Mobile terminal and method of controlling mobile terminal

A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a display unit configured to display a home screen including a plurality of items; and a controller configured to group the plurality of items into at least one group, select a frame for each item according to the at least one group in which the plurality of items are included, and couple and display the selected frame to each item in the at least one group.

This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0111668 filed on Oct. 28, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling a mobile terminal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Terminals can be divided into mobile terminals and stationary terminals. The mobile terminals can be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminals. Nowadays, as a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), etc., are widely used, various methods for efficiently managing applications installed in a terminal are provided. A user can arrange and use an item such as a shortcut icon and a widget corresponding to a frequently using function, application, etc. However, it is difficult for the user to manage the many difference icons and applications provided on the terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect, a mobile terminal includes: a display module for providing a home screen in which a plurality of items are arranged; and a controller for controlling to group the plurality of items into at least one group and to couple and display a frame differently selected according to a group in which each item is included to each of the plurality of items.

In another aspect, a method of controlling a mobile terminal, the method includes: entering a home screen at which a plurality of items are arranged; and coupling and displaying a frame differently selected according to a group in which each item is included to each of the plurality of items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are described and/or illustrated so that this disclosure will be more thorough and complete, and will more fully convey the aspects of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Hereinafter, a mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used in reference to components of the mobile terminal for convenience of description and do not have meanings or functions different from each other.

The mobile terminals described herein may include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), and a navigation system.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments, configurations and arrangements may also be provided. With reference toFIG. 1, the mobile terminal100may include a wireless communication unit110, an audio/video (A/V) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface unit170, a controller180, and a power supply190. Not all of the components shown inFIG. 1are essential, and the number of components included in the mobile terminal100may be varied. The components of the mobile terminal100, as illustrated with reference toFIG. 1will now be described.

The wireless communication unit110may include at least one module that enables wireless communication between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal100and a network in which the mobile terminal100is located. For example, the wireless communication unit110may include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a local area (or short-range) communication module114, and a location information (or position-location) module115.

The broadcast receiving module111may receive broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information from an external broadcasting management server through a broadcasting channel. The broadcasting channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel, and the broadcasting management server may be a server that generates and transmits broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information or a server that receives previously created broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information and transmits the broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information to a terminal.

The broadcasting signals may include not only TV broadcasting signals, wireless broadcasting signals, and data broadcasting signals, but also signals in the form of a combination of a TV broadcasting signal and a radio broadcasting signal. The broadcasting related information may be information on a broadcasting channel, a broadcasting program or a broadcasting service provider, and may be provided even through a mobile communication network. In the latter case, the broadcasting related information may be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcasting related information may exist in any of various forms. For example, the broadcasting related information may exist in the form of an electronic program guide (EPG) of a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) system or in the form of an electronic service guide (ESG) of a digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system.

The broadcast receiving module111may receive broadcasting signals using various broadcasting systems. More particularly, the broadcast receiving module111may receive digital broadcasting signals using digital broadcasting systems such as a digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T) system, a digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S) system, a media forward link only (MediaFLO™) system, a DVB-H system, and an integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) system. The broadcast receiving module111may receive signals from broadcasting systems providing broadcasting signals other than the above-described digital broadcasting systems.

The broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information received through the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in the memory160. The mobile communication module112may transmit/receive a wireless signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal or data in various forms according to the transmission and reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module113may correspond to a module for wireless Internet access and may be included in the mobile terminal100or may be externally attached to the mobile terminal100. Wireless LAN (WLAN or Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro™), world interoperability for microwave access (Wimax™), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) and other technologies may be used as a wireless Internet technique.

The local area communication module114may correspond to a module for local area communication. Further, Bluetooth™, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB) and/or ZigBee™ may be used as a local area communication technique.

The position-location module115may confirm or obtain the position of the mobile terminal100. The position-location module115may obtain position information by using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The GNSS refers to a radio navigation satellite system that revolves around the earth and transmits reference signals to predetermined types of radio navigation receivers such that the radio navigation receivers may determine their positions on the earth's surface or near the earth's surface. The GNSS may include a global positioning system (GPS) of the United States, Galileo of Europe, a global orbiting navigational satellite system (GLONASS) of Russia, COMPASS of China, and a quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) of Japan among others.

