Mobile terminal for activating editing function when item on front surface display area is dragged toward side surface display area

A mobile terminal according to the present invention can provide various user interfaces for editing an image itself displayed on a front surface display area, an editing function for items displayed on the front surface display area, and so on by using the front surface display area and a side surface display area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2014/006221, filed on Jul. 10, 2014, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Patent Application No. 10-2014-0073813, filed in the Republic of Korea on Jun. 17, 2014, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present invention is related to a mobile terminal capable of providing various user interfaces by using a front surface display area and a side surface display area.

2. Background of the Disclosure

Terminals may be generally classified as mobile/portable terminals or stationary terminals. Mobile terminals may also be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminals.

Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the functionality of mobile terminals. Such efforts include software and hardware improvements, as well as changes and improvements in the structural components.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to address the above-noted and other problems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of providing various user interfaces by using not only a front surface display area which plays the role of main display but also a side surface display area.

A mobile terminal according to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the another object comprises a display unit embedding a touch screen function and including a front surface display area and a side surface display area; and a controller activating an editing function for an image displayed on the front surface display area in case the image is dragged beyond the front surface display area along a direction to the side surface display area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made toFIGS. 1-3, whereFIG. 1is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 2 and 3are conceptual views of one example of the mobile terminal, viewed from different directions.

The sensing unit140is typically implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, and the like. For example, inFIG. 1, the sensing unit140is shown having a proximity sensor141and an illumination sensor142.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implemented according to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA,HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module113performs such wireless Internet access. As such, the Internet module113may cooperate with, or function as, the mobile communication module112.

The short-range communication module114is configured to facilitate short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing such short-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB(Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like. The short-range communication module114in general supports wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal100and another mobile terminal100, or communications between the mobile terminal and a network where another mobile terminal100(or an external server) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of the wireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In general, a 3D stereoscopic image may include a left image (e.g., a left eye image) and a right image (e.g., a right eye image). According to how left and right images are combined into a 3D stereoscopic image, a 3D stereoscopic imaging method can be divided into a top-down method in which left and right images are located up and down in a frame, an L-to-R (left-to-right or side by side) method in which left and right images are located left and right in a frame, a checker board method in which fragments of left and right images are located in a tile form, an interlaced method in which left and right images are alternately located by columns or rows, and a time sequential (or frame by frame) method in which left and right images are alternately displayed on a time basis.

Also, as for a 3D thumbnail image, a left image thumbnail and a right image thumbnail can be generated from a left image and a right image of an original image frame, respectively, and then combined to generate a single 3D thumbnail image. In general, the term “thumbnail” may be used to refer to a reduced image or a reduced still image. A generated left image thumbnail and right image thumbnail may be displayed with a horizontal distance difference there between by a depth corresponding to the disparity between the left image and the right image on the screen, thereby providing a stereoscopic space sense.

A left image and a right image required for implementing a 3D stereoscopic image may be displayed on the stereoscopic display unit using a stereoscopic processing unit. The stereoscopic processing unit can receive the 3D image and extract the left image and the right image, or can receive the 2D image and change it into a left image and a right image.

FIG. 2illustrates the first manipulation unit123aas a touch key, but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touch key, and combinations thereof.

The second camera121bis shown located at the rear side of the terminal body and includes an image capturing direction that is substantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the first camera unit121a.If desired, second camera121amay alternatively be located at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have a different image capturing direction from that which is shown.

As shown inFIG. 3, a flash124is shown adjacent to the second camera121b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera121b,the flash124may illuminate the subject.

FIG. 4is a conceptual view of a deformable mobile terminal according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, mobile terminal200is shown having display unit251, which is a type of display that is deformable by an external force. This deformation, which includes display unit251and other components of mobile terminal200, may include any of curving, bending, folding, twisting, rolling, and combinations thereof. The deformable display unit251may also be referred to as a “flexible display unit.” In some implementations, the flexible display unit251may include a general flexible display, electronic paper (also known as e-paper), and combinations thereof. In general, mobile terminal200may be configured to include features that are the same or similar to that of mobile terminal100ofFIGS. 1-3.

The flexible display of mobile terminal200is generally formed as a lightweight, non-fragile display, which still exhibits characteristics of a conventional flat panel display, but is instead fabricated on a flexible substrate which can be deformed as noted previously.

The term e-paper may be used to refer to a display technology employing the characteristic of a general ink, and is different from the conventional flat panel display in view of using reflected light. E-paper is generally understood as changing displayed information using a twist ball or via electrophoresis using a capsule.

When in a state that the flexible display unit251is not deformed (for example, in a state with an infinite radius of curvature and referred to as a first state), a display region of the flexible display unit251includes a generally flat surface. When in a state that the flexible display unit251is deformed from the first state by an external force (for example, a state with a finite radius of curvature and referred to as a second state), the display region may become a curved surface or a bent surface. As illustrated, information displayed in the second state may be visual information output on the curved surface. The visual information may be realized in such a manner that a light emission of each unit pixel (sub-pixel) arranged in a matrix configuration is controlled independently. The unit pixel denotes an elementary unit for representing one color.

