Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof

A mobile terminal including a battery; a wireless communication unit configured to provide wireless communication; a memory configured to store at least one user battery charging pattern previously used for charging the battery; and a controller configured to start a charging of the battery, estimate a battery charging stop time based on the stored user battery charging pattern, and control the charging speed of the battery to complete charging of the battery before the estimated battery charging stop time.

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. 10-2013-0095983, filed on Aug. 13, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the mobile terminal.

Discussion of the Related Art

A mobile terminal can perform various functions such as data and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files and outputting music via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile terminals and stationary terminals. The mobile terminals can be further classified into handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals.

In addition, the diversification of functions of a mobile terminal requires a high capacity battery and a user needs to charge the battery of the mobile terminal periodically. Currently, a battery of a mobile terminal is charged with a power supplied by an external charging device by CCCV (constant current constant voltage).

According to the CCCV, when a remaining level of a battery is very low, a charging operation is performed using a constant current. If the remaining level of the battery reaches a prescribed level (e.g., about 60%˜70%), the charging operation is performed using a constant voltage. Hence, the CCCV prevents an over-current charging and an over-voltage charging on charging a battery. However, the mobile terminal battery charging systems are mostly fixed to the CCCV.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

One object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof. For example, once a battery charging starts, an estimated charging stop time on which the battery charging will be stopped by a user in consideration of a user's living pattern is obtained. Subsequently, a charging speed of a battery can be adjusted in order to complete the battery charging before a current time becomes the obtained estimated charging stop time.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery, a memory storing at least one condition for controlling a charging speed of the battery in charging the battery, and a controller, if a charging of the battery starts, estimating a charging stop time at which the battery will stop being charged by a user based on the condition, the controller controlling the charging speed of the battery to complete the charging of the battery before a charging start time of the battery reaches the estimated charging stop time.

In another aspect of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes starting a charging of a battery of the mobile terminal, estimating a charging stop time at which the battery will stop being charged by a user based on at least one condition preset for controlling a charging speed of the battery, and controlling the charging speed of the battery to complete the charging of the battery before a charging start time of the battery reaches the estimated charging stop time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the suffixes ‘module’, ‘unit’ and ‘part’ are used for elements in order to facilitate the description only. Therefore, significant meanings or roles are not given to the suffixes themselves and it is understood that the ‘module’, ‘unit’ and ‘part’ can be used together or interchangeably.

The present invention can be applicable to a various types of mobile terminals. Examples of such terminals include mobile phones, user equipment, smart phones, digital broadcast receivers, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, portable multimedia players (PMP), navigators and the like. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a configuration according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification is applicable to such a fixed terminal as a digital TV, a desktop computer and the like as well as a mobile terminal.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a mobile terminal100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1shows 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 controller180, a power supply unit190and the like.FIG. 1shows the mobile terminal100having various components, but it is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

In the following description, the above elements of the mobile terminal100are explained in sequence.

First of all, the wireless communication unit110typically includes one or more components which permits wireless communication between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system or network within which the mobile terminal100is located. For instance, the wireless communication unit110can include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless internet module113, a short-range communication module114, a position-location module115and the like.

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 a terrestrial channel. At least two broadcast receiving modules111can be provided to the mobile terminal100in pursuit of simultaneous receptions of at least two broadcast channels or broadcast channel switching facilitation.

The broadcast managing server generally refers to a server which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information or a server which is provided with a previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and then transmits the provided signal or information to a terminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, among others. If desired, the broadcast signal may further 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, a broadcast service provider, etc. In addition, the broadcast associated information can be provided via a mobile communication network. In this instance, the broadcast associated information can be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information can be implemented in various forms. For instance, 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. In a non-limiting example, such broadcasting systems include digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), Convergence of Broadcasting and Mobile Service (DVB-CBMS), Open Mobile Alliance-BroadCAST (OMA-BCAST), China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting (CMMB), Mobile Broadcasting Business Management System (MBBMS), 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 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 device, such as a memory160.

The mobile communication module112transmits/receives wireless signals to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, external terminal, server, etc.) via a mobile network such as GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA) and so on. Such wireless signals may represent audio, video, and data according to text/multimedia message transceivings, among others.

The wireless internet module113supports Internet access for the mobile terminal100. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100. In this instance, 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), GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution) etc.

