Abstract:
A method of graphically resizing content displayed on a portion of a display screen of a mobile communication terminal is provided. The method comprises selecting a first area of an image graphically rendered on a display screen, content in the first area having a first set of dimensions and a first central point in a first relationship with boundaries of the first area; and graphically re-rendering the content in the first area on the display screen such that the content in the first area is displayed on the display screen in a second area of the screen having a second set of dimensions and a second central point having proportionally the first relationship with boundaries of the second area.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0083490, filed on Aug. 20, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §. 119(a). 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to a mobile communication terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile communication terminal having feature to allow a user to zoom in or out of an area displayed on the terminal&#39;s screen. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to perform various functions. Examples of such functions include data and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Some terminals include additional functionality which supports game playing, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players. Mobile terminals may be configured to receive broadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of content such as videos and television programs. 
         [0004]    Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the functionality of mobile terminals. Such efforts include software and hardware improvements, as well as changes and improvements in the structural components which form the mobile terminal. 
         [0005]    For example, in a terminal provided with a navigation system, the terminal is able to provide information on a map, on which a route to a user-specific destination and a terminal position on the route are marked. However, in the case of a user attempting to zoom in or out on a display screen of the mobile terminal that shows a prescribed point on the route, it is inconvenient for a user to manipulate key buttons provided on the terminal several times. Additionally, it is also difficult to zoom in or out on a specific portion of the screen on which a photo, a text message or the like is displayed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A method of graphically resizing content displayed on a portion of a display screen of a mobile communication terminal is provided. The method comprises selecting a first area of an image graphically rendered on a display screen. Content displayed in the first area have a first set of dimensions and a first central point in a first relationship with boundaries of the first area. The content in the first area are rendered on the display screen such that the content in the first area is displayed on the display screen in a second area of the screen having a second set of dimensions and a second central point having proportionally the first relationship with boundaries of the second area. 
         [0007]    The second area may be larger than the first area, in response to receiving a first command, and the second area may be smaller than the first area, in response to receiving a second command. The first command may be a command to zoom-in on the first area, and the second command may be a command to zoom-out of the first area. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, selecting the first area comprises drawing a geometric shape around the first area, wherein the first command is associated with a first direction selected to draw the geometric shape, and the second command is associated with a second direction selected to draw the geometric shape. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. The shape may be approximately an ellipse. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the first direction is clockwise and the second direction is counter clockwise. Level of zoom-in and zoom-out may be controlled according to speed with which the geometric shape is drawn. Level of zooming and zoom-out may be controlled according to number of times the geometric shape is drawn. The level of zoom-in and zoom-out may be doubled, if speed of the speed with which the geometric shape is drawn is doubled. The level of zoom-in and zoom-out may be doubled if speed of the number of times the geometric shape is drawn is doubled, depending on the implementation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0010]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a front side of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a rear exemplary view of the mobile terminal shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a front exemplary diagram of a terminal according to another embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a front diagram of a terminal according to another embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart for a method of controlling size of content displayed on a screen, according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a diagram for a first screen configuration for zooming in an image to correspond to an area setting action for a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a diagram for a second screen configuration for zooming in an image to correspond to an area setting action for a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  are diagrams for a third screen configuration for zooming in an image to correspond to an area setting action for a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a diagram for a fourth screen configuration for zooming in an image to correspond to an area setting action for a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a diagram for a first screen configuration for zooming out an image to correspond to an area setting action for a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a diagram for a second screen configuration for zooming out an image to correspond to an area setting action for a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 13B  are diagrams for a third screen configuration for zooming out an image to correspond to an area setting action for a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a diagram for a fourth screen configuration for zooming out an image to correspond to an area setting action for a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a diagram for a first screen configuration for a zoom-in/out process in accordance with a touch pattern on a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a diagram for a second screen configuration for a zoom-in/out process in accordance with a touch pattern on a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a diagram for a third screen configuration for a zoom-in/out process in accordance with a touch pattern on a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of mobile terminal  100  in accordance with one embodiment. The mobile terminal may be implemented using a variety of different types of terminals. Examples of such terminals include mobile phones, user equipment, smart phones, computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants, portable multimedia players (PMP) and navigators, in addition to many others. 
         [0030]    By way of non-limiting example, further description will be given with regard to a mobile terminal  100  as illustrated in the figures. Such teachings apply equally to other types of terminals.  FIG. 1  shows the mobile terminal  100  having various components, but it is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  shows a wireless communication unit  110  configured with several commonly implemented components. For instance, the wireless communication unit  110  may include one or more components which permit wireless communication between the mobile terminal  100  and a wireless communication system or network within which a mobile terminal  100  is located. 
         [0032]    The broadcast receiving module  111  receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast managing entity refers generally to a system which transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information. Examples of broadcast associated information include information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider, etc. For instance, broadcast associated information may include an electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H). 