According to one alternative embodiment, the first state of the flexible display unit251may be a curved state (for example, a state of being curved from up to down or from right to left), instead of being in flat state. In this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the flexible display unit251, the flexible display unit251may transition to the second state such that the flexible display unit is deformed into the flat state(or a less curved state) or into a more curved state.

If desired, the flexible display unit251may implement a flexible touch screen using a touch sensor in combination with the display. When a touch is received at the flexible touch screen, the controller180can execute certain control corresponding to the touch input. In general, the flexible touch screen is configured to sense touch and other input while in both the first and second states.

One option is to configure the mobile terminal200to include a deformation sensor which senses the deforming of the flexible display unit251. The deformation sensor may be included in the sensing unit140.

The deformation sensor may be located in the flexible display unit251or the case201to sense information related to the deforming of the flexible display unit251. Examples of such information related to the deforming of the flexible display unit251may be a deformed direction, a deformed degree, a deformed position, a deformed amount of time, an acceleration that the deformed flexible display unit251is restored, and the like. Other possibilities include most any type of information which can be sensed in response to the curving of the flexible display unit or sensed while the flexible display unit251is transitioning into, or existing in, the first and second states.

In some embodiments, controller180or other component can change information displayed on the flexible display unit251, or generate a control signal for controlling a function of the mobile terminal200, based on the information related to the deforming of the flexible display unit251. Such information is typically sensed by the deformation sensor.

The mobile terminal200is shown having a case201for accommodating the flexible display unit251. The case201can be deformable together with the flexible display unit251, taking into account the characteristics of the flexible display unit251.

A battery (not shown in this figure) located in the mobile terminal200may also be deformable in cooperation with the flexible display unit261, taking into account the characteristic of the flexible display unit251. One technique to implement such a battery is to use a stack and folding method of stacking battery cells.

The deformation of the flexible display unit251not limited to perform by an external force. For example, the flexible display unit251can be deformed into the second state from the first state by a user command, application command, or the like.

In accordance with still further embodiments, a mobile terminal may be configured as a device which is wearable on a human body. Such devices go beyond the usual technique of a user grasping the mobile terminal using their hand. Examples of the wearable device include a smart watch, a smart glass, a head mounted display (HMD), and the like.

A typical wearable device can exchange data with (or cooperate with) another mobile terminal100. In such a device, the wearable device generally has functionality that is less than the cooperating mobile terminal. For instance, the short-range communication module114of a mobile terminal100may sense or recognize a wearable device that is near-enough to communicate with the mobile terminal. In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal100, the controller180may transmit data processed in the mobile terminal100to the wearable device via the short-range communication module114, for example. Hence, a user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the mobile terminal100on the wearable device. For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal100, the user can answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a message is received in the mobile terminal100, the user can check the received message using the wearable device.

FIG. 5is a perspective view illustrating one example of a watch-type mobile terminal300in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the watch-type mobile terminal300includes a main body301with a display unit351and a band302connected to the main body301to be wearable on a wrist. In general, mobile terminal300may be configured to include features that are the same or similar to that of mobile terminal100ofFIGS. 1-3.

The main body301may include a case having a certain appearance. As illustrated, the case may include a first case301aand a second case301bcooperatively defining an inner space for accommodating various electronic components. Other configurations are possible. For instance, a single case may alternatively be implemented, with such a case being configured to define the inner space, thereby implementing a mobile terminal300with a uni-body.

The watch-type mobile terminal300can perform wireless communication, and an antenna for the wireless communication can be installed in the main body301. The antenna may extend its function using the case. For example, a case including a conductive material may be electrically connected to the antenna to extend a ground area or a radiation area.

The display unit351is shown located at the front side of the main body301so that displayed information is viewable to a user. In some embodiments, the display unit351includes a touch sensor so that the display unit can function as a touch screen. As illustrated, window351ais positioned on the first case301ato form a front surface of the terminal body together with the first case301a.

The illustrated embodiment includes audio output module352, a camera321, a microphone322, and a user input unit323positioned on the main body301. When the display unit351is implemented as a touch screen, additional function keys may be minimized or eliminated. For example, when the touch screen is implemented, the user input unit323may be omitted.

The band302is commonly worn on the user's wrist and may be made of a flexible material for facilitating wearing of the device. As one example, the band302may be made of fur, rubber, silicon, synthetic resin, or the like. The band302may also be configured to be detachable from the main body301. Accordingly, the band302may be replaceable with various types of bands according to a user's preference.

In one configuration, the band302may be used for extending the performance of the antenna. For example, the band may include therein a ground extending portion (not shown) electrically connected to the antenna to extend a ground area.

