Mobile communication terminal and method of controlling the same

A mobile communication terminal including a first rotary key configured to generate a first signal when the first rotary key is rotated, in which the first signal indicates a direction and an amount the first rotary key is rotated, a second rotary key configured to generate a second signal when the second rotary key is rotated, in which the second signal indicates a direction and an amount the first rotary key is rotated, a display unit configured to display a screen thereon, and a controller configured to control a specific operation on the displayed screen based on the first and second signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Korean Application No. 2006-50432, filed on Jun. 5, 2006 and No. 2006-56024, filed on Jun. 21, 2006 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention to a mobile terminal including at least one rotary key used to control displayed screens and a corresponding control method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Mobile terminals provide a variety of supplementary service functions in addition to basic call functions. For example, mobile terminals allow a user to send and receive text messages using a Short Message Service (SMS), access the Internet, play music or movies, etc. However, because the mobile terminal is small in size, the amount of space available for a display and input device is limited.

Therefore, to efficiently use the limited space, the mobile terminal is provided with a variety of function keys, a navigation key, etc. However, these keys are generally only used as up and down direction keys, a menu selection key, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal and corresponding method for controlling a variety of display screens using at least one rotary key.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides in one aspect a mobile communication terminal including a first rotary key configured to generate a first signal when the first rotary key is rotated, in which the first signal indicates a direction and an amount the first rotary key is rotated. Also included is a second rotary key configured to generate a second signal when the second rotary key is rotated, in which the second signal indicates a direction and an amount the second rotary key is rotated. The terminal also includes a display unit configured to display a screen thereon, and a controller configured to control a specific operation on the displayed screen based on the first and second signals. The present invention also provides a corresponding method for controlling the mobile terminal.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including an input device comprising a roller configured to be rotated to generate a first signal and configured to be pressed and rotated to generate a second signal, a display unit configured to display a screen thereon, and a controller configured to control a specific operation on the displayed screen based on the first and second signals. The present invention also provides a corresponding method for controlling the mobile terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning first toFIGS. 1 and 2, which are overviews illustrating a mobile communication terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the terminal100includes a display window141(e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)), left and right function keys131, a button key134(e.g., a call key, a call end key and a number key) and a navigation key135. The terminal100also includes a volume key136for controlling the volume level of the terminal100and a camera hot key137for operating a camera function of the terminal100.

Further, the terminal100also includes a first rotary key150and a second rotary key160. In this embodiment, the first rotary key150is located near a side of the terminal100and the second rotary key160is located at the center of the navigation key135. In addition, the first rotary keys150and160may be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise and the second rotary key160may additionally be pressed to enter a command or select an item, for example. Thus, the first key150generates a signal corresponding to its rotation and the second rotary key160generates signals corresponding to its rotation and pressing features. Note that the first rotary key150may also be provided with a pressing function.

Next,FIG. 3is a block diagram of the mobile terminal100shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the mobile terminal100includes an antenna105, a communication unit110, a key input unit130, a display unit140, a memory unit145, the first rotary key150, the second rotary key160and a controller170. The communication unit110provides an interface for wireless communication with a base station through the antenna105.

Further, the communication unit110includes a duplex filter for filtering a signal received through the antenna105, a power amplifier for amplifying a transmit signal, a frequency up-convert circuit in a transmission path, a frequency down-convert circuit in a reception path, etc. that are used for communicating with the base station and other terminals. In addition, the key input unit130includes a plurality of keys such as a number key and a function key. The key input unit130also receives input from a user and transfers a signal corresponding to a key pressed by a user to the controller170.

The display unit140includes an LCD display window, etc., and displays different menus for controlling the mobile terminal, information indicating a status of a received call, battery information, information about the operating status of the terminal, etc. Also, the memory unit145stores programs or data used to operate the mobile terminal, and other data entered or used by the user.

Further, as discussed above, the second rotary key160can be pressed in addition to rotated to perform different operations on the mobile terminal. Thus, as shown inFIG. 4, the second rotary key160includes a pressing detection unit163for when the rotary key160is pressed, and a rotary encoder165for detecting when the rotary key160is rotated. The second rotary key160also includes a roller161that can be rotated up and down (i.e., clockwise and counter clockwise). The first rotary key150similarly includes a rotary encoder for determining how much and in what direction the key is rotated. The signals corresponding to the pressing/rotating of the first and second rotary keys150and160are then transmitted to the controller170.

Further, the controller170uses these signal to control an operation of the mobile terminal. In particular, the controller170performs a variety of screen controls using a combination of signals received from the first and second rotary keys150and160. The controller170also controls the operation of each element of the mobile terminal, as well as the overall operation of the terminal.

Turning next toFIG. 5, which is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the operation of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the user first divides the display screen into at least two separate display screens (S300) (seeFIG. 6(a), for example). The user can divide the display screen into other display screens by selecting a predetermined button a number of times. For example, if the user wants to display two screens, the user can repeatedly select the predetermined button twice.

