Patent Abstract:
A mobile terminal, computer program product, and method for controlling the same are disclosed, by which a terminal user is enabled to input specific commands to the mobile terminal with minimum effort in a manner of configuring a display screen with consideration of enhanced user&#39;s convenience. The present invention includes a display unit, a wireless communication unit for an internet access, a user input unit for receiving an input from a user, and a control unit controlling both a text input box and an indicator indicating one selected from the group consisting of at least two functions of the text input box to be displayed on a standby image of the display unit.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0099411, filed on Oct. 2, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and method of controlling the same. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for configuring a display screen to enhance user&#39;s convenience. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     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. More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to receive broadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of content such as videos and television programs. 
     Efforts are ongoing to support and increase the functionality of mobile terminals. Such efforts include software and hardware improvements, as well as changes and improvements in the structural components which form the mobile terminal. 
     Recently, various terminals equipped with touchscreens, via which various commands can be inputted, have been introduced. 
     Hence, it is necessary to discuss how to facilitate a user to input various commands with a prescribed configuration of a display screen or a touchscreen. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a mobile terminal, computer program product and method for controlling the same that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal, computer program product and method for controlling the same, by which a terminal user is enabled to input specific commands to the mobile terminal with minimum effort in a manner of configuring a display screen with consideration of enhanced user&#39;s convenience. 
     Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a display unit, a wireless communication unit for an internet access, a user input unit for receiving an input from a user, and a control unit configured to display both a text input box and an indicator indicating a selected one among at least two functions of the text input box on a standby image of the display unit. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling a mobile terminal includes displaying a text input box on a standby image, and allocating at least two functions to the text input box. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a front side of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the mobile terminal shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a CDMA wireless communication system operable with the mobile terminal of  FIGS. 1 to 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart for a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention is implemented; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart for a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention is implemented; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention is implemented; 
         FIGS. 10 to 14  are diagrams of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is implemented; and 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, 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 invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     In the following description, suffixes ‘module’, ‘unit’ and ‘part’ for elements are given to facilitate the preparation of this disclosure only. So, significant meanings or roles are not given to the suffixes themselves. Hence, it is understood that the ‘module’, ‘unit’ and ‘part’ can be used together. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of mobile terminal  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal may be implemented using a variety of different types of terminals. Examples of such terminals include mobile as well as non-mobile terminals, such as mobile phones, user equipment, smart phones, computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants, portable multimedia players (PMP) and navigators. By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be with regard to a mobile terminal. However, such teachings apply equally to other types of terminals.  FIG. 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. 
       FIG. 1  shows a wireless communication unit  110  configured with several commonly implemented components. For instance, the wireless communication unit  110  typically includes one or more components which permits wireless communication between the mobile terminal  100  and a wireless communication system or network within which the mobile terminal is located. 
     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). 
     The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and 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 nonlimiting example, such broadcasting systems 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). Receiving 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 . 
     The mobile communication module  112  transmits/receives wireless signals to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, Node-B). Such signals may represent audio, video, multimedia, control signaling, and data, among others. 
     The wireless internet module  113  supports Internet access for the mobile terminal. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the terminal. Suitable technologies for wireless internet may include, but are not limited to, WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access). 
     The short-range communication module  114  facilitates relatively short-range communications. Suitable technologies for short-range communication my include, but are not limited to, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at the networking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name a few. 
     Position-location module  115  identifies or otherwise obtains the location of the mobile terminal. If desired, this module may be implemented using global positioning system (GPS) components which cooperate with associated satellites, network components, and combinations thereof. 
     Audio/video (A/V) input unit  120  is configured to provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal. As shown, the A/V input unit  120  includes a camera  121  and a microphone  122 . The camera receives and processes image frames of still pictures or video. 
     The microphone  122  receives an external audio signal while the portable device is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording mode and voice recognition. This audio signal is processed and converted into digital data. The portable device, and in particular, A/V input unit  120 , typically includes 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. 
     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 and 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 (which will be described in more detail below). 
