Mobile terminal and method of controlling a mode screen display therein

A mobile terminal including a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one external terminal; a memory configured to store at least a first and second operating system including at least first and second modes, respectively; and a controller configured to execute the first operating system and to activate the first mode corresponding to the first operating system, to display a first information screen corresponding to the activated first mode on a display of the mobile terminal, to receive an event signal indicating an event related to the second mode has occurred on the mobile terminal, and to selectively display event information related to the event of the second mode on a display of the at least one external terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and method of controlling a mode screen display therein. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for the mobile terminal capable of implementing a plurality of modes.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

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

As functions of the terminal are diversified, the terminal is implemented as a multimedia player provided with composite functions such as photographing of photos or moving pictures, playback of music or moving picture files, game play, broadcast reception and the like for example. Recently, there is an ongoing technology for sharing a currently displayed screen among a plurality of terminals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and method of controlling a mode screen display therein, by which a plurality of modes can be implemented and activated for user's convenience and data security in a manner of being discriminated from each other.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and method of controlling a mode screen display therein, by which a mode screen can be shared with external terminal(s) having activated a mode identical to a currently activated mode of my terminal.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and method of controlling a mode screen display therein, by which information on a currently deactivated mode can be limitedly shared in sharing a mode screen.

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 sharing information with at least one external terminal according to the present invention includes at least one operating system capable of implementing a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode, at least one application executed in at least one of a plurality of the modes, a controller activating the first mode, the controller controlling a screen of the first mode to be displayed on at least one external terminal to correspond to a prescribed level, a wireless communication unit performing a transmission operation of the screen of the first mode under the control of the controller, and a display unit displaying the screen of the first mode under the control of the controller. And, the prescribed level includes at least one of a level of a content displayed on the screen of the first mode, a level of the at least one external terminal and a level of the mobile terminal.

In another aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal sharing information with at least one external terminal includes at least one operating system capable of implementing a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode, at least one application executed in at least one of a plurality of the modes, a display unit, if the first mode is activated, displaying a screen of the activated first mode, a wireless communication unit receiving a screen of a currently activated mode of the at least one external terminal, and a controller activating the first mode, the controller controlling the display unit to display the received screen to correspond to a prescribed level. And, wherein the prescribed level includes at least one of a level of a content displayed on the received screen, a level of the at least one external terminal and a level of the mobile terminal.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling a mode screen display in a mobile terminal, which implements a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode, includes the steps of if the first mode is activated, displaying a screen of the activated first mode, transmitting the screen of the first mode, and controlling the screen of the first mode to be displayed on at least one external terminal to correspond to a prescribed level. And, the mobile terminal includes at least one operating system capable of implementing a plurality of the modes and at least one application executable in at least one of a plurality of the modes. Moreover, the prescribed level includes at least one of a level of a content displayed on the screen of the first mode, a level of the at least one external terminal and a level of the mobile terminal.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling a mode screen display in a mobile terminal, which implements a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode, includes the steps of if the first mode is activated, displaying a screen of the activated first mode, receiving a screen of a currently activated mode of at least one external terminal, and displaying the received screen to correspond to the prescribed level. And, the mobile terminal includes at least one operating system capable of implementing a plurality of the modes and at least one application executable in at least one of a plurality of the modes. Moreover, the prescribed level includes at least one of a level of a content displayed on the received screen, a level of the at least one external terminal and a level of the mobile terminal.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects and/or advantages.

First of all, a screen of a currently activated mode can be shared with at least one external terminal.

Secondly, the present invention controls a mode screen to be shared with at least one external terminal to correspond to a prescribed level, whereby a same mode screen can be shared with all external terminals. And, a partial region of the mode screen can be shared with a specific external terminal to correspond to a prescribed level. Moreover, the mode screen itself may not be shared with a specific external terminal to correspond to a prescribed level.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First of all, mobile terminals described in this disclosure can include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistants), a PMP (portable multimedia player), a navigation system and the like.

Except a case applicable to a mobile terminal only, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the configurations according to an embodiment described in this disclosure is applicable to such a stationary terminal as a digital TV, a desktop computer and the like.

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

Referring toFIG. 1, a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention includes 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.

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. And, the broadcast associated information can be provided via a mobile communication network. In this case, 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 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.). 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 case, 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), etc.

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

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. And, the processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit151.

The image frames processed by the camera121can be stored in the memory160or can be externally transmitted via the wireless communication unit110. Optionally, at least two cameras121can be provided 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 keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

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. And, the sensing unit140can include a proximity sensor141.

The output unit150generates outputs relevant to the senses of sight, hearing, touch and the like. And, the output unit150includes the display unit151, 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 display unit151can be implemented in the optical transmittive type as well. In this configuration, a user is able to see an object in rear of a terminal body via the area occupied by the display unit151of the terminal body.

At least two display units151can be provided to the mobile terminal100in accordance with the implemented configuration of the mobile terminal100. For instance, a plurality of display units can be arranged on a single face of the mobile terminal100in a manner of being spaced apart from each other or being built in one body. Alternatively, a plurality of display units can be arranged on different faces of the mobile terminal100.

When the display unit151and a sensor for detecting a touch action (hereinafter called ‘touch sensor’) configures a mutual layer structure (hereinafter called ‘touchscreen’), it is able to use the display unit151as an input device as well as an output device. In this case, 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 display unit151or a variation of a capacitance generated from a specific portion of the display unit151to an electric input signal. Moreover, it is able to configure the touch sensor 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 controller180is able to know whether a prescribed portion of the display unit151is touched.

Referring toFIG. 1, a proximity sensor141can be provided to an internal area of the mobile terminal100enclosed by the touchscreen or around the touchscreen. The proximity sensor141is the sensor that detects a presence or non-presence of an object approaching a prescribed detecting surface or an object existing around the proximity sensor141using 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 case, the touchscreen (touch sensor) can be classified as the proximity sensor.

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

The proximity sensor141detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch duration, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch shift state, etc.). And, information corresponding to the detected proximity touch action and the detected proximity touch pattern can be outputted to the touchscreen.

The alarm unit153is 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 alarm unit153is able to 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 outputted via the display unit151or the audio output unit152. Hence, the display unit151or the audio output module152can be regarded as a part of the alarm unit153.

The haptic module154generates various tactile effects that can be sensed by a user. Vibration is a representative 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 outputted in a manner of being synthesized together or can be outputted 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.

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

In particular, the projector module155can include a light source generating light (e.g., laser) for projecting an image externally, an image producing means for producing an image to output externally using the light generated from the light source, and a lens for enlarging to output the image externally in a predetermined focus distance. And, the projector module155can further include a device for adjusting an image projected direction by mechanically moving the lens or the whole module.

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

Preferably, the projector module155can be provided in a length direction of a lateral, front or backside direction of the mobile terminal100. And, it is understood that the projector module155can be provided to any portion of the mobile terminal100according to the necessity thereof.

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, moving pictures, etc. And, 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 outputted in case of 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 controller180is able to perform a pattern recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and a picture drawing input carried out on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively.

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

FIG. 2Ais 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. Yet, 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, further disclosure will primarily relate to a bar-type mobile terminal100. However such teachings apply equally to other types of mobile terminals.

Referring toFIG. 2A, the mobile terminal100includes a case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) 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. Optionally, at least one middle case can be further provided between the front and rear cases101and102in addition.

The cases101and102are 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 display unit151, an audio output unit152, a camera121, user input units130/131and132, a microphone122, an interface180and the like can be provided to the terminal body, and more particularly, to the front case101.

The display unit151occupies most of a main face of the front case101. The audio output unit151and the camera121are provided to an area adjacent to one of both end portions of the display unit151, while the user input unit131and the microphone122are provided to another area adjacent to the other end portion of the display unit151. 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. And, the input unit130is able to include a plurality of manipulating units131and132. The manipulating units131and132can 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. And, a command for a volume adjustment of sound outputted from the audio output unit152, a command for a switching to a touch recognizing mode of the display unit151or the like can be input to the second manipulating unit132.

FIG. 2Bis a perspective diagram of a backside of the terminal shown inFIG. 2A.

Referring toFIG. 2B, a camera121′ can be additionally provided to a backside of the terminal body, and more particularly, to the rear case102. The camera121has a photographing direction that is substantially opposite to that of the former camera121shown inFIG. 21Aand may have pixels differing from those of the firmer camera121.

Preferably, for instance, the former camera121has low pixels enough to capture and transmit a picture of user's face for a video call, while the latter camera121′ has high pixels for capturing a general subject for photography without transmitting the captured subject. And, 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 in case of 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 user's 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′ is able to implement a stereo function together with the former audio output unit152shown inFIG. 2Aand may be used for implementation of a speakerphone mode in talking over the terminal.

A broadcast signal receiving antenna124can be additionally provided to the lateral side of the terminal body as well as an antenna for communication or the like. The antenna124constructing a portion of the broadcast receiving module111shown inFIG. 1can be retractably provided to the terminal body.

A power supply unit190for supplying a power to the terminal100is provided to the terminal body. And, the power supply unit190can be configured to be built within the terminal body. Alternatively, the power supply unit190can be configured to be detachably connected to the terminal body.

A touchpad135for detecting a touch can be additionally provided to the rear case102. The touchpad135can be configured in a light transmittive type like the display unit151. In this case, if the display unit151is configured to output visual information from its both faces, it is able to recognize the visual information via the touchpad135as well. The information outputted from both of the faces can be entirely controlled by the touchpad135. Alternatively, a display is further provided to the touchpad135so that a touchscreen can be provided to the rear case102as well.

The touchpad135is activated by interconnecting with the display unit151of the front case101. The touchpad135can be provided in rear of the display unit151in parallel. The touchpad135can have a size equal to or smaller than that of the display unit151.

First of all, a mobile terminal mentioned in the following description can include at least one of the components shown inFIG. 1. And, in order to perform an operation using the components (e.g., touchscreen, wireless communication unit, memory, etc.), the controller180is able to control an individual operation of each of the components or interconnected operations among a plurality of the components.

Applications mentioned in this disclosure are software programs drivable in a mobile terminal. If the application is driven, it is able to execute a corresponding function or operation. The application is basically stored in the mobile terminal (particularly, the memory160) or can be downloaded from an external server of an external terminal.

For example, the applications can include a compass, an augmented reality, a camera, a video player, a music player, a game, a news, a web browser, a message, a phonebook, a memo, a schedule management, and the like. Of course, the allocations are non-limited by this example and can be implemented in more various ways.

There can exist contents or data associated with the applications as well. In this case, the associated content or data is stored in the memory160or can be stored in an external server having a storage space.

For instance, the contents can include an audio file (associated with the music player), a video file (associated with the video player), a document file (associated with an e-book), and the like. And, the data can include a message content (associated with the message), a memo content (associated with the memo), a counterpart information (associated with the phonebook), a schedule content (associated with the schedule management), and the like.

According to the present invention, a mobile terminal is able to configure a plurality of modes differing from each other in application configuration for data security for one mode against another mode or data security between different modes. And, the mobile terminal according to the present invention is able to implement a plurality of the modes selectively or simultaneously (or sequentially).

When a specific application is executed in a prescribed mode, at least one application interoperable with the specific application can be executed in the prescribed mode. For instance, if a specific application is a voice call, an application interoperable with the voice call can include a phonebook, a message and the like.

Regarding mode discrimination in application configuration, an application executable in each of a plurality of modes can include at least one application (hereinafter named a dedicated application) executable by being dedicated to each of a plurality of the modes or at least one application (hereinafter named a common application) executable in any one of a plurality of the modes. In particular, the common application can change at least one feature in each of a plurality of the modes in which the corresponding application is executable. For instance, at least one of configuration, representation, security and the like of the common application is changeable. This shall be described in detail later.

Of course, the common application may not change its feature in each of a plurality of the modes in which the corresponding application is executable. For instance, if the common application includes such a basic terminal application as a voice call, a message and the like, it may not change its feature.

For example, if first to third applications are executed in a first mode and if the third application, a fourth application and a fifth application are executed in a second mode, the first and second applications can be called dedicated applications of the first mode, the third application can be called the common application of the first and second modes and the fourth and fifth applications can be called the dedicated applications of the second mode.

