

For example, in FIG.3A(a), the proximity touch recognition region may be set to the area including both the first and second regions A and B. The haptic region may be set to the first region A.

As shown in FIG.3A(b), the region having the object displayed therein may be divided into three regions A, B and C. Alternatively, the region having the object displayed therein may be divided into N regions (N>4) as shown in FIG.3A(c). Each of the divided regions may generate a tactile effect having a different strength or pattern. If a region having a single object represented therein is divided into at least three regions, the haptic region and the proximity touch recognition region may be set to differ from each other according to a use environment.

A size of the proximity touch recognition region of the display151may be set to vary according to proximity depth. For example, FIG.3B(a) shows the proximity touch recognition region is configured to decrease by C→B→A according to the proximity depth for the display151. The proximity touch recognition region may also be configured to increase by C→B→A according to the proximity depth for the display151. The haptic region may be set to have a predetermined size, such as the region ‘H’ in FIG.3B(b), regardless of the proximity depth for the display151.

When dividing the object-displayed region for setting of the haptic region or the proximity touch recognition region, one of various schemes of horizontal/vertical division, radial division and/or combinations thereof may be used as well as the concentric circle type division shown inFIG. 3A.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the audio output module152functions in various modes including a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or a broadcast reception mode to output audio data that is received from the wireless communication unit110or is stored in the memory160. During operation, the audio output module152outputs audio data relating to a particular function (e.g., call received, message received). The audio output module152is often implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinations thereof.

The alarm unit153outputs a signal for announcing the occurrence of a particular event associated with the mobile terminal100. Typical events include a call received event, a message received event and a touch input received event.

The alarm unit153outputs a signal for announcing the event occurrence via vibration as well as a video or audio signal. The video or audio signal can be output via the display unit151or the audio output unit152. Hence, the display unit151or the audio output module152can be regarded as a part of the alarm unit153.

The haptic module154generates various tactile effects that can be sensed by a user. Vibration is a representative tactile effect generated by the haptic module154. Strength and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module154are controllable. For example, different vibrations can be output by being synthesized together or can be output in sequence.

The haptic module154may generate various tactile effects in addition to vibration. For example, the haptic module154may generate an effect of the arrangement of pins vertically moving against a contact skin surface, an effect of injection/suction power of air though an injection/suction hole, an effect of skimming over a skin surface, an effect of contact with an electrode, an effect of electrostatic force, an effect of a hot/cold sense using an endothermic or exothermic device, or other known tactile effects.

The haptic module154can be implemented to enable a user to sense the tactile effect through a muscle sense of finger or arm as well as to transfer the tactile effect through direct contact. Optionally, at least two haptic modules154can be provided in the mobile terminal100in accordance with the corresponding configuration type of the mobile terminal100.

The projector module155is an element for performing an image projector function using the mobile terminal100. The projector module155displays an image, which is identical to or partially different from an image displayed on the display unit151, on an external screen or wall according to a control signal of the controller180.

The projector module155can include a light source (not shown) generating light (e.g., laser) for projecting an image externally, an image producing means (not shown) for producing an image to output externally using the light generated from the light source, and a lens (not shown) for enlarging the image output externally at a predetermined focus distance. The projector module155can further include a device for adjusting a direction of the projected image by mechanically moving the lens or the entire projector module.

The projector module155can be classified as a CRT (cathode ray tube) module, an LCD (liquid crystal display) module, a DLP (digital light processing) module or other type of known projector module according to a type of the display means. In particular, the DLP module is operated by a mechanism for enabling the light generated from the light source to reflect on a DMD (digital micro-mirror device) chip and can be advantageous for limiting the size of the projector module151.

Preferably, the projector module155can be provided in a lengthwise direction of a lateral side, front side or back side of the mobile terminal100. It is understood that the projector module155can be provided on any portion of the mobile terminal100according to necessity.

The memory160is generally used to store various types of data to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of the mobile terminal100. Examples of such data include program instructions for applications operating on the mobile terminal100, contact data, phonebook data, messages, audio, still pictures, and moving pictures. A recent use history or a cumulative use frequency of each data (e.g., use frequency for each phonebook, each message or each multimedia) can be stored in the memory160. Moreover, data for various patterns of vibration and/or sound output in response to a touch input to the touchscreen can be stored in the memory160.

