Abstract:
A method for displaying icons on a portable device. The method includes displaying a first icon group including at least one icon on a touchscreen of the portable device, wherein at least one icon of the first icon group is selectable responsive to a detected presence of an input at a location proximate to a displayed location of the at least one icon, and displaying a second icon group including at least one icon on the touchscreen, wherein the at least one icon of the second icon group is selectable responsive to user contact with a mechanical input device, and wherein the selection of the at least one icon of the second icon group causes the first icon group to be displayed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    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. 10-2007-0075147, filed on Jul. 26, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method of displaying a menu icon. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to perform various functions, such as 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. Mobile terminals may also be configured as a game device or a multimedia device. Recently, mobile terminals have been configured to receive broadcast and multicast signals which allow a user to view videos and television programs. 
         [0006]    When a mobile terminal is configured as a multimedia device, various menu icons may be displayed on a display screen. Each menu icon may perform one of the various functions associated with the mobile terminal. However, the various menu icons often cause confusion to a user of the mobile terminal. 
         [0007]    Thus, there exists a need to provide the user with an easier method of accessing the various menu icons. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an embodiment, an icon display method of a portable device is provided. The method includes displaying a first icon group including at least one icon on a touchscreen of the portable device, wherein at least one icon of the first icon group is selectable responsive to a detected presence of an input at a location proximate to a displayed location of the at least one icon, and displaying a second icon group including at least one icon on the touchscreen, wherein the at least one icon of the second icon group is selectable responsive to user contact with a mechanical input device, and wherein the selection of the at least one icon of the second icon group causes the first icon group to be displayed. 
         [0010]    In one feature, the at least one icon of the first icon group is associated with a specific function of the portable device. The at least one icon of the second icon group is associated with a menu item of the portable device. Additionally, the at least one icon of the second icon group is not selectable via contact with the touchscreen. Furthermore, the detected presence of the input comprises user contact with the touchscreen. 
         [0011]    In another feature, the at least one icon of the first icon group performs a first function when the icon is touched for a time less than a predetermined icon touch time and the at least one icon performs a second function when the icon is touched for a time greater than or equal to the predetermined icon touch time. 
         [0012]    In yet another feature, the at least one icon of the first icon group may be selected via a key on the mechanical input device and an indicator corresponding to the key on the mechanical input device is displayed next to the at least one icon of the first icon group. The user may configure the at least one icon of the first icon group to be selectable via the touchscreen or the mechanical input device. 
         [0013]    In still yet another feature, a menu for removing the at least one icon of the first icon group is displayed if the at least one icon is touched for a time greater than a predetermined icon touch time and the at least one icon of the first icon group may be removed from the first icon group. The portable device comprises an icon addition menu for adding the at least one icon to the first icon group. Additionally, the method further includes adding the most frequently used icon of the portable device to the first icon group. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment a method for displaying icons on a portable device includes displaying a first icon group comprising at least one icon on a touchscreen of the portable device, wherein the at least one icon of the first icon group is selectable responsive to a detected presence of an input at a location proximate to a displayed location of the at least one icon, and displaying a second icon group comprising at least one icon on the touchscreen, wherein the at least one icon of the second icon group is only selectable responsive to user contact with a mechanical input device. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, a portable device for displaying icons is presented. The portable device includes a wireless communication unit for communicating with other terminals and devices, an audio and video input device for capturing audio and video, a key input unit for receiving input from a user, a sensing unit for sensing if the portable device is an open state or a closed state, an display unit for displaying icons, an audio output unit for output of audio, an interface unit for connecting external devices with the portable device, 
         [0016]    a power supply for supplying power to the portable device, and a control unit for controlling communications of the portable device and displaying a first icon group comprising at least one icon and a second icon group comprising at least one icon on the display unit. 
         [0017]    These and other embodiments will also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiment disclosed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0019]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective diagram of a slide-type mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective diagram of the mobile terminal shown in  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a front perspective diagram of a folder-type mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a front perspective diagram of a bar-type mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4C  is a front perspective diagram of a swing-type mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a method of displaying menu icons according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of a display screen of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of a display screen of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of a display screen of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of a display screen of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0032]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0033]    The present invention is applicable to various kinds of terminals including a mobile phone, a smart phone, a broadcast receiving terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistant), PDA phone, a game player, a notebook computer, and a UMPC. For convenience and conciseness of the following description, the present invention uses a mobile phone as an illustration of a mobile terminal, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile terminal  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a mobile terminal  100  includes a wireless communicating unit  110 , an A/V (audio/video) input unit  120 , a key input unit  130 , a sensing unit  140 , an output unit  150 , a storage unit  160 , an interface unit  170 , a control unit  180 , and a power supply unit  190 . 