Wireless internet access by Wibro, HSPDA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE or the like is achieved via a mobile communication network. In this aspect, the wireless internet module113configured to perform the wireless internet access via the mobile communication network can be understood as a sort of the mobile communication module112.

The position-information module115identifies or otherwise obtains the location of the mobile terminal100. If desired, this module may be implemented with a global positioning system (GPS) module. According to the current technology, the GPS module115can precisely calculate current 3-dimensional position information based on at least one of longitude, latitude and altitude and direction (or orientation) by calculating distance information and precise time information from at least three satellites and then applying triangulation to the calculated information. Currently, location and time information are calculated using three satellites, and errors of the calculated location position and time information are then amended using another satellite. Besides, the GPS module115can calculate speed information by continuously calculating a real-time current location.

Referring toFIG. 1, the audio/video (A/V) input unit120is 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. In addition, the processed image frames can be displayed on the display151.

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 to the mobile terminal100according to environment of usage.

The user input unit130generates input data responsive to user manipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of such devices include a button provided to front/rear/lateral side of the mobile terminal100and a touch sensor (constant pressure/electrostatic) and may further include a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch and the like.

The sensing unit140provides sensing signals for controlling operations of the mobile terminal100using status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal. For instance, 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 or acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal100.

As an example, consider the mobile terminal100being 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 supply190, the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface unit170and an external device. In addition, the sensing unit140can include a proximity sensor141.

The output unit150generates outputs relevant to the senses of sight, hearing, touch and the like. In addition, the output unit150includes the display151, an audio output module152, an alarm unit153, a haptic module154, a projector module155and the like.

Some of the above displays can be implemented in a transparent or optical transmittive type, which can be named a transparent display. As a representative example for the transparent display, there is TOLED (transparent OLED) or the like. A rear configuration of the display151can be implemented in the optical transmittive type as well. In this configuration, a user can see an object in rear of a terminal body via the area occupied by the display151of the terminal body.

At least two displays151can be provided to the mobile terminal100in accordance with the implemented configuration of the mobile terminal100. For instance, a plurality of displays can be arranged on a single face of the mobile terminal100by being spaced apart from each other or being built in one body. Alternatively, a plurality of displays can be arranged on different faces of the mobile terminal100.

When the display151and the touch sensor configures a mutual layer structure (hereinafter called ‘touch screen’), the display151can be used as an input device as well as an output device. In this instance, the touch sensor can be configured as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touchpad or the like.

The touch sensor can be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display151or a variation of a capacitance generated from a specific portion of the display151to an electric input signal. Moreover, the touch sensor can be configured to detect a pressure of a touch as well as a touched position or size.

If a touch input is made to the touch sensor, 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 controller180can know whether a prescribed portion of the display151is touched.

Referring toFIG. 2, the proximity sensor141can be provided to an internal area of the mobile terminal100enclosed by the touchscreen or around the touchscreen. The proximity sensor is the 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 durability longer than that of a contact type sensor and also has utility wider than that of the contact type sensor.

The proximity sensor141can include one of 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 and the like. When the touchscreen includes the electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, it is configured to detect the proximity of a pointer using a variation of electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this instance, the touchscreen (touch sensor) can be classified as the proximity sensor.

For clarity and convenience of the following description, as a pointer becomes proximate to a touchscreen without coming into contact with the touchscreen, if the pointer is perceived as situated over the touchscreen, such an action shall be named ‘proximity touch’. If a pointer actually comes into contact with a touchscreen, such an action shall be named ‘contact touch’. A proximity-touched position over the touchscreen with the pointer may mean a position at which the pointer vertically opposes the touchscreen when the touchscreen is proximity-touched with the pointer.

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, etc.). In addition, information corresponding to the detected proximity touch action and the detected proximity touch pattern can be output to the touchscreen.

The alarm153is output 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 alarm153can output a signal for announcing the event occurrence by way of vibration as well as video or audio signal. The video or audio signal can be output via the display151or the audio output unit152. Hence, the display151or 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 one of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module154. Strength and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module154are controllable. For instance, different vibrations can be output by being synthesized together or can be output in sequence.

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

A projector module155can also be included for projecting images stored in the memory160, externally received etc. The projector module155can also be rotated so as to project images in different directions.