         [0033]    The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, or a data broadcast signal, among others. If desired, the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal. The broadcast receiving module  111  may be configured to receive broadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems. By way of non-limiting example, such broadcasting systems may include digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only (MediaFLO®) and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T). Receipt of multicast signals is also possible. If desired, data received by the broadcast receiving module  111  may be stored in a suitable device, such as memory  160 . 
         [0034]    The mobile communication module  112  may transmit or receive wireless signals to or from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, Node-B). Such signals may represent audio, video, multimedia, control signaling, or data, among others. The wireless internet module  113  supports Internet access for the mobile terminal  100 . This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0035]    The short-range communication module  114  facilitates relatively short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing this module include radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well as the networking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name a few. Position-location module  115  identifies or otherwise obtains the location of the mobile terminal  100 . If desired, the position-location module  115  may be implemented using global positioning system (GPS) components which cooperate with associated satellites, network components, or combinations thereof. 
         [0036]    Audio/video (A/V) input unit  120  is configured to provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal  100 . As shown, the A/V input unit  120  includes a camera  121  and a microphone  122 . The camera may receive and process image frames of still pictures or video. The microphone  122  may receive an external audio signal while the portable device is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording mode or voice recognition mode. The audio signal may be processed and converted into digital data. The portable device, and in particular, A/V input unit  120 , may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal. Data generated by the A/V input unit  120  may be stored in memory  160 , utilized by output unit  150 , or transmitted via one or more modules of communication unit  110 . If desired, two or more microphones and/or cameras may be used. 
         [0037]    The user input unit  130  generates input data responsive to user manipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of such devices include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel or a jog switch. A specific example is one in which the user input unit  130  is configured as a touchpad in cooperation with a touchscreen display  151  (which will be described in more detail below). 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, the touchscreen display  151  comprises a sensing unit  140  which provides status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal  100 . For instance, the sensing unit may detect an open or closed status of the mobile terminal  100 , relative positioning of components (e.g., a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal  100 , a change of position of the mobile terminal  100  or a component of the mobile terminal  100 , a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal  100 , orientation of the mobile terminal  100 , or acceleration or deceleration of the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0039]    As an example, consider the mobile terminal  100  being configured as a slide-type mobile terminal. In this configuration, the sensing unit  140  may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobile terminal  100  is open or closed. Other examples include the sensing unit  140  sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply  190 , or the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface unit  170  and an external device. 
         [0040]    The interface unit  170  is often implemented to couple the mobile terminal  100  with external devices. Typical external devices include wired/wireless headphones, external chargers, power supplies, storage devices configured to store data (e.g., audio, video, pictures, etc.), earphones, and microphones, among others. The interface unit  170  may be configured using a wired/wireless data port, a card socket (e.g., for coupling to a memory card, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, user identity module (UIM) card, removable user identity module (RUIM) card), audio input/output ports or video input/output ports. 
         [0041]    The output unit  150  generally includes various components which support the output requirements of the mobile terminal  100 . Touch screen display  151  is implemented to visually display information associated with the mobile terminal  100 . For instance, if the mobile terminal  100  is operating in a phone call mode, the display will generally provide a user interface or graphical user interface which includes information associated with placing, conducting, and terminating a phone call. As another example, if the mobile terminal  100  is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the display  151  may additionally or alternatively display images which are associated with these modes. 
         [0042]    One particular implementation includes the display  151  configured as a touch screen working in cooperation with an input device, such as a touchpad. This configuration permits the display to function both as an output device and an input device. The display  151  may be implemented using known display technologies including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display or a three-dimensional display. The mobile terminal  100  may include one or more of such displays. An example of a two-display embodiment is one in which one display is configured as an internal display (viewable when the terminal is in an opened position) and a second display configured as an external display (viewable in both the open and closed positions). 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  further shows output unit  150  having an audio output module  152  which supports the audio output requirements of the mobile terminal  100 . The audio output module  152  is often implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, or other audio producing devices, or combinations thereof. The audio output module  152  functions in various modes including call-receiving mode, call-placing mode, recording mode, voice recognition mode and broadcast reception mode. During operation, the audio output module  152  outputs audio relating to a particular function (e.g., call received, message received, and errors). 
         [0044]    The output unit  150  is further shown having an alarm  153 , which is commonly used to signal or otherwise identify the occurrence of a particular event associated with the mobile terminal  100 . Typical events include call received, message received or user input received. An example of such output includes the providing of tactile sensations (e.g., vibration) to a user. For instance, the alarm  153  may be configured to vibrate responsive to the mobile terminal  100  receiving a call or message. As another example, vibration may be provided by alarm  153  responsive to receiving user input at the mobile terminal  100 , thus providing a tactile feedback mechanism. It is understood that the various output provided by the components of output unit  150  may be separately performed, or such output may be performed using any combination of such components. 