The identity module is the chip for storing various types of information for authenticating a use authority of the mobile terminal100and can include a User Identify Module (UIM), a Subscriber Identify Module (SIM) and/or a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM). A device having the identity module (hereinafter called an ‘identity device’) can be manufactured as a smart card. Therefore, the identity device is connectible to the mobile terminal100via the corresponding port.

The controller180typically controls the overall operations of the mobile terminal100. For example, the controller180performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications and video calls. The controller180may include a multimedia module181that provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module181may be configured as part of the controller180or implemented as a separate component. The controller180may also perform a pattern recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images.

The power supply unit190provides power required by the various components for the mobile terminal100. The power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof.

For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented with separate software modules, such as procedures and functions, each of which perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. The software codes can be implemented with a software application written in any suitable programming language and may be stored in the memory160, and executed by the controller180.

Interconnected operational mechanism between the display unit151and a touchpad are explained with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B.FIGS. 4A and 4Bare front-view diagrams of a terminal for explaining an operational state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Various types of visual information can be displayed on the display unit151. The information can be displayed as characters, numerals, symbols, graphics and/or icons.

In order to input the information, at least one of the characters, numerals, symbols, graphics and icons is represented as a single predetermined array to be implemented in a keypad formation. This keypad formation can be so-called ‘soft keys’.FIG. 4Adepicts a touch applied to a soft key input through a front face of a terminal body.

The display unit151is operable through an entire area or by being divided into a plurality of regions. In the latter case, a plurality of the regions can be interoperable.

For example, an output window151aand an input window151bare displayed on the display unit151. A soft key151crepresenting a digit for inputting a phone number or other information is displayed on the input window151b. If the soft key151cis touched, a digit corresponding to the touched soft key is displayed on the output window151a. If a first manipulating unit131is manipulated, a call connection to the phone number displayed on the output window151ais attempted.

FIG. 4Bdepicts a touch applied to a soft key through a rear face of a terminal body.FIG. 4Ashows the terminal body arranged vertically (portrait), whileFIG. 4Bshows the terminal body arranged horizontally (landscape). The display unit151can be configured to change an output picture according to the arranged direction of the terminal body.

FIG. 4Bshows a text input mode activated in the mobile terminal100. An output window151a′ and an input window151b′ are displayed on the display unit151. A plurality of soft keys151c′ representing at least characters, symbols or digits can be arranged in the input window151b′. The soft keys151c′ can be arranged in a QWERTY key formation.

If the soft keys151c′ are touched through the touchpad, the characters, symbols and digits corresponding to the touched soft keys are displayed on the output window151a′. The touch input via the touchpad is advantageous because blocking the soft keys151c′ by a finger during a touch can be prevented, as compared to a touch input via the display unit151.

If the display unit151and the touchpad are configured as transparent, the user is able to visually see his/her fingers located at the back side of the terminal body. Hence, more accurate touch inputs are possible.

The display unit151or the touchpad can be configured to receive a touch input by scroll. A user scrolls the display unit151or the touchpad to shift a cursor or pointer located at an entity (e.g., an icon) displayed on the display unit151. Furthermore, when a finger is shifted on the display unit151or the touchpad, a path of the shifted finger can be displayed visually on the display unit151. This may be useful in editing an image displayed on the display unit151.

When both the display unit (touchscreen)151and the touchpad are touched together within a predetermined time range, one function of the mobile terminal100can be executed. The simultaneous touch may occur when the terminal body is held by a user using a thumb and a first finger (clamping). The function can include activation or deactivation of the display unit151or the touchpad.

Mobile terminals described herein may include at least one of the elements shown inFIG. 1and may also include a touchscreen for receiving a touch action that is input externally. In the following description, a method of extracting data in a mobile terminal100is explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 5depicts a flowchart of a method for extracting data in a mobile terminal100. Referring toFIG. 5, the mobile terminal100receives a signal to set a classification condition to be displayed as information on a data list including a plurality of data (S510). A user may input the setting signal using the user input unit130or the touchscreen.

