Mobile terminal, method of displaying data therein and method of editing data therein

A mobile terminal, method of displaying data therein and method of editing data therein are disclosed, by which an alignment sequence of data can be changed. The present invention includes a touchscreen displaying a first data and a second data thereon and a controller, if the second data is touched and dragged to the first data, the controller generating a single data file using the first and second data in a specific sequence based on a dragged position of the second data.

This application claims the benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0095278, filed on Sep. 19, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal, method of displaying data therein and method of editing data therein. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for changing an alignment sequence of data or editing data by dragging the data.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to perform various functions. Examples of such functions include data and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Some terminals include additional functionality which supports game playing, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players. More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to receive broadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of content such as videos and television programs.

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

Moreover, a mobile terminal is able to align data or edit stored data for user's convenience. And, many efforts are made to research and develop a mobile terminal capable of facilitating the data alignment or editing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a mobile terminal, method of displaying data therein and method of editing data therein that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal, method of displaying data therein and method of editing data therein, by which an alignment sequence of data can be changed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal, method of displaying data therein and method of editing data therein, by which data can be edited by being dragged.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a touchscreen displaying a first data and a second data thereon and a controller, if the second data is touched and dragged to the first data, the controller generating a single data file using the first and second data in a specific sequence based on a dragged position of the second data.

In another aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal includes a touchscreen displaying a first data and a controller generating a single data file by inserting a second data in a selected point of the first data.

In another aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal includes a touchscreen displaying data and a controller, if the displayed data is touched and dragged, the controller controlling an alignment sequence of the data to be changed.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of editing data in a mobile terminal includes the steps of displaying a first data and a second data thereon, detecting that the second data is touched and dragged to the first data, and generating a single data file using the first and second data in a specific sequence based on a dragged position of the second data.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of editing data in a mobile terminal includes the steps of displaying a first data, selecting a specific point of the first data, and generating a single data file by inserting a second data in the selected specific point.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying data in a mobile terminal includes the steps of displaying data and if the displayed data is touched and dragged, changing an alignment sequence of the data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of mobile terminal100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal may be implemented using a variety of different types of terminals. Examples of such terminals include mobile phones, user equipment, smart phones, computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants, portable multimedia players (PMP) and navigators. By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be with regard to a mobile terminal. However, such teachings apply equally to other types of terminals.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.

FIG. 1shows a wireless communication unit110configured with several commonly implemented components. For instance, 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 terminal is located.

The broadcast receiving module111receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast managing entity refers generally to a system which transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information. Examples of broadcast associated information include information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider, etc. 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 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 mobile communication module112transmits/receives wireless signals to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, Node-B). Such signals may represent audio, video, multimedia, control signaling, and data, among others.

The wireless internet module113supports Internet access for the mobile terminal. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the terminal.

Position-location module115identifies or otherwise obtains the location of the mobile terminal. If desired, this module may be implemented using global positioning system (GPS) components which cooperate with associated satellites, network components, and combinations thereof.

Audio/video (A/V) input unit120is configured to provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal. As shown, the A/V input unit120includes a camera121and a microphone122. The camera receives and processes image frames of still pictures or video.

The microphone122receives an external audio signal while the portable device is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording mode and voice recognition. This audio signal is processed and converted into digital data. The portable device, and in particular, A/V input unit120, typically includes assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal. Data generated by the A/V input unit120may be stored in memory160, utilized by output unit150, or transmitted via one or more modules of communication unit110. If desired, two or more microphones and/or cameras may be used.

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 and a jog switch. A specific example is one in which the user input unit130is configured as a touchpad in cooperation with a touchscreen display (which will be described in more detail below).

The sensing unit140provides status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal. For instance, the sensing unit may detect an open/close status of the mobile terminal, relative positioning of components (e.g., a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal, a change of position of the mobile terminal or a component of the mobile terminal, a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal, orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal. 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.

The interface unit170is often implemented to couple the mobile terminal with external devices. Typical external devices include wired/wireless headphones, external chargers, power supplies, storage devices configured to store data (e.g., audio, video, pictures, etc.), earphones, and microphones, among others. The interface unit170may be configured using a wired/wireless data port, a card socket (e.g., for coupling to a memory card, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, user identity module (UIM) card, removable user identity module (RUIM) card), audio input/output ports and video input/output ports.