         [0035]    The wireless communicating unit  110  includes a broadcast receiving module  111 , a mobile communication module  112 , a wireless Internet module  113 , a short-range communication module  114 , and a GPS (global positioning satellite) module  115 . 
         [0036]    The broadcast receiving module  111  receives a broadcast signal and broadcast information from an external broadcast managing server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may be a satellite channel or a terrestrial channel. 
         [0037]    A broadcast managing server transmits a broadcast signal and broadcast information. The broadcast managing server may also receive and transmit a previously generated broadcast signal and broadcast information. 
         [0038]    The broadcast information may include information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal. The broadcast signal and broadcast information, which are received via the broadcast receiving module  111 , may be stored in the storage unit  160 . 
         [0039]    The broadcast information may be sent via a mobile communication network such that the broadcast information may be received by the mobile communication module  112 . The broadcast information may be sent via EPG (electronic program guide) of DMB (digital multimedia broadcasting) or ESG (electronic service guide) of DVB-H (digital video broadcast-handheld). The broadcast receiving module  111  is configured for all types of broadcast systems and is not limited to sending signals from the above-explained digital broadcast systems. 
         [0040]    The broadcast receiving module  111  receives a broadcast signal using various broadcast systems. The broadcast receiving module  111  may receive digital broadcast signals via DMB-T (digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial), DMB-S (digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite), MediaFLO (media forward link only), DVB-H (digital video broadcast-handheid), or ISDB-T (integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial). The broadcast receiving module  111  is configured for all types of broadcast systems and is not limited to receive signals from the above-explained digital broadcast systems. 
         [0041]    The mobile communication module  112  transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one base station, external terminal, or server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include an audio signal, a video communication call signal, or data formatted according to the multimedia message transmission and reception. 
         [0042]    The wireless internet module  113  may be used for wireless internet access. The wireless internet module  113  may be an internal or external component of the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0043]    The short-range communication module  114  may be used for short-range communication. Short-range communication technology may include Bluetooth, RFID (radio frequency identification), IrDA (infrared data association), UWB (ultra-wideband), or ZigBee. The GPS module  115  receives position information from a plurality of satellites. 
         [0044]    The A/V input unit  120  is provided for audio or video signal input and may include a camera module  121  and a microphone module  122 . The camera module  121  processes an image obtained in a video communication mode or a photographing mode by an image sensor. The processed image may be displayed on a display module  151 . 
         [0045]    The image processed by the camera module  121  is stored in the storage module  160  or may be externally transmitted via the wireless communicating unit  110 . In an alternate embodiment, at least two camera modules  121  may be provided according to a configuration of the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0046]    The microphone module  122  receives an external audio signal via a microphone in a phone-call mode, a recording mode, or a voice recognition mode. The audio signal is then processed into electrical audio data. During phone-call mode, the processed audio data is converted to a transmittable format via the mobile communication module  112  and then output to a mobile communication base station. The microphone module  122  may implement various kinds of noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal. 
         [0047]    The key input unit  130  generates key input data input for operational control of the mobile terminal  100  by a user. The key input unit  130  may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. 
         [0048]    The sensing unit  140  senses the current status of the mobile terminal  100  as an open or close status, a position of the mobile terminal  100 , and a presence or non-presence of user&#39;s touch. For example, the sensing unit  140  is capable of sensing whether a slide-type phone is open or closed. The sensing unit  140  also senses functions associated with a presence or non-presence of power applied to the power supply unit  190 , and a presence or non presence of a connection between the interface unit  170  and an external device. 
         [0049]    The interface unit  170  provides an interface for all external devices connected to the mobile terminal  100 . For example, the interface unit  170  provides an interface with a headphone set, an external charger, a data port, an earphone, or a card socket, such as a memory card, a SIM/UIM card, audio I/O (input/output) ports, or video I/O ports. The interface unit  170  receives data or power from an external device and delivers the received data or power to the corresponding element of the mobile terminal  100 . The interface unit  170  enables the transfer of data within the mobile terminal  100  to an external device. 