The data list can include a message a list (including a list of received messages, a list of sent messages, and/or a list of messages being written), an audio file list (including an MP3 file list and/or a voice recording file list), a picture file list (including a downloaded picture list, a recorded broadcast list, and/or a photographed picture list), a contact number list (including a list of contact numbers registered in a phonebook, a list of recent incoming/outgoing contact numbers, a contact number list of outgoing/incoming calls, and/or a list of received/sent messages) or a schedule list. The picture file list can further include a still picture file list and a moving picture file list.

The classification condition may refer to a condition for classifying a specific one of a plurality of data included in the data list. Therefore, the control unit180sets a classification condition corresponding to the input setting signal as a classification condition to be displayed in the data list. Meanwhile, inputting setting signal (S510) is not mandatory for implementation of the present invention and can be omitted.

In the following description, a process for inputting a setting signal of a classification condition is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 6A to 7E. Referring toFIG. 6A, if a menu item601(‘Data management’) is selected through a menu search, as illustrated inFIG. 6A(a), the mobile terminal100displays a list of menu items that belong to data management, as illustrated inFIG. 6A(b). Referring toFIG. 6B, if a menu item602(‘classification condition setting’) is selected inFIG. 6A(b), the mobile terminal100displays a data type list in order to enable a classification condition to be set for each data type.

For example, a data type such as a message, an audio file, a picture file, a contact number, or a schedule can be included in the data type list. Optionally, if a separate key or a separate key region corresponding to the classification condition setting is selected (not shown in the drawings), the mobile terminal is able to configure the image shown inFIG. 6B.

In the following description, a process for setting a classification condition according to data type is explained in detail. Referring toFIG. 7A, if ‘Message’603is selected from the data type list shown inFIG. 6B, the mobile terminal100displays a classification condition list constructed with classification conditions settable for the message. For example, a recipient/originator, a date, a group to which a recipient/originator belongs, and a keyword can be included in the classification condition list. The mobile terminal100receives inputs of setting signals of specific classification conditions701and702among a plurality of the classification conditions included in the classification condition list from a user.

Referring toFIG. 7B, if ‘Audio file’604is selected from the data type list shown inFIG. 6B, the mobile terminal100displays a classification condition list constructed with classification conditions settable for the audio file. For example, a file name, an album, an artist (e.g., singer, composer, writer, or player), a created date, a keyword, and a genre can be included in the classification condition list. The mobile terminal100receives inputs of setting signals of specific classification conditions711and712among a plurality of the classification conditions included in the classification condition list from a user.

Referring toFIG. 7C, if ‘Picture file’605is selected from the data type list shown inFIG. 6B, the mobile terminal100displays a classification condition list constructed with classification conditions settable for the picture file. For example, a created date, a file name, an object, and a location can be included in the classification condition list. The mobile terminal100receives inputs of setting signals of specific classification conditions721and722among a plurality of the classification conditions included in the classification condition list from a user.

Referring toFIG. 7D, if ‘Contact number’606is selected from the data type list shown inFIG. 6B, the mobile terminal100displays a classification condition list constructed with classification conditions settable for the contact number. For example, a group to which a contact number belongs, a partial phone number, and a contact name can be included in the classification condition list. The mobile terminal100receives an input of a setting signal of a specific classification condition731among a plurality of the classification conditions included in the classification condition list from a user.

Referring toFIG. 7E, if ‘Schedule’607is selected from the data type list shown inFIG. 6B, the mobile terminal100displays a classification condition list constructed with classification conditions settable for the schedule. For example, a date, a type, a name, and a participant can be included in the classification condition list. The mobile terminal100receives inputs of setting signals of specific classification conditions741and742among a plurality of the classification conditions included in the classification condition list from a user.

Referring again toFIG. 5, the mobile terminal100displays a data list including a plurality of data via the display unit151under the control of the controller180(S520). The classification condition, which was set according to the input setting signal, can be displayed on the data list. Alternatively, the mobile terminal100receives an input of a setting signal for a classification condition from a user while displaying the data list and displays the classification condition corresponding to the input setting signal on the data list.

For example, if the data list is a list of received messages and the set classification condition includes a recipient and a keyword (seeFIG. 7A), the recipient and the corresponding keyword for each message can be displayed on the received message list. Displaying the data list (S520) can be performed in the course of a data search process, a data editing process, a data storing process or a data related application executing process.