The output unit150generally includes various components which support the output requirements of the mobile terminal. Display151is typically implemented to visually display information associated with the mobile terminal100. For instance, if the mobile terminal is operating in a phone call mode, the display will generally provide a user interface or graphical user interface which includes information associated with placing, conducting, and terminating a phone call. As another example, if the mobile terminal100is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the display151may additionally or alternatively display images which are associated with these modes.

One particular implementation includes the display151configured as a touch screen working in cooperation with an input device, such as a touchpad. This configuration permits the display to function both as an output device and an input device.

The display151may be implemented using known display technologies including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and a three-dimensional display. The mobile terminal may include one or more of such displays. An example of a two-display embodiment is one in which one display is configured as an internal display (viewable when the terminal is in an opened position) and a second display configured as an external display (viewable in both the open and closed positions).

FIG. 1further shows output unit150having an audio output module152which supports the audio output requirements of the mobile terminal100. The audio output module is often implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinations thereof. The audio output module functions in various modes including call-receiving mode, call-placing mode, recording mode, voice recognition mode and broadcast reception mode. During operation, the audio output module152outputs audio relating to a particular function (e.g., call received, message received, and errors).

The output unit150is further shown having an alarm153, which is commonly used to signal or otherwise identify the occurrence of a particular event associated with the mobile terminal. Typical events include call received, message received and user input received. An example of such output includes the providing of tactile sensations (e.g., vibration) to a user. For instance, the alarm153may be configured to vibrate responsive to the mobile terminal receiving a call or message. As another example, vibration is provided by alarm153responsive to receiving user input at the mobile terminal, thus providing a tactile feedback mechanism. It is understood that the various output provided by the components of output unit150may be separately performed, or such output may be performed using any combination of such components.

The memory160is generally used to store various types of data to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of the mobile terminal. Examples of such data include program instructions for applications operating on the mobile terminal, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc. The memory160shown inFIG. 1may be implemented using any type (or combination) of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage devices including random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, card-type memory, or other similar memory or data storage device.

The controller180typically controls the overall operations of the mobile terminal. For instance, the controller performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, camera operations and recording operations. If desired, the controller may include a multimedia module181which provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module may be configured as part of the controller180, or this module may be implemented as a separate component.

The power supply190provides power required by the various components for the portable device. The provided power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof.

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

Mobile terminal100may be implemented in a variety of different configurations. Examples of such configurations include folder-type, slide-type, bar-type, rotational-type, swing-type and combinations thereof. For clarity, further disclosure will primarily relate to a slide-type mobile terminal. However such teachings apply equally to other types of terminals.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of a front side of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 2, the mobile terminal100is shown having a first body200configured to slideably cooperate with a second body205. The user input unit (described inFIG. 1) is implemented using function keys210and keypad215. The function keys210are associated with first body200, and the keypad215is associated with second body205. The keypad includes various keys (e.g., numbers, characters, and symbols) to enable a user to place a call, prepare a text or multimedia message, and otherwise operate the mobile terminal.

The first body200slides relative to second body205between open and closed positions. In a closed position, the first body is positioned over the second body in such a manner that the keypad215is substantially or completely obscured by the first body200. In the open position, user access to the keypad215, as well as the display151and function keys210, is possible. The function keys are convenient to a user for entering commands such as start, stop and scroll.

The mobile terminal100is operable in either a standby mode (e.g., able to receive a call or message, receive and respond to network control signaling), or an active call mode. Typically, the mobile terminal100functions in a standby mode when in the closed position, and an active mode when in the open position. This mode configuration may be changed as required or desired.

The first body200is shown formed from a first case220and a second case225, and the second body205is shown formed from a first case230and a second case235. The first and second cases are usually formed from a suitably ridge material such as injection molded plastic, or formed using metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) and titanium (Ti).

If desired, one or more intermediate cases may be provided between the first and second cases of one or both of the first and second bodies200,205. The first and second bodies200,205are typically sized to receive electronic components necessary to support operation of the mobile terminal100.