     The sensing unit  140  provides status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal. For instance, the sensing unit may detect an open/close status of the mobile terminal, relative positioning of components (e.g., a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal, a change of position of the mobile terminal or a component of the mobile terminal, a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal, orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal. 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 is open or closed. Other examples include the sensing unit  140  sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply  190 , the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface unit  170  and an external device. 
     The interface unit  170  is often implemented to couple the mobile terminal 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 and video input/output ports. 
     The output unit  150  generally includes various components which support the output requirements of the mobile terminal. Display  151  is typically implemented to visually display information associated with the mobile terminal  100 . For instance, if the mobile terminal 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. 
     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 and a three-dimensional display. The mobile terminal 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). 
       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 is often implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinations thereof. The audio output module 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). 
     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. Typical events include call received, message received and user input received. An example of such output includes the providing of tactile sensations (e.g., vibration) to a user. For instance, the alarm  153  may be configured to vibrate responsive to the mobile terminal receiving a call or message. As another example, vibration is provided by alarm  153  responsive to receiving user input at the mobile terminal, 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. 
     The memory  160  is generally used to store various types of data to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of the mobile terminal. Examples of such data include program instructions for applications operating on the mobile terminal, 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. 
     The controller  180  typically controls the overall operations of the mobile terminal. For instance, the controller performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, instant message communication, video calls, camera operations and recording operations. If desired, the controller may include a multimedia module  181  which provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module may be configured as part of the controller  180 , or this module may be implemented as a separate component. 
     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 controller  180 . 
     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 ). 
     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. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a front side of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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 ) may include a first input unit such as the touchpad and function keys  210 , a second input unit such as keypad  215  and a third input unit such as side keys  245 . The function keys  210  are associated with first body  200 , and the keypad  215  is associated with 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. 
     The first body  200  slides relative to second body  205  between open and closed positions. In a closed position, the first body is positioned over the second body in such a manner that the keypad  215  is substantially or completely obscured by the first body  200 . In the open position, user access to the keypad  215 , as well as the display  151  and function keys  210 , is possible. The function keys are convenient to a user for entering commands such as start, stop and scroll. 
     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. 
     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). 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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. 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 . 
       FIG. 3  is a rear view of the mobile terminal 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 operates in conjunction with the camera  121  of the second body. 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 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 and second bodies may have the same or different capabilities. 
     In an embodiment, the camera of the first body  200  operates with a relatively lower resolution than the camera 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 of the second body  205  ( FIG. 3 ) is useful for obtaining higher quality pictures for later use or for communicating to others. 
     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. 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. 
     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  ( 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 . 
     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. 
     The mobile terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1-3  may be configured to operate within a communication system which transmits data via frames or packets, including both wireless and wireline communication systems, and satellite-based communication systems. Such communication systems utilize different air interfaces and/or physical layers. 
     Examples of such air interfaces utilized by the communication systems include example, frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), the long term evolution (LTE) of the UMTS, and the global system for mobile communications (GSM). By way of non-limiting example only, further description will relate to a CDMA communication system, but such teachings apply equally to other system types. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a CDMA wireless communication system is shown having a plurality of mobile terminals  100 , a plurality of base stations  270 , base station controllers (BSCs)  275 , and a mobile switching center (MSC)  280 . The MSC  280  is configured to interface with a conventional public switch telephone network (PSTN)  290 . The MSC  280  is also configured to interface with the BSCs  275 . The BSCs  275  are coupled to the base stations  270  via backhaul lines. The backhaul lines may be configured in accordance with any of several known interfaces including, for example, E1/T1, ATM, IP, PPP, Frame Relay, HDSL, ADSL, or xDSL. It is to be understood that the system may include more than two BSCs  275 . 
     Each base station  270  may include one or more sectors, each sector having an omnidirectional antenna or an antenna pointed in a particular direction radially away from the base station  270 . Alternatively, each sector may include two antennas for diversity reception. Each base station  270  may be configured to support a plurality of frequency assignments, with each frequency assignment having a particular spectrum (e.g., 1.25 MHz, 5 MHz). 