A global positioning system (GPS) module is one example of the position-location module115. The GPS module115may calculate information regarding distances between one point or object and at least three satellites and information regarding a time when the distance information is measured and apply trigonometry to the obtained distance information to obtain three-dimensional position information on the point or object according to latitude, longitude and altitude at a predetermined time. A method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the calculated position and time information using another satellite may also be used. In addition, the GPS module115may continuously calculate the current position in real time and calculate velocity information using the location or position information.

As shown inFIG. 1, the A/V input unit120may input an audio signal or a video signal and include a camera121and a microphone122. The camera121may process image frames of still images or moving pictures obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a display module151that may be a touch screen.

The image frames processed by the camera121may be stored in the memory160or may be transmitted to an external device through the wireless communication unit110. The mobile terminal100may also include at least two cameras121.

The microphone122may receive an external audio signal in a call mode, a recording mode or a speech recognition mode and process the received audio signal into electronic audio data. The audio data may then be converted into a form that may be transmitted to a mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module112and output in the call mode. The microphone122may employ various noise removal algorithms (or noise canceling algorithms) for removing or reducing noise generated when the external audio signal is received.

The user input unit130may receive input data required for controlling the mobile terminal100from a user. The user input unit130may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., constant voltage/capacitance), a jog wheel, and a jog switch.

The sensing unit140may sense a current state of the mobile terminal100, such as an open/closed state of the mobile terminal100, a position of the mobile terminal100, whether a user touches the mobile terminal100, a direction of the mobile terminal100, and acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal100, and generate a sensing signal required for controlling the mobile terminal100. For example, if the mobile terminal100is a slide phone, the sensing unit140may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. Further, the sensing unit140may sense whether the power supply190supplies power and/or whether the interface unit170is connected to an external device. The sensing unit140may also include a proximity sensor141.

The output unit150may generate visual, auditory and/or tactile output and may include the display module151, an audio output module152, an alarm unit153and a haptic module154. The display module151may display information processed by the mobile terminal100. The display module151may display a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to a voice call when the mobile terminal100is in the call mode. The display module151may also display a captured and/or received image and a UI or a GUI when the mobile terminal100is in the video call mode or the photographing mode.

In addition, the display module151may include at least a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a flexible display or a three-dimensional display. Some of these displays may be of a transparent type or a light transmissive type. That is, the display module151may include a transparent display.

The transparent display may include a transparent liquid crystal display. The rear of the display module151may include a light transmissive type display. Accordingly, a user may be able to see an object located behind the body of the mobile terminal100through the transparent portion of the display unit151on the body of the mobile terminal100.

The mobile terminal100may also include at least two display modules151. For example, the mobile terminal100may include a plurality of display modules151that are arranged on a single face of the mobile terminal100and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance or that are integrated together. The plurality of display modules151may also be arranged on different sides of the mobile terminal100.

Further, when the display module151and a touch-sensing sensor (hereafter referred to as a touch sensor) form a layered structure that is referred to as a touch screen, the display module151may be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The touch sensor may be in the form of a touch film, a touch sheet, or a touch pad, for example.

The touch sensor may convert a variation in pressure, applied to a specific portion of the display module151, or a variation in capacitance, generated at a specific portion of the display module151, into an electric input signal. The touch sensor may sense pressure, position, and an area (or size) of the touch.

When the user applies a touch input to the touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the touch input may be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller may then process the signal and transmit data corresponding to the processed signal to the controller180. Accordingly, the controller180may detect a touched portion of the display module151.

The proximity sensor141of the sensing unit140may be located in an internal region of the mobile terminal100, surrounded by the touch screen, or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor141may sense the presence of an object approaching a predetermined sensing face or an object located near the proximity sensor using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays without mechanical contact. The proximity sensor141may have a lifetime longer than a contact sensor and may thus be more appropriate for use in the mobile terminal100.

The proximity sensor141may include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillating proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and/or an infrared proximity sensor. A capacitive touch screen may be constructed such that proximity of a pointer is detected through a variation in an electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. The touch screen (touch sensor) may be considered as a proximity sensor141.

For the convenience of description, an action in which a pointer approaches the touch screen without actually touching the touch screen may be referred to as a proximity touch, and an action in which the pointer is brought into contact with the touch screen may be referred to as a contact touch. The proximity touch point of the pointer on the touch screen may correspond to a point of the touch screen at which the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen.

The proximity sensor141may sense the proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch velocity, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch moving state). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch action and proximity touch pattern may then be displayed on the touch screen.

The audio output module152may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit110or stored in the memory160in a call signal receiving mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a speech recognition mode and a broadcast receiving mode. The audio output module152may output audio signals related to functions performed in the mobile terminal100, such as a call signal incoming tone and a message incoming tone. The audio output module152may include a receiver, a speaker, and/or a buzzer. The audio output module152may output sounds through an earphone jack. The user may listen to the sounds by connecting an earphone to the earphone jack.

The alarm unit153may output a signal indicating generation (or occurrence) of an event of the mobile terminal100. For example, alarms may be generated when a call signal or a message is received and when a key signal or a touch is input. The alarm unit153may also output signals different from video signals or audio signals, for example, a signal indicating generation of an event through vibration. The video signals or the audio signals may also be output through the display module151or the audio output module152.

The haptic module154may generate various haptic effects that the user may feel. One of the haptic effects is vibration. The intensity and/or pattern of a vibration generated by the haptic module154may also be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be combined with each other and output or may be sequentially output.

The haptic module154may generate a variety of haptic effects including an effect attributed to an arrangement of pins vertically moving against a contact skin surface, an effect attributed to a jet force or a suctioning force of air through a jet hole or a suction hole, an effect attributed to a rubbing of the skin, an effect attributed to contact with an electrode, an effect of stimulus attributed to an electrostatic force, and an effect attributed to a reproduction of cold and warmth using an element for absorbing or radiating heat in addition to vibrations.

The haptic module154may not only transmit haptic effects through direct contact but may also allow the user to feel haptic effects through the user's fingers or arms. The mobile terminal100may also include a plurality of haptic modules154.

The memory160may store a program for operating the controller180and temporarily store input/output data such as a phone book, messages, still images, and/or moving pictures. The memory160may also store data regarding various patterns of vibrations and sounds that are output from when a touch input is applied to the touch screen.

The memory160may include at least a flash memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory such as SD or XD memory, a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM) magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. The mobile terminal100may also operate in association with a web storage performing the storage function of the memory160on the Internet.

The interface unit170may serve as a path to external devices connected to the mobile terminal100. The interface unit170may receive data or power from the external devices, transmit the data or power to internal components of the mobile terminal100, or transmit data of the mobile terminal100to the external devices. For example, the interface unit170may include a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having a user identification module, an audio I/O port, a video I/O port, and/or an earphone port.

The interface unit170may also interface with a user identification module that is a chip that stores information for authenticating authority to use the mobile terminal100. For example, the user identification module may be a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM) and a universal subscriber identify module (USIM). An identification device including the user identification module may also be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the mobile terminal100through a port of the interface unit170.

The interface unit170may also be a path through which power from an external cradle is provided to the mobile terminal100when the mobile terminal100is connected to the external cradle or a path through which various command signals input by the user through the cradle are provided to the mobile terminal100. The various command signals or power input from the cradle may be used as signals for checking whether the mobile terminal100is correctly settled (or loaded) in the cradle.

The controller180may control overall operations of the mobile terminal100. For example, the controller180may control and process voice communication, data communication and/or a video call. The controller180may also include a multimedia module181for playing a multimedia file. The multimedia module181may be included in the controller180as shown inFIG. 1or may be separated from the controller180.

The controller180may perform a pattern recognition process of recognizing handwriting input or picture-drawing input applied to the touch screen as characters or images. The power supply190may receive external power and internal power and provide power required for operating the components of the mobile terminal100under the control of the controller180.

According to a hardware implementation, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using at least 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, and/or electrical units for executing functions. The embodiments may be implemented using the controller180.

According to a software implementation, embodiments including procedures or functions may be implemented using a separate software module executing at least one function or operation. Software code may be implemented according to a software application written in an appropriate software language. The software codes may be stored in the memory160and executed by the controller180.

FIG. 2is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal or a handheld terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention. The handheld terminal100has a bar type terminal body. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a bar type terminal and may include various types of terminals such as slide type, folder type, swing type and swivel type terminals having at least two bodies coupled such that they can move relative to each other.

The terminal body includes a case (a casing, a housing, or a cover) forming the exterior of the terminal100. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the case may be divided into a front case101and a rear case102. Various electronic components are arranged in the space (volume) defined between the front case101and the rear case102. At least one middle case may be additionally arranged between the front case101and the rear case102. The cases may be made of plastics through injection molding or made of a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The display module151, the audio output module152, the camera121, user input unit130(e.g., operating units131,132), the microphone122and the interface unit170may be arranged in the terminal body, specifically, in the front case101.

The display module151occupies a majority of the area of the main face of the front case101. The audio output module152and the camera121are arranged in a region in proximity to an end of the display module151, and the operating unit131and the microphone122are located in a region in proximity to the other end of the display module151. The operating unit132and the interface unit170are arranged on the lateral sides of the front case101and the rear case102.

The user input unit130is operated to receive commands controlling the handheld terminal100and may include a plurality of operating units131and132. The first and second operating units131and132may be referred to as manipulating portions and may employ a tactile mechanism by which a user operates the operating units131and132by touch.

The first and second operating units131and132may receive various inputs. For example, the first operating unit131receives commands such as ‘START,’ ‘END,’ and ‘SCROLL,’ and the second operating unit132receives commands such as ‘CONTROL’ (the volume of sound output from the audio output module152) or ‘CONVERT’ (a mode of the display module151into a touch recognition mode).

FIG. 3is a rear perspective view of the handheld terminal shown inFIG. 2according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, a camera121′ may be additionally mounted at the rear side of the terminal body, that is, the rear case102. The camera121′ captures images along a direction opposite to that of the camera121shown inFIG. 2and may have a pixel resolution different from that of the camera121.

For example, according to one embodiment, the camera121has a relatively low resolution suitable for capturing an image of the face of a user and transmitting the captured image in a video call, while the camera121′ has a relatively high resolution suitable for capturing a photograph of a general subject. The cameras121and121′ may be mounted to the terminal body such that they may be rotated or popped-up.

A flash123and a mirror124may be additionally arranged in proximity to the camera121′. The flash123lights a subject when the camera121′ takes a picture of the subject. The mirror124may be used by the user to view his/her face when the user wants to self-photograph himself/herself using the camera121′.

An audio output module152′ may be additionally provided on the rear side of the terminal body. The audio output module152′ may facilitate a stereo function in conjunction with the audio output module152shown inFIG. 2and may be used in a speaker phone mode when the terminal is used for a voice call.

A broadcasting signal receiving antenna116may be additionally attached to the side of the terminal body in addition to an antenna for voice calls. The antenna, which may constitute a part of the broadcast receiving module111shown inFIG. 1, may be mounted in the terminal body such that the antenna may be pulled out from (and retracted into) the terminal body.

The power supply190for providing power to the handheld terminal100is set in the terminal body. The power supply190may be provided in the terminal body or detachably installed on the terminal body.

A touch pad135for sensing a touch may be additionally attached to the rear case102. The touch pad135may be of a light transmission type similar to the display module151. In this configuration, if the display module151outputs visual information through both of its sides (or faces), the visual information may be viewable via the touch pad135. The information output through both sides of the display unit151may be controlled by the touch pad135. Alternatively (or in addition), a display is additionally attached to the touch pad135such that a touch screen may be arranged in the rear case102.

The touch pad135operates in connection with the display module151of the front case101. The touch pad135may extend parallel to the display module151behind the display module151. The touch panel135may have a size equal to or smaller than the size of the display module151.

Next,FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further,FIGS. 5 to 16illustrate the method of controlling a mobile terminal ofFIG. 4.

Referring toFIG. 4, the controller180enters a home screen based on a user input (S101). When entering a home screen, the controller180determines whether a frame is set to an item arranged at a present home screen (S102). That is, the controller180determines whether a setting state of a present home screen is set to couple and display a frame to an item, or is set to display an item without a frame.

If a frame is not set (No in S102), the controller180displays items arranged on a home screen on the home screen without a frame (S103). If a frame is set (Yes in S102), the controller180couples and displays a frame to each item arranged at the home screen (S104).

When a frame is set to an item displayed on the home screen, the controller180couples and displays the frame to the item with various methods. For example, the controller180may couple and display an item and a frame with a method of overlapping and displaying an item on a frame of a bottom support form.

In another example, the controller180may couple and display an item and a frame with a method of coupling a frame of a circumferential edge form to the outside of an area in which an item is displayed.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of displaying an item on a home screen according to whether a frame is set. In particular,FIG. 5Aillustrates a state in which a frame is not set, andFIG. 5Billustrates a state in which a frame is set.

Referring toFIG. 5A, when a frame is not set, the controller180displays only an item5aon a home screen HS. When a frame is set by the user, i.e., when a frame display is activated, the controller180couples and displays a frame5bto the item5aon the home screen HS, as shown inFIG. 5B. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller180sets whether to activate a frame based on a user input.

FIG. 6illustrates an example of setting to activate a frame. Referring toFIG. 6A, in a state in which a display of a frame is inactivated, the controller180displays items on a home screen HS. Further, in a state in which the home screen HS is displayed, as the touch screen151is pinched out, the controller180enters a frame setting mode.

When entering a frame setting mode, the controller180displays a frame theme6athat can be selected by a user on the screen, as shown inFIG. 6B. Further, when entering a frame setting mode, the controller180displays that the mobile terminal100enters a frame setting mode using a method of adjusting a display state of an item arranged on the home screen to a translucent state.

A frame theme suggested to a user in a frame setting mode may be used by reading a frame theme previously stored in the memory160, or by downloading a frame theme from a web server. In a case of the latter, when a download of a frame theme is selected by the user, the controller180downloads a frame theme selected by the user from a web server connected through the wireless communication unit110.

When a frame theme that can be selected by the user is in plural, the controller180may change and display a frame theme based on a user input, as shown inFIG. 6C. That is, as shown inFIG. 6B, in a state in which a frame setting screen6acorresponding to a first frame theme is displayed, when a specific user input is received, the controller180displays a frame setting screen6bcorresponding to a second frame theme on the screen, as shown inFIG. 6C.

A user input for changing a frame theme may include flicking and tapping to a specific area. For example, when an area6cin which a frame theme name is displayed in an upper end portion of the screen is flicked, the controller180may change a frame theme displayed on the screen. When the user selects a frame theme in which the user wants, the controller180returns to a home screen by pinching in the frame setting screen, as shown inFIGS. 6C and 6D.

Referring toFIG. 6C, in a state in which a second frame theme6bis displayed, when the touch screen151is pinched in by the user, the controller180stores the second frame theme6bwhile displaying on a present screen as a frame theme of a home screen. Further, the controller180terminates a frame setting mode and returns to the home screen HS.

Further, when the mobile terminal100is returned to the home screen HS, the controller180displays items on the home screen based on the second frame theme selected in a frame setting mode, as shown inFIG. 6D. That is, the controller180couples and displays frames corresponding to the second frame theme to items displayed on the home screen.

Next,FIG. 6illustrates a case of entering a frame setting mode through a pinch-out/pinch-in input or a case of terminating a frame setting mode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. According to the present invention, the controller180can control to enter or to terminate a frame setting mode on a home screen by various user inputs.

Referring again toFIG. 4, when coupling and displaying a frame to an item arranged on the home screen (S104), the controller180may differently select a frame coupled to an item according to a group in which each item is included. Further, for an item that is not grouped, the controller180may select a frame coupled to the item based on a function/application corresponding to the item and a category in which the item is included, or may select a frame randomly coupled to the item.

FIG. 7illustrates an example of coupling and displaying a frame to an item arranged on a home screen. Referring toFIG. 7, when entering a home screen state, the controller180displays items on the home screen HS. Further, because a present home screen state is a frame setting state, the controller180couples and displays a frame corresponding to each of items7ato7e.

Here, as shown inFIG. 7, a frame coupled to each item may be differently selected according to a group in which the corresponding item is included. Referring toFIG. 7, the controller180differently controls frames coupled to items7aand7bincluded in a first group G7aand a shape, a color, and a pattern of frames coupled to items7c,7d, and7eincluded in a second group G7b.

Further, as shown inFIG. 7, the controller180may arrange to adjacently display items included in the same group. Referring toFIG. 7, the controller180adjacently arranges items7aand7bincluded in the first group G7aand adjacently arranges items7c,7d, and7eincluded in the second group G7a.

Further, as shown inFIG. 7, the controller180may embody a visual effect in which frames of an item included in the same group are connected by a link. Referring toFIG. 7, the controller180displays a first link L7ato embody a visual effect of a connection between frames coupled to the items7aand7bof the first group G7a. Further, in order to embody a visual effect of a connection between frames coupled to the items7c,7d, and7eof the second group G7b, the controller180displays the second link L7b.