The band302may include fastener302a.The fastener302amay be implemented into a buckle type, a snap-fit hook structure, a Velcro® type, or the like, and include a flexible section or material. The drawing illustrates an example that the fastener302ais implemented using a buckle.

FIG. 6is a perspective view illustrating one example of a glass-type mobile terminal400according to another exemplary embodiment. The glass-type mobile terminal400can be wearable on a head of a human body and provided with a frame (case, housing, etc.) therefor. The frame may be made of a flexible material to be easily worn. The frame of mobile terminal400is shown having a first frame401and a second frame402, which can be made of the same or different materials. In general, mobile terminal400may be configured to include features that are the same or similar to that of mobile terminal100ofFIGS. 1-3.

The frame may be supported on the head and defines a space for mounting various components. As illustrated, electronic components, such as a control module480, an audio output module452, and the like, may be mounted to the frame part. Also, a lens403for covering either or both of the left and right eyes may be detachably coupled to the frame part.

The control module480controls various electronic components disposed in the mobile terminal400. The control module480may be understood as a component corresponding to the aforementioned controller180.FIG. 6illustrates that the control module480is installed in the frame part on one side of the head, but other locations are possible.

The display unit451may be implemented as a head mounted display (HMD). The HMD refers to display techniques by which a display is mounted to a head to show an image directly in front of a user's eyes. In order to provide an image directly in front of the user's eyes when the user wears the glass-type mobile terminal400, the display unit451may be located to correspond to either or both of the left and right eyes.FIG. 6illustrates that the display unit451is located on a portion corresponding to the right eye to output an image viewable by the user's right eye.

The display unit451may project an image into the user's eye using a prism. Also, the prism may be formed from optically transparent material such that the user can view both the projected image and a general visual field (a range that the user views through the eyes) in front of the user.

In such a manner, the image output through the display unit451may be viewed while overlapping with the general visual field. The mobile terminal400may provide an augmented reality (AR) by overlaying a virtual image on a realistic image or background using the display.

The camera421may be located adjacent to either or both of the left and right eyes to capture an image. Since the camera421is located adjacent to the eye, the camera421can acquire a scene that the user is currently viewing. The camera421may be positioned at most any location of the mobile terminal. In some embodiments, multiple cameras421may be utilized. Such multiple cameras421may be used to acquire a stereoscopic image.

The glass-type mobile terminal400may include user input units423aand423b, which can each be manipulated by the user to provide an input. The user input units423aand423bmay employ techniques which permit input via a tactile input. Typical tactile inputs include a touch, push, or the like. The user input units423aand423bare shown operable in a pushing manner and a touching manner as they are located on the frame part and the control module480, respectively.

If desired, mobile terminal400may include a microphone which processes input sound into electric audio data, and an audio output module452for outputting audio. The audio output module452may be configured to produce audio in a general audio output manner or an osteoconductive manner. When the audio output module452is implemented in the osteoconductive manner, the audio output module452may be closely adhered to the head when the user wears the mobile terminal400and vibrate the user's skull to transfer sounds.

Further preferred embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to additional drawing figures. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the present features can be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof.

For the convenience of descriptions, the present invention assumes that the display unit151employs a touch screen151. The touch screen151can carry out an information display function and an information input function simultaneously.

FIG. 7illustrates one example of a mobile terminal500according to the present invention comprising a front surface display area551and a side surface display area552.

The side surface display area552can be realized by extending the front surface display area551. Meanwhile, while the front surface display area551is flat, the side surface display area552can be a round type.

The two display areas ofFIG. 7are distinguished from each other by a dotted line, which indicates that the two actual display areas may or may not be physically separated from each other. In other words, the two display areas can be realized as a physically connected, single display area, and the dotted line is just intended to indicate that the two display areas can be utilized being functionally separated from each other. This assumption can be applied in the same way for other examples to be examined later.

The front surface display area551can carry out the role of main display of the mobile terminal500, while the side surface display area552the role of auxiliary display. And this assumption is also applied for other embodiments to be examined later.

For example, the front surface display area551can display a background screen, while the side surface display area552can display an indicator area. The indicator area may display current time, a communication status of at least one communication module, and a battery gauge reading.

In another example, the front display area551can display an execution screen of an application under execution, while the side surface display area552can display a graphic user interface for carrying out a function related to the application under execution.

FIG. 8illustrates a display method of a mobile terminal ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 8(a)shows part of cross section of the mobile terminal500. AsFIG. 8(a)shows, the display surface of the front surface display area551is flat, but the display surface of the side surface display area552is rounded. Because of the structure, a distortion is observed in an image displayed on the side surface display area552. The controller180of the mobile terminal500compensates the image distortion. In other words, the controller180processes image data corresponding to the side surface display area552so that the image data look in a normal manner on the surface actually projected on the eye.

FIG. 8(b)illustrates conceptual disposition of display areas as seen from the front of the mobile terminal500. Referring toFIG. 8(b), the user can see that the side surface display area552is disposed in the right side of the front surface display area551and the two areas are utilized to display image data.