A plurality of modes can include a first mode (i.e., a private mode) facilitating user's personal life, a second mode (i.e., a business mode) facilitating a user's work life, and the like. This enables a mobile terminal to be discriminatively used in consideration of a user's personal life (e.g., privacy) and a user's public life (e.g., work life). In particular, in aspect of security reinforcement, when either a private mode or a business mode is implemented, restriction can be put on an access to information corresponding to the other mode.

The above-described private mode and the business mode are just examples for describing a plurality of the modes. If the above-described private mode and the business mode are suitable for the mode discrimination reference mentioned in this disclosure, they are non-limited by their names. Although the mode discrimination of a plurality of the modes is explained in the above description based on the application configuration, it shall be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings later.

Implementation and activation of a plurality of modes mentioned in the description of the present invention shall be defined as follows.

First of all, according to the present invention, a mobile terminal is able to implement a plurality of modes and is also able to activate one of a plurality of the currently implemented modes. For instance, if a plurality of the modes includes a first mode and a second mode, the mobile terminal boots an operating system capable of implementing both of the first and second modes and can then activate the implemented first or second mode selectively.

In particular, if both of the first and second modes are already implemented, the mode for displaying an executed screen on a current screen, the mode for designating the currently executed application, the mode having a high priority or the like can be called an activated mode. In this case, a non-activated mode (or a deactivated mode) can be regarded as operating as a background despite being implemented in the mobile terminal. In particular, if an executed screen of the first mode and an executed screen of the second mode are being displayed on a first region and a second region of the screen through screen partition, respectively, the mode selected by a user, the mode for activating the corresponding region currently, the mode for designating a currently executed application, the mode having a high priority or the like can be regarded as activated.

Occasionally, after the mobile terminal has implemented and activated one mode, if the mobile terminal attempts to switch the current mode to the other mode, the mobile terminal can implement and activate the other mode (i.e., selective implementation and activation of mode).

In the following description, implementation of a plurality of modes and operations of components required for inter-mode switching for a plurality of the modes are explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 3A to 4C.

FIGS. 3A to 3Care block diagrams of components required for implementation of a plurality of modes and a mode switching among a plurality of the modes according to the present invention. In particular,FIG. 3Ais a block diagram of the controller180for driving a plurality of operating systems (OSs) and configuring a dedicated screen of a plurality of operating systems. And,FIG. 3Bis a block diagram of a screen processor185shown inFIG. 3A. In particular,FIG. 3AandFIG. 3Bshow a case that a plurality of the operating systems are provided in parallel with each other (cf.FIG. 4A(a),FIG. 4B).

According to the present invention, a plurality of the modes can be implemented by a plurality of the operating systems, respectively. In particular, the operating system for supporting implementation can differ per mode.

Referring toFIG. 3A, the controller180can include a screen processor185, a driver186, a hypervisor187and a main processor188. In this case, the hypervisor187can be called such a terminology as a virtual engine (virtual machine), a virtualizing module (virtualization), a virtual engine monitor (virtual machine monitor), a virtualization module monitor (virtualization monitor) and the like. This terminology is just exemplary. And, a component capable of performing the same function of the hypervisor187is non-limited by the corresponding terminology.

A frame buffer is provided to each of a plurality of the operating systems stored in the memory160. If a plurality of the operating systems are driven, the screen processor185receives a frame corresponding to a dedicated screen of the corresponding operating system from each of the frame buffers and then determines whether to display the dedicated screen of a prescribed one of the operating systems on a screen of the display unit151under the control of the main processor188.

Under the control of the main processor188, the screen processor185displays the dedicated screen of the specific operating system on the whole screen of the display unit151(e.g., in case of implementing one mode only). Alternatively, the screen processor185generates one integrated frame by combining and/or editing the frames received from the frame buffers and is then able to display an integrated dedicated screen including all the dedicated screens of a plurality of the operating systems (e.g., in case of implementing a plurality of the modes).

Referring toFIG. 3A, a plurality of the operating systems OS1, . . . OS N are prepared in parallel with each other, which can be described in detail with reference toFIG. 4A(a) andFIG. 4Bas follows.

FIG. 4A(a) andFIG. 4Bshow a scheme of booting a plurality of operating systems Guest OS1and Guest OS2respectively supporting different modes in parallel by loading a hypervisor (hereinafter named a first scheme).

Referring toFIG. 4A(a) andFIG. 4B, the mobile terminal100is able to implement Guest OS1and Guest OS2selectively, sequentially or simultaneously. And, a different mode can be designated to each of the Guest OS1and the Guest OS2. In this case, the operation of the Guest OS1and the Guest OS2and the corresponding mode activation can be performed by the hypervisor. The components shown inFIG. 4Bcan perform general operations related to the virtualization engine technology.

Multi-OS booting and mode activation corresponding to the multi-OS booting are described in detail as follows. First of all, in case (1) of activating a mode corresponding to the currently booted Guest OS1or Guest Os2or in case (2) of booting the Guest OS1corresponding to first mode and the Guest OS2corresponding to a second mode sequentially or simultaneously, the controller180(particularly, the hypervisor) implements and activates either the first mode or the second mode (2-1) or is able to activate either the first or second mode despite implementing both of the first and second modes (2-2).

Referring now toFIG. 3, the screen processor185, includes a layout manager185aand a display driver185b(FIG. 3B). Under the control of the main processor188, the layout manager185agenerates one integrated frame by combing or editing the frames received from the frame buffers and the display driver185bthen controls the frame generated by the layout manager185ato be displayed on the display unit151.

The driver186controls the entire operating systems to be driven. The hypervisor187is a middleware between the main processor188and each of the operating systems and includes a virtualization engine configured to a plurality of the operating systems to be usable in the mobile terminal100according to the present invention. And, the main processor188controls all operations related to the driving of a plurality of the operating systems according to the present invention.

As mentioned in the above description, the screen processor185, the driver186, the hypervisor187and the main processor188can be included in the controller180or can be stored as software in the memory160.

FIG. 3Cis a block diagram of the memory160having a database storage region corresponding to each of a plurality of the modes.

According to the present invention, the mobile terminal is able to manage the database storage regions of a plurality of the modes discriminatively. In particular, when a plurality of the modes is implemented by the different operating systems, respectively, the mobile terminal is able to manage the database storage regions of a plurality of the modes discriminatively.

Generally, when at least one operating system capable of implementing a first mode and a second mode is provided, the memory160is able to store an application corresponding to each of the at least one operating system. Therefore, the provided at least one or more operating systems can be booted selectively or simultaneously under the control of the controller180.

For instance, the operating system can include such a commercial OS as the Android OS, Linux based OS, Windows Mobile OS, Apple OS and the like. And, a dedicated application can be differently set for each of the operating systems. Further, a multi-OS can include different kinds of operating systems (e.g., Android OS, Apple OS, etc.) and the same kinds of operating systems (e.g., 2.1 version of Android OS, 2.2 version of Android OS, etc.) differing from each other in version.

According to the present invention, assuming that both of the first and second modes can be implemented, the memory160can include a first database storage region160(a) corresponding to the first mode, a second database storage region160(b) corresponding to the second mode, and a common database storage region160(c) in common with the first mode and the second mode. Occasionally, the common database storage region160(c) can be omitted. In this case, a commonly-designated application and content or data associated with the corresponding application can be stored in the database storage region of the corresponding mode.

In particular, in configuring the first, second and common database storage regions, the mobile terminal100uses memories different from each other in hardware as the storage regions, puts restriction on accessing the storage regions per mode despite providing the storage regions within a same memory, or is able to discriminate the storage regions from each other using a storage partition per mode.

In this case, the same operating system implements the first mode and the second mode or different operating systems can implement the first mode and the second mode, respectively. Moreover, at least two or modes can be implemented by the mobile terminal100. If so, the database storage regions can be further subdivided.

In particular, the first database storage region160(a) can include a region (i.e., a first application region) for storing at least one first application executable in the first mode, a region (i.e., a first content region) for storing a content associated with the first application and a region (i.e., a first data region) for storing data associated with the first application.

And, the second database storage region160(b) can include a region (i.e., a second application region) for storing at least one second application executable in the second mode, a region (i.e., a second content region) for storing a content associated with the second application and a region (i.e., a second data region) for storing data associated with the second application.

Moreover, the common database storage region160(c) can include a region (i.e., a common application region) for storing at least one common application executable in both of the first mode and the second mode, a region (i.e., a common content region) for storing a content associated with the common application and a region (i.e., a common data region) for storing data associated with the common application.

When the second mode is a business mode that facilitates a user's public life, information stored in the second database storage region160(b) and information corresponding to the second mode in the common database storage region160(c) can be utilized only if the corresponding information is stored in a manner of being shared with a company server300, the corresponding information is stored in the company server300(i.e., the second database storage region160(b) is unnecessary) or the company server300is accessed. In this case, the company server300can include a server of a company, for which a user works, a server of a specific company designated by a user (or a company where the user works), or the like.

While the first mode is activated, the mobile terminal100is able to utilize the information stored in the first database storage region160(a) and the information corresponding to the first mode in the common database storage region160(c). While the second mode is activated, the mobile terminal100is able to utilize all the information stored in the first, second and common database storage regions160(a),160(b) and160(c).

Alternatively, while the second mode is activated, the mobile terminal100is able to utilize the information stored in the first database storage region160(a) and the information corresponding to the second mode in the common database storage region160(e). While the first mode is activated, the mobile terminal100is able to utilize all the information stored in the first, second and common database storage regions160(a),160(b) and160(c).

Optionally, it is able to control the mobile terminal100not to utilize the information on the first mode in the course of the activated second mode.

Besides, although the drawing shows that the application region, the content region and the data region are situated in the database storage region, the application region, the content region and the data region can be integrated together if necessary.

FIG. 4A(b) andFIG. 4Cshow a scheme of driving a hypervisor on a Host OS for supporting one mode to boot a Guest OS for supporting another mode (hereinafter named a second scheme). In particular, a mode supported by the Host OS can include a private mode. And, a mode supported by the Guest OS can include a business mode.

In particular, referring toFIG. 4C, a B2B manager is able to perform a switching operation between a private mode (hereinafter abbreviated a P mode) and a business mode (hereinafter abbreviated a B mode). Components shown in a P mode region of the two regions partitioned by a dotted line can operate in case of the private mode implementation, components shown in the B mode region can operate in case of the business mode implementation, and components included in both of the modes can operate in both of the modes.

According to the present invention, the mobile terminal100is able to implement a plurality of modes on an operating system selectively, simultaneously or sequentially. A different operating system (hereinafter named an individual operating system) is designated to each of a plurality of the modes or a common operating system can be designated to a plurality of the modes. Specifically, implementation of a plurality of the modes can be controlled by the hypervisor187.

In particular, a currently implemented or activated mode in accordance with an individual or common operating system is defined as follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode. Of course, at least two or more modes can exist if necessary.

First of all, when a common operating system is booted, the controller180implements and activates either the first mode or the second mode (1) or is able to activate either the first mode or the second mode despite implementing both of the first and second modes.

When an individual operating system is booted, the controller implements and activates a mode corresponding to a currently booted individual operating system (1), implements and activates a mode corresponding to one of the first mode and the second mode in case of booting a first operating system corresponding to the first mode and a second operating system corresponding to the second mode sequentially or simultaneously (2-1), or activates either the first mode or the second mode despite implementing both of the first mode and the second mode (2-2).

In the following description, how to discriminate a plurality of modes from each other is explained in detail.

First of all, according to the present invention, each of a plurality of modes can be discriminated by at least one of a mode indicator, a database storage region, an operating system, a user access authority, an application configuration, a content configuration, a data configuration, an application feature, an application group, a group identifier and the like.

A case of discriminating a plurality of modes using a mode indictor according to a first embodiment is explained as follows.

First of all, each of a plurality of modes can have a different indicator to indicate a corresponding mode. An indicator per mode is basically stored in the mobile terminal100or can be downloaded from an external server or an external terminal. The indicator per mode is set or selected by a user or can be randomly set by the controller180.

For instance, each of a plurality of the modes can have a different one of a mode icon, a mode image, a background image, a background color/brightness, a letter font/color/size, a home screen picture (number of pages and page indicator included), an application arrangement structure (e.g., the number of applications included in one home screen, etc.), an application identifier, an LED color, an alarm sound such as a bell sound and the like, a keypad type (backlight color of keypad included), a mode switching key zone, a group identifier (described later) and the like. Of course, those examples of the mode indicator are just exemplary and can include all display elements for discriminating a mode.