Thus, in one example, the user can display two screens by pressing the second rotary key160twice in a successive manner. In another example, the user may display one screen by selecting (rotating) the first rotary key150and display two screens by selecting (pressing or rotating) the second rotary key160. The user may also display two screens by rotating one of the first and second rotary keys in a clockwise and counter clockwise direction in a successive manner. Therefore, the user can conveniently use his or her thumb to display two screens.

Then, when the user has split the display screen into two screens (or more than two screens), the method determines if the first rotary key150has been rotated (S305). If the first rotary key150has been rotated (Yes in S305), the controller170scrolls through the first displayed screen in an upward or downward direction depending on the direction the first rotary key150is rotated. The method also determines if the second rotary key160has been rotated (S315), and if so (Yes in S315), the controller170scrolls through the second displayed screen in an upward or downward direction depending on the direction the second rotary key160is rotated. The method may also determine if the second rotary key160is rotated before determining if the first rotary key150is rotated (FIG. 5illustrates the method determining if the first rotary key150is rotated before determining if the second rotary key160is rotated). The above process is repeated until the user closes or exits the options displayed in the two display screens (S325).

Note that if more than two display screens are displayed, the controller170can be configured to determine which screen to scroll through using a combination of the signals generated by the first and second rotary keys150and160. For example, the controller170can scroll through first and second display screens when the first and second rotary keys150and160are rotated (as discussed above), and rotate through a third display screen when the second rotary key160is pressed three times in successive order to indicate the third display screen is to be scrolled through. Other variations are also possible.

The method described above with respect toFIG. 5will now be described with example display screens shown inFIGS. 6(a)-(c). In more detail,FIG. 6(a) illustrates a display screen400being divided into a first display screen401and a second display screen403. As shown, the first display screen401includes a plurality of icons representing people that are in a chat room, for example. The second display screen403includes messages that are input by the different people in the chat room.

Next,FIG. 6(b) illustrates a user scrolling through the first display screen401by rotating the first rotary key150. Similarly,FIG. 6(c) illustrates a user scrolling through the second display screen403by rotating the second rotary key160. Further, the first and second display screens also include scroll bars425and427to indicate to the user how much they have scrolled through the particular display screen. For example, as shown inFIG. 6(b), the scroll bar425indicates the user is at a bottom of the display screen401. In addition, horizontal scroll bars may also be used. Also, the items may be highlighted as they are scrolled through to indicate where the user is in each respective window.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 6(a) and6(c), the user scrolls through the second display screen403from a position405to a position415using the scroll bar427(shown only inFIG. 6(b)).

Next,FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the operation of a mobile communication terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the user can scroll through the first and second display screens using only the second rotary key160. In more detail, the user first divides the original screen into first and second display screens401and403(as shown inFIG. 6(a)) (S450). Then, the method determines if the user is only rotating the second rotary key160or rotating and pressing the second rotary key160(S455).

If the user is only rotating the second rotary key160(No in S455), the controller170scrolls the second display screen403(as shown inFIG. 6(c)). However, if the user is pressing and rotating the second rotary key160(Yes in S455), the controller170scrolls through the first display screen401(as shown inFIG. 6(b)). The above process is repeated until the user closes or exits the options displayed in the two display screens (S470).

In addition, in an alternative embodiment, the first display screen401may be scrolled through if the user is only rotating the second rotary key160and the second display screen403may be scrolled through if the user is both rotating and pressing the second rotary key160(i.e., opposite to the method shown inFIG. 7). In addition, the first rotary key150may also be provided with a pressing detecting unit and then used to scroll through the two display screens rather than using the second rotary key160. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the user can easily scroll through different display screens using a single rotary key.

Turning next toFIG. 8, which is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the operation of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the user selects a specific menu through the key input unit130and the controller170displays a corresponding screen on the display unit140(S500). The method then determines if the first rotary key150has been rotated (S505). If the user has rotated the first rotary key150(Yes in S505), the controller170scrolls through the displayed screen at a fast speed.

The method also determines if the user has rotated the second rotary key160(S515). If the user has rotated the second rotary key160(Yes in S515), the controller170scrolls through the displayed screen at a normal speed. Note, the fast speed is faster than the normal speed. This process is repeatedly performed until the selected menu is completed (S525).

Next, the method discussed with respect toFIG. 8will be described with reference to the display screens shown inFIGS. 9(a)-(c). In more detail,FIG. 9(a) illustrates a displayed specific list screen600. The reference numeral605indicates an item that is currently highlighted. Thus, when the user rotates the second rotary key160, the items included in the displayed screen600are scrolled through at a normal speed as shown inFIG. 6(b). Note that reference numeral625indicates a next currently highlighted item that was scrolled to at a normal speed (e.g., item by item).

In addition, when the user rotates the first rotary key150, the controller170rotates through the displayed items at faster speed as shown inFIG. 6(c). The reference numeral645inFIG. 6(c) indicates a highlighted item that was quickly scrolled to. Further, the normal and faster scrolling speeds can be preset by a manufacturer of the terminal and adjusted by a user using the appropriate menu options.