     The intersection of a sector and frequency assignment may be referred to as a CDMA channel. The base stations  270  may also be referred to as base station transceiver subsystems (BTSs). In some cases, the term “base station” may be used to refer collectively to a BSC  275 , and one or more base stations  270 . The base stations may also be denoted “cell sites.” Alternatively, individual sectors of a given base station  270  may be referred to as cell sites. 
     A terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) transmitter  295  is shown broadcasting to portable terminals  100  operating within the system. The broadcast receiving module  111  ( FIG. 1 ) of the portable terminal is typically configured to receive broadcast signals transmitted by the DMB transmitter  295 . Similar arrangements may be implemented for other types of broadcast and multicast signaling (as discussed above). 
       FIG. 4  further depicts several global positioning system (GPS) satellites  300 . Such satellites facilitate locating the position of some or all of the portable terminals  100 . Two satellites are depicted, but it is understood that useful positioning information may be obtained with greater or fewer satellites. The position-location module  115  ( FIG. 1 ) of the portable terminal  100  is typically configured to cooperate with the satellites  300  to obtain desired position information. It is to be appreciated that other types of position detection technology, (i.e., location technology that may be used in addition to or instead of GPS location technology) may alternatively be implemented. If desired, some or all of the GPS satellites  300  may alternatively or additionally be configured to provide satellite DMB transmissions. 
     During typical operation of the wireless communication system, the base stations  270  receive sets of reverse-link signals from various mobile terminals  100 . The mobile terminals  100  are engaging in calls, messaging, and other communications. Each reverse-link signal received by a given base station  270  is processed within that base station. The resulting data is forwarded to an associated BSC  275 . The BSC provides call resource allocation and mobility management functionality including the orchestration of soft handoffs between base stations  270 . The BSCs  275  also route the received data to the MSC  280 , which provides additional routing services for interfacing with the PSTN  290 . Similarly, the PSTN interfaces with the MSC  280 , and the MSC interfaces with the BSCs  275 , which in turn control the base stations  270  to transmit sets of forward-link signals to the mobile terminals  100 . 
     In the following description, a controlling method implemented in the above-configured will be explained per an embodiment. It is to be understood that each of the following embodiments can be implemented independently or that the present invention may be performed using any combination of such embodiments. 
     In the following description, it is assumed that the mobile terminal includes the slider type terminal including the first and second bodies. In particular, the first body  200  is a main body and the second body  205  is a slider that slides on the main body. And, it is also to be understood that the present invention is applicable to but not limited to a folder type terminal, a swing type terminal and the like as well as the slider type terminal. 
     First Embodiment 
     A method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  as follows. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart for a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 6  is a diagram of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention is implemented. 
     Referring to ( 6 - 1 ) of  FIG. 6 , a standby image is displayed on a touchscreen  400  of the mobile terminal  100 . And, a text input box  410  is displayed on the standby image [S 51 ]. A standby image is an image displayed when the device is in a standby state (e.g., awaiting a user input). 
     The text input box  410  is usable for at least two functions. Details of the first and second functions will be explained later in this disclosure. 
     An indicator  420  indicating which one of the first and second functions is used for the text input box  410  is displayed on the standby image [S 52 ]. 
     In case that the display module  151  of the mobile terminal  100  does not include a touchscreen, it is able to configure the first and second functions, as shown in ( 6 - 1 ) and ( 6 - 2 ) of  FIG. 6 , to be mutually switched each other via a corresponding key manipulation (e.g., soft key manipulation) of the user input unit [S 53 , S 54 ]. 
     In case that the display module  151  of the mobile terminal  100  is configured to operate as a touchscreen in a manner of constructing a mutual layer structure with the touchpad, it is able to configure the first and second functions, as shown in ( 6 - 1 ) and ( 6 - 4 ) of  FIG. 6 , to be mutually switched to each other by having the indicator  420  touched (e.g., long touch). In this case, the indicator  420  plays a role as a toggle switch type selector to select either the first function or the second function [S 53 , S 54 ]. 
     In the following description, it is assumed that the display module  151  operates as a touchscreen. 
     In ( 6 - 1 ) of  FIG. 6 , depicted is an example that the text input box  410  is in progress of the first function, e.g., a search function (e.g., a Google™ search function). 