This is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5D. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a first mode and a second mode include a private mode and a business mode, respectively. And, assume that either the private mode or the business mode is in an active state.

FIGS. 5A to 10Care diagrams for discriminating a plurality of modes according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5A(a), if a personal mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100displays an icon (P mode)501corresponding to the private mode on a prescribed region of a screen. If a business mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100is able to display an icon (B mode)502corresponding to the business mode on a prescribed region of a screen (FIG. 5A(b)).

Referring toFIG. 5B, the mobile terminal100includes a mode switching key region510provided to a prescribed region of the screen. If the private mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100discriminatively displays a zone (P)511corresponding to the private mode in the mode switching key region510(FIG. 5B(a)). If the business mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100can discriminatively display a zone (B)512corresponding to the business mode in the mode switching key region510(FIG. 5B(b)).

Referring toFIG. 5C, a private mode zone521, a business mode zone522and a switching command zone523are provided to the screen of the mobile terminal100. If the private mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100discriminatively displays the private mode zone (P)521(FIG. 5C(a)). If the business mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100can discriminatively display the business mode zone (B)522(FIG. 5C(b)).

Referring toFIG. 5D, if the private mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100displays an announcement window531for announcing events (e.g., email, message, call, etc.) occurring in association with the business mode or the number of the events (or, occurrence time, counterpart information, etc.) on a prescribed region of the screen (FIG. 5D(a)). If the business mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100can display an announcement window532for announcing events (e.g., email, message, call, etc.) occurring in association with the private mode or the number of the events (or, occurrence time, counterpart information, etc.) on a prescribed region of the screen (FIG. 5D(b)).

In the following description, a case of discriminating a plurality of modes using a database storage region according to a second embodiment is explained. First of all, a plurality of the modes can discriminatively have database storage regions within the memory160, respectively (cf.FIG. 3C).

Each of a plurality of the modes is able to utilize the information stored in the corresponding database storage region or the corresponding information stored in the common database storage region only. Moreover, it is able to set the information on one mode not to be utilized in other modes. Besides, one (e.g., business mode) of a plurality of the modes is able to utilize information on another mode (e.g., private mode), whereas the latter mode can be set not to use the information on the former mode.

If the information on the first mode can be utilized in the second mode (yet, the first mode is unable to utilize the information on the second mode), it can be said that an access restriction is put on the second mode or that a higher security level is set on the second mode (described later).

This is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 6A to 7Bas follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a first mode and a second mode include a private mode and a business mode, respectively. Assume that either the private mode or the business mode is in an active state. And, assume that a common application of the first and second modes is currently executed.

Referring toFIG. 6A, when a phonebook (example of a common application) is being executed in the private mode, the mobile terminal100extracts counterpart information corresponding to the private mode from counterpart information associated with the phonebook only and then displays the extracted counterpart information.

Referring toFIG. 6B, when executing a phonebook in the private mode, the mobile terminal100extracts counterpart information corresponding to the business mode from counterpart information associated with the phonebook and then displays the extracted counterpart information (FIG. 6B(a)). Alternatively, the mobile terminal100extracts counterpart information corresponding to either the private mode or the business mode and then displays the extracted counterpart information (FIG. 6B(b)).

In particular,FIG. 6B(b) shows a case that a zone (A11)603is activated. If a privacy zone (P)601is activated, the mobile terminal100can selectively display the counterpart information corresponding to the private mode only. If a business zone (B)602is activated, the mobile terminal100can selectively display the counterpart information corresponding to the business mode only.

Referring toFIG. 7A, when a schedule management (example of a common application) is being executed in the private mode, the mobile terminal100extracts schedules corresponding to the private mode from schedules associated with the schedule management only and then displays the extracted schedules.

Referring toFIG. 7B, when executing a schedule management in the private mode, the mobile terminal100extracts schedules corresponding to the business mode from schedules associated with the schedule management and then displays the extracted schedules (FIG. 7B(a)). Alternatively, the mobile terminal100extracts schedules corresponding to either the private mode or the business mode and is then able to display the extracted schedules (FIG. 7B(b)).

In particular,FIG. 7B(b) shows a case that a zone (A11)703is activated. If a privacy zone (P)701is activated, the mobile terminal100selectively displays the schedules corresponding to the private mode only. If a business zone (B)702is activated, the mobile terminal100selectively displays the schedules corresponding to the business mode only.

Specifically, referring toFIGS. 6A to 7B, although the private mode is unable to access the information on the business mode or the database storage region storing the information on the business mode, the business mode is able to freely access the information on the private mode or the database storage region storing the information on the private mode.

According to a third embodiment, each of a plurality of modes can be discriminated by a corresponding user access authority. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a plurality of the modes include a first mode and a second mode.

Regarding each of a plurality of the modes, as a different security level is set, a user access authority can be changed (1). Regarding each of a plurality of the modes, if an access restriction is put on one mode but an access restriction is not put on the other mode, a user access authority can be changed (2).

For this, in order to enter a specific one of a plurality of the modes, an authentication procedure can be requested. Hence, the specific mode can be entered only if a valid authentication procedure is performed to enter the specific mode. In particular, if an access restriction or a security level over a predetermined reference is put on the specific mode, an authentication procedure can be requested.

For instance, in a mode having a high user access authority, information corresponding to a mode having a low user access authority or a database storage region of the corresponding information is freely accessed and can be freely utilized. On the contrary, in a mode having a low user access authority, it is unable to access information corresponding to a mode having a high user access authority or a database storage region of the corresponding information.

In case of entering or switching to a mode having a high user access authority, an input of a user authentication information is requested. If a valid user authentication information is input, the mobile terminal100can enter or switch to the mode having the high user access authority (example of an authentication procedure). In case of a mode having a low security level, the mobile terminal100is requested to input a user authentication information (e.g., name, social security number, etc.) of a low level. In case of a mode having a high security level, the mobile terminal100is requested to input a user authentication information (e.g., name, social security number, specific touch pattern, specific password, etc.) of a high level.

Regarding management (e.g., input, inquiry, editing, etc.) of information (e.g., content, data, etc.) on an application in accordance with a user access authority, three kinds of cases are described in detail as follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode.

First of all, according to a first case, there can exist applications to which contents or data can be input regardless of a mode. For instance, the content or data inputtable application can include such an application for performing a basic function in using a terminal as a schedule management, a scheduler, an email, a message, a messenger, a conference call, a video call, an internet, a phonebook and the like.

According to a second case, like the first case, an information input is possible without mode discrimination. Yet, it is able to discriminate a database storage region per mode (cf.FIG. 3C).

In particular, inter-mode information exchange is impossible but unilateral information exchange is possible. For instance, an information transfer from a private mode to a business mode is possible but an information transfer from a business mode to a private mode is impossible. In another instance, by setting a plurality of modes to different security levels, respectively, an information transfer from a low level to a high level is possible but an information transfer from a high level to a low level is impossible.

In case of a specific situation, an external terminal having a predetermined authority in a remote place deletes information (e.g., application, content, data, etc.) on a specific mode only or is able to shut down the specific mode itself. For instance, the specific situation can include one of a case that an employee takes out a terminal without authorization, a case that a terminal is stolen, a case that a unregistered storage medium is loaded in a terminal, a case that a terminal accesses an unsubscribed network, and the like.

Furthermore, regarding a user access authority, it is able to differentiate an authority for accessing an application, a content, a data or the like, which is available for a business mode, in accordance with a user level (e.g., the user level is determined in consideration of rank in company, duty attribute in company, department in company, etc.) of the mobile terminal100. And, it is also able to differentiate a function for a specific application. For instance, when a user level (e.g., a group head) is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference, an approval grant function is usable. Yet, when a user level (e.g., a company employee) is lower than a predetermined reference, an approval grant function is deactivated. Moreover, the same application can have a usable content/data that differs in accordance with a user level or the same content/data can have a different range of the provided information in accordance with a user level (e.g., a different data field can be configured in accordance with a user level). Besides, in accordance with a user's authority, an icon associated with a job failing to belong to the corresponding authority is not displayed on a terminal itself. Even if the icon is displayed on the terminal, it can be set not to be executed.

According to a third case, there can exist application (e.g., dedicated applications) accessible to corresponding information as well as operable in either a first mode or a second mode.

For instance, for security matters in a business mode, a photographing function is restricted, a conditional access to a network is granted, or a print function is blocked. In case of the business mode, a business related application is provided. In case of a private mode, the business related application may not be provided. Of course, in case of the private mode, a privacy related application is provided. In case of the business mode, the privacy related application may not be provided.

Meanwhile, there can exist a content or application specialized in a unilateral mode only. For instance, the application specialized for the business mode can include a company business related application. And, the company business related application is able to perform a function of an upload to a company server, a function of a download to the company server and the like.

And, it is able to put an access restriction (or entry) per mode in accordance with a place or time. For instance, it is able to set a business mode not to be entered at home. In another instance, it is able to set a private mode not to be entered on a specific time zone. Occasionally, a separately authorized person is able to enter the business mode at home or the private mode at office on a specific time zone.

Moreover, since an interface is provided to be shared with users in the business mode, information can be shared with the users. If the business mode is switched to the private mode, the interface provided for the information sharing can be shut down.

Furthermore, there can exist one hardware module (e.g., a common module) usable for a plurality of modes in common or another hardware module (e.g., a dedicated module) usable for a specific one of a plurality of the modes. Hence, if a first mode is currently activated, a common module and a dedicated mode of the first mode are activated, while a dedicated module of a second module is not activated. In this case, the common module and the dedicated module are designated in accordance with a user selection or can be designated by a decision made by the controller180or the company server300.

For instance, assuming that a first mode and a second mode are a private mode and a business mode, respectively, a common module can include one of the mobile communication module112for call and message transmission and reception, the power supply unit190, the display unit151, the memory160and the like. A dedicated module of the private mode can include one of the camera121, the position location module115and the like. And, a dedicated module of the business mode can include the projector module155or the like. The above examples of the communication module and the dedicated module are just exemplary, by which the communication module and the dedicated module are non-limited. And, the communication module and the dedicated module can be configured in more various ways.

In the following description, a user access authority is explained in detail with reference toFIG. 8AandFIG. 8B. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume a case that the same content is accessed.

Referring toFIG. 8A(a), when a document1(example of content) is accessed in a private mode, the mobile terminal100can grant ‘read authority’ for the document1. When the document1is accessed in a business, the mobile terminal100can grant ‘read authority, delete authority, edit authority’ for the document1(FIG. 8A(b)). Moreover, if a user is authorized over a predetermined level in a company, an approval authority can be granted to the user for the document1that requires approval or authorization.

Referring toFIG. 8B, when a file1(example of content) corresponding to a business mode is selected from a file list in a private mode (FIG. 8B(a)), the mobile terminal100informs a user that there is no access authority on the file1and enables the user to select whether to switch the private mode to the business mode to check the file1(FIG. 8B(b)).

Of course, in case of the private mode inFIG. 8B, a file corresponding to the business mode may not be included in the file list. And, it is able to display an indictor, which indicates that the file corresponds to the privacy/business mode, on the file list.

Although the user access authority is set per mode in the above description, it can be set per application, content or data if necessary. Therefore, a user authorized with the user access authority is able to check the same content, whereas an unauthorized user is unable to check the same content.

According to a fourth embodiment, each of a plurality of modes can be discriminated in accordance with at least one of an application configuration, a content configuration and a data configuration.

Each of a plurality of the modes can configure an application different per mode. Even if an application is a common application, each of a plurality of the modes can configure a content or data corresponding to the application differently.

In this case, if the configuration of the application is different, it means that at least one application (hereinafter named a first dedicated application) dedicated to a first mode and at least one application (hereinafter named a common application) in common with the first mode and a second mode are executed in the first mode or it can mean that at least one application (hereinafter named a second dedicated application) dedicated to the second mode and at least one application (hereinafter named a common application) in common with the first mode and the second mode are executed in the second mode (cf.FIG. 10C).

If the configuration of the content/data is different, it can include both a case that a substance of the content/data is different and a case that a substance of the content/data is different in part. Specifically, the latter case can mean that a substance of a specific content corresponding to each of the first mode and the second mode is different even if the specific content is designated to both of the first mode and the second mode. This is enabled in a manner of configuring a data field different per mode for the same content or data.

This is explained in detail with reference toFIG. 9AandFIG. 9Bas follows.