FIG. 9illustrates another example of a mobile terminal500according to the present invention comprising a front surface display area551and a side surface display area552.

The side surface display area552can be realized as an extension of the front surface display area551. Meanwhile, differently from the example ofFIG. 7, the display surface of the side surface display area552can be a flat surface forming a slope against the front surface display area551.

FIG. 10illustrates a display method for a mobile terminal500ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 10(a)shows part of cross section of the mobile terminal500. With reference toFIG. 10(a), the display surface of the side surface display area552can be a flat surface forming a slope with respect to the display surface of the front surface display area551in a downward direction. Because of this structure, an image displayed on the side surface display area552is distorted. By compensating the image distortion, the image on the surface553actually projected onto the eye can be made to look undistorted.

FIG. 10(b)illustrates conceptual disposition of display areas as seen from the front of the mobile terminal500. Referring toFIG. 10(b), it can be seen that the side surface display area552is disposed in the right side of the front surface display area551and the two areas are utilized to display image data.

FIG. 11illustrates examples of combinations of a front surface display area and side surface display areas which can be implemented in a mobile terminal according to the present invention. It should be noted that the examples of combinations only considers conceptual disposition of display areas as seen from the front of the mobile terminal.

With reference toFIG. 11(a), a mobile terminal according to the present invention can include two rectangle-shaped, side surface display areas disposed in the left and right side of a rectangle-shaped front display area. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the front surface display area and the side surface display areas are not limited to a rectangular shape. This assumption about the shape will be applied in the same way to other examples to follow.

As described above, the display surface of the side surface display area can be curved or flat. And the display surface of the side surface display area can form a slope with respect to the display surface of the front display. This assumption can be applied in the same way to other examples to be examined later.

With reference toFIG. 11(b), a mobile terminal according to the present invention can include a side surface display area disposed in the upper part of the front surface display area. With reference toFIG. 11(c), a mobile terminal according to the present invention can include two side surface display areas disposed separately in the upper and lower part of the front surface display area.

With reference toFIG. 11(d), a mobile terminal according to the present invention can include three side surface display areas disposed in both sides and in the upper part of the front surface display area. With reference toFIG. 11(e), a mobile terminal according to the present invention can include three side surface display areas disposed in both sides and in the lower part of the front surface display area. With reference toFIG. 11(f), a mobile terminal according to the present invention can include four side surface display areas disposed in both sides and in the upper and lower part of the front surface display area.

FIG. 12is a flow diagram illustrating one example of a method for operating a mobile terminal according to the present invention. In what follows, the method for operating a mobile terminal will be described with reference to related drawings.

A particular image is displayed on the front surface display area S100. The particular image may be a result from processing a particular image file or an image capture of a displayed screen of the front surface display area according to the user's operation. And the particular image may correspond to one of multiple images displayed on the front surface display area.

While the particular image is displayed on the front surface display area, a dragging motion with respect to the particular image along a direction to the side surface display area is received S110. In case the particular image is the only object displayed on the front surface display area, a dragging touch input at an arbitrary position of the front surface display area toward the side surface display area corresponds to dragging of the particular image toward the side surface display area. And if the particular image corresponds to one of multiple images displayed on the front surface display area, a dragging touch input received through the particular image toward the side surface display area can correspond to dragging of the particular image toward the side surface display area.

If a dragging motion toward the side surface display area with respect to the particular image is received, the controller180activates an editing function for the particular image S120. Meanwhile, the controller180can activate an editing function for the particular image only when the particular image is dragged moving beyond the front surface display area toward the side surface display area.

The editing function for the particular image includes deletion of at least part of an image, cutting off at least part of an image, change of color for at least part of an image, image rotation, and duplication of at least part of an image. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above example.

After editing of the particular image based on the activated image editing function is completed, the controller180stores the edited image into the memory170according to the user's operation or in case a predetermined condition is met S130. At this time, the user's operation includes manipulation of an item included in the graphic user interface provided for carrying out the editing function and a hardware button operation mapped beforehand to a storage function for an edited image. And the predetermined condition may include the case the editing function is not carried out for more than a predetermined time period.

FIGS. 13 to 15illustrate examples of carrying out an editing function for an image displayed on a front surface display area according to the method of operating a mobile terminal ofFIG. 12. In the examples ofFIGS. 13 to 15, it is assumed that the display unit151includes the front surface display area551and side surface display areas552and554disposed in the left and right side of the front surface display area551.

FIG. 13(a)illustrates a case where thumbnails551A corresponding to a plurality of image files are displayed on the front surface display area551. For example, the screen may correspond to an execution screen of an image view application. The ‘V’ mark indicates an thumbnail image corresponding to a particular image filed from among the plurality of thumbnails551A. Selection of the particular image can be carried out based on a simple touch input of the user.