The first body200is shown having a camera121and audio output unit152, which is configured as a speaker, positioned relative to the display151. If desired, the camera121may be constructed in such a manner that it can be selectively positioned (e.g., rotated, swiveled, etc.) relative to first body200.

The function keys210are positioned adjacent to a lower side of the display151. The display151is shown implemented as an LCD or OLED. Recall that the display may also be configured as a touchscreen having an underlying touchpad which generates signals responsive to user contact (e.g., finger, stylus, etc.) with the touchscreen.

Second body205is shown having a microphone122positioned adjacent to keypad215, and side keys245, which are one type of a user input unit, positioned along the side of second body205. Preferably, the side keys245may be configured as hot keys, such that the side keys are associated with a particular function of the mobile terminal. An interface unit170is shown positioned adjacent to the side keys245, and a power supply190in a form of a battery is located on a lower portion of the second body205.

FIG. 3is a rear view of the mobile terminal shown inFIG. 2.FIG. 3shows the second body205having a camera121, and an associated flash250and mirror255. The flash operates in conjunction with the camera121of the second body. The mirror255is useful for assisting a user to position camera121in a self-portrait mode. The camera121of the second body faces a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by camera121of the first body200(FIG. 2). Each of the cameras121of the first and second bodies may have the same or different capabilities.

In an embodiment, the camera of the first body200operates with a relatively lower resolution than the camera of the second body205. Such an arrangement works well during a video conference, for example, in which reverse link bandwidth capabilities may be limited. The relatively higher resolution of the camera of the second body205(FIG. 3) is useful for obtaining higher quality pictures for later use or for communicating to others.

The second body205also includes an audio output module152configured as a speaker, and which is located on an upper side of the second body. If desired, the audio output modules of the first and second bodies200,205, may cooperate to provide stereo output. Moreover, either or both of these audio output modules may be configured to operate as a speakerphone.

A broadcast signal receiving antenna260is shown located at an upper end of the second body205. Antenna260functions in cooperation with the broadcast receiving module111(FIG. 1). If desired, the antenna260may be fixed or configured to retract into the second body205. The rear side of the first body200includes slide module265, which slideably couples with a corresponding slide module located on the front side of the second body205.

It is understood that the illustrated arrangement of the various components of the first and second bodies200,205, may be modified as required or desired. In general, some or all of the components of one body may alternatively be implemented on the other body. In addition, the location and relative positioning of such components are not critical to many embodiments, and as such, the components may be positioned at locations which differ from those shown by the representative figures.

The mobile terminal100ofFIGS. 1-3may be configured to operate within a communication system which transmits data via frames or packets, including both wireless and wireline communication systems, and satellite-based communication systems. Such communication systems utilize different air interfaces and/or physical layers.

Examples of such air interfaces utilized by the communication systems include example, frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), the long term evolution (LTE) of the UMTS, and the global system for mobile communications (GSM). By way of non-limiting example only, further description will relate to a CDMA communication system, but such teachings apply equally to other system types.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a CDMA wireless communication system is shown having a plurality of mobile terminals100, a plurality of base stations270, base station controllers (BSCs)275, and a mobile switching center (MSC)280. The MSC280is configured to interface with a conventional public switch telephone network (PSTN)290. The MSC280is also configured to interface with the BSCs275. The BSCs275are coupled to the base stations270via backhaul lines. The backhaul lines may be configured in accordance with any of several known interfaces including, for example, E1/T1, ATM, IP, PPP, Frame Relay, HDSL, ADSL, or xDSL. It is to be understood that the system may include more than two BSCs275.

Each base station270may include one or more sectors, each sector having an omnidirectional antenna or an antenna pointed in a particular direction radially away from the base station270. Alternatively, each sector may include two antennas for diversity reception. Each base station270may be configured to support a plurality of frequency assignments, with each frequency assignment having a particular spectrum (e.g., 1.25 MHz, 5 MHz).

The intersection of a sector and frequency assignment may be referred to as a CDMA channel. The base stations270may also be referred to as base station transceiver subsystems (BTSs). In some cases, the term “base station” may be used to refer collectively to a BSC275, and one or more base stations270. The base stations may also be denoted “cell sites.” Alternatively, individual sectors of a given base station270may be referred to as cell sites.

A terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) transmitter295is shown broadcasting to portable terminals100operating within the system. The broadcast receiving module111(FIG. 1) of the portable terminal is typically configured to receive broadcast signals transmitted by the DMB transmitter295. Similar arrangements may be implemented for other types of broadcast and multicast signaling (as discussed above).

FIG. 4further depicts several global positioning system (GPS) satellites300. Such satellites facilitate locating the position of some or all of the portable terminals100. Two satellites are depicted, but it is understood that useful positioning information may be obtained with greater or fewer satellites. The position-location module115(FIG. 1) of the portable terminal100is typically configured to cooperate with the satellites300to obtain desired position information. It is to be appreciated that other types of position detection technology, (i.e., location technology that may be used in addition to or instead of GPS location technology) may alternatively be implemented. If desired, some or all of the GPS satellites300may alternatively or additionally be configured to provide satellite DMB transmissions.

During typical operation of the wireless communication system, the base stations270receive sets of reverse-link signals from various mobile terminals100. The mobile terminals100are engaging in calls, messaging, and other communications. Each reverse-link signal received by a given base station270is processed within that base station. The resulting data is forwarded to an associated BSC275. The BSC provides call resource allocation and mobility management functionality including the orchestration of soft handoffs between base stations270. The BSCs275also route the received data to the MSC280, which provides additional routing services for interfacing with the PSTN290. Similarly, the PSTN interfaces with the MSC280, and the MSC interfaces with the BSCs275, which in turn control the base stations270to transmit sets of forward-link signals to the mobile terminals100.

In the following description, a method of aligning data in the mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention is explained. In the following description, the mobile terminal100is provided with a touchscreen for example. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a user is able to change an alignment sequence of data through drag and drop. Such examples are shownFIG. 5andFIG. 6.

FIG. 5is a diagram for a method of aligning data in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, two data files are displayed as thumbnails on the touchscreen [(a) ofFIG. 5]. In this case, aligned positions of data can be mutually switched if a user touches and drags one of the displayed data to the other [(b) ofFIG. 5].

FIG. 6is a diagram for another method of aligning data in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 6, a plurality of data files are displayed as thumbnails on the touchscreen [(a) ofFIG. 6]. In this case, a user is able to drag a specific one of the displayed data files to a specific position by touching the specific data file. If so, the specific data file is aligned to the dragged position. For instance, if an Nthdata file is touched and dragged to a position in front of a first data file, the Nthdata file is aligned left to the first data file and the first data file is placed next to the Nthdata file. Namely, the Nthdata file is placed in the first place and the rest of the data files are placed by being pushed backward by one space (amounting to the area occupied by the Nthdata file) [(b) ofFIG. 6].

In the following description, a method of editing data in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is explained. In the following description, the mobile terminal100is provided with a touchscreen for example. In particular, a method of generating a single data file by merging a plurality of data together is explained as follows.

FIG. 7is a diagram for a method of editing data in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) ofFIG. 7, a plurality of data are displayed as thumbnails on the touchscreen. A user is able to select data to merge by touching the displayed data. For instance, the user selects the data to merge by touching the data to merge and then touching ‘select’.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 7, two selected data are displayed on the screen. In this case, assume that the selected two data are the data stored in video file format. In this disclosure, a video file means a data file containing audio and video signals. And, an audio file means a data file containing audio signal only without containing video signal. For instance, a video file includes a moving picture file and an audio file includes a music file. Play time of each of the selected two data and a total play time of the two data are displayed on the screen. In this case, a user may touch ‘save’ among menus displayed for the data mergence or may touch ‘effect’. Besides, it is able to change alignment sequence of the selected two data using the method described with reference toFIG. 5.

If ‘save’ is touched on the screen shown in (b) ofFIG. 7, an image shown in (c) ofFIG. 7can be displayed. If a user selects ‘yes’, the selected two data are sequentially merged together to generate a single data file. Therefore, if the generated data file is played back, the data are played back in the merged sequence. And, a play time is equal to a total of play times of the merged two data.