The mobile terminal100receives an input via the touchscreen of a touch action for selecting specific data and a specific classification condition corresponding to the specific data using the displayed data list (S530). The mobile terminal100identifies a touch action (hereinafter called a first touch action) for commanding a specific data playback or display or identifies a touch action (hereinafter called a second touch) for selecting a corresponding specific classification condition according to a touch pattern.

In one example, the first touch action is a touch performed once and the second touch action is a touch performed two or more times, with reference to a touch count. In another example, the first touch action is a touch performed during a predetermined period of time and the second touch action is a touch performed during the predetermined period of time or later, with reference to a touch duration. In another example, the first touch action is a touch performed at a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure and the second touch action is a touch performed at a pressure equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, with reference to a touch pressure. Moreover, in another example, if a separate key is selected before an input of the second touch action, the mobile terminal100recognizes a next touch action as the second touch action.

Subsequently, the mobile terminal100selects at least one data, which meets the selected specific classification condition, under the control of the controller180(S540). The specific data selected by the touch action input (S530) is included in the selected at least one data.

When receiving the touch action (S530), the touchscreen may receive an input of a touch action for a display region off the specific classification condition in the specific data. Therefore, when selecting the at least one data (S540), the mobile terminal100selects at least one data that meets the specific classification condition corresponding to the display region that is touched. Moreover, if a plurality of the data included in the data list is not displayed on one screen, the mobile terminal100selects data that is not currently displayed on the screen (S540) if the specific classification condition is met.

In the following description, receiving the touch action (S530) and selecting the at least one data (S540) are explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 8A to 12B.

FIGS. 8A to 8Eare diagrams of screen configurations for selecting a specific message meeting a specific classification condition using a message list according to the present invention. In the following example, a received message list including first to fourth messages801to804is displayed on the screen.

Referring toFIG. 8A, if a display region of an originator ‘KIM Yuna’811in the first message801is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all messages801,804that include ‘KIM Yuna’811as the originator from the plurality of the messages801,804included in the received message list.

Referring toFIG. 8B, if a display region of a keyword ‘patent’812in the first message801is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all messages801,803that include the text ‘patent’812, from the plurality of the messages included in the received message list.

Referring toFIG. 8C(a), if the first message801and the third message803are touched by a user, the mobile terminal100checks a common classification condition of the first and third messages801and803. If the checked common classification condition is the keyword ‘patent’812, the mobile terminal100selects all messages801and803including the text ‘patent’812from the plurality of the messages included in the received message list, as illustrated inFIG. 8C(b).

If the first message801is selected, as illustrated inFIG. 8D(a), the mobile terminal100displays an entire message content of the first message801on the received message list, as illustrated inFIG. 8D(b). If a display region of a keyword ‘play’813is selected from the entire message content of the first message801, the mobile terminal100selects all messages801and802including the text ‘play’813from the plurality of the messages included in the received message list, as illustrated inFIG. 8D(b).

Referring toFIG. 8E(a), while the received message list is displayed, if a key region821corresponding to a keyword extension command is selected, the mobile terminal100receives an input of a keyword extension command signal. After receiving the input of the keyword extension command signal, the mobile terminal100displays the corresponding keyword(s) for each of the messages or the entire message contents including the corresponding keyword(s), as illustrated inFIG. 8E(b).

FIGS. 9A to 9Care diagrams of screen configurations for selecting a specific audio file meeting a specific classification condition using an audio file list according to the present invention. In the following example, first to fourth audio files901to904are included in an audio file list displayed on the screen.

Referring toFIG. 9A, if a display region of a singer name ‘KIM Jung Min’911in the first audio file901is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all audio files901,903for which the singer name is the ‘KIM Jung Min’911from the plurality of audio files included in the audio file list.

Referring toFIG. 9B, if a display region of a genre ‘rock’912in the second audio file902is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all audio files902,903for which the genre is ‘rock’912from the plurality of audio files included in the audio file list.