The memory unit160is 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 (or photo), moving pictures, etc. In addition, 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 memory unit160. Moreover, data for various patterns of vibration and/or sound output for a touch input to the touchscreen can be stored in the memory unit160.

The identity module is the chip for storing various kinds of information for authenticating a use authority of the mobile terminal100and can include User Identify Module (UIM), Subscriber Identify Module (SIM), Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and/or the like. A device having the identity module (hereinafter called ‘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, video calls, etc. The controller180may include a multimedia module181that provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module181may be configured as part of the controller180, or implemented as a separate component. Moreover, the controller180can perform a pattern (or image) recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively.

The power supply190provides power required by the various components for the mobile terminal100. The power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof. A battery may include a built-in rechargeable battery and may be detachably attached to the terminal body for a charging and the like. A connecting port may be configured as one example of the interface170via which an external charger for supplying a power of a battery charging is electrically connected.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium using, for example, computer software, hardware, or some combination thereof.

Next,FIG. 2is a front perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal100shown in the drawing has a bar type terminal body, however, the mobile terminal100may be implemented in a variety of different configurations. Examples of such configurations include folder-type, slide-type, rotational-type, swing-type and combinations thereof. For clarity, the following description will primarily relate to a bar-type mobile terminal100. However such teachings apply equally to other types of mobile terminals.

Referring toFIG. 2, the mobile terminal100includes a case (101,102,103) configuring an exterior thereof. In the present embodiment, the case can be divided into a front case101and a rear case102. Various electric/electronic parts are loaded in a space provided between the front and rear cases101and102.

Electronic components can be mounted on a surface of the rear case102. The electronic part mounted on the surface of the rear case102may include such a detachable part as a battery, a USIM card, a memory card and the like. Thus, the rear case102may further include a backside cover103configured to cover the surface of the rear case102. In particular, the backside cover103has a detachable configuration for user's convenience. If the backside cover103is detached from the rear case102, the surface of the rear case102is exposed.

Referring toFIG. 2, if the backside cover103is attached to the rear case102, a lateral side of the rear case102may be exposed in part. If a size of the backside cover103is decreased, a rear side of the rear case102may be exposed in part. If the backside cover103covers the whole rear side of the rear case102, it may include an opening configured to expose a camera121′ or an audio output unit152′ externally. The cases101,102and103are formed by injection molding of synthetic resin or can be formed of metal substance such as stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti) or the like for example.

A display151, an audio output unit152, a camera121, user input units130(131,132and133), a microphone122, an interface180and the like can be provided to the case101or102. The display151occupies most of a main face of the front case101. The audio output unit152and the camera121are provided to an area adjacent to one of both end portions of the display151, while the user input unit131and the microphone122are provided to another area adjacent to the other end portion of the display151. The user input unit132and the interface170can be provided to lateral sides of the front and rear cases101and102.

The input unit130is manipulated to receive a command for controlling an operation of the terminal100. In addition, the input unit130can include a plurality of manipulating units131,132and133. The manipulating units131,132and133can be named a manipulating portion and may adopt any mechanism of a tactile manner that enables a user to perform a manipulation action by experiencing a tactile feeling.

Content input by the first or second manipulating unit131or132can be diversely set. For instance, such a command as start, end, scroll and the like is input to the first manipulating unit131. In addition, a command for a volume adjustment of sound output from the audio output unit152and the like can be input to the second manipulating unit132, a command for a switching to a touch recognizing mode of the display151and the like can be input to the manipulating unit133.

FIG. 3is a perspective diagram of a backside of the terminal shown inFIG. 3. Referring toFIG. 3, a camera121′ can be additionally provided to a backside of the terminal body, and more particularly, to the rear case102. The camera121′ has a photographing direction that is substantially opposite to that of the camera121shown inFIG. 2and may have pixels differing from those of the camera121.

Preferably, for instance, the camera121has low pixels enough to capture and transmit a picture of user's face for a video call, while the camera121′ has high pixels for capturing a general subject for photography without transmitting the captured subject. In addition, each of the cameras121and121′ can be installed at the terminal body to be rotated or popped up.

A flash123and a mirror124are additionally provided adjacent to the camera121′. The flash123projects light toward a subject when photographing the subject using the camera121′. When a user attempts to take a picture of the user (self-photography) using the camera121′, the mirror124enables the user to view their face reflected by the mirror124.