Referring toFIG. 9A, in storing the same counterpart information, the mobile terminal100designates different contacts911and921and different emails912and922to a private mode and a business mode, respectively, further designates a blog address913and a birthday information914to the private mode, and further designates an approval authority923, a rank924and a department925to the private mode.

Referring toFIG. 9B, in storing the same schedule, even if a content and participant information931and a content and participant information941are identically designated to a private mode and a business mode, respectively, the mobile terminal100can further designate a time information932to the private mode and is also able to further designate a conference room information942and a notification943to the business mode.

The mobile terminal100can set a keypad type different per mode (FIG. 10A) or can set a time zone different per mode (FIG. 10B). The mobile terminal100can set a different application and a different backup level of information associated with the application per mode. For instance, the mobile terminal100backs up information of a recent week in the private mode and is also able to back up information of a recent month or real-time information in the business mode. Of course, the backup level per mode is set by a user or can be randomly set by the controller180.

In particular, in the business mode, if a counterpart terminal is not in the business mode or a working hour (or a holiday) currently in consideration of a status (e.g., a currently activated mode, a current location, a time zone, etc.) of the counterpart terminal, with which the mobile terminal100currently attempts to contact, the mobile terminal100informs a user of the unavailability of the counterpart terminal to enable the user to select whether to make a contact. In doing so, the mobile terminal100can receive information indicating the status of the counterpart terminal from the counterpart terminal or a company server and is then able to obtain the status of the counterpart terminal using the received information.

In the business mode, it is able to modify all previously-stored schedules to be fitted to a currently belonging time zone by reflecting a current time zone (for a case that a time zone is changed).

When there is no user input action made for a predetermined period of time in the business mode, it is able to lock or shut down the business mode automatically or in accordance with a user selection. In this case, in order to unlock the locked state or cancel the shutdown, a user authentication information corresponding to the business mode is input or an authentication should be granted by the company server. Moreover, in the business mode, when an overseas roaming function is loaded on a user terminal, if a current location of a user is domestic, the overseas roaming function is automatically deactivated. If a current location of a user is overseas, the overseas roaming function can be automatically activated.

According to a fifth embodiment, when at least one common application is executed, each of a plurality of modes can vary its feature to correspond to a currently activated mode. In other words, when a specific application is a common application of a first mode and a second mode, the feature of the specific application can vary in accordance with whether the currently activated mode is the first mode or the second mode.

In this case, if a feature varies per mode, it can mean that a configuration (e.g., a corresponding content/data configuration included), display or security of an application is varied.

For instance, if a feature varies per mode, it can mean that a structure (e.g., configuration of a corresponding menu item) of an application, an executed screen (e.g., background image, letter type, letter size, provided information, etc.) of an application, a configuration of content/data associated with an application (cf.FIG. 9A,FIG. 9B), an application function, a security of an application (or, content, data, etc.) or the like is different per mode. Of course, as the examples of the application features are just exemplary, any case of configuring a common application to be different per mode is applicable to the present embodiment.

For instance, when the application function is different, a photographing function is allowed to a camera in a private mode but may not be allowed in a business mode. In another instance, when an authority of access to an application is different, a phonebook provides a counterpart name, a phone number and a personal email address in a private mode and can further provide a company email address, a rank, a department and an approval authority information in a business mode.

This is explained in detail with reference toFIG. 10Cas follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a plurality of modes include a private mode and a business mode.

Referring toFIG. 10C, the mobile terminal100can receive an input of an execution command signal for executing a phonebook (i.e., an example of a common application) from a user.

The mobile terminal100determines a mode activated at the input timing point of the execution command signal. If a private mode is currently activated, the mobile terminal100executes the phonebook in accordance with a feature corresponding to the private mode and then displays an executed screen of the phonebook (cf.FIG. 6AorFIG. 9A(a)). On the contrary, if a business mode is activated, the mobile terminal100executes the phonebook in accordance with a feature corresponding to the business mode and then displays an executed screen of the phonebook (cf.FIG. 6BorFIG. 9A(b)).

For instance, a case that a security of an application is different is explained as follows. First of all, in case of attempting to execute a common application in a first mode, an authentication procedure is not requested or a low-level security set authentication information needs to be input. Yet, in case of attempting to execute a common application in a second mode, an authentication procedure is requested or a high-level security set authentication information should be input. In doing so, the application execution can include an output of content or data associated with the application as well as an executed screen display of the application.

According to a sixth embodiment, a plurality of modes can be discriminated from each other using user information corresponding to the modes, respectively. In this case, the user information can include a user name (or title), a user image, a user phone number, a user email address, a user blog address and the like.

For instance, first and second user information different from each other can be set for first and second modes, respectively. In particular, when a first phone number and a second phone number (e.g., dual SIM) are assigned to the mobile terminal100, the first phone number and the second phone number can be set for the first mode and the second mode, respectively.

In the above description, the definitions of the modes mentioned in the disclosure are explained. And, when a plurality of modes exists, the method of discriminating a plurality of the modes is explained as well.

According to a seventh embodiment, each of a plurality of modes can be discriminated by an application group including at least one application executed in the corresponding mode.

For instance, when at least one application is executable in each of a plurality of modes, the controller180can configure an application group including executable application(s) per mode. Moreover, the application group can be configured in accordance with an application type as well as the corresponding mode. For example, if an application type is a call, call related applications are included in the corresponding application group. If an application type is a camera, camera related applications can be included in the corresponding application group.

Moreover, the mobile terminal100displays a per-mode group identifier corresponding to a per-mode application group on the screen. If a specific group identifier is selected, the mobile terminal100can display indicators of applications belonging to the corresponding application group or is able to switch a current mode to a mode corresponding to the specific group identifier (assuming that it is not a currently activated mode).

First of all, a mode screen mentioned in the following description can mean a screen in accordance with specific mode activation in case of activating a specific mode in a mobile terminal. For instance, in case of executing a specific application in the activated specific mode, the mode screen can include an executed screen of the specific application. In case of outputting a specific content, the mode screen can include a display screen of the specific content. In case of accessing a specific website, the mode screen can include a webpage provided by the specific website.

In the following description, a method of sharing a mode screen of a currently activated mode with a plurality of terminals capable of implementing a plurality of modes is explained in detail.

First of all, as a technology for sharing a mode screen with a plurality of terminals, there is N screen technology for example.

The N screen technology means the technology that enables a single content to be viewed on various devices in a manner that such an individual screen as a PC monitor, a TV, a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, etc.) and the like is usable as a single shared screen using a broadcasting network or a communication network. In particular, a single content is viewed on a plurality of devices or can be viewed on one device to another contiguously.

According to the N screen technology, contents can be shared with a plurality of terminals using various data communication schemes (e.g., WiMax, Wi-Fi, 3G based communication scheme, 4G based communication scheme, etc.). Contents are directly shared with a plurality of terminals. And, contents can be shared with a plurality of terminals via a medium device (e.g., set-top box).

Therefore, according to the present invention, the mobile terminal100can share a mode screen with at least one external terminal using the N screen technology. Of course, the N screen technology is one example of the technology for the mode screen sharing only. And, no limitation is put on a scheme or name if any method enables a mode screen to be shared.

In the following description, the mode screen sharing among a plurality of terminals is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 11A to 11E.

FIGS. 11A to 11Eare block diagrams of a plurality of terminals capable of sharing a mode screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11Ashows a plurality of terminals including a mobile terminal100, a plurality of terminals including a plurality of external terminals1110,1120and1130and a company server300capable of communicating with a plurality of the terminals via a network if a currently activated mode is a business mode.

In order to enable a mode screen sharing among the mobile terminal100and each of the external terminals1110,1120and1130, the mobile terminal100previously registers the external terminals1110,1120and1130as information sharing terminals or performs an authentication procedure for the information sharing with the external terminals1110,1120and1130, under the control of the controller180. In doing so, the pre-registration or the authentication procedure can be performed by interoperating with the company server300.

In the pre-registration process, the mobile terminal100or the company server300can store information on the pre-registered external terminals1110,1120and1130(e.g., phone number, user name, user rank, etc.). Moreover, if the mobile terminal100pre-registers the first external terminal1110and a pre-registration is performed between the first external terminal1110and the second external terminal1120, it is able to regard a pre-registration between the mobile terminal100and the second external terminal1120as performed.

In the authentication procedure performing step, the mobile terminal100or the company server300stores authentication information set individually or in common with the external terminals1110,1120and1130. If authentication information identical to the stored authentication information is input by a user, the mobile terminal100or the company server300can perform the authentication procedure validly. Moreover, if the mobile terminal100validly performs the authentication procedure with the first external terminal1110and the pre-registration is performed between the first external terminal1110and the second external terminal1120, it is able to regard the authentication procedure as performed validly between the mobile terminal100and the second external terminal1120.

Meanwhile, when all of the mobile terminal100and the external terminals1110,1120and1130activate the same mode, a mode screen can be shared with each other without performing a separate pre-registration process or a separate authentication procedure. For instance, if the mobile terminal100and the external terminals1110,1120and1130activate a specific mode (particularly, a business mode), the corresponding mode screen can be shared with each other.

Referring toFIG. 11A, the mobile terminal100and the external terminals1110,1120and1130are able to share a mode screen via the company server300. Alternatively, the mobile terminal100and the external terminals1110,1120and1130can share a mode screen in direct without using the company server300.

Referring toFIGS. 11B to 11D, when there are a plurality of terminals including the mobile terminal100and the plurality of external terminals1110,1120,1130and1140, a specific one of the terminals displays screens of the rest of the terminals. Moreover, the specific terminal can support interactions among the screens of the rest of the terminals.

For instance, the 4thexternal terminal1140(example of the specific terminal) plays a role as a mother screen and can receive and display the screens currently displayed on the mobile terminal100and the 1stto 3rdexternal terminals1110,1120and1130, respectively.

In particular, referring toFIG. 11C, if the mobile terminal100and the 1stto 3rdexternal terminals1110,1120and1130execute 1stto 4thapplications, respectively, the 4thexternal terminal1140receives 1stto 4thexecuted screens of the 1stto 4thapplications and is then able to display the received 1stto 4thexecuted screens on regions1141to1144, respectively.

According to the above-described embodiment, when a plurality of user terminals participates in a conference, and assuming that screens of the plurality of the terminals are displayed on a mother screen, if each of the users inputs a specific opinion using his or her terminal, all opinions of the entire users can be displayed on a single screen using the mother screen.

Referring toFIG. 11E, the mobile terminal100can display an indicator corresponding to an external terminal, which is available for a screen sharing with the mobile terminal100, using the display unit151under the control of the controller180.

For instance, the screen-sharing available external terminal can include one of an external terminal previously registered as an information sharing terminal, and external terminal having a valid authentication procedure performed for an information sharing, an external terminal having activated the same mode (particularly, a business mode) of the mobile terminal100and the like. And, the screen-sharing available external terminal can be situated within a predetermined distance from the mobile terminal100.

Specifically, referring toFIG. 11E, if the mobile terminal100activates a business mode, it displays external terminals1110,1120,1130and1140, each of which activates the business mode, only (FIG. 11E(a)). Alternatively, if the mobile terminal100activates a business mode, it displays all external terminals1110,1120,1130,1140,1150and1160, each of which activates a private mode or a business mode, but displays the external terminals1110,1120,1130and1140, each of which activates the business mode, identifiably (FIG. 11E(b)).

Moreover, the mobile terminal100activates the camera121and is then able to display a corresponding indicator at a position corresponding to a screen-sharing available external terminal on an image currently input via the camera121(using augmented reality). In doing so, a map image or a virtual image can be substituted for the image input via the camera121.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal100can display a list including an indicator of a screen-sharing available external terminal.

In the following description, while a mode screen is shared with a plurality of terminals capable of implementing a plurality of modes, and when a signal related to a deactivated mode is detected, a display controlling method is explained.

FIG. 12is a first flowchart for a method of controlling a mode screen display in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

For clarity and convenience of the following description, a plurality of modes is limited to a first mode and a second mode. While both of the first and second modes are implemented, assume that the first or second mode is selectively activated in accordance with a mode switching. An application executed in the first and second modes is named a common application. And, an application executed in either the first mode or the second mode can be named a dedicated application.