Referring toFIG. 9C, if a display region of a keyword ‘love’913in the first audio file901is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all audio files901,904containing the word ‘love’913from the plurality of audio files included in the audio file list.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bare diagrams of screen configurations for selecting a specific picture file meeting a specific classification condition using a picture file list according to the present invention. In the following example, a picture file list includes first to sixth pictures1001to1006represented as thumbnails.

Referring toFIG. 10A, if a specific object1011in the first picture1001is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all picture files1001,1005that include the specific object1011from the plurality of picture files included in the picture file list.

Referring toFIG. 10B, if a created date ‘09.09.01’1012of the first picture1001is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all picture files1001,1004for which the created date is ‘09.09.01’1012from the plurality of picture files included in the picture file list.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare diagrams of screen configurations for selecting a specific contact number meeting a specific classification condition using a contact number list according to the present invention. In the following example, first to sixth contact numbers1101to1106are included in a contact number list displayed on the screen.

Referring toFIG. 11A, if a display region of a group ‘Friend’1111in the first contact number1101is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all contact numbers1101,1102belonging to the group ‘Friend’1111from the plurality of the contact numbers included in the contact number list.

Referring toFIG. 11B, if a display region of a phone number1112in the first contact number1101is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all contact numbers1101,1104matching the phone number1112of the first contact number1101entirely or partially from the plurality of the contact numbers included in the contact number list.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bare diagrams of screen configurations for selecting a specific schedule meeting a specific classification condition using a schedule list according to the present invention. In the following example, first to fourth schedules1201to1204are included in a schedule list displayed on the screen.

Referring toFIG. 12A, if a display region of a date ‘09.9.1’1211in the first schedule1201is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all schedules1201,1203for which a date corresponds to the ‘09.9.1’1211from the plurality of the schedules included in the schedule list.

Referring toFIG. 12B, if a display region of a participant1212in the first schedule1201is touched by a user, the mobile terminal100selects all schedules1201,1204for which a participant matches the participant1212of the first schedule1201entirely or partially from the plurality of the schedules included in the schedule list.

It is understood that the common classification condition selection shown inFIG. 8C, the entire content display of the specific message shown inFIG. 8Dor the keyword extension shown inFIG. 8Ecan be applied to an audio file list, a picture file list, a contact number list or a schedule list as well.

Referring again toFIG. 5, the mobile terminal100extracts the selected at least one data under the control of the controller180(S550). The mobile terminal100extracts the selected at least one data (S550) in response to receiving an input of an extraction command signal externally.

For example, the controller180detects at least a touch and drag action in one direction from one of the selected at least one or more data, a tapping action in one direction, and/or an incline action in one direction. Upon detecting one of the above actions, the controller180receives the input of the extraction command signal.

The mobile terminal100separately creates a data storage region including the at least one extracted data. Therefore, the mobile terminal100displays an extracted data list constructed with the at least one data included in the created data storage region or outputs the at least one data included in the created data storage region in response to receiving an input of a search signal from a user. For example, the data storage region can include a folder.

Subsequently, the mobile terminal100displays the extracted data list including the at least one extracted data via the display unit151under the control of the controller180(S560). Alternatively, displaying the extracted data list (S560) can include displaying the entire data list, the remaining data list including the rest of the data except the extracted at least one data, or the extracted data list including the extracted at least one data. Furthermore, while the entire data list or the remaining data list is displayed, the mobile terminal100displays the extracted data list according to a user selection.

In the following description, extracting the selected at least one data (S550) and displaying the extracted data list (S560) are explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 13A to 17C.FIGS. 13A to 13Gare diagrams of screen configurations for extracting a specific message meeting a specific classification condition using a message list according to the present invention. In the following example, a received message list is taken as an example of a data list.

While the message(s) for which ‘KIM Yuna’ is the originator are selected from a plurality of the messages included in the received message list, as illustrated inFIG. 8A, the mobile terminal100receives an input of a touch and drag action in a first direction from a random point of a specific one1301of the selected message(s), as illustrated inFIG. 13B.

The mobile terminal100extracts the selected message(s) and shifts a position of the extracted message(s) in the first direction, as illustrated inFIG. 13B, in response to receiving an extraction command signal corresponding to the touch and drag action in the first direction.