An additional audio output unit152′ can be provided to the backside of the terminal body. The additional audio output unit152′ can implement a stereo function together with the former audio output unit152shown inFIG. 2and may be used for implementation of a speakerphone mode in talking over the terminal.

A broadcast signal receiving antenna116can be additionally provided to the lateral side of the terminal body as well as an antenna for communication or the like. The antenna116constructing a portion of the broadcast receiving module111shown inFIG. 1can be retractably provided to the terminal body.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a user's touch action means a touch gesture implemented by performing a contact touch or a proximity touch on the display unit151of the touchscreen type. In addition, a touch input means an input received in response to the touch gesture.

The touch gesture may be categorized into one of a tapping, a touch & drag, a flicking, a press, a multi-touch, a pinch-in, a pinch out and the like in accordance with an action. In particular, the tapping includes an action of lightly pressing and depressing the display unit151once and means a touch gesture such as a lock of a mouse of a normal personal computer.

The touch & drag is an action of touching the display unit, then moving the touch to a specific point by maintaining the touch to the display unit151, and then releasing the touch from the display unit151. When an object is dragged, the corresponding object can be displayed by moving continuously in a drag direction.

The flicking means an action of touching the display unit151and then performing a stroke in a specific direction (e.g., top direction, bottom direction, right direction, left direction, diagonal direction, etc.) at a specific speed (or strength). If a touch input of flicking is received, the mobile terminal100processes a specific operation based on a flicking direction, a flicking speed and the like.

The press means an action of touching the display unit151and then continuing the touch for preset duration at least. The multi-touch means an action of simultaneously touching a plurality of points on the display unit151. The pinch-in means an action of dragging a plurality of pointers currently multi-touching the display unit151in an approaching direction. In particular, the pinch-in means a drag performed by starting with at least one of a plurality of points multi-touched on the display unit151and then progressing in a direction having a plurality of the multi-touched points get closer to each other.

The pinch-out means an action of dragging a plurality of pointers currently multi-touching the display unit151in a moving-away direction. In particular, the pinch-out means a drag performed by starting with at least one of a plurality of points multi-touched on the display unit151and then progressing in a direction having a plurality of the multi-touched points move away from each other.

A process for controlling a charging speed of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIGS. 4 to 19as follows. First of all, once a battery charging starts, an estimated charging stop time on which the battery charging will be stopped by a user in consideration of a user's living pattern is obtained. Secondly, a charging speed of a battery is controlled in order to complete the battery charging before a current time becomes the obtained estimated charging stop time.

In particular,FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a battery charging speed of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 4, a battery built or loaded in the mobile terminal is connected to an external charging device through the interface unit170.

If the battery starts to be charged (S100), the controller180of the mobile terminal100obtains an estimated charging stop time, on which the battery charging will be stopped by a user, based on a condition for controlling a charging speed of the battery (S200). In this instance, the condition is set in the memory160.

After the battery charging has started by connecting the mobile terminal100including the battery to the external charging device, the estimated charging stop time means a previously estimated time on which the battery charging will be stopped in a manner that a user separates the external charging device from the mobile terminal100irrespective of completion of the battery charging.

Subsequently, the controller180controls the charging speed of the battery in order to complete the battery charging before a current time (a battery charging start time) after the start of the battery charging reaches the obtained estimated charging stop time (S300). For instance, as the mobile terminal100is connected to the external charging device, if a charging completed time of the battery is estimated to amount to 3 hours from a charging start time of the battery, the 3 hours can be called an estimated charging completed time of the battery.

In addition, the controller180can calculate the estimated charging completed time of the battery using a remaining level of the battery, a capacity of the battery, and a power supplied by the external charging device. While the battery is being charged, if a user is going to stop the battery charging after 2 hours from the charging start time of the battery, the 2 hours may be called an estimated charging stop time of the battery. In this instance, in order to complete the charging of the battery to be completed before 2 hours elapses from the charging start time of the battery, the controller180controls the charging speed of the battery.