FIG. 7illustrates an example of displaying a link for representing a connection relationship between frames, and the present invention is not limited thereto. According to the present invention, in order to display a connection relationship between frames, various forms of links can be used.

Referring again toFIG. 4, the controller180determines whether a change of a frame of at least one item displayed on the home screen is requested (S105), and if a change of a frame of at least one item displayed on the home screen is requested (Yes in S105), the controller180changes a frame of at least one item in which a frame change is requested based on a user input (S106).

Further, when a frame of at least one item is changed, the controller180regroups items arranged on the home screen based on frame change contents (S107). The controller180determines whether the home screen is terminated (S108) and steps S105to S107are repeatedly performed until the home screen is terminated by the user. At steps S105and S106, in a state entered a frame setting mode, the controller180changes a frame. That is, as shown inFIG. 6, in a state entered a frame setting mode, the controller180may change a frame of an item.

Next,FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating in detail steps S105to S107when changing a frame by entering a frame setting mode. Further,FIGS. 9 and 10are diagrams illustrating in detailFIG. 8. Referring toFIG. 8, the controller180enters a frame setting mode based on a user input in a home screen state (S201).

Here, a user input for entering a frame setting mode in a home screen state may be input in various forms. For example, in a state entered a home screen, when the touch screen151is pinched out, the controller180enters a frame setting mode, as shown inFIG. 6A.

In a state entered into the frame setting mode, the controller180determines whether one item is selected by a user input (S202), and if one item is selected by a user input (Yes in S202), the controller180displays a list of frames that can be coupled to the selected item on a screen (S203). Here, when the number of frames that can be coupled to the selected item is larger than that of frames that can be displayed in an area in which a frame list is displayed, the controller180may scroll and display the frame list based on a user input. For example, when flicking to an area in which the frame list is displayed is input, the controller180may control to scroll and display the frame list.

The controller180determines whether one frame is selected from the frame list (S204), and if one frame is selected from the frame list (Yes in S204), the controller180changes a frame of the item selected at step S202to a selected frame (S205). The controller180determines whether a frame setting mode is terminated (S206) and steps S202to S205is repeatedly performed until a frame setting mode is terminated by a user.

Here, a user input for terminating a frame setting mode may be input in various forms. For example, in a frame setting mode, when the touch screen151is pinched in, the controller180terminates a frame setting mode, as shown inFIG. 6C.

When a frame setting mode is terminated by the user, the controller180stores frame change contents in a frame setting mode at the memory160. Further, the controller180regroups items arranged on a home screen based on frame change contents (S207). That is, the controller180performs a process of grouping items coupled to the same frame into one group based on frame change contents.

FIG. 9illustrates an example of changing a frame in a state entered a frame setting mode. As shown inFIG. 9A, in a state entered a frame setting mode, when a specific item9aarranged on a home screen is pressed, the controller180displays a list FL of frames that can be coupled to the corresponding item9aat a lower end of a screen, as shown inFIG. 9B. Thereafter, when one frame9bis selected from the frame list FL, the controller180changes a frame coupled to the selected item9ato the selected frame9b, as shown inFIG. 9C.

Referring again toFIG. 8, as items are regrouped, the controller180rearranges items to adjacently arrange items included in the same group (S207). Further, when rearranging items, the controller180visualizes and displays a process of rearranging items.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of visualizing and displaying a process of rearranging an item according to a frame change. Referring toFIG. 10A, when the touch screen151is pinched in a frame setting mode, the controller180terminates a frame setting mode. Further, when a frame setting mode is terminated, the controller180stores frame change contents in a frame setting mode at the memory160.

Further, the controller180regroups items arranged on a home screen based on frame change contents in a frame setting mode. In addition, when it is necessary to rearrange an item by regrouping of items, the controller180displays reduction images of each of pages P1, P2, and P3constituting a home screen on the screen, as shown inFIG. 10B. Thereafter, the controller180visualizes and displays an image in which an item is rearranged by regrouping of an item for a predetermined time period using a reduction image of each of the pages P1, P2, and P3, as shown inFIG. 10C.

Referring toFIG. 10C, the controller180can rearrange items to adjacently arrange items included in the same group or to adjacently arrange groups included in the same category or having a high relation. For example, the controller180determines that the second item10b, having the same frame as that of the first item10aarranged at a first page P1of a home screen, i.e., included in the same group is positioned at a second page P2. Accordingly, the controller180arranges the first item10aadjacently to the second item10bby moving the first item10ato the second page P2. Further, in this process, the controller180displays a motion10bin which the first item10amoves from the first page P1to the second page P2on a screen for a predetermined time period.

When rearrangement of items is complete, the controller180stores an arrangement state of items at the memory160. Further, as shown inFIG. 10D, the controller180controls to return to a home screen. Referring toFIG. 10D, the controller180adjacently arranges items included in the same group and displays to connect frames of items included in the same group by links L10aand L10b. Referring again toFIG. 4, the controller180may directly change a frame of an item on a home screen without entering a frame setting mode at steps S105and S106.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating in detail steps S105to S107when changing a frame on a home screen. Further,FIG. 12illustrates in detailFIG. 11. Referring toFIG. 11, when a first item displayed on a home screen is touched by a user, the controller180selects the first item (S301).

Thereafter, the controller180determines whether the selected first item is dragged to a second item (S302), and if the selected first item is dragged to a second item (Yes in S302), the controller180changes a frame of the first item to a frame of the second item (S303). Further, the controller180groups the first item into the same group as that of the second item (S304).

At step S304, when the second item is an item that is not yet grouped, the controller180groups the first item and the second item into one group. When a group including the second item already exists, the controller180may add the first item to a group in which the second item is included.

FIG. 12illustrates an example of changing a frame of an item on a home screen. Referring toFIG. 12A, when a first item12adisplayed on the home screen HS is dragged to a second item12b, the controller180changes a frame of the first item to a frame of the second item12b, as shown inFIG. 12B.

Further, the controller180adds the first item12ato a group G12in which the second item12bis included. Further, when the first item12ais grouped into the same group as that of the second item12b, the controller180rearranges the first item12aadjacently to the second item12b. The controller180displays a link L12that connects a frame of the first item12aand a frame of the second item12b.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a new item is added on the home screen, the controller180may automatically set a frame coupled to the added item. For example, when an item is newly added, the controller180may automatically set a frame coupled to the newly added item based on an attribute of the item. Here, the attribute of the item includes a category in which the item is included and a function/application corresponding to the item.

Further, for example, when an item is newly added, the controller180may automatically set a frame coupled to the newly added item based on an arrangement position of the added item. In another example, when an item is newly added, the controller180may set a randomly selected frame as a frame of the newly added item.

Next,FIGS. 13 and 14illustrate examples of setting a frame of a newly added item. Referring toFIG. 13A, when a specific item13ais pressed or touched on a menu screen, the controller180enters a mode of adding an item on a home screen. When entering an item addition mode, the controller180displays a reduction image of pages P1, P2, and P3constituting a home screen on a screen, as shown inFIG. 13B.

Further, when the item13ais dragged to a specific page P2by the user, the controller180adds the selected item13ato the corresponding page P2, as shown inFIG. 13C. Also, when a frame of a present home screen is activated, the controller180automatically sets a frame of the newly added item13abased on a frame characteristic of the page P2to which the selected item13ais added. That is, the controller180sets a frame of items already arranged at a page P2to which the item13ais added as a frame of the added item13a.

Referring toFIG. 14A, when entering an item addition mode, the controller180displays a reduction image of pages P1, P2, and P3constituting a home screen on the screen. Thereafter, when the selected item13ais dragged to another area instead of an area in which pages P1, P2, and P3of the home screen are displayed, the controller180selects a page to add the item13abased on an attribute of the selected item13a.

That is, the controller180selects a page P1in which items having an attribute similar to that of the selected item13aare arranged as a page to add the item13abased on a category in which the selected item13ais included and a corresponding function/application. When a page is selected, the controller180adds the item13ato the selected page P1, as shown inFIG. 14B. Further, when a frame of a home screen is in an activation state, the controller180automatically sets a frame of the newly added item13abased on a frame characteristic of the page P1in which the selected item13ais arranged. That is, the controller180sets a frame of items already arranged at the page P1to which the item13ais added as a frame of the added item13a.

FIG. 14illustrates a case of selecting a page to add an item based on a characteristic of the selected item when an item is not dragged to any page, but the present invention is not limited thereto. According to the present invention, when an item is not dragged to any page, the controller180may select a page to arrange an item based on arrangement space of each page.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which an item and a frame are coupled and displayed, when the item is moved by page movement, the controller180may provide a visual effect of a form in which the item and the frame coupled to the item move with a time gap. That is, by setting a frame to have an elastic force for an item, when the item moves, a visual effect in which the frame follows the item with a time gap by an elastic force may be provided. In this case, an elastic force between the item and the frame may be set by the user.