If a thumbnail image corresponding to the particular image is selected under a condition ofFIG. 13(a), the controller180displays an execution screen of the particular image file on the front surface display area551as shown inFIG. 13(b).FIG. 13(c)illustrates a case where dragging of the particular image toward the side surface display area552is carried out while the particular image is being displayed on the front surface display area551. A guideline555is also displayed.

AndFIG. 14(a)illustrates a case where the particular image is dragged beyond the side surface display area552. Then the controller180activates an editing function with respect to the particular image. According to the implementation of the present invention, the controller180can activate an editing function for the particular image in case a dragging motion on the particular image is maintained for a predetermined time period. For example, in case a touch input for selecting the particular image is dragged toward the side surface display area552and the touch input is maintained for a predetermined time period (for example, 1 second), the controller180can activate an editing function for the particular image.

Once an editing function for the particular image is activated, the controller180, as shown inFIG. 14(a), can display a graphic user interface557for carrying out an editing function for the particular image on the side surface display area552and display part of the particular image dragged beyond the front surface display area551on the side surface display area552.

The graphic user interface can include icons representing a function for deleting or cutting off the part of the particular image which has crossed to the side surface display area, a rotation function for the particular image, an edit undo function for the particular image, and a storage function for an edited image. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above example.

Meanwhile, the controller180may display a graphic user interface558for carrying out an editing function with respect to the particular image on another side surface display area554disposed in the left side of the front surface display area551.

Also, the controller can display guidelines556by which to check how much a particular image has been dragged into the side surface display area552from the front surface display area551on the boundaries551,552of the two display areas.

FIG. 14(b)illustrates a case where an operation for carrying out a function for deleting part of the particular image which has crossed into the side surface display area552. More specifically,FIG. 14(b)illustrates a case where the user performs a touch motion rubbing up and down the side surface display area552and deletes the part of the particular image which has been dragged into the side surface display area552. Meanwhile, a deleted part of the particular image can be stored separately in the memory170. This scheme can be similar to a cutting function for an image file or text.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the controller180may delete the part of the particular image dragged into the side surface display area552by selecting a deletion icon included in a graphic user interface provided through the side surface display area552.

And according to a yet another embodiment of the present invention, the controller180may carry out an automatic delete function for the part of the particular image dragged into the side surface display area552. Meanwhile, in case the particular image is dragged into the side surface display area554in the opposite direction, the controller180may automatically delete left part of the particular image dragged into the side surface display area554.

Meanwhile,FIG. 14(c)illustrates a case where thumbnail images representing editing results with respect to the particular image are displayed on another side surface display area554disposed in the opposite direction of the side surface display area552. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the another side surface display area554may provide a graphic user interface corresponding to an editing process with respect to the particular image or a graphic user interface for carrying out an editing function with respect to the particular image.

FIG. 15(a)illustrates a case where the user selects an icon corresponding an image rotation function included in a graphic user interface for carrying out an image editing function displayed on the side surface display area552and rotates a particular image through an touch motion on the particular image displayed on the front surface display area551. After rotating the particular image, the user can carry out a deleting function for an upper part of the particular image by dragging the rotated image into the side surface display area552. Through the process, the deleting function may be carried out for a left side area or a lower part of the particular image.

FIG. 15(b)illustrates a case where the user selects an icon corresponding to an edit image storing function included in a graphic user interface for carrying out an image edit function displayed on the side surface display area552and stores an editing result with respect to a particular image.

FIG. 16illustrates another example of carrying out an editing function for an image displayed on a front surface display area according to the method for operating a mobile terminal ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 16(a)illustrates a case where the user touches a particular website screen displayed on the front surface display area551for more than a predetermined time period. Then the controller180captures the website screen and as shown inFIG. 16(b), displays the capture image of the website screen on the front surface display area551.

FIG. 16(b)illustrates a case where the user selects a capture image of the website screen by applying a touch input on the front surface display area551while the capture image of the website screen is being displayed on the front surface display area551and drags the image beyond the front surface display area551into the side surface display area552.

Then the controller180displays part of the captured image of the website screen which has been dragged beyond the front surface display area551on the side surface display area552and activates an editing function for the captured image of the website screen.

FIG. 16(c)illustrates a case where an operation for carrying out a deleting function for the part of the captured image of the website screen dragged beyond the side surface display area552is carried out. More specifically,FIG. 16(c)illustrates a case where the user applies a touch motion rubbing the side surface display area552up and down and deletes the part of the captured image of the website screen dragged beyond the side surface display area552.

FIG. 17shows an original image edited according to an image editing process ofFIG. 16and an image obtained as an editing result. The original image ofFIG. 17(a)shows a captured image of a particular webpage.

One illustrative process of creating the image600is as follows. First of all, the user moves the original image toward the side surface display area552and deletes the part in the right side of the image559that the user wants to extract from the original image. Then by rotating the image of which the right part has been deleted, the user deletes an upper part, left part, and lower part of the image559one after another, thereby obtaining the image560.