     For the search function, a terminal user selects the text input box  410 , for example by touching the text input box  410 . 
     Subsequently, a prescribed search word, as shown in ( 6 - 2 ) of  FIG. 6 , is inputted to the text input box  410  via the user input unit  130 . It can be considered that when the text input box  410  is selected, a virtual keypad is created on the touchscreen, and the search word is inputted via the created virtual keypad. 
     After the search word has been inputted, if a command for executing a search for the search word is inputted, a result of the search corresponding to the search word, as shown in ( 6 - 3 ) of  FIG. 6 , is displayed. 
     The execution command for the search can be carried out by a corresponding key manipulation (e.g., soft key manipulation) of the user input unit or by a touch of the indicator (e.g., short touch). 
     Meanwhile, a case of attempting to use the text input box  410  for the second function, e.g., an internet address input function (e.g., internet URL (uniform resource locator) input function) is explained as follows. 
     On the touchscreen  400  shown in ( 6 - 1 ) of  FIG. 6 , a terminal user makes a long touch to the indicator  420 . If so, the text input box is switched for the second function. The indicator  420 , as shown in ( 6 - 4 ) of  FIG. 6 , indicates that the text input box  410  is usable for the internet URL input function. 
     Subsequently, a prescribed internet URL, as shown in ( 6 - 5 ) of  FIG. 6 , is inputted to the text input box  410  via the user input unit  130 . It can be considered that when the text input box  410  is selected, a virtual keypad is created on the touchscreen, and the internet URL is inputted via the created virtual keypad. 
     After completion of the internet URL input, if a command for executing an entry to the internet URL is inputted, a webpage, as shown in ( 6 - 6 ) of  FIG. 6 , corresponding to the internet URL is displayed. 
     The command for the entry to the internet URL can be carried out via a corresponding key manipulation (e.g., soft key manipulation) of the user input unit  130  or a touch (e.g., short touch) of the indicator  420 . 
     The above-explained first and second functions are not limited to the search function and the internet URL input function, respectively. For the first and second functions, two functions can be selected from the group consisting of a first preset website search function, a second preset website search function, an internet address input function, a calculator function, and a file search function within a terminal. 
     In addition to the previously described embodiments, it is possible for the controller to be configured to distinguish between at least two input pattern types input into the text box, and to automatically select one of the at least two different information access functions based upon a distinguished pattern type. If pattern ambiguous, the controller is further configured to display a option selection screen (e.g, a pop-up window, a drop-down box, a dialog box or another option selection screen). 
     In addition, whereas the previous description describes the use of a standby image, it is not necessary that the text input box and the indicator to be displayed on a standby image. In such a case, the text input box and the indicator may be displayed on a blank (colored or not) screen. 
     Also, the indicator need not be a text icon as shown in the figures. In options not shown in the figures, the indicator may be one of a color of the text box, a location of the text box within the display, or a non-text image. For example, a red text box may correspond to a URL entry box, whereas a yellow text box may correspond to a phonebook or web search. Also, a box displayed on a top of the screen may correspond to a URL entry box, whereas a box displayed on a top of the screen may correspond to a phonebook or web search. Also, a displayed first symbol (e.g., a globe) correspond to a URL entry box, whereas a displayed second symbol (e.g., a phone) may correspond to a phonebook search. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  as follows. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart for a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 8  is a diagram of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention is implemented. 
     Referring to ( 8 - 1 ) of  FIG. 8 , a text input box  410  for a search function is presented in a standby image displayed on the touchscreen  400  [S 71 ]. And, an indicator  420  indicating that the text input box  410  is used for search is displayed together with the text input box  410 . 
     While the mobile terminal  100  is in a closed position, a real keypad for a text input of the user input unit  130  is not externally exposed. So, the real keypad may be in a deactivated mode [S 72 ]. 
     If the text input box  410  is selected, a virtual keypad  433 , as shown in ( 8 - 2 ) of  FIG. 8 , is created on the touchscreen [S 73 , S 74 ]. Hence, a terminal user is able to input a search word via the created virtual keypad. 