In the following description, a process for setting the condition for a charging speed control of the battery, which is a detailed operation of the step S200, is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 5 to 12. In particular,FIG. 5is a flowchart of a process for setting a condition for a battery charging speed control shown inFIG. 4according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, if a user frequently starts and stops a charging of a battery in a specific time slot, a charging start time and a charging stop time in the specific time slot are set as the condition for the speed control of the battery. In particular, the controller180memorizes the battery charging start and stop times performed in the same time twice at least by saving them in the memory160(S211). In addition, the controller180sets the memorized battery charging start and stop times as the condition for the battery charging speed control (S212).

For instance, if a user starts the charging at 9:00 AM by attending user's office on Monday to Friday and stops the charging at 5:00 PM, the charging start time ‘9:00 AM’ and the charging stop time ‘5:00’ PM are set as the condition. After the condition has been set by the step S211and the step S212, if the battery charging starts, the controller180determines whether a charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the charging start time included in the condition (S213).

As a result of the determination, if the charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the charging start time included in the condition (S214), the controller180determines the charging stop time included in the condition as the estimated charging stop time mentioned in the step S200shown inFIG. 4(S215).

For instance, if a current charging start time of the battery approaches or matches 9:00 AM set in the condition (e.g., the charging start time of the battery is before or after 9:00 AM by preset minute unit), the controller180determines the estimated charging stop time as the 5:00 PM set in the condition and then controls a charging speed of the battery in order to complete the charging of the battery before a current time becomes the determined 5:00 PM.

FIG. 6is a flowchart of a process for setting a condition for a battery charging speed control shown inFIG. 4according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 6, if a user frequently starts and stops a charging of a battery at a specific location, the specific location, a charging start time and a charging stop time are set as the condition for the charging speed control of the battery.

In particular, the controller180memorizes the battery charging start and stop times performed at a specific location set by a user or a specific location visited by a user twice at least by saving them in the memory160(S221). In addition, the controller180sets a location information of the memorized specific location and the memorized battery charging start and stop times as the condition for the battery charging speed control (S222).

Thus, the location information of the specific location may be obtained through the position location module115or set by the user. For instance, if a user starts the charging at 9:00 AM at user's office and stops the charging at 5:00 PM, a location information of the office, the charging start time ‘9:00 AM’ and the charging stop time ‘5:00’ PM are set as the condition.

After the condition has been set by the step S221and the step S222, if the battery charging starts, the controller180obtains a charging location of the battery (S223) and then determines whether the obtained charging location corresponds to the location information of the specific location included in the condition (S224). As a result of the determination (S224), if the charging location corresponds to the location information of the specific location included in the condition (S225), the controller180determines whether a current charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the charging start time included in the condition (S226).

As a result of the determination (S226), if the charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the charging start time included in the condition (S227), the controller180determines the charging stop time included in the condition as the estimated charging stop time mentioned in the step S200shown inFIG. 4(S228).

For instance, if a current charging start time of the battery approaches or matches 9:00 AM set in the condition (e.g., the charging start time of the battery is before or after 9:00 AM by preset minute unit), the controller180determines the estimated charging stop time as the 5:00 PM set in the condition and then controls a charging speed of the battery in order to complete the charging of the battery before a current time becomes the determined 5:00 PM.

FIG. 7is a flowchart of a process for setting a condition for a battery charging speed control shown inFIG. 4according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 7, if a user starts and stops a charging of a battery on a specific day of the week, the specific day, a charging start time of the battery and a charging stop time of the battery are set as the condition for the charging speed control of the battery.

In particular, the controller180memorizes the battery charging start and stop times set by a user or performed on the specific day twice at least by saving them in the memory160(S231). In addition, the controller180sets the memorized specific day and the memorized battery charging start and stop times as the condition for the battery charging speed control (S232).

For instance, if a user starts the charging at 9:00 AM on Monday and stops the charging at 5:00 PM on Monday, the Monday, the charging start time ‘9:00 AM’ and the charging stop time ‘5:00’ PM are set as the condition. After the condition has been set by the step S231and the step S232, if the battery charging starts, the controller180obtains a current day of the week on which the battery charging started and then determines whether the obtained current day matches the specific day included in the condition (S233).

As a result of the determination (S233), if the current day matches the specific day in the condition (S234), the controller180determines whether a current charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the charging start time included in the condition (S235). As a result of the determination (S235), if the charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the charging start time included in the condition (S236), the controller180determines the charging stop time included in the condition as the estimated charging stop time mentioned in the step S200shown inFIG. 4(S237).