Referring toFIG. 12, while a first mode and a second mode are implemented, the mobile terminal100activates the first mode under the control of the controller180(S1210). In doing so, if an operating system is designated per mode, the controller180can implement the first mode and the second mode using a first individual operating system and a second individual operating system (i.e., a first OS and a second OS in multi-OS) corresponding to the first mode and the second mode, respectively. If an operating system per mode is common, the controller180can implement the first mode and the second mode using a common operating system (i.e., a single OS).

In the first mode activating step S1210, in case of executing a common application, the mobile terminal100can execute the common application in accordance with a feature corresponding to the first mode. For instance, when the first mode and the common application are a private mode and a phonebook, respectively, the mobile terminal100can display a counterpart information list including counterpart information associated with the private mode or a specific counterpart information including a data field corresponding to the private mode.

In the following description, a mode activated in case of OS booting per multi-OS type (cf.FIGS. 4A to 4C) is explained in detail

First of all, multi-OS types can include a first multi-OS type (e.g., Guest OS1and Guest OS2included: This type corresponds to a first scheme) and a second multi-OS type (e.g., Host OS and Guest OS: This type corresponds to a second scheme.). Assume that Guest OS1or Host OS corresponds to a private mode. And, assume that Guest OS2or Guest OS corresponds to a business mode.

According to the first multi-OS type, if the hypervisor included in the controller180is driven, the mobile terminal100can boot Guest OS1and Guest OS2simultaneously or sequentially. If a specific one of a private mode and a business mode is selected by a user or the controller180, the mobile terminal100can activate the specific mode on the Guest OS corresponding to the selected specific mode. Meanwhile, when the specific mode selecting step is omitted, the mobile terminal100can activate the private mode using the Guest OS1designated as default.

According to the second multi-OS type, the mobile terminal100preferentially boots the Host OS corresponding to the private mode and is then able to preload the Guest OS corresponding to the business mode, under the control of the controller180. The mobile terminal100activates the private mode on the Host OS. When the pre-loaded Guest OS is booted, the mobile terminal100can activate the business mode on the Guest OS. Meanwhile, the mobile terminal100can post-load the Guest OS.

In doing so, in case of pre-loading the Guest OS, an initial OS booting takes a considerable time. Yet, since two operating systems are already booted after completion of the booting, a mode switching can be quickly performed. In case of post-loading the Guest OS, an initial OS booting is quickly performed. Yet, in case of switching a current mode to a mode corresponding to the Guest OS, it may take a considerable time for a mode switching due to the time consumption attributed to the Guest OS booting.

Referring now toFIG. 12, in the activating step S1210, the mobile terminal100can activate either the first mode or the second mode in accordance with a user selection or a prescribed reference in case of an operating system booting, under the control of the controller180.

For instance, in case of the single OS, any one of the first and second modes can be activated in accordance with the single OS booting. In another instance, in case of the multi-OS, a mode selected by a user from the first mode and the second mode or a firstly booting completed one of the first mode and the second mode is activated in accordance with the simultaneous booting of the multi-OS or a mode corresponding to the preferentially booted OS in accordance with the sequential booting of the multi-OS can be activated.

In particular, in case of the sequential booting of the multi-OS, the mobile terminal100can preferentially boot the OS, which meets a prescribed condition, under the control of the controller180. For instance, the controller180can preferentially boot the OS that meets one of the conditions such as an OS having a preferential booting order, an OS designated by a user to be preferentially booted and an OS supporting a mode corresponding to a current terminal status. For instance, if a current terminal location corresponds to a specific place corresponding to a specific mode or a current hour belongs to a specific time corresponding to a specific mode, a specific mode can be preferentially activated in case of booting an operating system.

Meanwhile, under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100displays a screen of a first mode (hereinafter named a first mode screen) using the display unit151while the first mode is activated (S1220).

For instance, the first mode screen can include one of an executed screen of a specific application in case of executing the specific application in the mobile terminal100, a display screen of a specific content/data in case of outputting the specific content/data from the mobile terminal100, a standby screen in a standby state of the first mode, and the like.

The mobile terminal100transmits the first mode screen using the wireless communication unit110under the control of the controller180(S1230).

In the transmitting step S1230, the mobile terminal directly transmits the first mode screen to at least one external terminal capable of sharing a mode screen (hereinafter named a sharable terminal) (1) or enables the company server300to transmit the first mode screen to at least one sharable terminal by transmitting the first mode screen to the company server300(2). Therefore, the first mode screen of the mobile terminal100can be shared with the sharable terminal.

The mobile terminal100directly receives a mode screen of a mode currently activated by at least one sharable terminal from the at least one sharable terminal or can receive the mode screen via the company server300. Therefore, the mode screen of the sharable terminal can be shared with the mobile terminal100.

In this case, the mobile terminal100displays both of the first mode screen and the received mode screen on a single screen (1) (cf.FIG. 15C) or can selectively display the first mode screen or the received mode screen (2) (cf.FIG. 15A,FIG. 15B).

The mobile terminal100can select at least one sharable terminal in accordance with a selection made by a user, the controller180or the company server300. The mobile terminal100is then able to share the mode screen with the selected at least one sharable terminal.

Regarding the case of the selection made by the user, the mobile terminal100displays indicators of a plurality of sharable terminals on a screen (cf.FIG. 11E). If a user selects a specific one of the displayed indicators, the mobile terminal100can share the mode screen with the sharable terminal corresponding to the selected specific indicator.

Regarding the case of the selection made by the controller180, the controller180selects an external terminal, which activates the same mode of the mobile terminal100, among external terminals located within a predetermined distance from the mobile terminal100, an external terminal having transmitted a mode screen sharing request signal to the mobile terminal100, or an external terminal having received a mode screen sharing request signal from the mobile terminal100as a sharable terminal and is then able to share a mode screen with the selected sharable terminal.

Regarding the case of the selection made by the company server300, the company server300selects a business mode activated external terminal (particularly, an external terminal located within a predetermined distance (e.g., inside a company) from the company server300) as a sharable terminal. And, the mobile terminal100can share a mode screen with the external terminal selected as the sharable terminal by the company server300. In doing so, the mobile terminal100should activate the business mode as well.

Moreover, the mobile terminal100can transmit a mode switching request signal to an external terminal failing to activate the same mode of the mobile terminal100using the wireless communication unit110under the control of the controller180.

For instance, the mode switching request signal can include information (e.g., first mode) on a switching target mode, information (e.g., phone number, rank, level, etc.) on a terminal making a switching request, information on a mode screen sharing request and the like. Therefore, if an external terminal receives a mode switching request signal, it activates the first mode like the mobile terminal100and is then able to set a state for sharing a mode screen with the mobile terminal100.

In the process for transmitting and receiving a mode screen, the mobile terminal100can transmit or receive a mode screen to correspond to a prescribed level. This shall be described in detail with reference to the following drawings includingFIG. 20and the like.

The mobile terminal100controls the first mode screen of the activated first mode to be displayed on the at least one sharable terminal under the control of the controller180(S1240).

In this case, the sharable terminal can be regarded as activating the first mode like the mobile terminal100. Moreover, the mobile terminal100transmits a mode switching request signal to an external terminal failing to activate the first mode, thereby leading the corresponding external terminal to switch its mode to the first mode, which shall be described later). Specifically, the first mode can include a business mode.

In the controlling step S1240, the mobile terminal100can control the first mode screen to be displayed on the corresponding sharable terminal to be suitable for a display configuration (e.g., a screen size, a screen resolution, etc.) of the sharable terminal that will display the first mode screen. In particular, if the mobile terminal100and the sharable terminal differ from each other in the display configuration, the first mode screen is modified to correspond to the display configuration of the sharable terminal. Therefore, the first mode screen can be displayed on the corresponding sharable terminal.

The step S1240of controlling the display of the first mode screen is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in the following description. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that both of the mobile terminal100and the sharable terminal have activated the business mode. And, assume that the sharable terminal sets a name of the mobile terminal100to Tom. Moreover, assume that the mobile terminal100sets a name of the sharable terminal to Jane.

FIG. 13is a diagram of a display configuration of a mode screen of a mobile terminal in a currently activated mode according to the present invention. InFIG. 13, as the mobile terminal100executes a document search/read application in a currently activated business mode, a screen corresponding to Document1is displayed as a mode screen.

FIGS. 14A to 14Care diagrams of display configurations of a my-mode screen and a counterpart mode screen in a sharable terminal according to the present invention. InFIGS. 14A to 14C, the sharable terminal displays a received email check screen as a my-mode screen by executing an email application in a business mode and displays a screen corresponding to the Document1as a counterpart mode screen.

Referring toFIG. 14A, a sharable terminal includes a key zone1401for receiving a selection of a my-mode screen and a key zone1402for receiving a selection of a counterpart mode screen on a screen. If the key zone1401is selected, the sharable terminal can display a received email check screen (FIG. 14A(a)). If the key zone1402is selected, the sharable terminal can display a screen corresponding to Document1(FIG. 14A(b)).

Referring toFIG. 14B, a sharable terminal displays a tag1401indicating that a currently displayed mode screen is a my-mode screen and a tag1402indicating that a currently displayed mode screen is a counterpart mode screen on a screen. If the tag1401is activated, the sharable terminal can display a received email check screen (FIG. 14A(a)). If the tag1402is activated, the sharable terminal can display a screen corresponding to Document1(FIG. 14A(b)). Of course, using the tags1401and1402, it is able to select a mode screen to display on the screen (cf.FIG. 14A).

Referring toFIG. 14C, a sharable terminal partitions a screen into a plurality of regions including a first region and a second region. The sharable terminal is then able to display a received email check screen and a screen corresponding to Document1on the first region and the second region, respectively. In this case, an indicator1401indicating a corresponding mode screen is a my-mode screen and an indicator1402indicating that a corresponding mode screen is a counterpart mode screen can be displayed on the first region and the second region, respectively.

Next,FIGS. 15A to 15Dare diagrams of display configurations of a my-mode screen and a counterpart mode screen in a mobile terminal according to the present invention. In the drawings, the mobile terminal100displays a screen corresponding to Document1as a my-mode screen and a received email check screen as a counterpart mode screen.

Referring toFIG. 15A, the mobile terminal100includes a key zone1501for receiving a selection of a my-mode screen and a key zone1502for receiving a selection of a counterpart mode screen on the screen. If the key zone1501is selected, the mobile terminal100displays a screen corresponding to Document1.

Referring toFIG. 15B, the mobile terminal100displays a tab1501indicating that a currently displayed mode screen is a my-mode screen or a tab1502indicating that a currently displayed mode screen is a counterpart mode screen on the screen. If the tab1501is activated, the mobile terminal100displays a screen corresponding to Document1.

Referring toFIG. 15C, the mobile terminal100partitions a screen into a plurality of regions including a first region and a second region. The mobile terminal100is then able to display a screen corresponding to Document1and a received email check screen on the first region and the second region, respectively. In this case, an indicator1501indicating a corresponding mode screen is a my-mode screen and an indicator1502indicating that a corresponding mode screen is a counterpart mode screen can be displayed on the first region and the second region, respectively.

Furthermore, referring toFIG. 15D, when there exists a specific external terminal operating as a mother screen, the specific external terminal receives a screen corresponding to Document1as a mode screen of the mobile terminal100and a received email check screen as a mode screen of a sharable terminal1110and is then able to display the screen corresponding to the Document1and the received email check screen on first and second regions of a whole screen, respectively. In this case, an indicator100-1/1110-1indicating that a corresponding mode screen is the mode screen of a specific one of the terminals can be displayed on each of the regions.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal100can check that the mode screen transmitted by the mobile terminal100itself is displayed on the sharable terminal by a prescribed scheme (cf.FIGS. 14A to 14C). In particular, when a partial region of the mode screen of the mobile terminal100is controlled to be displayed on the sharable terminal only, the mobile terminal100can confirm that the partial region is displayed as the mode screen of the mobile terminal100on the sharable terminal only. For instance, the checked scheme can include one of a popup window scheme, an overlay scheme, a screen partition scheme and the like. And, the confirmation operation can be performed in case of receiving an input of a confirm command from a user or can be performed arbitrarily by the controller180.

Next,FIGS. 16A to 16Care diagrams for displaying a mode screen in a plurality of terminals by dividing the mode screen into a plurality of objects according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, under the control of the controller180, if a first mode screen includes a plurality of objects, the mobile terminal100controls a plurality of the objects to be displayed in a manner of being distributed on a plurality of sharable terminals, respectively (Case (1)), or is able to control a plurality of the objects to be displayed in a manner of being distributed on the mobile terminal100and at least one sharable terminal, respectively (Case (2)). In the case (1), the first mode screen is entirely displayed on the mobile terminal100. In the case (2), a corresponding object included in the first mode screen can be displayed on the mobile terminal100only.