Next,FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the operation of a mobile terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown, when a user selects a specific menu through the key input unit130, the controller170displays a corresponding screen on the display unit140(S650). Then, the method determines if the user presses and rotates the second rotary key160(S655). If the user only rotates (and doesn't press) the second rotary key160(No in S655), the controller170scrolls through the items in the displayed screen at a normal speed (S655). Further, if the user presses and rotates the second rotary key160(Yes in S655), the controller170scrolls through the items in the displayed screen at a faster speed (S660). This process is repeatedly performed until the selected menu is completed (S670).

The method inFIG. 10can also be described with reference to the displayed screens shown inFIGS. 9(a)-(c). That is,FIG. 9(a) illustrates the displayed screen corresponding to the selected specific menu,FIG. 9(b) illustrates scrolling through items at a normal speed, andFIG. 9(c) illustrates scrolling through the items at a faster speed. Further, in an alternative embodiment, the speed at which the screen is scrolled can be controlled to be faster in proportion to how long the second rotary key160is pressed. In order words, if the second rotary key160is rotated while being pressed, the screen is scrolled faster and faster based on a length of time the second rotary key160is pressed. Furthermore, the same function can be implemented using the first rotary key150(if the first rotary key150also includes an appropriate pressing detection unit).

Next,FIGS. 11(a) and (b) are overviews illustrating display screens for illustrating a method of controlling the operation of a mobile terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment illustrates a situation where a drag & drop function is provided using the first and second rotary keys150and160.

In more detail,FIG. 11(a) illustrates a display screen700of a main menu including a plurality of files and folders. The user may scroll through the items in display screen700by rotating, for example, the second rotary key160. Then, the highlighted item (i.e., filename2inFIG. 11(a)) can be selected by highlighting the item for a period of time that is longer than a predetermined amount of time or by pressing the second rotary key160. Then, the user may rotate the first rotary key150to scroll through the items in the display screen700to reach an item that he or she wants to drag and drop the selected item into. The item may be dropped into the selected folder or location by staying at the location for a predetermined amount of time or by pressing the second rotary key160.

For example,FIG. 11(b) illustrates the filename2(designated as reference numeral725) being selected and dragged to the Photos folder (designated as reference numeral730). The user may then highlight the Photos folder and drop the filename2into the Photos folder by again pressing the second rotary key160. Furthermore, the drag & drop function can also be provided using only the second rotary key160. For instance, if any one file is selected by pressing the rotary key160in the menu700, and the rotary key160is rotated while being pressed, the selected file725can be moved in a drag & drop manner to a desired folder or location.

Turning next toFIGS. 12(a)-(c), which are overviews illustrating a method of controlling the operation of a mobile communication terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment illustrates a situation where the display setting of items are changed based on the first and second rotary keys150and160. In more detail,FIG. 12(a) illustrates a screen800having a wallpaper background803. In this instance, the wallpaper background803is changed to a wallpaper background805(seeFIG. 12(b)) when the user rotates the second rotary key160. Furthermore,FIG. 12(c) illustrates the display state of a specific item807being changed by rotating the first rotary key150. As described above, the first and second rotary keys150and160can be used to change the display state of different items.

Thus, the first and second rotary keys150and160can be used to easily scroll through particular screens at desired speeds and to drag and drop items shown on the display. Therefore, the present invention significantly improves the user's convenience. In addition, because the terminal can be controlled with a single rotary key or with two rotary keys, the keys on a mobile terminal can be disposed in a limited space more efficiently, which results in further improving the user's convenience.

Next,FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the operation of a mobile communication terminal according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the user can toggle between divided first and second display screens and scroll through each respective screen at different scrolling speeds. In more detail, when two display screens are provided, the method determines whether the user selects the first or second rotary keys150and160(S700). The user can select the rotary keys by rotating or pressing the keys. Further, this embodiment assumes the both of the first and second rotary keys150and160can be pressed and rotated.

If the user selects the first rotary key150, the first display screen is selected (highlighted) (S701). Similarly, if the user selects the second rotary key160, the second display screen is selected (S703). Thus, the user can toggle between the first and second display screens. Then, if the first display screen has been selected in step S701, the method determines if the first rotary key150or second rotary key160is rotated (S702). If the first rotary key150is rotated, the selected first display screen is scrolled through at a first scroll speed (S708). Also, if the second rotary key160is rotated, the selected first display screen is scrolled through at a second scroll speed (S706). In addition, if the user then presses the second rotary key160while the first display screen is selected (highlighted) (S714), the second display screen is selected (S718) and the method goes to step S704.

In addition, if the second key is selected (highlighted) in step S700, the second display screen is selected (highlighted) (S703), and the method determines if the first rotary key150or second rotary key160is rotated (S704). If the first rotary key160is rotated, the selected second display screen is scrolled through at a first scroll speed (S712). Also, if the second rotary key150is rotated, the selected second display screen is scrolled through at a second scroll speed (S710). In addition, if the user then presses the first rotary key150while the first display screen is selected (highlighted) (S716), the first display screen is selected (S720) and the method goes to step S702.