FIG. 8is a flowchart of a process for setting a condition for a battery charging speed control shown inFIG. 4according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 8, if a user starts and stops a charging of a battery in an environment having a user's ambience at a specific illumination, the specific illumination, a charging start time and a charging stop time are set as the condition for the charging speed control of the battery.

In particular, when the battery is charged, the controller180measures an ambient illumination of the mobile terminal100using the illumination sensor included in the sensing unit140(S241). If the charging of the battery is stopped, the controller180sets the measured ambient illumination and the battery charging start and stop times as the condition for the battery charging speed control (S242). For instance, when a user charges the battery in a dark room, an ambient illumination corresponding to the dark room, the charging start time of the battery and the charging stop time of the battery are set as the condition.

After the condition has been set by the step S241and the step S242, if the battery charging starts, the controller180measures a current ambient illumination of the mobile terminal100using the illumination sensor (S243) and then determines whether the measured ambient illumination corresponds to the ambient illumination included in the condition (S244).

As a result of the determination (S244), if the measured ambient illumination corresponds to the ambient illumination included in the condition (S245), the controller180determines whether a current charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the charging start time included in the condition (S246). As a result of the determination (S246), if the charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the charging start time included in the condition (S247), the controller180determines the charging stop time included in the condition as the estimated charging stop time mentioned in the step S200shown inFIG. 4(S248).

FIG. 9is a flowchart of a process for setting a condition for a battery charging speed control shown inFIG. 4according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 9, a user's sleep start time and a user's sleep end time are set as the condition for the charging speed control of the battery.

In particular, if a user sets a user's sleep start time and a user's sleep end time, the controller180saves the user's sleep start time and the user's sleep end time in the memory160(S251) and sets the saved user's sleep start time and the saved user's sleep end time as the condition for the battery charging speed control (S252).

For instance, if the user sets the user's sleep start time and the user's sleep end time to 12:00 PM and 7:00 AM, respectively, the 12:00 PM and the 7:00 AM are set as the condition. After the condition has been set by the step S251and the step S252, if the battery charging starts, the controller180determines whether a charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the sleep start time included in the condition (S253).

As a result of the determination (S253), if the charging start time of the battery approaches or matches the sleep start time included in the condition (S254), the controller180determines the sleep end time included in the condition as the estimated charging stop time mentioned in the step S200shown inFIG. 4(S228).

FIG. 10is a flowchart of a process for setting a condition for a battery charging speed control shown inFIG. 4according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 10, an alarm output time of a morning call set by a user is set as the condition for the charging speed control of the battery.

In particular, if a user sets a morning call and an alarm output time for notifying that a current time corresponds to the morning call set by the user (S261), the controller180sets the set alarm output time of the morning call as the condition for the battery charging speed control (S262). For instance, if the user sets the alarm output time of the morning call to 7:00 AM, respectively, the 7:00 AM is set as the condition.

After the condition has been set by the step S261and the step S262, if the battery charging starts, the controller180determines the alarm output time of the morning call included in the condition as the estimated charging stop time mentioned in the step S200shown inFIG. 4(S263).

FIG. 11is a flowchart of a process for setting a condition for a battery charging speed control shown inFIG. 4according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 11, a notification output time of a schedule set by a user is set as the condition for the charging speed control of the battery.

In particular, if a user sets a schedule and a schedule notification output time for notifying that a current time corresponds to the schedule set by the user (S271), the controller180sets the set notification output time of the schedule as the condition for the battery charging speed control (S272). After the condition has been set by the step S271and the step S272, if the battery charging starts, the controller180determines the alarm output time of the schedule call included in the condition as the estimated charging stop time mentioned in the step S200shown inFIG. 4(S273).

FIG. 12is a flowchart of a process for setting a condition for a battery charging speed control shown inFIG. 4according to an 8thembodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 12, after a user has started a charging of the battery at a current first place using a navigation function provided to the mobile terminal100, if the user requests a guidance of a route from the first place to a second place (i.e., a desired destination), an estimated time of an arrival to the second place from the first place is calculated and then set as the condition for the battery speed control.

In particular, if the user sets the first place and the second place for the route guidance (S281), the controller180obtains location information of the first and second places (S282) and then calculates a moving path from the first place to the second place and an estimated arrival time based on the obtained location information of the first and second places (S283).