     Optionally, it is able to configure the created virtual keypad to automatically disappear from the touchscreen if the real keypad of the user input unit is in an active mode (e.g., the real keypad is externally exposed since the mobile terminal is in an open position). 
     Referring to ( 8 - 3 ) of  FIG. 8 , the text input box  410  for an internet address input function is presented on a standby image displayed on the touchscreen  400 . And, an indicator  420  indicating that the text input box  410  is used for the internet address input function is displayed together with the text input box  410 . 
     If the text input box  410  is selected and the real keypad, as shown in ( 8 - 4 ) of  FIG. 8 , becomes deactivated, a virtual keypad  435  is created on the touchscreen  400 . 
     The virtual keypad  435  shown in ( 8 - 4 ) of  FIG. 8  needs not to be identical to the virtual keypad  435  shown in ( 8 - 2 ) of  FIG. 8 . Namely, the device is able to configure the created virtual keypads to differ at least in part from each other to be most suitable for each of the functions used for the text input box, respectively. 
     For instance, the virtual keypad  435  shown in ( 8 - 4 ) of  FIG. 8  can be provided with such a key button facilitating an internet address input as ‘www’, ‘com’ and the like. 
     Third Embodiment 
     In the first embodiment of the present invention, a single text input box is presented in the standby image and the text input box is usable for two functions. The present invention is further applicable to the case that the text input box is usable for at least three functions. This is explained as a third embodiment of the present invention with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention is implemented. 
     Referring to ( 9 - 1 ) of  FIG. 9 , a text input box  410  is presented in a standby image displayed on the display screen  400  of the mobile terminal  100 . And, an indicator  420  indicating a function for which the text input box  410  will be used is displayed on the display screen  400  together with the text input box  410 . In ( 9 - 1 ) of  FIG. 9 , the indicator  420  indicates that the text input box  410  is usable for a first function (e.g., a first preset website search function). 
     If a long touch is made to the indicator  420  or if a corresponding key manipulation is carried out on the user input unit  140 , the indicator  420 , as shown in ( 9 - 2 ) of  FIG. 9 , indicates that the text input box  410  is usable for a second function (e.g., a second preset website search function). 
     Similarly, whenever a long touch is made to the indicator  420  or each time a corresponding key manipulation is carried out on the user input unit  140 , the indicator  420 , as shown in ( 9 - 3 )/( 9 - 4 ) of  FIG. 9 , indicates that the text input box  410  is us usable for a third/fourth function. In this case, a third function may include an internet address input function and a fourth function may include a file search function within a terminal. 
     So, by making a long touch to the indicator  420  or performing a corresponding key manipulation on the user input unit  130  until a necessary function is assigned to the text input box  410 , a terminal user is able to change a function of the text input box. 
     Referring to ( 9 - 4 ) of  FIG. 9 , if the text input box  410  is double touched for example, it may be able to display a list  415  of texts recently inputted to the text input box  410 . 
     And, it may able to preset the number of functions used for the text input box  410  via a menu manipulation of the mobile terminal. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     In the above description, a function to be used for the text input box  410  is changed if the indicator  420  is just touched. The present invention enables the function to be changed in various ways. This example is explained as a fourth embodiment of the present invention with reference to  FIGS. 10 to 14 . 
       FIGS. 10 to 14  are diagrams of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is implemented. 
     Like the descriptions of the first to third embodiments of the present invention,  FIG. 10  shows that a text input box  410  and an indicator  440  are displayed. Yet, the indicator  440  shown in  FIG. 10  is configured in a slide switch type different from the former indicator  420  of the first to third embodiments. 
     Referring to ( 10 - 1 ) of  FIG. 10 , the indicator  440  indicates that a function used for the text input box is a Google search function for example. 
     If a slide switch within the indicator  440  is touched and dragged left, a function for the text input box, as shown in ( 10 - 2 ) of  FIG. 10 , is changed into an internet address input function. And, the indicator  440  indicates that the text input box is usable for an internet address input. 
       FIG. 11  shows that the text input box  410  itself is used as a slider switch. 
