Abstract:
The present invention relates to controlling a display in a mobile terminal including a touch screen having a display area that operates as a touch input area. The present invention includes displaying data information on the display area, wherein the data information is distinguished with graphic icons, and displaying a frame on the display area to at least partially overlap the data information and defining a first area within the frame and a second area outside of the frame to define the data information into at least two parts, wherein when at least one of the first area and a frame boundary is touched, a predetermined function associated with the data information displayed in the first area is performed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2007-006384, filed on Jan. 20, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to controlling a display in a mobile terminal including a touch screen having a display area that operates as a touch input area. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   As a demand for electronic devices increased, the electronic devices have provided more convenient services and functions for the user. Particularly, interest in electronic devices with a touch screen has become greater. 
   An electronic device with a touch screen allows a user to directly touch the touch screen to enter a desired menu or information, and therefore offer easy information accessibility. Thus, what is needed is an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, that utilizes the touch screen to provide the user with better services and functions. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to controlling a display in a mobile terminal. 
   Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
   To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present invention is embodied in a method of controlling display in a mobile terminal comprising a touch screen having a display area that operates as a touch input area, the method comprising displaying data information on the display area, wherein the data information is distinguished with graphic icons, and displaying a frame on the display area to at least partially overlap the data information and defining a first area within the frame and a second area outside of the frame to define the data information into at least two parts, wherein when at least one of the first area and a frame boundary is touched, a predetermined function associated with the data information displayed in the first area is performed. 
   In one aspect of the invention, the data information comprises a map and the predetermined function comprises displaying detailed location information, wherein the detailed location information is presented on the display area as one of a pop-up window and a shaded image. 
   In another aspect of the invention, the data information comprises text and the predetermined function comprises displaying a definition of the text, wherein the definition of the text is presented on the display area as one of a pop-up window and a shaded image. 
   Preferably, the predetermined function comprises enlarging a portion of the data information corresponding to the first area. Preferably, the frame comprises one of a polygon and a circularly closed-loop. Preferably, the frame is defined by touching the display area in a manner that forms substantially a closed-loop. Preferably, the frame is reduced when the second area of the display area is touched. 
   In a further aspect of the invention, movement of the frame is controlled in response to a touching manner in at least one of the first area and the frame boundary of the display area. Preferably, the frame is displayed in response to a touching of the display area where the data information is displayed. 
   Preferably, when the second area is touched, the data information corresponding to a touched portion is displayed in the frame. Preferably, the size of the first area is controlled using the graphic icons. Preferably, the frame size is adjusted when the frame boundary is touched and dragged. Alternatively, the frame size is adjusted in response to activation of control keys. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a mobile terminal capable of controlling a display comprises a touch screen having a display area that operates as a touch input area, and a controller displaying data information on the display area, wherein the data information is distinguished with graphic icons, and displaying a frame on the display area to at least partially overlap the data information and defining a first area within the frame and a second area outside of the frame to define the data information into at least two parts, wherein when at least one of the first area and a frame boundary is touched, a predetermined function associated with the data information displayed in the first area is performed. 
   In one aspect of the invention, the data information comprises a map and the predetermined function comprises displaying detailed location information, wherein the detailed location information is presented on the display area as one of a pop-up window and a shaded image. 
   In another aspect of the invention, the data information comprises text and the predetermined function comprises displaying a definition of the text, wherein the definition of the text is presented on the display area as one of a pop-up window and a shaded image. 
   Preferably, the predetermined function comprises enlarging a portion of the data information corresponding to the first area. Preferably, the frame comprises one of a polygon and a circularly closed-loop. Preferably, the frame is defined by touching the display area in a manner that forms substantially a closed-loop. Preferably, the frame is reduced when the second area of the display area is touched. 
   In a further aspect of the invention, movement of the frame is controlled in response to a touching manner in at least one of the first area and the frame boundary of the display area. Preferably, the frame is displayed in response to a touching of the display area where the data information is displayed. 
   Preferably, when the second area is touched, the data information corresponding to a touched portion is displayed in the frame. Preferably, the size of the first area is controlled using the graphic icons. Preferably, the frame size is adjusted when the frame boundary is touched and dragged. Alternatively, the frame size is adjusted in response to activation of control keys. 