The following describe a different example where the image600is created in case side surface display areas are disposed in the left and right side and in the upper and lower part of the front surface display area551. The user drags the original image to the side surface display area in the right side, deletes the part in the right side of the image559from the original image, drags the original image to the side surface display area in the left side, deletes the part in the left side of the image559from the original image, drags the original image to the side surface display area in the upper side, deletes the part in the upper side of the image559, drags the original image to the side surface display area in the lower side, and deletes the part in the lower side of the image559, thereby finally obtaining the image560.

FIG. 18is a flow diagram illustrating another example of a method for operating a mobile terminal according to the present invention. In what follows, the method for operating a mobile terminal will be described with reference to related drawings.

Multiple items are displayed on the front surface display area S200. The multiple items may comprise application execution icons or widgets corresponding to the application execution icons and applications. At this time, the front surface display area may carry out the role of displaying a background screen. And the front surface display area may comprise thumbnail images corresponding to a plurality of image files. At this time, the front surface display area may be in the middle of carrying out the role of displaying an execution screen of an image view application. However, it should be noted that composition of the multiple items is not limited to the aforementioned examples.

If a first touch input is received through the front surface display area while the multiple items are displayed on the front surface display area, the controller180selects one of the multiple items based on the received first touch input S210.

If the first touch input is being dragged into the side surface display area after an item is selected based on the first touch input S220, the controller180activates an item editing function with respect to the multiple items displayed on the front surface display area S230. At this time, the selected item can be an editing object. Meanwhile, an item editing function can include a deleting function for a simple item, an item disposition change function, an item size change function, and an item property change function. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above example.

The item editing function can be kept to be active even if the item editing function is activated, another item is selected from among the multiple items by a touch input, and the touch input is dragged into the side surface display area

And if a touch input for selecting an item is dragged into the side surface display area, the controller180can display a thumbnail image of the item corresponding to the dragged touch input on the side surface display area. Then by watching a thumbnail image of the item displayed on the side surface display area, the user can visually identify the item which is an editing object.

FIG. 19is a flow diagram illustrating a yet another example of a method for operating a mobile terminal according to the present invention. In what follows, the method for operating a mobile terminal will be described with reference to related drawings. It should be noted that the method for operating a mobile terminal can be one example of the method for operating a mobile terminal ofFIG. 16.

While multiple items are displayed on the front surface display area of the mobile terminal, a dragging touch input toward the side surface display area with respect to the multiple items is received S300. Then the controller180activates an item editing function and displays thumbnail images corresponding to the multiple items on the side surface display area S310. Display of thumbnail images on the side surface display area can indicate that an item corresponding to a thumbnail image has become an editing object.

And the controller180divides the front surface display area into multiple sub-areas based on a touch input received through the front surface display area S320. At this time, the controller180can display guidelines for visually distinguishing the multiple sub-areas from one another on the front surface display area.

While the front surface display area is divided into multiple sub-areas, a thumbnail image displayed on the side surface display area is touched and dragged into one of the multiple sub-areas, the controller180disposes an item corresponding to the dragged thumbnail image on the corresponding sub-area S330. At this time, the controller180can change the size of a disposed item so that it can fit into the size of a sub-area into which the thumbnail image has been dragged. And according to the embodiment of the present invention, the controller may change the properties of an item corresponding to a thumbnail image displayed on the sub-area into which the thumbnail image has been dragged based on the size of the sub-area.

If a storage command is received after items corresponding to the thumbnail images are disposed on the multiple sub-areas based on a dragged touch input with respect to the thumbnail images displayed on the side surface display area, the controller180stores an item disposition state with respect to the multiple sub-areas S340.

FIGS. 20 to 22illustrate examples where an item editing function is carried out according to the method for operating a mobile terminal ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 20(a)illustrates a case where an image object561corresponding to a plurality of image files is displayed on the front surface display area551. The image object may correspond to a thumbnail image representing an image file or an execution result of the image file. The user can select the screen indicated by a ‘V’ mark from among a plurality of image objects561ofFIG. 20(a)through his or her touch motion. Selection of an image object can be carried out by a touch operation such as a long touch input or a double tab input. Meanwhile, the display screen of the front surface display area551can be an execution screen of an image view application.

FIG. 20(b)illustrates a case where the user drags the selected image objects toward the side surface display areas552,554disposed in both sides of the front surface display area551. Then as shown inFIG. 20(b), the controller180displays thumbnail images562corresponding to the selected image objects on the side surface display areas552and554.

FIG. 20(c)illustrates a case where the user carries out a touch operation for deleting image objects displayed on the front surface display area551while the thumbnail images562are displayed on the side surface display areas552,554.

As shown inFIG. 20(c), the touch operation can be a touch motion of rubbing the front surface display area551with a finger similarly to a rubbing motion with an eraser. However, the touch motion for deleting an image object displayed on the front surface display area551is not limited to the example above. For example, a touch motion for deleting an image object displayed on the front surface display area551may be a touch motion such as a long touch input or a double tab input on the front surface display area551or on the side surface display areas552,554.