Thus, the location information of the first place corresponding to a current place can be obtained through the position location module115. In addition, the location information of the second place corresponding to the destination can be obtained through a map application installed on the mobile terminal100.

The controller180sets the location information of the first and second places and the calculated estimated arrival time as the condition for the battery charging speed control (S284). For instance, if the first place corresponding to the current place is a home, the second place corresponding to a destination is an office, and an estimated arrival time from the home to the office is 1 hour, a location information of the home, a location information of the office and the 1 hour corresponding to the estimated arrival time are set as the condition.

After the condition has been set by the steps S281to S284, if the charging of the battery starts, the controller180determines whether the route guidance to the second place from the first place is started in response to a user's request (S285). In particular, after the battery charging has started, if a current location obtained through the position location module115corresponds to the first place included in the condition and a route guidance function (e.g., a navigation function) from the first place to the second place is activated through a navigation application installed on the mobile terminal100, the controller180determines that the route guidance from the first place to the second place is started.

As a result of the determination (S285), if the route guidance from the first place to the second place is determined as started (S286), the estimated arrival time included in the condition is determined as the estimated charging stop time mentioned in the step S200shown inFIG. 4(S287).

So far, the step S200shown inFIG. 4is described in detail with reference toFIGS. 5 to 12. In the following description, the step S300shown inFIG. 4shall be explained in detail with reference toFIG. 13. In particular,FIG. 13is a flowchart of a process for controlling a battery charging speed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 13, if the battery starts to be charged, the controller180obtains an estimated charging completed time of the battery using a capacity of the battery and a charging power supplied to the battery (S310). With reference to a charging start time of the battery, the controller180increases or decreases a charging speed of the battery depending on a time difference between the estimated charging stop time of the battery determined by one of the processes described with reference toFIGS. 5 to 12and the obtained estimated charging completed time.

In particular, the controller180determines whether the estimated charging stop time is shorter than the estimated charging completed time (S320). As a result of the determination, if the estimated charging stop time is shorter than the estimated charging completed time (S330), the controller180controls the battery charging speed to increase in order for the battery charging to be completed in the estimated charging stop time (S340).

For instance, if the estimated charging completed time is set for 3 hours from a current time but the estimated charging stop time is set for 2 hours from the current time, the controller180controls the battery charging speed to be increased higher than a previous charging speed in order to complete the battery charging in 2 hours. On the contrary, as a result of the determination, if the estimated charging stop time is not shorter than the estimated charging completed time, the controller180controls the battery charging speed to decrease in order to complete the battery charging in the estimated charging stop time (S350).

For instance, if the estimated charging completed time is set for 3 hours from a current time but the estimated charging stop time is set for 4 hours from the current time, the controller180controls the battery charging speed to be decreased lower than a previous charging speed in order to complete the battery charging in 4 hours, thereby extending a life of the battery. Meanwhile, in the course of controlling the charging speed of the battery by one of the processes described with reference toFIGS. 4 to 13, the controller180performs a forced compensation charging on the battery in order for the battery to be fully charged right before a current time becomes the estimated charging stop time.

FIGS. 14 to 19are diagrams to describe a process for controlling a battery charging speed in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. For instance, as mentioned in the foregoing description with reference toFIG. 5,FIG. 14is a graph200indicating a charged status of a battery if a user starts and stops a charging in a specific time slot.

Referring toFIG. 14, a user attends their office at 9:00 AM and then leaves the office at 17:00 PM. A charging start time of the battery is 9:00 AM and an estimated charging stop time of the battery is 17:00 PM. In this instance, the controller180charges the battery by increasing a charging speed in a first interval210by which a life of the battery is not affected.

If an estimated charging completed time of the battery from the charging start time of the battery is shorter than the estimated battery stop time (e.g., 17:00 PM) of the battery, since a time for charging the battery is secured sufficiently, the controller180decreases the charging speed of the battery in a second interval220to save the life of the battery. In addition, the controller180performs a forced compensation charging230at a rate of 1%˜9% right before the current time becomes the estimated charging stop time of the battery.

In another instance, as mentioned in the foregoing description of the morning call with reference toFIG. 10,FIG. 15is a graph300indicating a charged status of a battery if a user starts a charging of the battery at a bedtime and then stops the charging at a rising time.