If the position of the extracted message(s) is shifted a predetermined distance (e.g., at least one half (D/2) of a horizontal length D of an entire display region) in the first direction, as illustrated inFIG. 13B(b), the mobile terminal100displays an extracted message list including the extracted messages1301,1304and1305on the screen, as illustrated inFIG. 13C. The fifth message1305is included in the received message list but is not displayed on the screen displayed inFIG. 13A. As mentioned in the foregoing description, all data included in the data list are set as extraction target data even though they are not displayed on the screen.

Alternatively, if the position of the extracted message(s) is shifted a predetermined distance or farther in the first direction, as illustrated inFIG. 13B(b), the mobile terminal100enables a user to select whether to check the extracted data list while the received message list is displayed, as illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13D. If ‘Yes’ is selected by a user inFIG. 13D, the mobile terminal100displays the image shown inFIG. 13C.

Alternatively, if the position of the extracted message(s) is shifted a predetermined distance or farther in the first direction, as illustrated inFIG. 13B(b), the mobile terminal100enables a user to select whether to check the extracted data list while the remaining message list including the rest of the messages except for the extracted message(s) is displayed, as illustrated inFIG. 13E. If ‘Yes’ is selected by a user inFIG. 13E, the mobile terminal100displays the image shown inFIG. 13C.

Alternatively, if the position of the extracted message(s) is shifted a predetermined distance or farther in the first direction, as illustrated inFIG. 13B(b), the mobile terminal100sets a horizontal view mode, divides the screen into a plurality of regions in a horizontal direction, and displays the remaining message list on the first region and the extracted message list on the second region, as illustrated inFIG. 13F.

Alternatively, if the position of the extracted message(s) is shifted a predetermined distance or farther in the first direction, as illustrated inFIG. 13B(b), the mobile terminal100sets a vertical view mode, divides the screen into a plurality of regions in a vertical direction, and displays the remaining message list on the third region and the extracted message list on the fourth region, as illustrated inFIG. 13G.

The direction of the touch and drag action can include other directions other than the horizontal direction. It is not mandatory for the touch and drag action to be performed in the predetermined distance or farther. If the touch and drag action is completed, the above-described display operation is performed (not shown in the drawings).

The mobile terminal100is able to separately create an extracted message list by re-extracting data that meets a specific classification condition from the at least one or more data included in the extracted message list. For example, if a classification condition of the extracted message list is ‘KIM Yuna’, a message meeting a keyword ‘patent’ is re-extracted from the message(s) meeting the originator ‘KIM Yuna’ classification condition and a separately created extracted message list is then constructed with the message that meets both of the originator ‘KIM Yuna’ and the keyword ‘patent’ classification conditions.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bare diagrams of screen configurations for extracting a specific message using a data extraction guide according to the present invention. Referring toFIG. 14A, if messages including the originator ‘KIM Yuna’ as an example of a specific classification condition are selected, the mobile terminal100displays a first guide identifier1401and a second guide identifier1402to guide data extraction.

Referring toFIG. 14B, if an input of a touch and drag action in a left direction corresponding to the first guide identifier1401is received from a random point of a specific message1301among the selected messages, the mobile terminal100extracts the selected messages and shifts positions of the extracted messages in the left direction, as illustrated inFIG. 14B (a). If the touch and drag action is completed, the mobile terminal100outputs a text message indicating that the position-shifted messages are shifted to a trash box indicated by the first guide identifier1401and deleted, as illustrated inFIG. 14B (b).

Alternatively, if an input of a touch and drag action in a right direction corresponding to the second guide identifier1402is received from a random point of a specific message1301among the selected messages, the mobile terminal100extracts the selected messages and then shifts extracted messages in the right direction. If the touch and drag action is completed, the mobile terminal100stores the extracted messages in a storage region ‘KIM Yuna’ indicated by the second guide identifier1402(not shown in the drawings).

The guide identifiers can be arranged in a top-to-bottom direction or a diagonal direction, rather than the right-to-left direction. The user can select whether to display the guide identifiers (not shown in the drawings).

FIGS. 15A to 15Care diagrams of screen configurations for extracting a specific message using a data control icon according to the present invention. In the following example, a received message list is taken as an example of a data list with first to fourth messages1301to1304included in the received message list displayed on a screen.