FIG. 21(a)illustrates a case where the user carries out a touch operation for dividing the front surface display area551into multiple sub-areas after deleting image objects displayed on the front surface display area551by using the touch motion ofFIG. 20(c). Then as shown inFIG. 20(b), the controller180can divide the front surface display area551into multiple sub-areas (Area1to Area5).

However, depending on implementation case of the present invention, the front surface display area551may be directly subdivided into multiple areas based on a touch motion for distinguishing sub-areas as illustrated inFIG. 21(a)by skipping deletion of image objects as inFIG. 20(c). Meanwhile, in case an icon563for area segmentation is selected from a graphic user interface provided through the side surface display area552as shown inFIG. 21(a), the controller180may subdivide the front surface display area551into multiple areas based on a touch input received through the front surface display area551.

FIG. 21(c)illustrates a case where touch inputs on the thumbnail images562displayed on the side surface display areas552,554are dragged into the respective sub-areas. Then the controller180displays an item corresponding to a dragged thumbnail image in proportion to the size of the corresponding area. At this time, the controller180can change the size of the corresponding item based on the size of the sub-area into which the corresponding thumbnail image is dragged.

FIG. 22(a)illustrates a case where a plurality of items are disposed on the front surface display area551and based on a touch-and-drag motion with respect to the disposed items, thumbnails images corresponding to the items are displayed again on the side surface display areas552,554. In other words, the mobile terminal provides a re-editing function for rearranging items disposed on multiple sub-areas. The graphic user interface564displayed on the side surface display area552ofFIG. 22(a)can include icons for carrying out various functions required for an item editing function.

FIG. 22(b)illustrates a case where items are rearranged across the multiple sub-areas of the front surface display area551and the user stores an item disposition state by selecting a storage icon565provided through the side surface display area552. At this time, in case disposed items correspond to image files, a new image file combining multiple image files can be created based on execution of the storage function.

FIG. 23shows examples of creating a new image file based on the image editing method illustrated inFIGS. 20 to 22.

FIG. 23(a)illustrates a case where the front surface display area of a mobile terminal according to the present invention is subdivided into seven areas, image files are disposed to the respective seven areas, a storage function is carried out, and a new image file combining the seven image files is created.

FIG. 23(b)illustrates a case where the front surface display area of a mobile terminal according to the present invention is subdivided into three areas, image files are disposed to the respective three areas, a storage function is carried out, and a new image file combining the three image files is created.

FIG. 24illustrates another example of carrying out an item editing function according to the method for operating a mobile terminal ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 24(a)is one of execution screens of an image gallery application and illustrates a case where an item editing function (namely, a folder size change function) is activated while image objects566corresponding to six folders are displayed on the front surface display area551. AndFIG. 24(a)further illustrates a case where image objects566corresponding to the folders are selected by a touch input and dragged toward the side surface display areas552,554.

Then as shown inFIG. 24(b), thumbnail images567corresponding to the folders are displayed on the side surface display areas552,554. And the front surface display area551is subdivided into multiple sub-areas. The subdivision can be configured by the user's touch input received through the front surface display area551as illustrated inFIG. 21(a). While in the disposition ofFIG. 24(b), the respective thumbnail images567displayed on the side surface display areas552,554are touched and dragged into the corresponding sub-areas.

Then as shown inFIG. 24(c), the controller180displays image objects of folders corresponding to the dragged thumbnail images on the front surface display area551. At this time, as shown inFIG. 24(c), the controller180can change the size of the image object of the folder based on the size of the corresponding area.

FIG. 25illustrates a yet another example of carrying out an item editing function according to the method for operating a mobile terminal ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 25(a)illustrates a case where an image editing function is activated in an execution screen of a contact managing application showing a plurality of contact items568in a buddy list. AndFIG. 25(a)further illustrates a case where contact items are selected by a touch input and dragged into the side surface display areas552,554.

Then, as shown inFIG. 25(b), the controller180displays thumbnail images569corresponding to the contact items on the side surface display areas552,554. And the front surface display area551is subdivided into multiple areas. As illustrated inFIG. 21(a), the subdivision can be carried out based on the user's touch input received through the front surface display area551. And while in the disposition ofFIG. 25(b), the user touches and drags individual thumbnail images567displayed on the side surface display areas552,554into the corresponding sub-areas.

Then, as shown inFIG. 25(c), the controller180displays an image object of a contact item corresponding to the dragged thumbnail image on the front surface display area551. At this time, as shown inFIG. 24(c), the size of the image object corresponding to the contact item can be changed based on the size of the corresponding area.

And as shown inFIG. 25(c), the controller180can change the image object of the contact item into another image object corresponding to the contact item. For example, a heart-shaped image object570from among the image objects can be pre-assigned for those contact items classified as a group of loved ones. A family photo571may be an image object pre-assigned to those contact items classified as family members. And an image object572of a building may represent a person of the corresponding contact item, who works in the building.