For the case (1), referring toFIG. 16A, the mobile terminal100controls a first object (e.g., a text region displayed on a screen top) in a screen (e.g., an example of the first mode screen) corresponding to Document1to be displayed on a first sharable terminal1120(FIG. 16A(a)), controls a second object (e.g., an image and text region displayed on a screen center) in the screen corresponding to Document1to be displayed on a second sharable terminal1130(FIG. 16A(b)), and controls a third object (e.g., an approval zone displayed on a screen bottom) in the screen corresponding to Document1to be displayed on a third sharable terminal1130(FIG. 16A(c)).

For the case (2), referring toFIG. 16BandFIG. 16C, the mobile terminal100recognizes a URL window1602, a bookmark1603, a webpage1601and a keyboard1604included in a webpage access screen (e.g., an example of the first mode screen) as objects and then displays the recognized objects1602,1603,1601and1604in a manner that the recognized objects1602,1603,1601and1604are distributed on a plurality of sharable terminals including the mobile terminal100, respectively.

In particular, referring toFIG. 16C, the mobile terminal100controls the webpage1601, the URL window1602and the bookmark1603, and the keyboard1604to be displayed on the mobile terminal100, the first sharable terminal1110and the second sharable terminal1120, respectively.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal100can recognize a my-image region, a counterpart image region, a substitute image region, a call time display region, a counterpart information display region and the like as objects of the first mode screen and then displays the recognized objects in a manner of distributing the recognized objects to a plurality of sharable terminals (possible to include the mobile terminal100).

Meanwhile, a terminal (e.g., a sharable terminal or mobile terminal100included) for displaying a corresponding object can request an authentication procedure for displaying the corresponding object. And, the corresponding terminal can display the corresponding object only if the authentication procedure is validly completed. For instance, when a corresponding object itself or a mode screen including the corresponding object requires a security over a predetermined reference, the authentication procedure can be requested.

FIGS. 17A to 17Dare diagrams for not displaying or identifiably displaying a partial region of a mode screen in a sharable terminal according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, the mobile terminal100can control at least one sharable terminal not to display a partial region of a first mode screen or to identifiably display the partial region under the control of the controller180.

Referring toFIG. 17A, the mobile terminal100receives an input of a setting action on a partial region1710from a user (FIG. 17A(a)) and then displays a window1720for enabling the user to select a display effect on the partial region1710(FIG. 17A(b)).

For instance, the setting action on the partial region1710can include one of a touch & drag action from one corner of a diagonal line of the partial region1710to another corner, an action of drawing the partial region1710, a touch action on a specific point belonging to the partial region1710for a predetermined period of time and the like. When the partial region1710is a specific object, a touch action on a prescribed point of the partial region1710can be included in the setting action. For instance, the selectable display effect can include at least one of a display restriction, an identifiable display, a zoom-in/zoom-out display and the like.

Referring toFIG. 17B, if the display restriction is selected inFIG. 17A, the mobile terminal100controls the rest of the first mode screen except the partial region1710to be displayed on the sharable terminal only.

Referring toFIG. 17C, when the identifiable display is selected inFIG. 17A, the mobile terminal100can control the first mode screen having the partial region1710identifiably displayed to be displayed on the sharable terminal. For instance, the identifiable display can include one of a box treatment, a highlight treatment, a display in color different from that of the rest region, a display in font different from that of the rest region and the like.

Referring toFIG. 17D, if the zoom-in/zoom-out display is selected inFIG. 17A, the mobile terminal100can control the first mode screen, in which the partial region1710is displayed by zoom-in or zoom-out, to be displayed on a sharable terminal.

Referring back toFIG. 12, in the controlling step S1240, the mobile terminal100controls a first mode screen to be displayed on at least one sharable terminal to correspond to a prescribed level (1-1) or controls a whole part or a portion of the first mode screen not to be displayed on the at least one sharable terminal to correspond to the prescribed level (1-2) (e.g., a case in which a my-mode screen is displayed on another terminal), under the control of the controller180. Moreover, in the controlling step S1240, the mobile terminal100controls the display unit151to display a mode screen of at least one sharable terminal to correspond to a prescribed level (2-1) or controls the display unit151not to display a whole part or a portion of the mode screen of the at least one sharable terminal to correspond to the prescribed level (2-2) (e.g., a case in which a mode screen of another terminal is displayed on my terminal), under the control of the controller180. This shall be described in detail with reference to the following drawings includingFIG. 20.

Under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100detects a signal related not to a currently activated first mode but to a second mode (e.g., example of a deactivated mode) (S1250). In particular, the controller180can further include a separate component for a signal detection or can include each component different in accordance with a type of a signal.

For instance, the signal related to the second mode can include a call transceiving, a message transceiving, a data transceiving via instant messaging service, or a data transceiving via a social networking service with a counterpart terminal corresponding to the second mode and can include a schedule alarm for a schedule corresponding to the second mode. Moreover, the signal related to the second mode can include a reception of call/message/others data in which a user information corresponding to the second mode is set to a transmitting side information.

In this case, the counterpart terminal corresponding to the second mode can include a counterpart terminal in which information (e.g., phone number, email address, ID subscribed to instant messaging service, ID subscribed to social networking service, etc.) is stored in a manner of being linked to a counterpart information management application (e.g., a phonebook, etc.) executed in the second mode. And, the schedule corresponding to the second mode can include a schedule stored in a manner of being linked to a schedule management application executed in the second mode. Moreover, the user information corresponding to the second mode can include user information (e.g., phone number, name, instant messaging service ID, email address, etc.) set for the second mode in consideration of a fact that a user information can be set different per mode on the mobile terminal100.

In case of detecting the signal related to the second mode in the detecting step S1250, the mobile terminal100outputs a signal indication information via the output unit150under the control of the controller180(S1260).

For instance, the signal indication information is displayed on a prescribed region of the screen or within a popup window while the first mode screen keeps being displayed. The signal indication information is visually outputted using at least one of a text, an image, an icon, a lamp (e.g., LED lamp) and the like, is audibly outputted using at least one of an alarm sound, an alarm voice, an alarm bell sound and the like, or can be tactily outputted using vibration or the like.

Optionally, the outputting step S1260is not performed in accordance with a user selection or can be interrupted in the course of being executed. And, an output type (this shall be described later) of the signal indication information can be determined in accordance with a user selection or a selection made by the controller180.

Under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100controls the signal indication information of the detected signal not to be displayed on at least one sharable terminal (S1270) or controls the signal indication information of the detected signal to be displayed on a specific terminal, which meets a prescribed condition, among at least one or more sharable terminals only (S1280).

In this case, the sharable terminal can include an external terminal currently displaying the first mode screen of the mobile terminal100under the control of the controller180.

In the controlling step S1270, the controller180can control the sharable terminal not to display the signal indication information in order to avoid interrupting the display of the first mode screen in the sharable terminal or in order to keep the security of information on a mode in which a mode screen of the mobile terminal100is not shared.

In this case, the controller180can control the wireless communication unit110not to transmit the signal indication information to the sharable terminal or the company server300. Alternatively, even if the company server300receives the signal indication information, it may not transmit the received signal indication information to the sharable terminal. Moreover, although the sharable terminal receives signal indication information, if it determines that the received signal indication information is the signal indication information on a mode different from its activated mode, it may not display the received signal indication information.

In the controlling step S1280, the controller180can control the wireless communication unit110to transmit the signal indication information to a specific terminal, which meets a prescribed condition, among the at least one or more sharable terminals only. The company server300receives the signal indication information from the mobile terminal100and then confirms a specific terminal that meets a prescribed condition. Only if the prescribed condition is met, the sharable terminal can display the received signal indication information.

For instance, the prescribed condition can include at least one of an external terminal having intimacy with the mobile terminal100over a predetermined level, an external terminal selected to share the signal indication information by a user of the mobile terminal100, an external terminal related to the detected signal, and an external terminal stored as counterpart information corresponding to the second mode.

In particular, the external terminal having the intimacy with the mobile terminal100over the predetermined level can include one of a terminal having transceived a predetermined count of messages or calls with the mobile terminal100for a predetermined period of time, a terminal designated as a preferred counterpart by the mobile terminal100and the like. The external terminal related to the detected signal can include one of a terminal belonging to the same group of a counterpart terminal (this shall be described later) corresponding to the detected signal, a terminal of a participant of a schedule (this shall be described later) corresponding to the detected signal, a terminal transceiving a message with a counterpart terminal when the detected signal is a message transceiving, and the like. And, the external terminal stored as counterpart information corresponding to the second mode can include a terminal having its information (e.g., phone number, name, email address, instant messaging service ID, etc.) stored in a manner of being linked to a counterpart information management application executed in the second mode.

In the controlling step S1280, the mobile terminal100can set an open extent of the signal indication information to be different for at least one sharable terminal under the control of the controller180. Of course, the open extent can be set in accordance with a user selection as well.

For instance, the signal indication information is set not to become open in the first sharable terminal, a signal type of the signal indication information is set to become open in the second sharable terminal, a generated hour and signal type of the signal indication information are set to become open in the third sharable terminal, and all the signal indication information can be set to become open in the fourth sharable terminal.

In the following description, the controlling step S1280is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 18A to 18D. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a call signal related to a private mode is received in a business mode activated state.

FIGS. 18A to 18Dare diagrams for displaying signal indication information in an external terminal when a mobile terminal detects a signal related to a deactivated mode according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 18A, in case of receiving a call signal related to a private mode, the mobile terminal100can display an indication information1810indicating the call signal reception (FIG. 18A(a)) and displays a window1820for enabling a display condition of the indication information1810on a sharable terminal to be selected (FIG. 18A(b)). Of course, the display condition selecting process can be omitted. If the display condition selecting process is omitted, the indication information can be displayed on the sharable terminal, which meets a prescribed condition, only.

For instance, the indication information1810can include a counterpart information (e.g., a phone number, a name, etc.) on a counterpart having transmitted a call signal, a text indicating that a call signal has been received, a call connect key zone, a call reject key zone and the like. And, the display condition can include a display restriction (e.g., impossible to display indication information on any sharable terminal), a total display (e.g., indication information displayed on all sharable terminals), a partial display (e.g., indication information displayed on a sharable terminal that meets a prescribed condition), and the like. Moreover, a specific part, which is to be displayed on a sharable terminal, of a whole indication information can be included in the display condition. In this case, the specific part can be set per sharable terminal.

Referring toFIGS. 18B to 18D, the mobile terminal100controls a sharable terminal to display an information1830indicating a signal type (FIG. 18B), controls a sharable terminal to display an information1840indicating a signal type and a counterpart having transmitted a call signal (FIG. 18C), or can control a sharable terminal to display an information1850indicating a mode to which a detected signal corresponds (FIG. 18D).

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal100can control a sharable terminal to display a further detailed signal indication information if an intimacy with the mobile terminal100increases. And, the mobile terminal100can set a display extent or type of a signal indication information to be different per sharable terminal.

Referring again toFIG. 12, the mobile terminal100can switch a current mode to the second mode corresponding to the signal detected in the detecting step S1250under the control of the controller180. As the mobile terminal100switches the first mode to the second mode, the mobile terminal100deactivates the first mode and activates the second mode.

In particular, when activating the second mode, the mobile terminal100can execute a specific application indicated by the detected signal. For instance, if the detected signal is a call reception, the mobile terminal100executes a call application. If the detected signal is a message reception, the mobile terminal100can execute a message application.

In case of the switching to the second mode, the controller180determines whether a conditional access is set on the second mode. When the conditional access is set on the second mode, the current mode can be switched to the second mode only if an authentication procedure is validly performed.

For instance, when the first mode and the second mode are a private mode and a business mode, it can be said that a conditional access is set. Moreover, if the authentication procedure for the switching (or entry) to the second mode is successful, the authentication procedure can be skipped in case of performing a re-switching (or re-entry) to the second mode in the future. For instance, in case of a re-switching for a predetermined period of time (e.g., duty hours, a day, a week, etc.), a re-switching between a terminal-on and a terminal-off, or the like, it is able to skip the authentication procedure.

In the following description, the mode switching in multi-OS environment is explained in detail.

First of all, according to a first multi-OS scheme, while a private mode or a business mode is activated, if a command signal for a mode switching is detected, the mobile terminal100can activate the business mode or the private mode. According to a second multi-OS scheme, while a private mode or a business mode is activated, if a command signal for a mode switching is detected, the mobile terminal100can activate the business mode or the private mode.

In particular, when a business mode is switched to a private mode, if there exists an application previously executed in the private mode, an executed state of the previously-executed application is entered. If there does not exist an application previously executed in the private mode, HOME state (e.g., first scheme) of the private mode or HOME state (e.g., second scheme) of the business mode can be entered. This is applicable to the switching to the business mode from the private mode as well.

When the first mode is switched to the second mode, under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100can control a first mode screen, which was displayed right before the switching to the second mode, to keep being displayed on at least one sharable terminal. In doing so, the mobile terminal100can display a screen of the second mode (hereinafter named a second mode screen) in accordance with the switching to the second mode using the display unit151. This is to keep sharing the mode screen before the switching with another external terminal despite the mode switching.

Moreover, when the first mode screen is set to keep being displayed on the at least one sharable terminal despite the switching to the second mode, the mobile terminal100controls the display unit151to display a key zone for controlling the first mode screen on a prescribed region of the screen while the second mode screen is displayed (1) or can control the display unit151to display the first mode screen and the second mode screen on a first region and a second region of the screen, respectively, in a manner of partitioning the screen into a plurality of regions including the first region and the second region (2), under the control of the controller180.

This is described in detail with reference toFIGS. 19A to 19Cas follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that the mobile terminal100has switched a business mode to a private mode. Assume that a sharable terminal activates the business mode. And, assume that a screen corresponding to Document1was displayed as a mode screen of the business mode right before the switching to the private mode.

FIGS. 19A to 19Care diagrams of screen configurations for a method of controlling a mode screen in case of switching to another mode, while the mode screen is shared, according to the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 19A to 19C, as a call signal received in an activated state of a private mode is connected, the mobile terminal performs a speech call and can display a voice call connection screen as a mode screen of the private mode.

In particular, referring toFIG. 19A, while the voice call connection screen is displayed, the mobile terminal100can display a key zone1910on a prescribed region of the screen to control a display of the screen corresponding to Document1in a sharable region. For instance, the key zone1910can include a shift key to a next page (Next), a shift key to a previous page (Pre), a display stop key (STOP), a mode switch key (Switch) and the like.

Therefore, a user can input a display control command for the screen corresponding to Document1shared with a sharable terminal by manipulating the key zone1910.

Referring toFIG. 19B, the mobile terminal100partitions the screen into a plurality of regions including a first region and a second region and is then able to display the voice call connection screen and the screen corresponding to Document1on the first region1920and the second region1930, respectively. In this case, if the first region1920is activated, it can be said that the private mode is activated. If the second region1930is activated, it can be said that the business mode is activated.

Therefore, as the second region1930is activated, the user can input the display control command for the screen corresponding to Document1shared with the sharable terminal.

Referring toFIG. 19C, if a key1940for receiving an input of a switching command for a switching to the business mode is selected, the mobile terminal100switches a current mode to the business mode. As the business mode is activated, the mobile terminal100can receive an input of the display command signal for the screen corresponding to Document1.

In the following description, when a mode screen is shared with a plurality of terminals capable of implementing a plurality of modes, a method of controlling a display of a shared mode screen to correspond to a prescribed level is explained.

FIG. 20is a second flowchart for a method of controlling a mode screen display in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. And,FIG. 21is a third flowchart for a method of controlling a mode screen display in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode.

Referring toFIG. 20, the mobile terminal100transmits a first mode screen of a currently activated first mode using the wireless communication unit110under the control of the controller180(S2030).

In the transmitting step S2030, the mobile terminal100transmits the first mode screen to each of at least one or more sharable terminals to correspond to a prescribed level (1), transmits the first mode screen to the company server300to enable the first mode screen to be transmitted to at least one sharable terminal to correspond to a prescribed level (2), or transmits the first mode screen to a sharable terminal collectively to enable a display restriction to be performed by the sharable terminal in accordance with a prescribed level.

In this case, the sharable terminal can include an external terminal capable to sharing a mode screen with the mobile terminal100or an external terminal in the course of sharing the mode screen with the mobile terminal100(This shall be described in detail later.). The sharable terminal can be in the activated state of the first mode like the mobile terminal100. In this case, the first mode can include a business mode. In case of attempting to share a mode screen with an external terminal having activated a mode different from its mode, the mobile terminal100can control the wireless communication unit110to transmit a mode switching request signal to the external terminal in the activated state of the different mode under the control of the controller180.

The descriptions of the sharable terminal and the mode switching request signal can refer to the former descriptions in this disclosure.

Moreover, the prescribed level can include at least one of a level of a content displayed on the first mode screen, a level of the at least one sharable terminal, and a level of the mobile terminal100. In particular, the level of the content can include one of a level set on the content itself, a level of an application associated with the content, a level of data associated with the content and the like. The level of the sharable terminal or the mobile terminal can be determined in accordance with an in-company rank, a duty property, a belonging department and the like of a user (or a possessor) of the corresponding terminal.

The mobile terminal100controls the first mode screen to be displayed on the at least one sharable terminal to corresponding to the prescribed level (This shall be described in detail later.) under the control of the controller180(S2040).

The controlling step S2040is described in detail as follows.

First of all, according to a first case, the mobile terminal100compares a level of the mobile terminal100to a level of at least one sharable terminal under the control of the controller180. In accordance with a result of the comparison, the mobile terminal100controls the whole part or portion of a first mode screen not to be displayed on the sharable terminal having the level lower than that of the mobile terminal100. In accordance with the result of the comparison, the mobile terminal100can control the whole part of the first mode screen to be displayed on the sharable terminal having the level equal to or higher than that of the mobile terminal100.

Secondly, according to a second case, under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100determines a level of at least one sharable terminal, controls a first mode screen to be displayed on a terminal having a highest level among the at least one or more sharable terminals, and controls the first mode screen not to be displayed on the rest of the sharable terminals.

Thirdly, according to a third case, under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100compares a level of a content displayed on a first mode screen to a level of at least one sharable terminal. In accordance with a result of the comparison, the mobile terminal100controls the whole part or portion of the first mode screen not to be displayed on the sharable terminal having a level lower than that of the content. In accordance with the result of the comparison, the mobile terminal100controls the entire first mode screen to be displayed on the sharable terminal having the level equal to or higher than that of the content.

Moreover, in the transmitting step S2030, under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100controls the wireless communication unit110not to transmit the first mode screen to the sharable terminal having the level lower than the level of the mobile terminal100(or the level of the content) or to transmit a portion of the first mode screen to correspond to a prescribed level (1). Alternatively, the mobile terminal100can control the wireless communication unit110to transmit the whole first mode screen to the sharable terminal having the level equal to or higher than the level of the mobile terminal100(or the content level) under the control of the controller180(2).

This is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 22 to 24Cas follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a business mode is activated in the mobile terminal and a plurality of sharable terminals.

FIG. 22is a diagram for displaying a mode screen of a currently activated mode in a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 22, the mobile terminal100executes a document read/search application. And, a screen (e.g., example of a first mode screen) corresponding to Document1is correspondingly displayed. In this case, assume that a level of the mobile terminal100or a level of Document1displayed on the screen is Level3.

FIG. 23AandFIG. 23Bare first diagrams for displaying a mode screen in an external terminal in accordance with a prescribed level according to the present invention.

InFIG. 23AandFIG. 23B, a first mode screen is displayed on a sharable terminal having a level lower than that of the mobile terminal100or Document1. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a level of the sharable terminal is set to Level1or Level2lower than Level3.

Referring toFIG. 23A, in case of receiving an input of a display command for a mode screen of the mobile terminal100, a sharable terminal1110or1120can output an information indicating that the mode screen of the mobile terminal100is not displayable since a level of the mobile terminal100or Document1is higher than a level of the sharable terminal1110or1120.

Alternatively, the sharable terminal1110or1120may not display the mode screen of the mobile terminal without outputting the information indicating that the mode screen of the mobile terminal100is not displayable.

Referring toFIG. 23B, in displaying the mode screen of the mobile terminal100, the first sharable terminal1110displays a region Content1of a screen corresponding to Document1to correspond to Level1that is the level of the first sharable terminal1110(FIG. 23B(a)). And, the second sharable terminal1120can display a region Content1and a region Content2of the screen corresponding to Document1to correspond to Level2that is the level of the second sharable terminal (FIG. 23B(b)).

FIGS. 24A to 24Care second diagrams for displaying a mode screen in an external terminal in accordance with a prescribed level according to the present invention.

InFIGS. 24A to 24C, a first mode screen is displayed on a sharable terminal having a level equal to or higher than that of the mobile terminal100or Document1. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a level of the sharable terminal is set to Level4higher than a level of the mobile terminal100or Document1. Of course, a level of the sharable terminal can be set to Level3equal to a level of the mobile terminal100or Document1.

Referring toFIG. 24A, a third sharable terminal1130has a level set to Level4higher than a level of the mobile terminal100. Therefore, the third sharable terminal1130can display the whole mode screen of the mobile terminal100.

Referring toFIG. 24B, since a level of a mode screen of the third sharable terminal1130is set to Level4that is the highest level among a plurality of sharable terminals (e.g., the mobile terminal100and first to third sharable terminals1110,1120and1130), each of the mobile terminal100, the first sharable terminal1110and the second sharable terminal1120can display the mode screen. In doing so, each of the mobile terminal100, the first sharable terminal1110and the second sharable terminal1120displays a mode screen of its own only or can display a mode screen of the terminal having the level equal to or lower than that of the corresponding terminal.

Referring toFIG. 24C, when an approval region is included in a screen corresponding to Document1, regions of the screen corresponding to Document1except the approval region are displayed on a sharable terminal1110having no approval authority. And, a whole screen corresponding to Document1including the approval region can be displayed on the sharable terminal1130having the approval authority.

Referring toFIGS. 22 to 24C, each of the mobile terminal100and first to third sharable terminals1110,1120and1130includes a terminal identity region, in which indicators of terminals (e.g., my terminal or user terminal included) sharing a mode screen are contained, provided to a prescribed region of a screen and can identifiably display the indicator of the terminal corresponding to a currently displayed mode screen. If a specific indicator included in the terminal identity region is selected, a display command signal for the mode screen of the terminal corresponding to the selected specific indicator can be input. Moreover, the indicator corresponding to the terminal having a level higher than a my-terminal level or the terminal, which is displaying a content of a terminal having a level higher than a level of my terminal, is displayed as a selection-impossible state (e.g., blurred, dotted-line box, etc.) or may not be displayed as all.

Of course, each of the mobile terminal100and first to third sharable terminals1110,1120and1130can display a mode screen of another terminal (i.e., a mode screen provided by another terminal) and the my-mode screen on a single screen or can display the corresponding mode screens in a manner of turning pages.

Referring now toFIG. 20, in the controlling step S2040, when the first mode screen is constructed with at least one or more objects, the mobile terminal100can control the at least one object to be displayed on at least one sharable terminal in a manner of being distributed on the at least one sharable terminal to correspond to a prescribed level under the control of the controller180.

When the first mode screen includes a plurality of objects, a plurality of the objects can be displayed in a manner of being distributed on the mobile terminal100and at least one sharable terminal to correspond to a prescribed level. In this case, the objects displayed on the different terminals are different from each other or can be identical to each other entirely or in part.

Moreover, a displayable level or a non-displayable level can be set on each of a plurality of the objects included in the first mode screen. The corresponding object is displayed on the terminal having a level equal to or higher than the set displayable level. Yet, the corresponding object is not displayable on the terminal having a level equal to or lower than the set non-displayable level.

This is explained with reference toFIG. 25AandFIG. 25Bas follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a content1region, a content2region, a content3region and an approval region are included in a first mode screen.

FIG. 25AandFIG. 25Bare diagrams for displaying a plurality of objects included in a mode screen on a plurality of terminals in accordance with a prescribed level, respectively, according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 25A, the mobile terminal100displays a content1region and a content2region to correspond to its level set to Level3(FIG. 25A(a)), while a first sharable terminal1110can display the content1region to correspond to its level set to Level1(FIG. 25A(b)).

Referring toFIG. 25B, a second sharable terminal1120displays a content2region to correspond to its level set to Level2(FIG. 25B(a)), while a third sharable terminal1130can display a content3region and an approval region to correspond to its level set to Level4(FIG. 25B(b)).

Referring now toFIG. 20, in the controlling step S2040, the mobile terminal100grants a control authority for the first mode screen to at least one sharable terminal to correspond to a prescribed level and can control the at least one sharable terminal to display a user interface to execute the granted control authority, under the control of the controller180.

In other words, the control authority can differ per sharable terminal, whereby the user interface to execute the control authority can be configured different. Moreover, the higher the level of the sharable terminal gets, the higher the control authority to be granted becomes.

This is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 26A to 26Cas follows.

FIGS. 26A to 26Care diagrams of screen configurations for displaying mode screen control authorities of a plurality of external terminals in accordance with a prescribed level, respectively, according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 26A, in a first sharable terminal1110having a level set to Level1, a read authority is granted as a control authority for a first mode screen and a key zone (READ) for executing the read authority can be provided to a screen of the first sharable terminal1110.

Referring toFIG. 26B, in a second sharable terminal1120having a level set to Level2, a read authority and a store authority are granted as control authorities for a first mode screen and a key zone (READ) for executing the read authority and a key zone (STORE) for executing the store authority can be provided to a screen of the second sharable terminal1120.

Referring toFIG. 26C, in a third sharable terminal1130having a level set to Level4, a read authority, a store authority and an edit authority are granted as control authorities for a first mode screen and a key zone (READ) for executing the read authority, a key zone (STORE) for executing the store authority and a key zone (EDIT) for executing the edit authority can be provided to a screen of the third sharable terminal1130.

Moreover, the mobile terminal100receives a screen of a currently activated mode of at least one sharable terminal using the wireless communication unit110and is then able to control the display unit151to display the received screen to correspond to a prescribed level under the control of the controller180. And, the corresponding details can refer to the descriptions with reference toFIG. 21.

In the following description, a reception of a mode screen is explained.

First of all, referring toFIG. 21, the mobile terminal100receives a mode screen of a currently activated mode of at least one sharable terminal using the wireless communication unit110, under the control of the controller180(S2130). In this case, regarding the sharable terminal, the former description can be referred to.

In the receiving step S2130, the mobile terminal100receives a counterpart mode screen from each of the at least one or more sharable terminals (Case1), receives a counterpart mode screen of the at least one sharable terminal via the company server300(Case2), or can receive a counterpart mode screen corresponding to a prescribed level from the sharable terminal (Case3). According to the case1or the case2, the mobile terminal100can directly control a display of a counterpart mode screen in accordance with a prescribed level. According to the case3, the mobile terminal100is unable to perform the display control of the counterpart mode screen in accordance with the prescribed level but the sharable terminal can perform the display control of the counterpart mode screen in accordance with the prescribed level.

In this case, the prescribed level can include at least one of a level of a content displayed on the counterpart mode screen, a level of the at least one sharable terminal and a level of the mobile terminal100. Details of the content level, the level of the sharable terminal and the level of the mobile terminal100can refer to the former descriptions.

Subsequently, the mobile terminal100controls the display unit151to display the received counterpart mode screen to correspond to the prescribed level (described in detail) under the control of the controller180(S2140).

In the controlling step S2140, the mobile terminal100determines the prescribed level in case of receiving the counterpart mode screen. The mobile terminal100is then able to control the counterpart mode screen display in accordance with a result of the prescribed level determination.

This shall be described in detail with reference toFIG. 27AandFIG. 27Bas follows.

FIG. 27AandFIG. 27Bare diagrams of screen configurations for determining a prescribed level when a mobile terminal receives a mode screen of an external terminal according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 27A, in case of receiving a counterpart mode screen, the mobile terminal100can determine a level of a content included in the received counterpart mode screen, a level of a sharable terminal providing the counterpart mode screen, and a level of the mobile terminal100.

Referring toFIG. 27B, if the above-described level determination is completed, the mobile terminal100enables a user to select whether to check the counterpart mode screen. Alternatively, without such a user selection action, the mobile terminal100may or may not display the counterpart mode screen in direct to correspond to the determined level.

Referring now toFIG. 21, the controlling step S2140is described in detail as follows.

First of all, according to the first case, the mobile terminal100compares a level of the mobile terminal100to a level of at least one sharable terminal under the control of the controller180. The mobile terminal100controls the display unit151to display a whole screen of the sharable terminal having the level equal to or lower than that of the mobile terminal in accordance with a result of the comparison under the control of the controller180. On the contrary, the mobile terminal100controls the display unit151not to display a whole or partial screen of the sharable terminal having the level higher than that of the mobile terminal100in accordance with a result of the comparison under the control of the controller180.

For instance, the mobile terminal100(e.g., having the level set to Level3) can display a whole mode screen of the sharable terminal if the level of the sharable terminal is set to Level1. In another instance, if the level of the sharable terminal is set to Level4, the mobile terminal100may not display a whole or partial part of the mode screen of the sharable terminal. Moreover, a non-displayed portion of the mode screen of the sharable terminal can vary in accordance with the level of the sharable terminal.

According to the second case, the mobile terminal100compares a level of the mobile terminal100to a level of at least one sharable terminal under the control of the controller180. If the level of the mobile terminal100is higher than that of the at least one sharable terminal, the mobile terminal100controls the display unit151to display a screen of the at least one sharable terminal under the control of the controller180. If the level of the mobile terminal100is not the highest, the mobile terminal100can control the display unit151not to display the received counterpart mode screen under the control of the controller180.

For instance, if the level of the mobile terminal100is the highest, the mobile terminal100can display the screens of all sharable terminals. If the level of the mobile terminal100is not the highest, the mobile terminal100displays a mode screen of its own only or can display a screen of the sharable terminal having the level equal to or lower than that of its own.

According to the third case, the mobile terminal100compares a level of the content displayed on the received counterpart mode screen to a level of the mobile terminal100under the control of the controller180. If the level of the mobile terminal100is lower than that of the content in accordance with a result of the comparison, the mobile terminal100controls the display unit151not to display a whole or partial part of the counterpart mode screen under the control of the controller180. On the contrary, if the level of the mobile terminal100is equal to or higher than that of the content in accordance with the result of the comparison, the mobile terminal100can control the display unit151to display the whole part of the counterpart mode screen in accordance with the result of the comparison under the control of the controller180.

For instance, when the content level is set to Level4, the mobile terminal100(e.g., having the level set to Level3) does not display the whole counterpart mode screen or may not display a portion of the counterpart mode screen. In this case, the non-displayed portion (or the rest of the displayed counterpart mode screen) can vary in accordance with the content level. If the content level is set to Level2, the mobile terminal100e.g., having the level set to Level3) can display the whole counterpart mode screen.

Moreover, when the approval region is included in the counterpart mode screen, if the mobile terminal100determines that it fails to have an approval authority, the mobile terminal100displays the regions of the counterpart mode screen except the approval region under the control of the controller180. If the mobile terminal100determines that it has the approval authority, the mobile terminal100can display the whole counterpart mode screen including the approval region under the control of the controller180. When the counterpart mode screen is constructed with a plurality of objects, the mobile terminal100can display the object(s) corresponding to its level under the control of the controller180. And, the mobile terminal100has a control authority corresponding to its level for the counterpart mode screen and is then able to display a user face to execute the control authority, under the control of the controller180.

Furthermore, the mobile terminal100transmits a first mode screen of a currently activated first mode and can control the transmitted first mode screen to be displayed on at least one sharable terminal to correspond to a prescribed level. This can refer to the former description with reference toFIG. 20.

According to the present invention, when mode screens of a plurality of terminals (i.e., the mobile terminal100included) are displayed on an external terminal having a mother screen, the mode screens displayed on the mother screen can be controlled in accordance with a prescribed level.

This is described in detail with reference toFIG. 28as follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that levels of a plurality of terminals are set to Level1to Level4, respectively.

FIG. 28is a diagram for controlling a mode screen displayed on a mother screen in accordance with a prescribed level when mode screens of a plurality of terminals (mother screen included) are displayed on the mother screen according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 28, when a mode screen of a random one of a plurality of terminals is displayed on a mother screen, it can display the mode screen on the mother screen to correspond to a lowest level of the plurality of terminals. In particular, a partial region (or a partial substance) of a mode screen, which is allowed for a lowest level, can be displayed only instead of displaying a whole mode screen.

Assuming that a level of an external terminal having a mother screen is set to Level3, a mode screen displayable on the mother screen can include a mode screen of a terminal having a level lower than or equal to Level3.

Moreover, while the mobile terminal100shares a mode screen of a currently activated first mode with at least one sharable terminal to correspond to a prescribed level, as shown inFIG. 20andFIG. 21, if a signal related to a second mode (e.g., one example of a deactivated mode) is detected, under the control of the controller180, the mobile terminal100controls a signal indication information not to be displayed on the at least one sharable terminal or can control the signal indication information to be displayed on a specific one of the at least one or more sharable terminals, which meets a prescribed condition, only. For this, the former descriptions relating to the signal detection and the display control of the signal indication information in association with the second mode can be referred to.

According to this disclosure, when a mode screen of each different terminal is displayed per level, a display extent (or a display range) per level can be set by one of a user, a controller180and a company server300.

According to this disclosure, in case of attempting to perform a mode screen sharing at a specific place (e.g., outside a company, etc.), at which the mode screen sharing is not allowed, or a specific time zone (e.g., off-duty hours, etc.), on which the mode screen sharing is not allowed) or attempting to share a mode screen with an external terminal failing in performing a pre-subscription or authentication procedure for a mode screen sharing, the mode screen sharing is not allowed at all (1), a mode screen including a content of a lowest level is allowed to be shared (2), or a mode screen including a content over a prescribed level is not allowed to be shared.

According to this disclosure, when any input action is not received from a user until a predetermined period of time passes after a mode screen sharing, the mode screen sharing is interrupted or a warning announcement or text is outputted before elapse of the predetermined period of time. Therefore, the user can be lead to perform an input action.

According to this disclosure, although it is described that a mode screen can be shared between terminals having activated the same mode (e.g., business mode), the mode screen can be shared with a terminal having activated a different mode (e.g., private mode). For instance, a terminal having activated a different terminal can include a terminal over a predetermined rank or a terminal having a highest rank in company. In this case, the terminal having activated the different mode has a read authority for a mode screen of another terminal or can have a store authority in addition occasionally.

According to this disclosure, the modes mentioned therein can variously include a religion mode, a hobby mode, a school mode and the like per type in addition to a private mode and a business mode. And, a plurality of modes can be set for each type.

According to this disclosure, in determining an application executed per mode, it can designate an application in accordance with a user selection. And, it is also able to automatically designate an application to a corresponding mode in consideration of a property and type of the corresponding application. For instance, assuming that a mode field exists in a data structure of an application, it can designate an application to a corresponding mode defined in the mode field.

According to this disclosure, in each of a plurality of modes, a user interface related to at least one of a voice based communication and a text based communication can be provided via the display unit151under the control of the controller180. For instance, the voice based communication includes a voice call, a voice based chatting and the like. In another instance, the text based communication can include a message service, a text based chatting and the like. The user interface is displayed as a virtual key form on a touchscreen or can be provided as a button key form. And, the user interface provided in each of a plurality of modes can differ in position, shape, size and the like.

Although the mode screen sharing is mentioned in this disclosure, the above-mentioned embodiments is applicable to a sharing of content/data included in a currently displayed screen or a sharing of an application to which content/data included in a currently displayed screen corresponds as well as the mode screen sharing.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described mode screen display controlling method of the mobile terminal can be implemented in a program recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable media include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, and the like for example and also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet). And, the computer can include the controller180of the terminal.

The aforementioned embodiments for the mobile terminal and mode screen display controlling method therein are achieved by combination of structural elements and features of the present invention in a predetermined type. Each of the structural elements or features should be considered selectively unless specified separately. Each of the structural elements or features may be carried out without being combined with other structural elements or features. Also, some structural elements and/or features may be combined with one another to constitute the embodiments of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described mode screen display controlling methods can be implemented in a program recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable media include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, and the like for example and also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet).

Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides a detailed method of differentiating a shared screen per terminal or approving/disapproving a screen sharing per terminal in accordance with a prescribed reference (particularly, whether a terminal is currently used for a business usage or a private usage).