         [0045]    The memory  160  is generally used to store various types of data to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of the mobile terminal  100 . Examples of such data include program instructions for applications operating on the mobile terminal  100 , contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc. The memory  160  shown in  FIG. 1  may be implemented using any type (or combination) of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage devices including random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, card-type memory, or other similar memory or data storage device. 
         [0046]    The controller  180  typically controls the overall operations of the mobile terminal  100 . For instance, the controller  180  performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, camera operations and recording operations. If desired, the controller  180  may include a multimedia module  181  which provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module  181  may be configured as part of the controller  180 , or this module may be implemented as a separate component. 
         [0047]    The power supply  190  provides power required by the various components for the portable device. The provided power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof. Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium using, for example, computer software, hardware, or some combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a selective combination thereof. In some cases, such embodiments are implemented by the controller  180 . 
         [0048]    For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented with separate software modules, such as procedures and functions, each of which perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. The software codes can be implemented with a software application written in any suitable programming language and may be stored in memory (for example, memory  160 ), and executed by a controller or processor (for example, controller  180 ). 
         [0049]    Mobile terminal  100  may be implemented in a variety of different configurations. Examples of such configurations include folder-type, slide-type, bar-type, rotational-type, swing-type and combinations thereof. For clarity, further disclosure will primarily relate to a slide-type mobile terminal. However, such teachings apply equally to other types of terminals. 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a front side of a mobile terminal  100  according to one embodiment. In  FIG. 2 , the mobile terminal  100  is shown having a first body  200  configured to slideably cooperate with a second body  205 . The user input unit (described in  FIG. 1 ) is implemented using function keys  210  and keypad  215 . The function keys  210  are associated with the first body  200 , and the keypad  215  is associated with the second body  205 . The keypad includes various keys (e.g., numbers, characters, and symbols) to enable a user to place a call, prepare a text or multimedia message, and otherwise operate the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0051]    The first body  200  slides relative to second body  205  between open and closed positions. In a closed position, the first body  200  is positioned over the second body  205  in such a manner that the keypad  215  is substantially or completely obscured by the first body  200 . In the open position, the user has access to the keypad  215 , as well as the display  151  and function keys  210 . The function keys  210  are convenient to a user for entering commands such as start, stop and scroll. 
         [0052]    The mobile terminal  100  is operable in either a standby mode (e.g., able to receive a call or message, receive and respond to network control signaling), or an active call mode. Typically, the mobile terminal  100  functions in a standby mode when in the closed position, and an active mode when in the open position. This mode configuration may be changed as required or desired. 
         [0053]    The first body  200  is shown formed from a first case  220  and a second case  225 , and the second body  205  is shown formed from a first case  230  and a second case  235 . The first and second cases are usually formed from a suitably ridge material such as injection molded plastic, or formed using metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) and titanium (Ti). 
         [0054]    If desired, one or more intermediate cases may be provided between the first and second cases of one or both of the first and second bodies  200 ,  205 . The first and second bodies  200 ,  205  are typically sized to receive electronic components necessary to support operation of the mobile terminal  100 . The first body  200  is shown having a camera  121  and audio output unit  152 , which is configured as a speaker, positioned relative to the display  151 . If desired, the camera  121  may be constructed in such a manner that it can be selectively positioned (e.g., rotated, swiveled, etc.) relative to first body  200 . 
         [0055]    The function keys  210  are positioned adjacent to a lower side of the display  151 . The display  151  is shown implemented as an LCD or OLED. Recall that the display may also be configured as a touchscreen having an underlying touchpad which generates signals responsive to user contact (e.g., finger, stylus, etc.) with the touchscreen. 
         [0056]    Second body  205  is shown having a microphone  122  positioned adjacent to keypad  215 , and side keys  245 , which are one type of a user input unit, positioned along the side of second body  205 . Preferably, the side keys  245  may be configured as hot keys, such that the side keys are associated with a particular function of the mobile terminal  100 . An interface unit  170  is shown positioned adjacent to the side keys  245 , and a power supply  190  in a form of a battery is located on a lower portion of the second body  205 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the mobile terminal  100  shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  shows the second body  205  having a camera  121 , and an associated flash  250  and mirror  255 . The flash  250  operates in conjunction with the camera  121  of the second body  205 . The mirror  255  is useful for assisting a user to position camera  121  in a self-portrait mode. The camera  121  of the second body  205  faces a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by camera  121  of the first body  200  ( FIG. 2 ). Each of the cameras  121  of the first  200  and second  205  bodies may have the same or different capabilities. 
         [0058]    In an embodiment, the camera  121  of the first body  200  operates with a relatively lower resolution than the camera  121  of the second body  205 . Such an arrangement works well during a video conference, for example, in which reverse link bandwidth capabilities may be limited. The relatively higher resolution of the camera  121  of the second body  205  ( FIG. 3 ) is useful for obtaining higher quality pictures for later use or for communicating to others. 
         [0059]    The second body  205  also includes an audio output module  152  configured as a speaker, and which is located on an upper side of the second body  205 . If desired, the audio output modules of the first and second bodies  200 ,  205 , may cooperate to provide stereo output. Moreover, either or both of these audio output modules may be configured to operate as a speakerphone. 
         [0060]    A broadcast signal receiving antenna  260  is shown located at an upper end of the second body  205 . Antenna  260  functions in cooperation with the broadcast receiving module  111  (see  FIG. 1 ). If desired, the antenna  260  may be fixed or configured to retract into the second body  205 . The rear side of the first body  200  includes slide module  265 , which slideably couples with a corresponding slide module located on the front side of the second body  205 . 
         [0061]    It is understood that the illustrated arrangement of the various components of the first and second bodies  200 ,  205 , may be modified as required or desired. In general, some or all of the components of one body may alternatively be implemented on the other body. In addition, the location and relative positioning of such components are not critical to many embodiments, and as such, the components may be positioned at locations which differ from those shown by the representative figures. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 5 , vehicle navigation system shown in can be detachably provided to a vehicle. Moreover, the mobile phone type terminal  100  shown in  FIG. 2  or  FIG. 3  can be detachably provided to a vehicle to fully play a role as a vehicle navigation system. Operational relations between the respective elements for implementing a screen size controlling function are explained with reference to  FIG. 1  below. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment, a the controller  180  determines an area of the display  151  that corresponds to a user&#39;s touching the screen. The controller  180  causes a zoom function to be applied to a portion of an image displayed on a touchscreen by way of zooming in or zooming out. For example, the image displayed on the touchscreen may contain a map image, on which a route based on position information and a position on the route are displayed, an image for displaying such information as a photo or a text, and the like. Accordingly, the touchscreen may display an entire image as a result of a zoom-out operation and a portion of the image as a result of a zoom-in operation. 
         [0064]    In one embodiment, the alarm output module  153  is able to output vibration as a feedback of the zoom-in or zoom-out action. The mobile terminal  100  is able to generate information necessary for performing a specific function by itself or can be provided with the corresponding information by an external server (not shown in the drawing). The mobile terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1 to 5  may be configured to operate within a communication system which transmits data via frames or packets, including both wireless, wired or satellite-based communication systems. Such communication systems utilize different air interfaces and/or physical layers. 
         [0065]    Examples of such air interfaces utilized by the communication systems include frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), the long term evolution (LTE) of the UMTS, and the global system for mobile communications (GSM). By way of non-limiting example only, further description will relate to a CDMA communication system, but such teachings apply equally to other system types. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the terminal  100  sets an area on the touchscreen to correspond to a user&#39;s touch action to the touchscreen [S 610 ]. In this case, the area may mean an inner area of a looped curve drawn on the touchscreen. Even if a curve is drawn on the touchscreen instead of the looped curve, the terminal  100  analogizes a looped curve most similar to the drawn curve and is then able to recognize an inner area of the analogized looped curve as the set area. The memory  160  can store information on a looped curve most similar to a curve. 
         [0067]    When a point on the touchscreen is touched, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes an inner area of a circle, which has a predetermined radius centering on the touched point, as the set area. In this case, the radius of the circle can be set proportional to a touch time of the prescribed point, a touch pressure of the prescribed point or the like, for example. 
         [0068]    The mobile terminal  100  zooms in a portion of the image displayed on the touchscreen to correspond to the area setting action [S 620 ]. The mobile terminal  100  displays the portion of the image displayed on the touchscreen, which was zoomed in by the zoom-in step S 620 , on the touchscreen [S 630 ]. In the zoom-in step S 620 , the mobile terminal  100  is able to perform a zoom-in action with reference to a specific point corresponding to the set area in the image displayed on the touchscreen. In this case, the part corresponding to the set area may be an image or part of an image displayed within the set area. 
         [0069]    For instance, the mobile terminal  100  is able to perform the zoom-in action with reference to a random point of the image corresponding to the set area, and more particularly, to a center point. In particular, in the drawings shown in  FIGS. 7 to 10 , a reference point of the image zoom-in is the center point of the set area. It should be understood that a reference point of an image zoom-in or zoom-out can be any point within the set area (not shown in the drawings). 
         [0070]    The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom in a part corresponding to the set area in the image displayed on the touchscreen into a whole image. For this, a process for zooming in an image to correspond to an area setting action for the touchscreen is explained with reference to  FIG. 7  in aspect of an image configuration as follows. In  FIG. 7 , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the mobile terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a user draws a circle  711  formed clockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  715 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  may set an area of the image to an inner area of the circle drawn by the user. The mobile terminal  100  may then be able to recognize a first rectangle  712 , which is inscribed in the circle  711  to have a diameter of the circle  711  as a diagonal length, and a second rectangle  713  which is circumscribed to the circle  711  to have a diameter of the circle  711  as a side length. Referring to  FIG. 7(   a ), any figure forming a looped curve is possible for the area setting as well as the circle  711 . 
         [0072]    In one embodiment, the mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom in a part of the image displayed which corresponds to the first rectangle  712 , into a whole image [See  FIG. 7(   b )]. In this case, the mobile terminal  100  may then perform a zoom-in action with reference to a center  711 - 1  of the circle  711 . The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom in a part of the image displayed in  FIG. 7(   a ), which corresponds to the second rectangle  713 , into a whole image as show in  FIG. 7(   c ). In this case, the mobile terminal  100  may perform a zoom-in action with reference to a center  711 - 1  of the circle  711  as well. 
         [0073]    Occasionally, the part corresponding to the first rectangle  712  or the second rectangle  713  can be zoomed in into a partial image instead of the whole image. In this case, a presence or non-presence of setting the partial image and a size of the partial image can be set by a user or the mobile terminal  100 . The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom in a specific part of an image displayed on the touchscreen to a zoom-in extent in proportion to a continuous repetition count of the area setting action. In this case, the zoom-in extent can include a zoom-in scale using a reduced scale of a map. For instance, if the reduced scale is changed into 1:25,000 from 1:50,000, the zoom-in scale is doubled. 
         [0074]    In one embodiment, a process for zooming in an image to correspond to an area setting action for the touchscreen is explained with reference to  FIG. 8  in aspect of an image configuration as follows. In  FIG. 8 , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a user draws a circle  811  formed clockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  813 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a center  811 - 1  of the circle  811  and a count of actions for setting the circle  811 . In case that the circle  811  is drawn ‘once’ in the state (a), the mobile terminal  100  may zoom in a specific part of the image displayed in the state (a) centering on the center  811 - 1  of the circle  811  to a zoom-in extent corresponding to ‘one time’ of the area setting action (See  FIG. 8(   b )). 
         [0076]    In case that the circle  811  is drawn ‘twice’ along a same trace in  FIG. 8(   a ), the mobile terminal  100  may zooms in a specific part of the image centering on the center  811 - 1  of the circle  811  to a zoom-in extent corresponding to ‘two times’ of the area setting action (See  FIG. 8(   c )). Accordingly, the mobile terminal  100  is able to display an image zoomed in to the zoom-in extent corresponding to the area setting action ‘two times’ faster than if it would do it one zoom-in step at a time. Step by step, if the area setting action is completed, the mobile terminal  100  may first display an image zoomed in by a zoom-in extent corresponding to the area setting action ‘one time’. Subsequently, if the area setting action is completed ‘two times’, the mobile terminal  100  is able to display an image zoomed in to a zoom-in extent corresponding to the area setting action zoomed-in ‘two times’. 
         [0077]    In this case, the zoom-in extent per the area setting action count can be previously stored in the memory  160 . And, the zoom-in extent per the area setting action count can be set by a user or the mobile terminal  100 . The zoom-in extent per the area setting action count can be set proportional to a continuous repetition count of the area setting actions. For instance, a zoom-in extent corresponding to an area setting action ‘one time’ can be two times. A zoom-in extent corresponding to area setting actions ‘two times’ can be four times. Thus, as the continuous repetition count of the area setting actions gets incremented, it is able to set a greater zoom-in extent. On the contrary, it is understood that the zoom-in extent per the area setting action count can be set inversely proportional to a continuous repetition count of the area setting actions. 
         [0078]    In one embodiment, the terminal is able to zoom in a specific part of an image displayed on the touchscreen to a zoom-in extent inverse proportional to a size of the set area. A process for zooming in an image to correspond to an area setting action for the touchscreen is explained with reference to  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B . In  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the mobile terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIG. 9A , a user draws a circle  911  formed clockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  913 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  may then recognize a center  911 - 1  of the circle  911  and a size of the circle  911 . Subsequently, the mobile terminal  100  displays a specific part of an image displayed in FIG.  9 A( a ) centering on the center  911 - 1  to a zoom-in extent corresponding to the size (generally, it can be determined as a diameter or radius of the circle) of the circle  911  in a manner of zooming in the corresponding (See FIG.  9 A( b )). 
         [0080]    Referring to FIG.  9 B( a ), a user draws a circle  912  formed clockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  913 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a center  912 - 1  of the circle  912  and a size of the circle  912 . And, assume that the size of the circle  912  shown in  FIG. 9B  is twice larger than that of the former circle  911  shown in  FIG. 9A . Subsequently, the terminal mobile  100  displays a specific part of an image displayed centering on the center  912 - 1  to a zoom-in extent corresponding to the size of the circle  912  in a manner of zooming in the corresponding part. 
         [0081]    In this case, a zoom-in extent per area size can be stored in the memory  160 . And, a zoom-in extent per area size can be set by a user or the mobile terminal  100 . Moreover, a zoom-in extent per area size can be set inversely proportional to an area size. For instance, a zoom-in extent corresponding to a radius ‘1 cm’/‘2 cm’ of a circle forming an area may correspond to ‘four time’/‘two times’. Hence, it is able to set the zoom-in extent smaller as the area size gets larger. It should be understood that the zoom-in extent per the area size can also be set proportional to the area size. 
         [0082]    The mobile terminal  100  is able to display a specific part of an image displayed on the touchscreen in a manner of zooming in the specific part to a zoom-in extent proportional to a speed of a drag action for setting an area. For this, a process for zooming in an image to correspond to an area setting action for the touchscreen is explained with reference to  FIG. 10  in aspect of an image configuration as follows. In  FIG. 10 , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 10(   a ), a user draws a circle  1011  formed clockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  1013 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a speed of a drag action for setting a center  1011 - 1  of the circle  1011  and a size of the circle  1011 . If a drag speed is ‘5 m/s’, for example, the terminal displays a specific part of an image displayed centering on the center  1011 - 1  in a manner of zooming in the specific part to a zoom-in extent corresponding to the drag speed ‘5 m/s’, for example, as shown in  FIG. 10(   b ). 
         [0084]    If a drag speed  FIG. 10(   a ) is ‘10 m/s’, for example, the mobile terminal  100  displays a specific part of an image displayed centering on the center  1011 - 1  in a manner of zooming in the specific part to a zoom-in extent corresponding to the drag speed of ‘10 m/s’  FIG. 10(   c ). In this case, a zoom-in extent per drag speed can be stored in the memory  160 . And, a zoom-in extent per drag speed can be set by a user or the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0085]    Moreover, a zoom-in extent per drag speed can be set proportional to a drag speed. For instance, a zoom-in extent corresponding to a drag speed ‘5 m/s’/‘10 m/s’ may correspond to ‘four time’/‘two times’. Hence, it is able to set the zoom-in extent greater as the drag speed gets higher. It is understood that the zoom-in extent per the drag speed can be set inverse proportional to the drag speed. 
         [0086]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a user inputs a touch action corresponding to an image zoom-out command to the mobile terminal  100  via the touchscreen [S 640 ]. In this case, the touch action corresponding to the image zoom-out command can include an area setting action performed by the user on the touchscreen. For instance, in case that a looped curve having an inner area is drawn on the touchscreen by the area setting action, the mobile terminal  100  can recognize that the touch action corresponding to the image zoom-out command has been input thereto. In this case, if a curve is drawn instead of the looped curve, the mobile terminal  100  is able to analogize a looped curve most similar to the drawn curve. 
         [0087]    A touch action according to a touch count corresponding to the image zoom-out command, a touch pressure, a touch direction or a touch time may also be input as the touch action corresponding to the image zoom-out command to the mobile terminal  100 . In the following description, the touch action corresponding to the image zoom-out command is explained by limiting it to a user&#39;s area setting action for the touchscreen. In one embodiment, the mobile terminal  100  obtains a pattern of an area setting action and is then able to discriminate whether the area setting action is provided for an image zoom-in or an image zoom-out. 
         [0088]    For instance, the mobile terminal  100  may be able to discriminate whether the area setting action is for the image zoom-in or the image zoom-out according to a drag direction of an area, a position of a point touched by a pointer after area setting, or a last position of the pointer according to an area setting completion. This will be explained in the following description with reference to  FIGS. 15 to 17 . 
         [0089]    In one embodiment, the mobile terminal  100  may directly enter the step S 640  without passing through the above-described steps S 610  to S 630  (image zooming-in and displaying steps) or may not perform steps after the step S 640  (image zooming-out and displaying steps) after completion of the steps S 610  to S 630 . This is because the process according to the image zoom-in and the process according to the image zoom-out in the present invention may be separately executed. 
         [0090]    The mobile terminal  100  zooms out the image displayed on the touchscreen to correspond to the touch action corresponding to the image zoom-out command input in the inputting step S 640 , e.g., to the area setting action [S 650 ]. The mobile terminal  100  then displays a whole image including the image zoomed out in the zooming-out step S 650  on the touchscreen [S 660 ]. In the zooming-out step S 650 , the mobile terminal  100  is able to perform a zoom-out action with reference to a specific point of the part corresponding to the set area on the image displayed on the touchscreen. In this case, the area and the part corresponding to the set area are similar to those mentioned in the foregoing description, of which details are omitted in the following description. 
         [0091]    In one embodiment, the mobile terminal  100  is able to perform the zoom-out action with reference to a random point within the image part corresponding to the set area, and preferably, with reference to a center thereof. In detail,  FIGS. 11 to 14  show that the reference point of the image zoom-out is the center of the set area. The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom out the mage displayed on the touchscreen into the part corresponding to the set area. 
         [0092]    A process for zooming out an image to correspond to an area setting action for the touchscreen is explained with reference to  FIG. 11  in aspect of an image configuration as follows. In  FIG. 11 , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the mobile terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a user draws a circle  1111  formed counterclockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  1115 [ a ]. In this case, the mobile terminal  100  may set an area of the present invention to an inner area of the circle drawn by the user. The mobile terminal  100  is then able to recognize a first rectangle  1112 , which is inscribed in the circle  1111  to have a diameter of the circle  1111  as a diagonal length, and a second rectangle  1113  which is circumscribed to the circle  1111  to have a diameter of the circle  1111  as a side length. 
         [0094]    The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom out a whole image displayed in the state (a) to be displayed within the first rectangle  1112 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  performs a zoom-out action with reference to a center  1111 - 1  of the circle  1111 . Therefore, the mobile terminal  100  zooms out the whole image displayed in the state (a) to become a specific part of another whole picture. 
         [0095]    The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom out a whole image displayed to be displayed within the second rectangle  1113 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  performs a zoom-out action with reference to a center  1111 - 1  of the circle  1111 . And, the mobile terminal  100  may zoom out the whole image displayed in the state (a) to become a specific part of another whole picture. 
         [0096]    Occasionally, the zoom-out action and the displaying action according to the zoom-out action can be performed on a partial area of the touchscreen. In this case, a presence or non-presence of setting the partial area and a size of the partial area can be set by a user or the mobile terminal  100 . The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom out a specific part of an image displayed on the touchscreen to a zoom-out extent in proportion to a continuous repetition count of the area setting action. 
         [0097]    For this, a process for zooming out an image to correspond to an area setting action for the touchscreen is explained with reference to  FIG. 12  in aspect of an image configuration as follows. In  FIG. 12 , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the mobile terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , a user draws a circle  1211  formed counterclockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  1213 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a center  1211 - 1  of the circle  1211  and a count of setting actions for the circle  1211 . 
         [0098]    In case that the circle  1211  is drawn ‘one time’, the mobile terminal  100  zooms out an image displayed centering on the center  1211 - 1  to a zoom-out extent corresponding to an area setting action ‘one time’ and then displays a whole image including the zoomed-out image as a part thereof. In this case, the zoom-out extent can include a zoom-out scale using a reduced scale of map. For instance, in case that a reduced scale is changed into 1:100,000 from 1:50,000, the zoom-out scale becomes a half. 
         [0099]    In case that the circle  1211  is continuously drawn ‘twice’ along a same trace, the mobile terminal  100  zooms out the image displayed centering on the center  1211 - 1  of the circle  1211  to a zoom-out extent corresponding to ‘two times’ of the area setting action and displays a whole image including the zoomed-out image. In this case, the zoom-out extent per the area setting action count can be previously stored in the memory  160 . And, the zoom-out extent per the area setting action count can be set by a user or the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0100]    The zoom-out extent per the area setting action count can be set proportional to a continuous repetition count of the area setting actions. For instance, a zoom-out extent corresponding to an area setting action ‘one time’ can be ½ time. And, a zoom-out extent corresponding to area setting actions ‘two times’ can be ¼ time. Thus, as the continuous repetition count of the area setting actions gets incremented, it is able to set a greater zoom-out extent. On the contrary, it is understood that the zoom-out extent per the area setting action count can be set inverse proportional to a continuous repetition count of the area setting actions. 
         [0101]    The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom out a specific part of an image displayed on the touchscreen to a zoom-out extent inversely proportional to a size of the set area. For this, a process for zooming out an image to correspond to an area setting action for the touchscreen is explained with reference to  FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 13B  in aspect of an image configuration as follows. In  FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 13B , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the mobile terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . 
         [0102]    Referring to  FIG. 13A , a user draws a circle  1311  formed counterclockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  1313 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a center  1311 - 1  of the circle  1311  and a size of the circle  1311 . Subsequently, the mobile terminal  100  zooms out an image displayed centering on the center  1311 - 1  to a zoom-out extent corresponding to the size of the circle  1311  and then displays a whole image including the zoomed-out image as a part thereof. 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIG. 13B , a user draws a circle  1312  formed counterclockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  1313 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a center  1312 - 1  of the circle  1312  and a size of the circle  1312 . And, assume that the size of the circle  1312  shown in  FIG. 13B  is twice larger than that of the former circle  1311  shown in  FIG. 13A . Subsequently, the mobile terminal  100  zooms out an image displayed in the state (a) centering on the center  1312 - 1  to a zoom-out extent corresponding to the size of the circle  1312  and then displays a whole image including the zoomed-out image as a part thereof. In this case, a zoom-out extent per area size can be stored in the memory  160 . And, a zoom-out extent per area size can be set by a user or the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0104]    Moreover, a zoom-out extent per area size can be set inversely proportional to an area size. For instance, a zoom-out extent corresponding to a radius ‘1 cm’/‘2 cm’ of a circle forming an area may correspond to ‘¼ time’/‘½ time’. Hence, it is able to set the zoom-out extent smaller as the area size gets larger. On the contrary, it is understood that the zoom-out extent per the area size can be set proportional to the area size. The mobile terminal  100  is able to zoom out an image displayed on the screen to a zoom-out extent proportional to a speed of a drag action for setting an area. 
         [0105]    For this, a process for zooming out an image to correspond to an area setting action for the touchscreen is explained with reference to  FIG. 14  in aspect of an image configuration as follows. In  FIG. 14 , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the mobile terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . 
         [0106]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , a user draws a circle  1411  formed counterclockwise on the touchscreen using a pointer  1413 . In this case, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a speed of a drag action for setting a center  1411 - 1  of the circle  1411  and a size of the circle  1411 . If a drag speed is ‘5 m/s’, for example, the terminal  100  zooms out an image displayed  FIG. 14(   a ) centering on the center  1411 - 1  to a zoom-out extent corresponding to the drag speed ‘5 m/s’ and then displays a whole image including the zoomed-out image as a part thereof. 
         [0107]    If a drag speed is ‘10 m/s’, for example, the terminal  100  zooms out an image centering on the center  1411 - 1  to a zoom-out extent corresponding to the drag speed ‘10 m/s’ and then displays a whole image including the zoomed-out image as a part thereof. In this case, a zoom-out extent per drag speed can be stored in the memory  160 . And, a zoom-out extent per drag speed can be set by a user or the terminal  100 . 
         [0108]    Moreover, a zoom-out extent per drag speed can be set proportional to a drag speed. For instance, a zoom-out extent corresponding to a drag speed ‘5 m/s’/‘10 m/s’ may correspond to ‘½ time’/‘¼ time’, for example. Hence, it is able to set the zoom-out extent greater as the drag speed gets higher. On the contrary, it is understood that the zoom-out extent per the drag speed can be set inverse proportional to the drag speed. 
         [0109]    Meanwhile, the mobile terminal  100  is able to perform the steps S 610  to S 630  (image zooming-in and displaying steps) after execution of the steps S 640  to S 660  (image zooming-out and displaying steps). This is because the present disclosure can perform the image zooming-out action and the image zooming-in action by changing their orders. 
         [0110]    In the following description, an image zoom-in/zoom-out process according to a touch pattern for a touchscreen according to one embodiment is explained with reference to  FIGS. 15 to 17 . In the following description, assume that an area for image zoom-in/out is an inner area of a circle drawn by a user. In  FIGS. 15 to 17 , assume that a map, on which a moving route of the mobile terminal  100  is marked, is displayed as a result of driving the position-location module  115 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 15  is a diagram for a first screen configuration for a zoom-in/out process in accordance with a touch pattern on a touchscreen according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 15 , in case that a circle  1511  for an area setting is drawn ‘clockwise’ on the touchscreen, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a touch action as an image zoom-in command and then displays an image  1510  by zooming in the image  1510 . 
         [0112]    In case that a circle  1511  for an area setting is drawn ‘counterclockwise’ on the touchscreen, the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a touch action as an image zoom-out command and then displays an image  1510  by zooming out the image  1510 .  FIG. 16  is a diagram for a second screen configuration for a zoom-in/out process in accordance with a touch pattern on a touchscreen according to one embodiment. 
         [0113]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , after a circle  1611  for an area setting has been drawn on the touchscreen, if a point of ending a drag action of a pointer  1613  is located outside the circle  1611 , the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a touch action as an image zoom-in command and then displays an image  1610  by zooming in the image  1610 . After a circle  1611  for an area setting has been drawn on the touchscreen, if a point of ending a drag action of a pointer  1613  is located within the circle  1611 , the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a touch action as an image zoom-out command and then displays an image  1610  by zooming out the image  1610 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 17  is a diagram for a third screen configuration for a zoom-in/out process in accordance with a touch pattern on a touchscreen according to one embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 17 , after a circle  1711  for an area setting has been drawn on the touchscreen, if a specific point of an outer area of the circle  1711  is touched by a pointer  1713 , the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a touch action as an image zoom-in command and then displays an image  1710  displayed in the state by zooming in the image  1710 . 
         [0115]    After a circle  1711  for an area setting has been drawn on the touchscreen, if a specific point of an inner area of the circle  1711  is touched by a pointer  1713 [ d ], the mobile terminal  100  recognizes a touch action as an image zoom-out command and then displays an image  1710  displayed in the state (a) by zooming out the image  1710 [ e].    
         [0116]    According to one embodiment, the above-described terminal screen size controlling method can be implemented in a program recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable media include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, and the like for example and also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet). And, the computer can include the controller  180  of the mobile terminal  100 . 
         [0117]    Accordingly, the present disclosure provides the following effects and/or advantages. In one embodiment, the present device zooms in or out an image displayed on a touchscreen to correspond to an area setting action performed on the touchscreen. In one embodiment, the present device is able to freely control a zoom-in or zoom-out extent of an image to correspond to an area setting action performed on a touchscreen. 
         [0118]    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 this disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.