   It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( c ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 3(   a )- 3 ( d ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 4(   a )- 4 ( e ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 5(   a )- 5 ( e ) illustrate increasing or decreasing a size of a frame using scale up/down menus displayed on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 6(   a )- 6 ( e ) illustrate increasing or decreasing a size of a frame using scale up/down icons displayed on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 7(   a )- 7 ( e ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 8(   a )- 8 ( e ) illustrate enlarging or downsizing data using scale up/down menus displayed on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 9(   a )- 9 ( e ) illustrate enlarging or downsizing data using scale up/down icons displayed on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 10(   a )- 10 ( c ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 11(   a )- 11 ( c ) illustrate displaying a pop-up window when a user touches the inside of a frame when data displayed on a touch screen is an e-book in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention relates to controlling a display in a mobile terminal. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The aspects and features of the present invention and methods for achieving the aspects and features will be apparent by referring to the embodiments to be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed hereinafter, but can be implemented in diverse forms. The matters defined in the description, such as the detailed construction and elements, are nothing but specific details provided to assist those of ordinary skill in the art in a comprehensive understanding of the invention, and the present invention is only defined within the scope of the appended claims. In the entire description of the present invention, the same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements across various figures. 
   The present invention may be applied to various types of electronic devices comprising a touch screen, such as a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a cellular phone. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile communication terminal having a telecommunication function is used. Notably, although the present invention is described using a touch screen as a touch input device for example, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may be used in conjunction with all types of touch input devices using a touch sensing technique including a touch screen, touch pad and the like. 
     FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a mobile terminal  100  comprises a wireless communication device  10 , a memory  20 , a display  30 , an input device  40 , a controller  50  and an audio processor  60 . 
   The wireless communication device  10  performs a communication function of the mobile terminal  100 . Preferably, the wireless communication device  10  comprises an RF transmitter for transmitting communication signals to a base station and an RF receiver for receiving communication signals from the base station. 
   The memory  20  includes a program memory and a data memory. The program memory stores programs for controlling general movement of the mobile terminal  100 . In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the memory  20  stores a subway map, a calendar, a geographic map, and various multimedia files, for example. 
   The display  30  displays various information or data the user is interested in according to the control of controller  50 . The display  30  may be one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic light emitting diode (OLED), for example. In addition, the display  30  may comprise two displays such as an outside display and an inside display. Preferably, the display  30  is implemented with a touch screen, which may function as an input apparatus for receiving user instructions while simultaneously displaying various data. 
   The input device  40  functions as an interface allowing a user to provide instructions to the controller  50 . Preferably, the input device  40  comprises various side keys and navigation keys on the mobile terminal  100 . Preferably, the side keys comprise up/down side keys, which may be used to increase and decrease the size of the data and/or the frame displayed on the display  30 . The controller  50  implements general control of the mobile terminal  100  according to the present invention. 
   When a request for displaying predetermined data is made by the user, the controller  50  displays the data on the touch screen  30 . Preferably, the controller  50  controls a frame including a predetermined region or domain displayed on the touch screen  30  in order to retrieve information related to the specific data displayed on the touch screen  30 . Thus, when an inner portion of the region is touched by the user&#39;s finger or a stylus pen, the controller  50  displays the information related to the inner portion of the region on the touch screen  30 . 
   The audio processor  60  outputs an audio signal decoded by the controller  30  through a loud speaker (SPK). The audio processor  60  also transfers an audio signal generated through a microphone (MIC) to the controller  30 . 
   In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention searches for information related to data displayed on an inner portion of a frame of a touch screen.  FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( c ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2(   a ), if a display of a subway line map is requested by the user, the subway line map and a frame  200  including a specific region or domain are displayed on the touch screen  30  of the mobile terminal  100 . Although the frame  200  is drawn with a quadrangle shape in  FIG. 2(   a ), other frame shapes may be used. For example, the shape of the frame  200  may be a circle, a polygon or a closed shape. Moreover, the boundary line of the frame  200  may be a dotted line or a solid line, for example. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2(   b ), when the user touches the inner region of the displayed frame  200  on the touch screen  30 , information related to a subway station located inside the touched frame  200  is displayed on the touch screen  30  in the form of a pop-up window  210 , as shown in  FIG. 2(   c ). The information related to the subway station may comprise the name of the subway station and other information related to subway lines passing through the subway station. Preferably, the pop-up window  210  including the information related to the subway station is displayed near the frame  200 . Although the pop-up window  210  is displayed to the right of the frame  200  in  FIG. 2(   c ), the present invention is not limited thereto. The pop-up window may be displayed anywhere near the frame  200  in any direction. 