If ‘effect’ is touched on the screen shown in (b) ofFIG. 7, an image shown in (d) ofFIG. 7can be displayed. In this case, ‘effect’ may mean a scene change effect for naturally changing images by giving various effects to a connecting part between two moving pictures A and B in merging the two moving pictures A and B differing from each other. In particular, the controller180is able to generate a single video file by performing a specific image processing on the connecting part between the selected two data. In this case, the specific image processing can include one of the followings.

First of all, ‘fade out’ means that a rear moving picture appears by getting brighter while a front moving picture disappears by getting blurred gradually. ‘Pan zoom’ means that a rear moving picture appears by ascending from a left bottom while a front moving picture disappears by ascending toward a right top. ‘Oval’ means that a front moving picture disappears as if enclosed by a black circle. ‘Uncover’ means that a rear moving picture appears while a front moving picture disappears as if uncovered from a right side. ‘Blind’ means that a rear moving picture appears while a front moving picture disappears as if pulling up a blind. ‘Checker board’ means that a front moving picture disappears while the front moving picture and a rear moving picture get overlapped with each other like a checker board. ‘Dissolve’ means that a rear moving picture appears while a front moving picture disappears by being broken into pieces.

Names are given to the above-mentioned specific image processings for convenience and may be changed occasionally. Besides, there are various examples for the image processings.

In (d) ofFIG. 7, a user is able to generate a single data file from merging the selected two data by selecting one of the displayed scene change effects. Hence, if the generated data file is played back, the data are played in the merged sequence. Yet, the images are changed according to the selected effect at the part of connecting the selected data.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention is able to merge data by dragging & dropping data displayed on the touchscreen.

FIG. 8is a diagram for a method of editing data in a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8, a first data in a video file format is displayed as a thumbnail on a top of the screen, while other data (hereinafter named ‘second data’ for convenience) to be inserted in the first data are displayed on a bottom of the screen. A user is able to insert the second data in the first data by dragging the second data to the first data. In this case, the drag can be performed by a user's touch. Thus, the controller180is able to generate a single video file by inserting the dragged second data in the first data. Therefore, it is able to various kinds of video files according to a type or a dragged position of the dragged second data.

For instance, if the dragged second data is an audio file, it is able to generate a single video file by replacing an audio signal of the first data by an audio signal of the second data only. In case of playing back the generated video file, the audio signal can be outputted as soon as an output of a video signal of the first data starts, may be outputted by being delayed by a prescribed period of time, or may be outputted prior to the start of the output of the video signal of the first data.

If the dragged second data is a video file, it is able to generate a single video file by inserting the second data in the first data. In this case, it is able to adjust an inserted position of the second data by a prescribed part of the first data to which the second data is dragged.

For instance, if the second data is dragged to a left part of the first data, it is able to generate a video file having the second data inserted in a front part of the first data. In this case, if the generated video file is played back, the first data is played back after the second data has been played back.

For another instance, if the second data is dragged to a right part of the first data, it is able to generate a video file having the second data inserted in a rear part of the first data. In this case, if the generated video file is played back, the second data is played back after the first data has been played back.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, as mentioned in the foregoing description (in FIG.7), the controller180is able to generate the single video file by performing a specific image processing on a connecting part between the first and second data.

Moreover, if the dragged second data is an image file, it is able to generate a video file in which an image of the second data and video of the first data are merged together. For instance, if the first data is a video file and if the second data is an image representing information relevant to the video file of the first data, this kind of video file generation is useful and can be applicable to various examples. Like the case that the second data is the video file, a position of inserting the second data can be adjusted by the dragged position as well.

Like the case that the second data is the video file, the controller180is able to generate the single video file by performing a specific image processing on the connecting part between the first and second data.

Meanwhile, in the mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention, if a single data file is generated by inserting a second data in a first data, a user is able to select a position for inserting the second data. In particular, the user selects a random point of the first data and then inserts the second data in the selected point.FIGS. 9 to 12show the corresponding examples. In the following description, assume that first and second data are video files.

FIG. 9is a diagram for a method of generating a single data file by inserting second data in a specific point of first data in a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) ofFIG. 9, a first data is played back and then stops to show a predetermined still image at a specific point (e.g., specific play time). In this case, the specific point can be selected by a user by controlling a play function. If ‘insert’ is touched, an image shown in (b) ofFIG. 9can be displayed on the screen.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 9, an image of a second data, which can be inserted, is displayed as a thumbnail on the screen. Specific data to be inserted is selected from the displayed image by a touch. If so, the controller180is able to generate a single video file by inserting the selected second data in a specific point of the first data.

Therefore, if the generated video file is played back, the first data keeps being played back until the specific point and the second data then starts to be played back. After completion of the playback of the second data, the first data resumes to be played back from the specific point.

FIG. 10is a diagram for another method of generating a single data file by inserting second data in a specific point of first data in a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) ofFIG. 10, a first data is played back and then stops to show a predetermined still image at a specific point (e.g., specific play time). In this case, while a playback of the first data is temporally stopped, the controller180is able to display direction buttons1001for a selection for an insertion point of the second data. Therefore, a user is able to select a point for inserting the second data using the direction buttons1001.

For instance, by touching the right direction button1001displayed on a right part of the screen, the screen can be shifted to a further played image from the temporarily stopped image. By touching the left direction button1001displayed on a right part of the screen, the screen can be shifted to a previously played image from the temporarily stopped image. Moreover, by a count of pressing the direction button1001, it is able to adjust a shift speed or length of an image. For instance, if the direction button1001is touched once, the image is shifted by 1× speed. If the direction button1001is touched twice, the image is shifted by 2× speed.

In the screen shown in (a) ofFIG. 10, if ‘insert’ is touched, an image shown in (b) ofFIG. 10can be displayed on the screen.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 10, a second data, which can be inserted, is displayed as a thumbnail on the screen. A specific data is selected from the displayed image by a touch. If so, the controller180is able to generate a single video file by inserting the selected second data in a selected point of the first data.

Therefore, if the generated video file is played back, the first data is played back until the selected point. The second data is then played back. After completion of the playback of the second data, the first data resumes to be played back from the specific point.

FIG. 11is a diagram for another method of generating a single data file by inserting second data in a specific point of first data in a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) ofFIG. 11, a first data is played back and then stops to show a predetermined still image at a specific point (e.g., specific play time). In this case, while a playback of the first data is temporally stopped, the controller180is able to adjust an insertion point for the second data by shifting an icon1103represented on a bar1101for indicating a play point of the first data. A user touches and drags the icon1103to shift.

In the screen shown in (a) ofFIG. 11, if ‘insert’ is touched, an image shown in (b) ofFIG. 11can be displayed on the screen.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 11, a second data, which can be inserted, is displayed as a thumbnail on the screen. A specific data is selected from the displayed image by a touch. If so, the controller180is able to generate a single video file by inserting the selected second data in a selected point of the first data. Therefore, if the generated video file is played back, the first data is played back until the selected point. The second data is then played back. After completion of the playback of the second data, the first data resumes to be played back from the specific point.

FIG. 12is a diagram for another method of generating a single data file by inserting second data in a specific point of first data in a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) ofFIG. 12, a first data is played back and then stops to show a predetermined still image at a specific point (e.g., specific play time). In this case, while a playback of the first data is temporally stopped, the controller180is able to adjust an insertion point for the second data by dragging a specific point of the image displayed on the screen.

In the screen shown in (a) ofFIG. 12, if ‘insert’ is touched, an image shown in (b) ofFIG. 12can be displayed on the screen.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 12, a second data, which can be inserted, is displayed as a thumbnail on the screen. A specific data is selected from the displayed image by a touch. If so, the controller180is able to generate a single video file by inserting the selected second data in a selected point of the first data.

Therefore, if the generated video file is played back, the first data is played back until the selected point. The second data is then played back. After completion of the playback of the second data, the first data resumes to be played back from the specific point.

In the single video file generated by the above-mentioned method, specific image processing may be performed on a connecting part between the first and second data (described with reference toFIG. 7). For instance, ‘fade out’ processing may be formed on the data connecting part in the generated video file.

FIG. 13is a diagram of a screen for playing a single data file generated from merging a plurality of data in a mobile terminal100according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 13, after a video signal of a first data has disappeared by getting blurred gradually [(a) to (c) ofFIG. 13], a second data gradually appears [(d) and (e) ofFIG. 13].

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described 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). And, the computer can include the controller180of the terminal100.