     Referring to ( 11 - 1 ) of  FIG. 11 , a portion  451  of the indicator is displayed right to the text input box  410 . The portion  451  of the indicator indicates that the text input box  410  is usable in association with Google search. 
     If the text input box  410  itself is touched and dragged right, the text input box  410 , as shown in ( 11 - 2 ) of  FIG. 11 , covers the portion  451  of the indicator and moves to expose a different portion  453  of the indicator. 
     The different portion  453  of the exposed indicator indicates that the text input box  410  undergoes a function change to be usable in association with an internet URL input. 
     Referring to ( 12 - 1 ) or ( 12 - 3 ) of  FIG. 12 , the indicator  440  shown in  FIG. 10  is provided within the text input box  410  shown in  FIG. 10 , whereby both of the indicator  440  and the text input box  410  can be built in one body. So, if a text is inputted to the text input box  410 , it is able to configure the indicator  440 , as shown in ( 12 - 2 ) or ( 12 - 4 ) of  FIG. 12 , to disappear. This can be easily understood from the description of  FIG. 10  without additional explanation. So, details will be omitted in the following description for clarity. Alternatively, it is able to modify the configuration in a manner that both of the indicator  440  and the text input box  410  to be built in one body by providing the indicator  440  shown in  FIG. 6  within the text input box  410  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring to ( 13 - 1 ) or ( 13 - 3 ) of  FIG. 13 , a text input filed  410  and a plurality of indicators  451 ,  453  and  455  respectively indicating functions of the text input field are simultaneously presented in a standby image displayed on a screen. One of a plurality of the indicators is displayed to be visually discriminated from the rest of the indicators. So, a terminal is facilitated to recognize that the text input filed  410  is usable for the function corresponding to the visually discriminated indicator. The terminal user views a plurality of the indicators at a glance, thereby understanding the functions usable for the text input field intuitively. 
       FIG. 14  shows that at least two text input boxes  413  and  415  usable for different function are presented in a standby image displayed on a screen of the mobile terminal. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , an execution icon  460  is provided next to the text input boxes  413  and  415  to give a command for executing the function relevant to a text inputted to the corresponding text input box  413 / 415 . 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     In the above description, the text input box and the indicator corresponding to the text input box are presented in the standby image displayed on the screen. And, it is able to further configure the present invention in a manner that the text input box and the corresponding indicator are implemented on a web browser. This is explained as a fifth embodiment of the present invention with reference to  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram of a display screen on which a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is implemented. 
     Referring to ( 15 - 1 ) of  FIG. 15 , a web browser for an internet access is displayed on a display screen  400  of the mobile terminal  100 . 
     And, a text input box  410  and a corresponding indicator  420 , which are as good as those of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, are displayed on the web browser. 
     Hence, a terminal user enables the web browser to display a webpage of a specific internet URL by inputting the specific internet URL to the text input box  410  in the state shown in ( 15 - 1 ) of  FIG. 15  [cf. ( 6 - 6 ) of  FIG. 6 ]. 
     Meanwhile, the terminal user makes a long touch to the indicator  420  for example, thereby enabling the text input box, as shown in ( 15 - 2 ) of  FIG. 15 , to operate as a search text input box of a specific search engine (e.g., Google). 
     Hence, if the terminal user inputs a specific search word text to the text input box shown in ( 15 - 2 ) of  FIG. 15  regardless of what kind of webpage the web browser displays, the web browser displays a result from searching with the search word text in the specific search engine [cf. ( 6 - 3 ) of  FIG. 6 ]. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects or advantages. 
     First of all, according to the present invention, a text input box usable for at least two functions is displayed on a standby image of a mobile terminal or a web browser. Hence, a terminal user is able to directly input a specific text to the text input box on the standby image or web browser in accordance with a specific function. 
     Secondly, according to the present invention, a text input box and a virtual keypad matching a function of the text input box are displayed on a standby image of a mobile terminal or a web browser. Hence, a terminal user is facilitated to input a specific text to the text input box using the virtual keypad. 
     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. For instance, the above-described methods 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 control unit  180  of the terminal. 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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6