   Moreover, although the frame  200  is displayed near the center of the touch screen  30  in the figures, the location of the frame  200  is not limited thereto. The location of the frame  200  may be changed via user touch or interaction. 
   Furthermore, although the data displayed on the touch screen  30  is subway line map information by example, the present invention is not limited thereto. The displayed data may be one of a bus line map, a train line map, a geographic map, a calendar, a webpage, an electronic book (e-book) and others. 
   As described above, the above embodiment is advantageous in that the user can watch or confirm the information related to the data displayed inside the frame by touching the inner portion of the frame on the screen  30 . 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to transferring data displayed on a touch screen.  FIGS. 3(   a )- 3 ( d ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3(   a ), if a display of a subway line map is requested by the user, the subway line map and the frame  200  including a specific region or domain are displayed on the touch screen  30  of the mobile terminal  100 . Although the frame  200  is drawn with a quadrangle shape in  FIG. 3(   a ), other frame shapes may be used. For example, the shape of the frame  200  may be a circle, a polygon or a closed shape. Moreover, the boundary line of the frame  200  may be a dotted line or a solid line, for example. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3(   b ) and  3 ( c ), when the user touches a portion of the touch screen  30  outside of the frame  200 , the subway line map moves on the touch screen  30  such that a point of the subway line map touched by the user is relocated to the inside of the frame  200 . In other words, when the user touches a point on the map that is outwardly above, below, left or right of the frame  200 , the subway line map respectively moves up, down, left or right on the touch screen  30  so that the point touched by the user is located inside the frame  200 . 
   As described above, the frame  200  is located at a specific location, such as the center of the touch screen  30 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Thus, if the frame  200  is not located at the center of the touch screen  30 , when a portion of the screen  30  located outside of the frame  200  is touch by the user, the touched point on the subway line map may be relocated to the inside of the frame  200  and moved to the center of the touch screen  30 . 
   Thus, according to the above embodiments, the user is able to move a subway station the user is interested in to the inside of the frame  200 . By doing so, the user emphasizes the station&#39;s pertinence and is able to obtain more relevant information related to the subway station. 
   In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the present invention increases and/or decreases a size of a frame displayed on a touch screen.  FIGS. 4(   a )- 4 ( e ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4(   a ), if a subway line map display is requested by the user to search a subway line, the subway line map and the frame  200  including a predetermined region or domain are displayed on the touch screen  30  of the mobile terminal  100 . 
   Although the frame  200  is drawn with a quadrangle shape in  FIG. 4(   a ), the frame  200  is not limited thereto and may have various shapes. For example, the shape of the frame  200  may be a circle, a polygon or a closed shape. Moreover, the boundary line of the frame  200  may be a dotted line or a solid line, for example. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4(   b ) and  4 ( c ), when the user touches an inner portion of the frame  200 , the size of the displayed frame  200  increases on the touch screen  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 4(   d ) and  4 ( e ), when the user touches a portion of the touch screen  30  outside of the frame  200 , the size of the displayed frame  200  decreases on the touch screen  30 . Notably, the present invention may be alternatively implemented such that when the user touches the inner portion of the frame  200 , the size of the displayed frame  200  decreases on the touch screen  30  and when the user touches the portion of the touch screen  30  outside of the frame  200 , the size of the displayed frame  200  increases on the touch screen  30 . 
     FIGS. 5(   a )- 5 ( e ) illustrate increasing or decreasing a size of a frame using scale up/down menus displayed on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 5(   a ), menus for increasing and decreasing a frame size, the subway line map and the frame  200  are displayed on the touch screen  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 5(   b ) and  5 ( c ), when the user touches the menu for increasing the frame size on the touch screen  30 , the size of the displayed frame  200  increases on the touch screen  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 5(   d ) and  5 ( e ), when the user touches the menu for decreasing the frame size on the touch screen  30 , the size of the displayed frame  200  decreases on the touch screen  30 . 
     FIGS. 6(   a )- 6 ( e ) illustrate increasing or decreasing a frame size using scale up/down icons displayed on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 6(   a ), icons  220  and  230  for respectively increasing and decreasing the frame size, the subway line map and the frame  200  are displayed on the touch screen  30 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6(   b ) and  6 ( c ), when the user touches the icon  220  on the touch screen  30 , the size of the displayed frame  200  increases on the touch screen  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 6(   d ) and  6 ( e ), when the user touches the icon  230  on the touch screen  30 , the size of the displayed frame  200  decreases on the touch screen  30 . 
   In accordance with the present invention, when the user outwardly drags a touched position inside the frame  200  to a specific position outside the frame  200  while maintaining the touched state, the size of the displayed frame  200  increases to the dragged position. Furthermore, when the user inwardly drags the touched position inside the frame  200  toward a central position inside the frame  200  while maintaining the touched state, the size of the displayed frame  200  is decreased to the dragged position. 
   In one aspect of the invention, when the user outwardly drags a touched position on the boundary of the frame  200  to a specific position outside the frame  200  while maintaining the touched state, the size of the displayed frame  200  increases to the dragged position. Similarly, when the user inwardly drags the touched position on the boundary of the frame  200  toward a central position inside the frame  200  while maintaining the touched state, the size of the displayed frame  200  is decreased to the dragged position. 
   Additionally, the size of the displayed frame  200  may be increased or decreased using up and down side keys located at a side of the mobile terminal  100 . For example, when the user presses the up side key, the size of the displayed frame  200  is increased on the screen  30 . Accordingly, when the user presses the down side key, the size of the displayed frame  200  decreases on the screen  30 . 
   Thus, because the user is able to increase and decrease the size of the frame  200  by means of the above methods, the user can vary the size of the frame  200  to his/her preference in order to emphasize the most pertinent information. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention increases and/or decreases a size of data displayed on a touch screen.  FIGS. 7(   a )- 7 ( e ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7(   a ), if a subway line map display is requested by the user to search a subway line, the subway line map and the frame  200  including a predetermined region or domain are displayed on the touch screen  30  of the mobile terminal  100 . Although the frame  200  is drawn with a quadrangle shape in  FIG. 7(   a ), the frame  200  may various shapes. For example, the shape of the frame  200  may be a circle, a polygon or a closed shape. Moreover, the boundary line of the frame  200  may be a dotted line or a solid line, for example. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7(   b ) and  7 ( c ), when the user touches an inner portion of the frame  200 , the size of the displayed subway line map is increased on the touch screen  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 7(   d ) and  7 ( e ), when the user touches a portion of the touch screen  30  outside of the frame  200 , the size of the displayed subway line map is decreased on the touch screen  30 . Notably, the present invention may be alternatively implemented such that when the user touches the inner portion of the frame  200 , the size of the displayed subway line map decreases on the touch screen  30 , and when the user touches the portion of the touch screen  30  outside of the frame  200 , the size of the displayed subway line map increases on the touch screen  30 . 
     FIGS. 8(   a )- 8 ( e ) illustrate increasing or decreasing a size of data using scale up/down menus displayed on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 8(   a ), soft menus, such as menus for increasing and decreasing a data size, the subway line map and the frame  200  are displayed on the touch screen  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 8(   b ) and  8 ( c ), when the user touches the menu for increasing the data size on the touch screen  30 , the size of the displayed subway line map increases on the touch screen  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 8(   d ) and  8 ( e ) of  FIG. 8 , when the user touches the menu for decreasing the data size on the touch screen  30 , the size of the displayed subway line map decreases on the touch screen  30 . 
     FIGS. 9(   a )- 9 ( e ) illustrate increasing or decreasing a data size using scale up/down icons displayed on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 9(   a ), icons  220  and  230  for respectively increasing and decreasing a data size, the subway line map and the frame  200  are displayed on the touch screen  30 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 9(   b ) and  9 ( c ) of  FIG. 9 , when the user touches the icon  220  on the touch screen  30 , the size of the displayed subway line map increases on the touch screen  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 9(   d ) and  9 ( e ), when the user touches the icon  230  on the touch screen  30 , the size of the displayed subway line map decreases on the touch screen  30 . 
   Additionally, the size of the displayed subway line map may be increased or decreased using up and down side keys located at a side of the mobile terminal  100 . For example, when the user presses the up side key, the size of the displayed subway line map increases on the screen  30 . Accordingly, when the user presses the down side key, the size of the displayed subway line map decreases on the screen  30 . 
   As described above, the user is able to increase and/or decrease the size of the entire subway line map. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one aspect of the invention, when either the area inside or outside of the frame  200 , one of the soft menus, one of the icons  220  and  230 , or one of the up/down side keys is pressed, a size of only a portion of the subway line map inside the frame  200  is increased or decreased on the touch screen  30  instead of the entire subway line map. Thus, when the size of the subway line map data inside the frame  200  increases or decreases, the size of the frame  200  also increases or decreases accordingly. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention forms a frame on the touch screen by touching the touch screen.  FIGS. 10(   a )- 10 ( c ) are drawings for explaining an information display method of a mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 10(   a ), if a subway line map display is requested by the user to search a subway line, the subway line map is displayed on the touch screen  30  of the mobile terminal  100 . Notably,  FIG. 10(   a ) is different from the previous figures in that a frame is not displayed on the touch screen  30 . 
   In accordance with the present invention, when a user uses his/her finger to touch one position of the displayed subway line map on the touch screen  30 , and then moves the finger to another position while maintaining a touched state, an instruction line is displayed on the touch screen  30  following the movement of the user&#39;s finger. Preferably, the user may create a substantially closed loop with the instruction line, and therefore form a region or domain on the touch screen  30 . Accordingly, the substantially closed loop similarly functions as the frame  200  described in the above embodiments. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10(   b ) and  10 ( c ), when the user moves a finger on the touch screen  30  while maintaining the touched state, and forms the substantially closed loop, if the user&#39;s finger is released from the touch screen  30 , information related to subway stations located inside the substantially closed loop or the frame  200  is displayed near the center of the touch screen  30  in a pop-up window or as a shaded image. 
   Additionally, after the user&#39;s finger is released from the touch screen  30 , if the user touches the inside of the frame on the screen  30 , information related to the subway line map inside the frame  200  may be displayed, or the size of the subway line map inside the frame may be increased on the touch screen  30 . Also, if the user touches an area of the touch screen  30  outside of the frame  200 , the size of the frame  200  may be decreased, the frame  200  may be moved to the touched spot, or the size of the subway line map may be decreased on the touch screen. 
   As described above, the frame  200  is formed when the substantially closed loop is drawn by movement of the users finger. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the user touches a position on the touch screen  30 , a frame  200  may be generated and displayed around the touched position. 
   Furthermore, as described above, the data displayed on the touch screen  30  of the mobile terminal  100  relates to a subway line map. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the data displayed on the touch screen  30  may be one of a bus line map, a train line map, a geographic map, a calendar, an electronic book (e-book), a webpage, an image, a photograph and the like. 
   In one aspect of the invention, when a calendar and a frame are displayed on the touch screen  30  and the user touches the inside of the frame, information related to a date located inside the frame may be displayed in a pop-up window or as a shaded image. The information related to the date may comprise schedule information or anniversary information, for example, that the user inputs. 
   In another aspect of the invention, data displayed on the touch screen  30  may be related to an e-book or webpage. Accordingly, if the user touches the inside of a frame, a pop-up window or a shaded image may be displayed on the touch screen to execute a search function, wherein text located inside the frame is used as a basis for the search. 
     FIGS. 11(   a )- 11 ( c ) illustrate displaying a pop-up window when a user touches the inside of a frame when data displayed on a touch screen is an e-book in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 11(   a ), when an e-book display is requested, contents of the e-book are displayed on the touch screen  30 . Preferably, a frame  200  surrounding some of the contents is displayed at the same time. Referring to  FIGS. 11(   b ) and  11 ( c ), when some of the e-book contents are inside the frame, and the inside of the frame  200  is touched, a pop-up window  210  or a shaded image is displayed on the touch screen  30  to execute a search function, wherein text located inside the frame is used as a basis for the search. 
   Preferably, when the user chooses a dictionary menu in the pop-up window  210  as shown in  FIG. 11(   c ), a dictionary search function for the specific text is executed. Notably, although a dictionary search function is described with regard to the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various search methods in addition to the dictionary search function may be used. 
   Furthermore, although the embodiments are described above respectively and independently, the present invention may comprise the combination of two or more of them. 
   The embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.