For example, if messages including the originator ‘KIM Yuna’ are selected from the received message list, the mobile terminal100displays first to third data control icons1511to1513on one region of the screen, as illustrated inFIGS. 15A to 15C. In the following description, the first to third data control icons1511to1513are named a ‘Trash box’ icon, a ‘Forward’ icon and a ‘KIM Yuna’ icon, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 15A, if a touch and drag action to the ‘Trash box’ icon1511is received from a random point of the first message1301among the selected messages, as illustrated inFIG. 15A(a), the mobile terminal100extracts and shifts the selected messages to the trash box and indicates that the selected messages are deleted, as illustrated inFIG. 15A(b).

If a touch and drag action to the ‘KIM Yuna’ icon1512is received from a random point of the first message1301among the selected messages, as illustrated inFIG. 15B(a), the mobile terminal100creates a storage region ‘KIM Yuna’ by extracting the selected messages and displays a message list constructed with the extracted messages, as illustrated inFIG. 15B(b).

If a touch and drag action to the delivery icon1513is received from a random point of the first message1301among the selected messages, as illustrated inFIG. 15C(a), the mobile terminal100extracts the selected messages and sets a writing state of a new message including content of each extracted message, as illustrated inFIG. 15C(b). Each of the extracted messages can be attached as an attachment file of the new message.

Alternatively, the data control icon is the icon indicating a control operation that can be performed on the data selected from the data list. The data control icon is not limited to the above described control operations (delete, deliver, shift to a storage region) and may include other various control operations.

FIGS. 16A and 16Bare diagrams for receiving an input of a specific message extracting command signal using a motion detection sensor142(FIG. 1) according to the present invention. In the following example, a received message list is taken as an example of a data list.

Referring toFIG. 16A, while messages including the originator ‘KIM Yuna’ are selected from the received message list, as illustrated inFIG. 16A(a), if the motion detection sensor142(FIG. 1) detects that the mobile terminal100is inclined in one direction, the mobile terminal100receives an input of an extraction command signal for the selected messages. When the extraction command signal is input, the mobile terminal100extracts the selected messages, shifts positions of the extracted messages in the inclined direction and adjusts shift distances of the extracted messages according to the degree of inclination.

Referring toFIG. 16B, while messages including the originator ‘KIM Yuna’ are selected from the received message list, as illustrated inFIG. 16B(a), if the motion detection sensor142(FIG. 1) detects a tapping action on the mobile terminal100, the mobile terminal100receives an input of an extraction command signal for the selected messages. When the extraction command signal is input, the mobile terminal100extracts the selected messages and adjusts shift distances of the extracted messages according to a count or strength of the tapping action.

FIGS. 17A to 17Care diagrams of screen configurations for extracting a specific picture file meeting a specific classification condition using a picture file list according to the present invention. In the following example, a picture file list is taken as an example of a data list.

If a picture file list including a plurality of picture files is displayed as thumbnails, the mobile terminal100receives a touch and drag action in a first direction for the first picture file1701including one object (first object), as illustrated inFIG. 17A(a). The mobile terminal100selects and extracts picture files including the first object included in the first picture file1701and shifts positions of the extracted picture files in the first direction to correspond to the input touch and drag action in the first direction.

When the touch and drag action is completed, the mobile terminal100displays an extracted picture file list constructed with the position shifted picture files, as illustrated inFIG. 17A(b). The extracted picture files may not be included in the picture file list shown inFIG. 17A.

If the picture file list including a plurality of the picture files is displayed as thumbnails, the mobile terminal100receives an input of a touch and drag action in the first direction for a fourth picture file1704including a plurality of objects (second and third objects), as illustrated inFIG. 17B(a). The mobile terminal100selects and extracts the picture files including the second or third object included in the fourth picture file1704and shifts positions of the extracted picture files in the first direction to correspond to the input touch and drag action in the first direction.

When the touch and drag action is completed, the mobile terminal100displays an extracted picture file list constructed with the position shifted picture files (the second or third object included), as illustrated inFIG. 17B(b). The extracted picture files may not be included in the picture file list shown inFIG. 17A.