         [0050]    The output unit  150  is provided for output of audio, video or an alarm signal. The output unit  150  may include a display module  151 , an audio output module  152 , and an alarm output module  153 . 
         [0051]    The display module  151  outputs display information processed by the mobile terminal  100 . For example, the display module  151  displays information associated with a phone call, if the mobile terminal  100  is in a phone-call mode. The display module  151  displays an image or information associated with the phone call, if the mobile terminal  100  is in a video call mode or a photographing mode. 
         [0052]    The display module  151  may be used as an input device in addition to an output device if the display module  13  is a touchscreen. The display module  151  may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a flexible display, and a 3-dimensional display. 
         [0053]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal  100  may include at least two display modules  151 . For example, the mobile terminal  100  may include an external display module (not shown in the drawing) and an internal display module (not shown in the drawing). 
         [0054]    The audio output module  152  outputs audio data received from the wireless communicating unit  110  or stored in the storage unit  160 . The audio data may be received in a call signal receiving mode, a phone-call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or a broadcast reception mode. The audio output module  152  outputs an audio signal associated with a function executed by the mobile terminal  100 . The audio output module  152  may include at least one of a speaker and a buzzer. 
         [0055]    The alarm output module  153  outputs a signal for informing the user of the occurrence of an event of the mobile terminal  100 . Events that may occur in the mobile terminal  100  include a call signal reception, a message reception, and a key signal input. 
         [0056]    The output signal from the alarm output module  153  may be different from an audio or video signal. For example, the alarm output module  153  may output a vibration signal if a call or message is received in order to indicate the reception of the call or message. 
         [0057]    If a key is inputted, the alarm output module  153  may output a vibration as a feedback for the key signal input. A user is able to recognize the occurrence of an event through the vibration outputs. A signal for informing the user of the occurrence of an event may also be output via the display module  151  or the audio output module  152 . 
         [0058]    The storage unit  160  may store programs for processing and control of the mobile terminal  100  and execute a function for temporarily storing input and output data. The storage unit  160  includes at least one storage medium corresponding to a flash memory, a hard disc, a multimedia card micro-type memory, a card type memory, a RAM, and a ROM. The storage unit  160  may store data on the Internet via a web based storage system. 
         [0059]    The control unit  180  controls overall operations of the mobile terminal  100 . For example, the control unit  180  controls and processes voice phone calls, data communication, and video calls. The control unit  180  may include a multimedia playing module  181  for multimedia playback. The multimedia playing module  181  may include hardware within the control unit  180  or software separate from the control unit  180 . 
         [0060]    The power supply unit  190  receives external or internal power and supplies power for operation of the respective elements of the mobile terminal  100 , under the control of the control unit  180 . 
         [0061]    In the above description, the mobile terminal  100  of the present invention is disclosed with reference to the elements according to their functions. The mobile terminal  100  will now be explained with reference to the exteriors of the elements. 
         [0062]    The mobile terminal  100  may be implemented in different configurations. Examples of such configurations include slide-type ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ), folder-type ( FIGS. 4A-1  and  4 A- 2 ), bar-type ( FIG. 4B-1 ), swing-type ( FIG. 4B-2 ), and rotational-type (not shown). Further discussion will primarily relate to a slide-type mobile terminal. 
         [0063]      FIG. 2  is a perspective diagram of a slide-type mobile terminal  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mobile terminal  100  includes a first body  100 A and a second body  100 B configured to slide on the first body in at least one direction. 
         [0064]    The mobile terminal  100  may be in a closed state, where the first body  100 A is overlapped with the second body  100 B or an open state, where the first body  100 A exposes at least one portion of the second body  100 B. The first body  100 A moves relative to second body  100 B between open and closed positions. 
         [0065]    In a folder-type mobile terminal  100  shown in  FIG. 4A , the first body  100 A fold and unfolds relative to the second body  100 B between the open state and the closed state. In a swing-type mobile terminal shown in  FIG. 4C , the first body  100 A swings relative to a second body  100 B between the open state and the closed state. 
         [0066]    The mobile terminal  100  is normally in a standby mode when in the closed state. The mobile terminal  100  is normally in a phone call mode when in the open state. The mobile terminal  100  may enter the standby mode in the open configuration either according to a user&#39;s manipulation or after a predetermined time. 
         [0067]    A housing for the exterior of the first body  100 A includes a first front case  100 A- 1  and a first rear case  100 A- 2 . Various electronic components are located in a space formed by the first front case  100 A- 1  and the first rear case  100 A- 2 . In one embodiment, at least one or more intermediate cases may be provided between the first front case  100 A- 1  and the first rear case  100 A- 2 . The first front case  100 A- 1  and the first rear case  100 A- 2  may be formed by injection molding or formed of a metal based material containing stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti). 
         [0068]    The first body  100 A, and more particularly, the first front case  100 A- 1  may be provided with a display module  151 , a first audio output module  152 - 1 , a first camera module  121 - 1 , and a first key input unit  130 - 1 . The display module  151  has been explained in the above description in association with  FIG. 1 . Details of the display module  151  are omitted in the following description for conciseness. 
         [0069]    The first audio output module  152 - 1  may be implemented with a speaker. The first camera module  121 - 1  may be implemented to enable a user to photograph a self-portrait still or moving picture. The first key input unit  130 - 1  may receive a command to control functions that are frequently used in the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0070]    Similar to the first body  100 A, a case for an exterior of the second body  100 B is constructed with a second front case  100 B- 1  and a second rear case  100 B- 2 . A second key input unit  130 - 2  may be provided on a front face of the second front case  100 B- 1 . A third key input unit  130 - 3 , a microphone module  122 , and an interface unit  170  may be provided on at least one of the second front case  100 B- 1  and the second rear case  100 B- 2 . The microphone module  122  may be implemented with a configuration suitable for receiving a user&#39;s voice or other sounds. 
         [0071]    The first key input unit  130 - 1 , the second key input unit  130 - 2 , and the third key input  130 - 3  may be collectively referred to as the key input unit  130 . The key input unit  130  may be implemented with a dome switch for receiving a command or information via a user&#39;s push, a touchpad for receiving a command or information by a user&#39;s touch, a wheel for rotating a key, a jog shuttle, or a joystick. 
         [0072]    The first key input unit  130 - 1  is provided to allow the input of commands such as start, end, scroll, and direction. The second key input unit  130 - 2  is provided to allow the input of numerical figures, characters, and symbols. The third key input unit  130 - 3  may be a side key and operate as a hotkey to activate a special function within the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0073]    The interface unit  170  allows the mobile terminal  100  to exchange data with an external device. Details of the interface unit  170  were previously provided in association with  FIG. 1 . 
         [0074]    The power supply unit  190  is located in the second rear case  100 B- 2  in order to supply a power to the mobile terminal  100 . The power supply unit  190  includes a chargeable battery and may be detachably attached for battery charging. 
         [0075]      FIG. 3  is a perspective diagram of a rear face of the mobile terminal  100  shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , a second camera module  121 - 2  may be additionally provided on a rear face of the second rear case  100 B- 2 . The second camera module  121 - 2  has a photographing direction opposite to that of the first camera module  121 - 1  and may be defined by a different amount of pixels in comparison to the first camera module. 
         [0076]    For example, the first camera module  121 - 1  may have a low pixel count, which creates lower bandwidth during a video communication. The second camera module  121 - 2  may include a high pixel count for photographing a normal subject when the photograph is not intended for immediate transmission. 
         [0077]    A flash  121 - 3  and a mirror  121 - 4  may be additionally provided in the vicinity of the second camera module  121 - 2 . The flash  121 - 3  flashes a light on a subject photographed by a user using the second camera module  121 - 2 . The mirror  121 - 4  enables a user to look at his reflection when attempting to self-photograph himself. 
         [0078]    A second audio output module  152 - 2  may be additionally provided on the second rear case  100 B- 2 . The second audio output module  152 - 2  may implement a stereo function together with the first audio output module  152 - 1  and may be used for conversation in a speakerphone mode. 
         [0079]    A broadcast signal receiving antenna  111 - 1  may be provided on one portion rear case  100 B- 2  as well as an antenna for communication. The antenna  111 - 1  table into the second body  100 B. 
         [0080]    One portion of a slide module  100 C, which enables the first and second and  100 B to be slidably assembled, is provided on the first rear case  100 A- 2  of the first body  100 A. The other portion of the slide module  100 C is provided on the second front case  100 B- 1  of the second body  100 B, which is not externally exposed as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0081]    In the above description, the second camera module  121 - 2  is provided on the second body  100 B. For example, at least one of the elements  111 - 1 ,  121 - 2 ,  121 - 3  and  152 - 2  that are illustrated as provided on the second rear case  100 B- 2  may be provided to the first body  100 A, and more particularly, on the first rear case  100 A- 2 . 
         [0082]    It is advantageous that the elements provided on the first rear case  100 A- 2  are protected in a closed configuration. If the second camera module  121 - 2  is not provided, the first camera module  121 - 1  is rotatably provided to enable photographing in the direction of the second camera module  121 - 2 .  FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a method of displaying menu icons an embodiment of the present. 
         [0083]    In the above description, the mobile terminal  100  is disclosed with reference to elements according to functions and exteriors. In the following description, a menu icon displaying method implemented in the mobile terminal  100  will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it is assumed that the display module  151  includes a touchscreen. 
         [0084]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a method of displaying menu icons according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a diagram of a display screen of a mobile terminal  100 , in which various icons are displayed according to an embodiment of the present invention 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the touchscreen displays a standby screen  200 . A menu icon  210  is displayed on the standby screen (S 51 ). The menu icon  210  may be selected via the key input unit  130 . The user is unable to select the menu icon  210  by touching the touchscreen. 
         [0086]    Hereinafter, icons such as the menu icon  210  will be referred to as a non-touchable touchable icon. An icon that may be selected by touch, will be referred to as a touchable icon. the power supply unit  190  does not provide a current for detecting a touch made by a user to the touchscreen. 
         [0087]    The user of the mobile terminal  100  may select a touchable icon activating key (not shown) provided on the key input unit  130  (S 52 ). The touchable icon activating key may be configured as a side key in the third manipulating unit  131 - 3 . 
         [0088]    As shown  FIG. 6-2 , a plurality of touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  are displayed on the screen  200  (S 53 ). The touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  are associated with main menu functions frequently used in the mobile terminal  100 . The touchable icons may be registered in advance by a terminal manufacturer or the user. 
         [0089]    A current supply for detecting a user&#39;s touch is initiated when the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  are displayed. The user may execute a function of the mobile terminal  100  by touching one of the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225 . 
         [0090]    The touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  may be displayed such that the touchable icons are visually discriminated from the non-touchable icon  210  (S 53 ). As shown in  FIG. 6-2 , the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  are displayed on a non-transparent or semi-transparent background layer  227  that is visually discriminated from the non-touchable icon  210 . 
         [0091]    As shown in  FIG. 6-3 , a touch indicator  228  indicating touch-availability is displayed above each of the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225 , whereby the touchable icons are visually discriminated. 
         [0092]    It is not necessary that the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  are selected only by a touch made to the touchscreen. The mobile terminal  100  may be configured such that some touchable icons may be selected via the touchscreen, while other touchable icons may be selected via the key input unit  130 . 
         [0093]    For example, as shown in  FIG. 6-4 , a number is given to each of the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225 . A specific touchable icon  221 ,  223  and  225  may be selected if a corresponding number is pressed on the key input unit  130 . 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-5  to  6 - 7 , a movable cursor  229  may be provided. A specific icon may be selected by moving the cursor  229  using the key input unit  130 . 
         [0095]    If the user presses the touchable icon activating key once again, the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  may be configured such that they are no longer displayed on the screen  200 . The current supplied for detecting the terminal user&#39;s touch is terminated when the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  are no longer displayed. 
         [0096]    Selecting the functions assigned to the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  is not limited to using the touchscreen.  FIG. 7  is a diagram of a display screen of a mobile terminal  100  which shows an implementation of an icon display method according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0097]    If the menu icon  210  is selected via the key input unit  130 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-1  and  7 - 2 , the icons  230  for various functions within the mobile terminal  100  are displayed on the screen  200 , as shown in  FIG. 7-3 . 
         [0098]    If the user selects a multimedia icon  231  from the displayed icons  230 , as shown in  FIG. 7-4 , an MP3 player icon  233 , a TV icon  235  and a camera icon  237  are the screen  200 . The displayed icons  233 ,  235 ,  237  correspond to the touchable icons  221 ,  223  and  225  shown in  FIG. 7-2 . The terminal user selects the icons  233 ,  235  and  237  shown in  FIG. 7-4  via the key input unit  130  in order to execute the functions assigned to icons  221 ,  223 , and  225 . 
         [0099]    More than one function may be associated with a touchable icon activating key in the mobile terminal  100 . This is explained in detail with reference to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  is a diagram of a display screen of a mobile terminal  100  which shows an implementation of an icon display method according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 8-1 , the mobile terminal  100  is displaying a TV signal. As shown in  FIG. 8-2 , touchable icons associated with the TV receiving function are displayed on the screen  200  if a user selects the touchable icon activating key for a period less than a predetermined time. A channel switching icon  241  and a volume adjusting icon  243  may be displayed on the screen  200 . The user may switch a channel or adjust the volume by selecting a corresponding icon while watching TV. 
         [0101]    As shown in  FIG. 8-3 , touchable icons associated with main menu functions of the mobile terminal are displayed on the screen  200 , if the user selects the touchable icon activating key for a period greater than a predetermined time while the mobile terminal  100  is performing the TV receiving function. The user may execute a specific function in the course of watching TV. 
         [0102]    As shown in  FIG. 8-4 , the mobile terminal  100  is performing a function of playing an audio file such as an MP3 file. As shown in  FIG. 8-5 , touchable icons associated with the audio file playback are displayed if the user selects the touchable icon activating key for a period less than a predetermined time. The touchable icons may include previous/stop/next music icons  251  and a volume adjusting icon  243 . 
         [0103]    Touchable icons associated with main menu functions of the mobile terminal  100  are displayed on the screen  200 , as shown in  FIG. 8-6 , if the terminal user selects the touchable icon activating key for a period less than a predetermined time while the mobile terminal  100  is performing the audio file playing function as shown in  FIG. 8-4 . 
         [0104]    The creation and removal of the touchable icons in the mobile terminal  100  may be performed by the terminal user. This is explained in detail with reference to  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  is a diagram of a display screen of a mobile terminal  100  which shows an implementation of an icon display method according to an embodiment of the present invention 
         [0105]    As shown in  FIG. 9-1 , three touchable icons are displayed on the screen  200 , specifically an MP3 icon  221 , a TV icon  223 , and CAM icon  225 . A camera function is activated in the mobile terminal  100  if a user selects the CAM icon  225  for a period less than a predetermined time. 
         [0106]    As shown in  FIG. 9-2 , an icon removal window  260  may be displayed if the terminal user touches the CAM icon  225  for a period greater than the predetermined time. The CAM icon is removed from the screen, as shown in  FIG. 9-3 , if the user selects ‘1. Yes’ on the window  260 . 
         [0107]    As shown in  FIG. 9-4 , ‘camera’  237  is selected using the menu icon  210  of the screen  200  to add a touchable icon for the camera function. The camera function is activated in the mobile terminal  100  if the user selects a corresponding key button of the key input unit  130  to select the camera icon  237  shown in  FIG. 9-4  for a time less than a predetermined time. On the other hand, an icon creation window  270  is displayed, as shown in  FIG. 9-5 , if the user selects the corresponding button for a time greater than a predetermined time. 
         [0108]    The CAM icon  225  is displayed as a touchable icon again on the screen  200 , as shown in  FIG. 9-1 , if the terminal user selects ‘1. Yes’ on the icon creation window  270 . 
         [0109]    In the above description, the function associated with selecting the touchable icon activating key or the corresponding key button for a period greater or less than a predetermined time may be exchanged. 
         [0110]    Accordingly, the present invention provides several effects or advantages. The present invention controls an icon for frequently used menu functions to be displayed as a touchable icon to meet a user&#39;s request, thereby allowing the user to execute a specific menu function. A user may create a touchable icon with respect to a specific function in the terminal and remove the created or existing touchable icon. Finally, the present invention enables a power supply to provide a current to a touchscreen only if a touchable icon is displayed on the touchscreen, thereby minimizing power consumption. 
         [0111]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For instance, an execution count per menu function may be accumulated and recorded in the storage unit  160  of the mobile terminal  100  and icons for the predetermined number of most frequently used menu functions may be displayed as touchable icons on the screen  200 .