FIG. 26illustrates a still another example of carrying out an item editing function according to the method for operating a mobile terminal ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 26(a)illustrates a case where an image editing function is activated in a background screen displaying a plurality of icons.FIG. 26(a)further illustrates a case where icons are selected by a touch input and dragged into the side surface display areas552,554, and thumbnail images574corresponding to the icons are displayed on the side surface display areas552,554.

AndFIG. 26(b)illustrates a case where the front surface display area551is subdivided into multiple sub-areas. As illustrated inFIG. 21(a), the subdivision can be carried out based on the user's touch input received through the front surface display area551. And while in the disposition ofFIG. 26(b), the user touches and drags individual thumbnail images573displayed on the side surface display areas552,554into the corresponding sub-areas.

Then, as shown inFIG. 26(c), the controller180displays images objects (icons or widgets) corresponding to the dragged thumbnail images on the front surface display area551. At this time, as shown inFIG. 26(c), the controller180can change the size of the image object displayed on the corresponding sub-area based on the size thereof.

Meanwhile, in case the sub-area into which a thumbnail image has been dragged is larger than a predetermined size, the controller180display a widget corresponding to the application rather than an execution icon of the application on the sub-area. On the other hand, in case an item displayed on the original background screen is a widget of a particular application and the size of the sub-area into which the corresponding thumbnail has been dragged is smaller than a predetermined size, the controller may display an execution icon of the particular application rather than a widget of the particular application on the sub-area. In other words, the controller180can change the very property of an item displayed on the sub-area into which the corresponding thumbnail image has been dragged based on the size of the sub-area.

FIG. 27illustrates another example of an item editing method carried out in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 27(a)illustrates a case where a plurality of items575including execution icons of applications and folder icons are displayed on the front surface display area551, and the user selects items by applying a touch input and drags the touch input toward the side surface display areas552,554. Then the controller180displays a thumbnail image576corresponding to the selected item on the side surface display areas552,554.

As shown inFIG. 27(b), if an auto-arrange command is received in the arrangement ofFIG. 27(a), the controller180creates a new background screen and automatically arranges the items corresponding to the thumbnail images displayed in the side surface display areas552,554on the new background screen of the front surface display area551.

Meanwhile, according to another implementation case of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 21(a), in case the front surface display area551is subdivided into sub-areas in the arrangement ofFIG. 27(a)through the user's touch motion and an auto-arrange command is received, the controller180may automatically re-arrange the items corresponding to thumbnail images into the sub-areas.

FIG. 28illustrates a yet another example of an item editing method carried out in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 28(a)illustrates a case where the user repeats a touch motion moving from side to side through the front surface display area551while a background screen including a plurality of items is displayed on the front surface display area551. Then, as shown inFIG. 28(b), the controller180displays thumbnail images corresponding to the items displayed on the front surface display area551on the side surface display areas552,554based on the touch motion.

While the thumbnail images being displayed on the side surface display areas552,554, the user again repeats a touch motion moving from side to side through the front surface display area551. As shown inFIG. 28(c), the controller180recovers the original background screen and deletes thumbnail images displayed on the side surface display areas552,554.

FIG. 29is a flow diagram illustrating a still another example of a method for operating a mobile terminal according to the present invention. In what follows, the method for operating a mobile terminal will be described with reference to related drawings.

While a plurality of items are displayed on the front surface display area551, S400, an item is selected through a touch input and the touch input is dragged toward the side surface display area S410. The touch-and-drag motion can be carried out with respect to various items.

Then the controller180displays a thumbnail image of a selected item on the side surface display area and displays a graphic user interface for sharing the selected item on the side surface display area S420. The graphic user interface can include icons for selecting an application to carry out a function of sharing a selected item. Applications for this purpose may include various types of SNS applications, message writing applications, e-mail writing applications, item sharing applications employing short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or WiFi. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples above.

And if an icon for carrying out a function for sharing an item selected from the graphic user interface is selected, the controller180carries out a function for sharing the selected item by using a selected application S430.

FIG. 30illustrates an example of carrying out a function of editing an item displayed on a front surface display area551according to the method for operating a mobile terminal ofFIG. 29.

FIG. 30(a)illustrates a case where a plurality of items displayed on the front surface display area551are selected by a touch input and dragged into the side surface display area552. Then the controller180displays thumbnail images577of selected items on the side surface display area552based on the dragging touch input and displays a graphic user interface578for selecting an application for sharing the selected items on the other side surface display area554. Then the user can carry out a function for sharing the selected items by selecting an icon of an application with which to carry out a sharing function from the graphic user interface578.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 30(b), the controller180may provide a graphic user interface579, which is intended for carrying out a function of deleting or copying an item selected based on the touch-and-drag motion, through the other side surface display area554.

The foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of methods and apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments.