Diagnostic system and method for a mobile communication terminal

A mobile communication terminal comprising a display unit for displaying at least one or more terminal diagnostic objects, an input unit for selecting a terminal diagnostic object and a controller for diagnosing the operational state associated with the selected terminal diagnostic object is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(A), this application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0127505, filed on Dec. 10, 2007, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal, and more particularly, to a system and method for controlling diagnostic operations performed for various components of the mobile communication terminal.

BACKGROUND

A mobile communication 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. In the related art, a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated ‘PC’) is connected to a mobile or portable terminal and a diagnostic program (diagnostic monitor) of the mobile terminal is driven in the PC. Hence, the PC is able to diagnose operational states of the mobile terminal. However, it is inconvenient to connect the mobile terminal to the PC, each time the PC diagnoses the operational states of the mobile terminal.

In particular, in order to diagnose operational states of the mobile terminal while it is moving, it is very inconvenient to find a corresponding PC to diagnose the operational states of the mobile terminal.

SUMMARY

A mobile communication terminal comprising a display unit for displaying at least one or more terminal diagnostic objects, an input unit for selecting a terminal diagnostic object and a controller for diagnosing the operational state associated with the selected terminal diagnostic object is disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the controller may diagnose the operational state associated with the selected terminal diagnostic object on a preset date and time. In another embodiment, the controller may display a diagnostic schedule module for setting a diagnostic schedule for the selected terminal diagnostic object. The controller may also diagnose the operational state of the terminal associated with the selected terminal diagnostic object according to the time and date set via the diagnostic schedule module.

Further, in certain embodiments the controller may display a second object indicating the operational state of the selected terminal diagnostic object on the display unit. The controller may display a third object indicating a completed status of a diagnosis associated with the selected terminal diagnostic object on the display unit. The controller may also display the summary of the diagnosis if the third object is selected.

The input unit may comprise a touchscreen, wherein the terminal diagnostic object is selected via a user's touch action, in certain embodiments. Or, the input unit may comprise at least one or more keys, wherein the terminal diagnostic object is selected via one of the at least one or more keys.

In certain embodiments, the terminal may further comprise a menu for selecting diagnostic functions, wherein one or more terminal diagnostic objects may be displayed if the menu is selected.

A method for diagnosing components of a mobile communication terminal is also provided in accordance with one embodiment. The method comprises displaying at least one menu item for diagnosing an operational state associated with at least one component of the mobile communication terminal on a screen of the mobile communication terminal, establishing an association between the first GUI object and the menu item displayed on the screen, in response to a user selecting a first graphical user interface (GUI) object displayed on the screen of the mobile communication terminal and diagnosing the first component in response to detecting the established association between the first GUI object and the menu item, wherein the first GUI object represents a first component of the mobile communication terminal, is also disclosed herein.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise providing a diagnosis status on the screen for the first component indicating a progress level for a corresponding diagnosis operation. The method may further comprise providing a diagnosis report on the screen for the first component comprising diagnostic details for the first component. Additionally, the method may also comprise displaying a time table, in response to detecting the established association between the first GUI object and the menu item, such that a first time is scheduled for performing a diagnosis operation on the first component when a specific time is selected from the time table.

In one embodiment, the association between the first GUI object and the menu item is established by way of dragging and dropping the first GUI object in the menu item. Similarly, in certain embodiments the first time for performing the diagnosis operation on the first component is scheduled in response to dragging and dropping the first GUI object in a time slot in the time table. In other embodiments, the first time for performing the diagnosis operation on the first component is scheduled in response to dragging and dropping a time slot in the time table in the first GUI object.

The diagnosis status for the first component may be displayed in response to interacting with a graphical icon displayed on the screen. In certain embodiments, the menu item may be selected from a drop-down menu in a diagnosis menu displayed on the screen. The menu item may comprise at least one of a graphical icon, an indicator, a hyperlink or text displayed on the screen. In some embodiments, the association between the first GUI object and the menu item is established by way of a user interacting with a user interface of the mobile communication terminal. The user interface may comprise at least one of a keypad, a keyboard, a touch screen, a joystick, a roller ball, a key, a scroll wheel or a pointing device.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the mobile terminal, 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 this disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, a mobile terminal100may 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 permit wireless communication between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system or network within which the mobile terminal100is 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, or a data broadcast signal, without limitation. 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, or data, among others. The wireless internet module113supports Internet access for the mobile terminal100. The wireless internet module113may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100.

The short-range communication module114facilitates relatively short-range communications. For example, suitable technologies for implementing this module include radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at the networking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name a few.

Position-location module115identifies or otherwise obtains the location of the mobile terminal100. If desired, the position location module115may 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 terminal100. As shown, the A/V input unit120includes a camera121and a microphone122. The camera121receives and processes image frames of still pictures or video.

The microphone122receives an external audio signal while the mobile terminal 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 mobile terminal100, and in particular, A/V input unit120, typically include 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 wireless 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, but are not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel or 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 terminal100. 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, or 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 terminal100is open or closed. Other examples include the sensing unit140sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply190, or 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 terminal100with 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 terminal100. Display151is typically implemented to visually display information associated with the mobile terminal100. For instance, if the mobile terminal100is operating in a phone call mode, the display151will 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 or a three-dimensional display. The mobile terminal100may 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 mobile terminal100is in an opened position) and a second display configured as an external display (viewable in both the open and closed positions).

Moreover, the touchscreen can be configured to detect a touch input pressure as well as a touch input position and area. Meanwhile, a proximity sensor (not shown in the drawing) can be provided within or in the vicinity of the touch screen. In this case, the proximity sensor is the sensor for detecting a presence or non-presence of object, which approaches a prescribed detecting surface or exists in the vicinity, without mechanical contact using an electromagnetic force or IR. Therefore, the proximity sensor has durability considerably longer than that of a contact sensor and also has considerable practical applications.

For illustration purposes, the proximity sensor works according to the following principle:. If a high frequency sine wave is oscillating from an oscillation circuit, and an object approaches a sensor detecting surface, the oscillation amplitude of the oscillation circuit is attenuated, or stops. Such a variation can be converted to an electric signal to detect the presence or non-presence of an object. Therefore, if any substance other than a metallic substance is placed between the high frequency oscillation proximity sensor and the object to be detected, the proximity switch is able to detect the object without interference with the substance in-between.

FIG. 1further shows output unit150having an audio output module152which supports the audio output requirements of the mobile terminal100. The audio output module152is often implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinations thereof. The audio output module152functions 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 terminal100. 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 terminal100receiving a call or message. As another example, vibration is provided by alarm153responsive to receiving user input at the mobile terminal100, 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 terminal100. Examples of such data include program instructions for applications operating on the mobile terminal100, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc. Memory160is provided with software for diagnosing each operational state of the mobile terminal100. The software and a process for diagnosing each operational state of the mobile terminal100will be explained in detail later.

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 terminal100. For instance, the controller180performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, camera operations and recording operations. If desired, the controller180may include a multimedia module181which provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module181may be configured as part of the controller180, or may be implemented as a separate component. Moreover, the controller180is able to perform a pattern recognizing process for recognizing a handwriting/drawing input performed on the touchscreen as character/image.

The power supply190provides power required by the various components for the mobile terminal. The provided power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof. Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium using, for example, computer software, hardware, or some combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a selective combination thereof. In some cases, such embodiments are implemented by controller180.

In 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 one 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 keypad215includes 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 terminal100.

The first body200slides relative to second body205between open and closed positions. In a closed position, the first body200is positioned over the second body205in 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 to the display151and function keys210, is possible. The function keys151are 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) or 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 display151may 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 keys245are associated with a particular function of the mobile terminal100. 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 terminal100shown inFIG. 2.FIG. 3shows the second body205having a camera121, and an associated flash250and mirror255. The flash250operates in conjunction with the camera121of the second body205. The mirror255is useful for assisting a user to position the camera121in a self-portrait mode. The camera121of the second body205faces a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by camera121of the first body200(FIG. 2). Each of the cameras121of the first and second bodies200,205may 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 body205. 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, for 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 omni directional 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 stations270may also be denoted “cell sites.” Alternatively, individual sectors of a given base station270may be referred to as cell sites.

A broadcasting transmitter295is shown broadcasting to mobile terminals100operating within the system. The broadcast receiving module111(FIG. 1) of the mobile terminal100is typically configured to receive broadcast signals transmitted by the broadcasting 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 GPS satellites300facilitate locating the position of some or all of the mobile terminals100. Two satellites300are depicted, but it is understood that useful positioning information may be obtained with greater or fewer satellites300. The position-location module115(FIG. 1) of the mobile 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 station270. The resulting data is forwarded to an associated BSC275. The BSC275provides 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 PSTN290interfaces with the MSC280, and the MSC280interfaces 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 diagnostic function for diagnosing each operational state of the above-configured mobile terminal100is explained in detail. Specifically, a first embodiment of the present invention relates to a process for diagnosing each operational state of the mobile terminal100within a menu function and a second embodiment of the present invention relates to a process for diagnosing each operational state of the mobile terminal100on a background picture.

FIG. 5is a flowchart for a method of diagnosing operational states of a mobile terminal100according to a first embodiment. Prior to describing a first embodiment, a diagnostic function for the diagnostics and monitoring (hereinafter abbreviated ‘DM) of each operational state of the mobile terminal100is explained as follows.

The diagnostic function is the function for diagnosing and monitoring states of various functions used by the mobile terminal100and also diagnosing and monitoring whether various data values for the various functions performed in normal operation mode. Targets for the diagnostics and monitoring can include a function loaded in the mobile terminal100, such as a reception sensitivity state of the antenna of the mobile communication module112, a reception sensitivity of an antenna of the broadcast receiving module111, a battery state (e.g., charging state), a state of the memory160, a display state of the display module151, an audio output state of the audio output module152, a state of the camera121and the like.

In the following description, the above diagnostic functions are displayed as individual graphical user interface objects (e.g., icons). A user is able to facilitate diagnosis of an operational state of the user's mobile terminal100by conveniently selecting the objectified diagnostic icon through a touchscreen or direction keys.

Referring toFIG. 5, menu function items may be displayed for selection by a user on a display of the mobile terminal100[S51]. If a user selects a diagnostic menu for diagnosing an operational state of the mobile terminal100[S52], the controller180displays icon type objects for diagnosing operational states of the mobile terminal100on the display module151by controlling the diagnostic software provided to the memory160[S53].

In the following description, objects according to the present embodiment are explained with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6is an exemplary diagram of screen configuration for displaying objects to diagnose operational states of a mobile terminal100in accordance with one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6, the objects are provided to represent operational states61,62,63,63, . . . of the mobile terminal100as user-friendly shapes on the screen. The objects are able to indicate at least one of a reception sensitivity state61of the antenna of the mobile communication module112, a reception sensitivity62of an antenna of the broadcast receiving module111, a battery state63, a memory state64of the memory160, a display state65of the display module151, an audio output state66of the audio output module152, a capture state67of the camera121, and the like.

In this case, the objects can include at least one of a text, an image, an icon, a 3-dimensional image and an animation or any combination thereof. And, the objects can be downloaded from a web or an external PC via the wireless communication unit110or the interface170. The objects can be displayed as a scroll form in a manner of being scrolled by being aligned in a second direction from a first direction. Alternatively, the objects can be displayed as a grid or list.

If at least one of the objects for diagnosing an operational state is selected from the displayed objects through the user input unit130or the touchscreen type display module151[S54] and if a schedule for diagnosing the selected object is set [S55], the controller180diagnoses the operational state corresponding to the selected object on the time and date according to the set schedule by controlling the diagnostic software provided to the memory160[S56].

In this case, the diagnostic schedule can be set in advance by a user. If the object is selected, the controller180is able to diagnose the operational state corresponding to the selected object according to the diagnostic schedule having bee set in advance by the user. Moreover, while the object is selected, the controller180is able to directly perform a diagnostic action at the current time if the diagnostic schedule is not set.

If a plurality of objects are selected and if the diagnostic schedules of a plurality of the selected objects are identical to each other, the controller180is able to perform the diagnostic actions by determining orders of the objects according to the preset priorities.

In the following description, the diagnostic schedule setting process is explained in detail with reference toFIG. 7andFIG. 8.FIG. 7is a diagram of screen configurations for a process for setting a schedule of a diagnostic function using direction keys in accordance with one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 7(a), if a diagnostic menu is selected by a user, objects60for diagnosing each operational state of the mobile terminal100are displayed on a picture according to the diagnostic menu. Navigations key72, which is a type of user input unit130for setting the objects60and a diagnostic schedule, is displayed on a bottom of the diagnostic menu picture.

Among the objects60shown inFIG. 7(a), the object corresponding to a reference number ‘61’ is the object for diagnosing an antenna reception sensitivity state of the mobile communication module112, the object corresponding to a reference number ‘62’ is the object for diagnosing an antenna reception sensitivity state of the broadcast receiving module111, and the object corresponding to a reference number ‘63’ is the object for diagnosing a battery state.

After a user has selected the object for diagnosing the state of the battery63by manipulating directions keys72a,72b,72cand72dof the navigation key72, if the user presses a key71for setting the diagnostic schedule of the selected object63, the controller180, as shown inFIG. 7(b), displays a window83for setting the diagnostic schedule of the selected object63on the diagnostic menu picture. In this case, the diagnostic schedule includes data and time zone.

The setting window83can be represented as a calendar shown inFIG. 7(b) or an input window (not shown in the drawing) for inputting date and time zone. If the setting window83is displayed as the input window for inputting the date and time zone, the user is able to enter a diagnostic date and time zone by manipulating numeral keys provided to the user input unit130.

If the setting window83is represented as the calendar shown inFIG. 7(b), since the calendar includes dates and days of the week only, it is unable to set the diagnostic time zone. Therefore, if the user selects a date83ato diagnose, a time setting window84for setting the diagnostic time zone within the diagnostic date83ais additionally displayed.

Once the diagnostic time zone83bis set through the time setting window84, the controller180, as shown inFIG. 7(d), stores the set diagnostic date83aand the diagnostic time zone83bin the memory160by linking them with the selected object63. And, the controller180drives diagnostic software provided to the memory160and then diagnoses an operational state corresponding to the selected object63on the set diagnostic date83aand the set diagnostic time zone83b.

Referring toFIG. 7(c), the controller180is able to display both of the objects60for diagnosing the respective operational states of the mobile terminal100and the window83for setting the diagnostic schedules of the objects60on the same picture together.

FIG. 8is a diagram of screen configurations for a process for setting a schedule of a diagnostic function using a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment. Referring toFIG. 8(a), objects60for diagnosing operational states of the mobile terminal100and a window83for setting diagnostic schedules of the objects60are displayed on a display screen of a touchscreen151.

Among the objects60shown inFIG. 8(a), the object corresponding to a reference number ‘61’ is the object for diagnosing an antenna reception sensitivity state of the mobile communication module112, the object corresponding to a reference number ‘62’ is the object for diagnosing an antenna reception sensitivity state of the broadcast receiving module111, and the object corresponding to a reference number ‘63’ is the object for diagnosing a battery state.

The setting window83can be represented as a calendar shown inFIG. 8(a) or an input window (not shown inFIG. 8(a)) for inputting date83aand time zone83b. If the setting window83is displayed as the input window for inputting the date and time zone, the user is able to enter a diagnostic date83aand time zone83bby manipulating numeral keys provided to the user input unit130.

Referring toFIG. 8(a), if a user touches a date83afor diagnosing the selected object61while touching the selected object61, or if the user touches the selected object61while touching the date83a, the controller180additionally displays a time setting window84for setting a diagnostic time zone within the date83a.

If a user drags and drops the object61for diagnosing an operational state among the objects60to the date83aor drags and drops the date83ato the selected object61, the controller180additionally displays a time setting window84for setting the diagnostic time zone83bwithin the date83a.

If a diagnostic time zone83bis set through the time setting window84, the controller180, as shown inFIG. 8(c), stores the set diagnostic date83aand the set diagnostic time zone83bin the memory160by linking them with the selected object61. The controller180drives the diagnostic software and then diagnoses the operational state corresponding to the selected object61on the set diagnostic date83aand the set diagnostic time zone83b.

If a user touches a date of a current timing point among dates while touching the selected object61, or if a user touches the selected object61while touching a sate of a current timing point, the controller180drives the diagnostic software and is then able to directly diagnose the operational state corresponding to the selected object61.

If a user drags and drops the selected object61to a date of a current timing point or if a user drags and drops a date of a current timing point to the selected object61, the controller180is able to directly diagnose the operational state corresponding to the selected object61.

FIG. 9is a diagram of screen configurations for displaying that an operational state diagnosis of a mobile terminal is in progress. Referring toFIG. 9, the controller180is able to display a first indicator object91, which indicates that an operational state of the object63selected by the user inFIG. 7is being diagnosed, on the display module151.

In this case, the first indicator object91can be configured with at least one of a text, a moving picture, an animation or an icon, or any combination thereof. The first indicator object91, as shown inFIG. 9(a), can be displayed on an indicator area of a stand-by screen. And, the first indicator object91can always be displayed on a specific area of the screen to facilitate a user to recognize that the operational state of the mobile terminal100is being diagnosed.

Referring toFIG. 9(b), if the first indicator object91is selected through the user input unit130or the touchscreen151, the controller180is able to display a progress status window92indicating how far the operational state corresponding to the object63proceeds. In particular, if a user drags the first indicator object91displayed on the indicator area to an area outside of the indicator area, the controller180is able to display the progress status window92.

If a user touches the first indicator object91once or plural times or if a user having touched the first indicator object91maintains the touched state for a predetermined period of time (long-touch), the controller180is able to display the progress status window92. Moreover, the progress status window92can be simultaneously displayed together with the first indicator object91regardless of a key input or touch.

FIG. 10is a diagram of screen configurations for displaying completion of an operational state diagnosis of a mobile terminal. Referring toFIG. 10(a), once the diagnosis of an operational state corresponding to the object63is completed, the controller180is able to display a second indicator object101indicating the diagnosis completion status on the display module151. Of course, if the diagnosis of the operational state corresponding to the object63is completed, the controller180is able to directly display the diagnostic result without displaying the second indicator object101.

The controller180is able to display a presence or non-presence of normality of the operational state corresponding to the object63on the display module151by comparing the diagnosed result to a preset reference value. In this case, the reference value is a normal state value indicating that the operational state of the battery is normal. And, the reference value can be factory-set in advance or can be provided from an external service provider server via the wireless communication unit110.

The controller180transmits the content of the diagnosed result to the corresponding service provider server, receives a presence or non-presence of normality about the diagnosed result from the service provider server, and then displays the received result on the display module151. In this case, the second indicator object101can be configured with at least one of a text, a moving picture, an animation or an icon, or any combination thereof. The second indicator object101, as shown inFIG. 10(a), can be displayed on an indicator area of a stand-by screen. And, the second indicator object101can always be displayed on a specific area of the screen to facilitate a user to recognize that the operational state of the mobile terminal100is being diagnosed.

Referring toFIG. 10(b), if the second indicator object101is selected through the user input unit130or the touchscreen151, the controller180is able to display the diagnosed result content of the operational state corresponding to the selected object63. In particular, if a user drags the second indicator object101displayed on the indicator area to an outside of the indicator area, the controller180is able to display the diagnosed result content103. If a user touches the second indicator object101once or plural times or if a user having touched the second indicator object101maintains the touched state for a predetermined period of time (long-touch), the controller180is able to display the diagnosed result content103. Moreover, the controller180is able to simultaneously display the diagnosed result content103together with the second indicator object101regardless of a key input or touch.

According to a second embodiment, a diagnostic function provided to the above-described menu function of the first embodiment is provided to a stand-by screen. In particular, a user is facilitated to directly use the diagnostic function on the stand-by screen without separate menu manipulation. In the following description, a second embodiment is explained in detail with reference toFIG. 11andFIG. 12.

FIG. 11is a flowchart for a method of diagnosing operational states of a mobile terminal100according to a second embodiment.FIG. 12is a diagram of screen configurations for a method of diagnosing operational states of a mobile terminal100according to a second embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 11andFIG. 12, the controller180displays a plurality of objects61,62and63for diagnosing operational states of the mobile terminal100on a first area of a stand-by screen of the touchscreen151and also displays a plurality of diagnostic schedules on a second area of the stand-by screen [S111] [FIG. 12(a)].

In this case, the first area, as shown inFIG. 12(a), can become an indicator area60. In particular, each of the objects61,62and63plays a role as an indicator icon indicating each of the operational states of the mobile terminal100within the indicator area60prior to performing a diagnostic action. The diagnostic schedules are displayed as a calendar to facilitate a user to set the diagnostic schedules on the stand-by screen.

In case of detecting a touch preset between the first object61and a first date121a[S112], the controller180, as shown inFIG. 12(b), additionally displays a time setting window122for setting a diagnostic time zone121bwithin the first date121a[S113].

Referring toFIG. 12(b), if a user touches the first date121awhile touching the first object61or if a user touches the first object61while touching the first date121a, the controller180is able to additionally display the time setting window122. Referring toFIG. 12(b), if a user drags and drops the first object61to the first date121aor if a user drags and drops the first date121ato the first object61, the controller180is able to additionally display the time setting window122.

If a diagnostic time zone121b, as shown inFIG. 12(b), is inputted through the time setting window122[S114], the controller180, as shown inFIG. 12(c), stores the set diagnostic date121aand the diagnostic time zone121bin the memory160by linking them with the first object61. The controller180drives the diagnostic software provided to the memory160and then diagnoses the operational state corresponding to the first object61on the set diagnostic date121aand the set diagnostic time zone121b[S115].

If a user touches the date of the current timing point among the dates while touching the first object61or if a user touches the first object61while touching the date of the current timing point, the controller180drives the diagnostic software provided to the memory160and is then able to directly diagnose the operational state corresponding to the object61.

If a user drags and drops the first object61to the date of the current timing point or if the user drags and drops the date of the current timing point to the first object61, the controller180is able to directly diagnose the operational state corresponding to the object61. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the device and method disclosed herein.

For instance, the above-described device and method can be implemented in a program recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable media may include various kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable media may include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, and the like, for example, or may also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet). And, the computer can include the control unit180of the mobile terminal100.

Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the modifications and variations of this device and method, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.