FIG. 15illustrates an example of moving an item according to movement of a page. Referring toFIG. 15A, in a state in which an elastic force between an item and a frame does not exist, when a page of a home screen is scrolled and thus the item moves, the controller180simultaneously moves and displays a frame coupled to the item in a state coupled to the item.

Further, referring toFIG. 15B, in a state in which an elastic force between the item and the frame exists, when a page of the home screen is scrolled and thus the item moves, the controller180controls movement of the item and the frame so that the frame moves along the item with a time gap corresponding to a preset elastic force.

In this instance, in a state in which the item moves to a preset distance or less, when movement of the item is terminated, the controller180returns and displays the item to an original position before movement of the item. Further, when the item returns, the controller180may visualize and display a motion that returns to an original position after the item repeats a vibration movement by an elastic force between the item and the frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when moving a grouped one item, the controller180may move simultaneously items included within the same group.

FIG. 16illustrates an example of simultaneously moving items included within the same group. Referring toFIG. 16A, when one item16ais selected and dragged, the controller180moves and displays simultaneously items16band16cincluded within the same group as that of the corresponding item16ain a drag direction, as shown inFIG. 16B.

FIGS. 4 to 16illustrate where a separate frame is coupled on each item basis, but according to the present invention, the controller180may couple and display items included in the same group to one frame. In particular,FIGS. 17 to 20illustrate coupling and displaying one frame on each item basis.

FIG. 17illustrates an example of coupling and displaying one frame on each group basis. Referring toFIG. 17, the controller180couples and displays items17a,17b, and17cgrouped into the same group G17to one frame. Further, the controller180displays an item17dthat is not grouped without a frame.

When coupling and displaying one frame on each item basis, the controller180may add an item to a specific group by dragging an item to an area in which a frame of the specific group is displayed, or remove an item from a specific group by dragging an item to the outside of a frame display area of the specific group.

FIGS. 18 and 19illustrate examples of adding or removing an item when coupling and displaying one frame on each group basis. Referring toFIG. 18A, the controller180removes a dragged item18afrom a group G18, as shown inFIG. 18Bby dragging one item18aof items grouped into the same group G18to the outside of a frame area.

Referring toFIG. 19A, when one item19ais dragged to an area in which a specific group G19is displayed, the controller180includes the item19ain a corresponding group G19. Further, as shown inFIG. 19B, the controller180couples and displays to a newly added item19ato a frame of the corresponding group G19. Further, as described above, even when coupling and displaying one frame on each item basis, the controller180can simultaneously move items included in one group, as shown inFIG. 16.

Next,FIG. 20illustrates an example of moving a group when coupling and displaying one frame on each group basis. Referring toFIG. 20A, when a grouped one item20ais touched, the controller180selects a group G20in which the touched item20ais included. Thereafter, in a state in which the item20ais touched, when the item20ais dragged from a first page P1to a second page P2of the home screen, the controller180simultaneously moves and displays items included in the same group G20as that of the corresponding item20afrom the first page P1to the second page P2.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal100controls an item coupled to each item to be differently selected according to a group in which the corresponding item is included, thereby intuitively classifying items included in the same group.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a frame is changed, the mobile terminal100automatically regroups and rearranges an item based on frame change contents, thereby increasing user convenience upon grouping an item. Also, the mobile terminal100visualizes a process of rearranging an item and provides the process to a user, thereby causing a user interest and increasing visual satisfaction of the user in the process of rearranging an item.

The disclosed methods of controlling the mobile terminal may be written as computer programs and may be implemented in digital microprocessors that execute the programs using a computer readable recording medium. The methods of controlling the mobile terminal may be executed through software. The software may include code segments that perform required tasks. Programs or code segments may also be stored in a processor readable medium or may be transmitted according to a computer data signal combined with a carrier through a transmission medium or communication network.

The computer readable recording medium may be any data storage device that may store data and may be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium may include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, DVD±ROM, DVD-RAM, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable recording medium may also be distributed over network coupled computer systems such that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed manner.

The foregoing embodiments and features are merely exemplary in nature and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The disclosed embodiments and features may be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the foregoing embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.