Referring toFIG. 15, if a user sets an alarm output time of a morning call to 6:00 AM and then goes to bed at 24:00, a charging start time of the battery is 24:00 and an estimated charging stop time of the battery is 6:00 AM. In this instance, the controller180charges the battery by increasing a charging speed in a first interval310by which a life of the battery is not affected.

If an estimated charging completed time of the battery from the charging start time of the battery is shorter than the estimated battery stop time (e.g., 6:00 AM) of the battery, since a time for charging the battery is secured sufficiently, the controller180decreases the charging speed of the battery like a second interval320to save the life of the battery. In addition, the controller180performs a forced compensation charging330at a rate of 1%˜9% right before the current time becomes the estimated charging stop time of the battery (i.e., the user's rising time).

In another instance, as mentioned in the foregoing description of the schedule with reference toFIG. 11,FIG. 16is a graph400indicating a charged status of a battery if a user starts a charging of the battery and then stops the charging at a schedule notification output time.

Referring toFIG. 16, if a user sets a schedule notification output time to 16:00 PM and then starts a charging of the battery before 16:00 PM, an estimated charging stop time of the battery is 16:00 PM. In this instance, the controller180controls a charging speed of the battery depending on a time difference between an estimated charging completed time of the battery and an estimated charging stop time. In addition, the controller180performs a forced compensation charging410at a rate of 1%˜9% right before the current time becomes the estimated charging stop time of the battery (i.e., the user's schedule notification output time).

In addition, similar to the route guidance described with reference toFIG. 12,FIG. 17andFIG. 18are graphs500A and500B indicating a charged status of a battery in the course of charging the battery while a user moves to a second place from a first place.

Referring toFIG. 17, a user starts to charge the battery at 12:00 PM at the first place. An estimated arrival time of an arrival from the first place to the second place (i.e., a destination) is 13:30 PM, which means that it will take 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrive at the second place. If an estimated charging completed time of the battery is 2 hours and 30 minutes, the controller180increases a charging speed of the battery in order for the battery to be charged for the 1 hour and 30 minutes as fully as possible.

Referring toFIG. 18, a user starts to charge the battery at 12:00 PM at the first place. An estimated arrival time of an arrival from the first place to the second place (i.e., a destination) is 16:30 PM, which means that it will take 4 hour and 30 minutes to arrive at the second place. If an estimated charging completed time of the battery is 2 hours and 30 minutes, since a charging time of the battery is secured sufficiently, the controller180decreases a charging speed of the battery to save a life of the battery and then performs a forced compensation charging right before a current hour becomes the estimated charging stop time of the battery (i.e., 16:30 PM).

Finally,FIG. 19is a graph600of a charged status of a battery when a user uses the mobile terminal100in the course of charging the battery. Referring toFIG. 19, after the battery has started to be charged, if an amount of power consumption of the battery is greater than a charging amount currently supplied to the battery due to the user's use of the mobile terminal100, the controller180increases a charging speed of the battery by calculating a temperature of the battery and a used amount of the battery so that the charging amount supplied to the battery exceeds the amount of the power consumption of the battery.

If a charged amount of the battery is greater than the power consumption amount of the battery in a predetermined interval, the controller decreases the charging speed of the battery for the sake of a life and temperature drop of the battery.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide various effects and/or features. First of all, when a battery is charged, an estimated charging stop time on which the battery charging will be stopped by a user in consideration of a user's living pattern is obtained. Subsequently, a charging speed of the battery is adjusted in order to complete the battery charging before a current time becomes the obtained estimated charging stop time. Therefore, the present invention substantially provides an effect such that the user can fully charge the battery in a period for charging the battery.

Secondly, the present invention adjusts a charging speed of the battery until the estimated charging stop time, thereby enhancing durability of the battery.

In addition, the above-described methods can be implemented in a program recorded medium as processor-readable codes. The processor-readable media may include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a processor are stored. The processor-readable media may include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, and the like for example and also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet). Further, the processor may include the controller180of the terminal.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present invention encompasses various modifications to each of the examples and embodiments discussed herein. According to the invention, one or more features described above in one embodiment or example can be equally applied to another embodiment or example described above. The features of one or more embodiments or examples described above can be combined into each of the embodiments or examples described above. Any full or partial combination of one or more embodiment or examples of the invention is also part of the invention.