While a specific picture is displayed, if an input of a touch and drag action in the first direction for a specific object included in the specific picture is received, as illustrated inFIG. 17C(a), the mobile terminal100extracts picture files including the specific object and displays an extracted picture file list constructed with the extracted picture files, as illustrated inFIG. 17C(b).

According to the present invention, if data meeting a specific classification condition is selected from a plurality of data included in a data list, the mobile terminal100receives an input of a command signal for deleting the rest of the data except the selected data and deletes the rest of the data from the data list under the control of the controller180.

In the following description, a process for receiving an input of a command signal for deleting data failing to meet a specific classification condition is explained with reference toFIGS. 18A to 18C. In the following example, a received message list is taken as an example of a data list.FIGS. 18A to 18Care diagrams for receiving an input of a command signal for deleting data failing to meet a specific classification condition according to the present invention.

While a received message list including a plurality of messages is displayed, if an input of a touch and drag action for a display region of an originator ‘KIM Yuna’ is received, the mobile terminal100selects the messages1801,1804that include the originator ‘KIM Yuna’, as illustrated inFIG. 18A(a). Subsequently, if an input of a command action for holding the selected messages1801,1804from a user is received, the mobile terminal100holds the selected messages1801,1804.

If the motion detection sensor142(FIG. 1) of the mobile terminal100detects an inclination of the mobile terminal100, the mobile terminal100shifts positions of the rest of the messages except the held messages1801,1804among a plurality of the messages in the inclined direction, as illustrated inFIG. 18A(b). The mobile terminal100displays a message list constructed with the held messages1801and1804only and deletes the position shifted remaining messages or stores the position shifted remaining messages in a separate storage region.

Referring toFIG. 18B, if an input of a command action for holding the selected messages1801,1804is received, the mobile terminal100holds the selected messages1801,1804. If a wind is detected using a wind detecting sensor, such as the microphone122, the mobile terminal100displays the rest of the messages except the held messages1801and1804among a plurality of the messages in a flying form, as illustrated inFIG. 18B(b). The wind may be produced by a user blowing into the microphone122. The mobile terminal100displays a message list constructed with the held messages1801,1804only and deletes the remaining messages displayed in the flying form or stores the remaining messages displayed in the flying form in a separate storage region.

Referring toFIG. 18C, if the messages1801and1804including the originator ‘KIM Yuna’ are selected from a plurality of the messages included in the received message list, the mobile terminal100moves the remaining unselected messages among a plurality of the messages backward so as to be depicted behind the selected messages1801,1804. Furthermore, if the touch of the remaining unselected messages continues, they are depicted to be moved further behind the selected messages1801,1804. If the remaining unselected messages are touched for more than a predetermined amount of time, the mobile terminal100displays a message list constructed with only the selected messages1801,1804.

According to the present invention, under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100performs a control operation of data extracted according to a specific classification condition. This is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 19A to 19D. In the following example, an extracted data list is an extracted message list.

If an extracted message list is displayed, the mobile terminal100displays a control operation list1910that is executable on the messages configuring the extracted message list, as illustrated inFIG. 19A. Referring toFIG. 19B, if a ‘Keep in storage box’ icon is selected from the control operation list1910ofFIG. 19A, the mobile terminal100stores the extracted message list and the messages configuring the extracted message list in the storage box.

Referring toFIG. 19C, if ‘Delete’ is selected from the control operation list1910ofFIG. 19A, the mobile terminal100deletes the messages configuring the extracted message list.

Referring toFIG. 19D, if ‘Spam register’ is selected from the control operation list1910ofFIG. 19A, the mobile terminal100registers the message list for the originator ‘KIM Yuna’, which is the classification condition of the extracted message list, as spam.

The above-described data extracting methods can be implemented in a program recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable media include all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, to name a few, and also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet).

The above-described mobile terminal and data extracting method can be configured in a manner of selectively combining the embodiments entirely or partially to enable various modifications instead of being limited to the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiments.

The present invention provides the following effects and/or advantages. The present invention selects data meeting a specific classification condition in the course of displaying a data list constructed with a plurality of data, thereby selecting and extracting other data meeting the specific classification condition together. The present invention enables data meeting a specific classification condition to be quickly and conveniently selected and extracted by a simple input action without an image change while a data list constructed with a plurality of data is displayed.