Patent Description:
In recent years, portable terminals have been developed to serve as multimedia devices that can provide a variety of functions, such as, for example, an electronic note function, gaming functions, and a schedule management function. To use a variety of additional functions, portable terminals may be equipped with user interfaces.

A touch screen is an example of a user interface that can allow a portable terminal user to conveniently use various functions. A touch screen may refer to a display device having a panel that may be touched with the user's finger or a touch pen, and may output a signal corresponding to the tapped portion. For example, if the portable terminal is equipped with a touch screen and the user taps a portion on the touch screen, the portable terminal may recognize the tapped portion and may execute a command corresponding to the tapped portion.

Touch screens may be configured in various ways, such as, for example, being a pressure detection type, an electrostatic type, and/or an infrared light detection type of touch screen. The pressure detection type of touch screen may respond to a pressure applied to the touch screen. The electrostatic type of touch screen may identify a tapped portion by detecting a loss of charge. The infrared light detection type of touch screen may identify a tapped portion by detecting when infrared light is blocked.

Portable terminals may conventionally be relatively small in size, and thus their display screen may be small. An idle screen is a display screen in a portable terminal and may also be small. Conventional portable terminals are disadvantages in that a variety of contents may not be configured or displayed on the idle screen.

Therefore, a method is needed to allow a variety of contents to be configured on the idle screen of the portable terminal. A user interface is also required to freely edit and arrange the contents on the idle screen of the portable terminal, according to user preference.

<CIT> discloses a portable electronic device with an interface reconfiguration mode.

"iPhone <NUM> user manual" discloses a user guide for the iPhone.

<CIT> discloses an Internet terminal with means for establishing a connection to the Internet via a mobile communications network.

<CIT> discloses a mobile terminal in which display regions may vary in position according to a user selection.

<CIT> discloses systems and methods for improved application sharing in a multimedia collaboration session.

<CIT> discloses a portable multifunction device, method, and graphical user interface supporting user navigations of graphical objects on a touch screen display.

<CIT> discloses a hand-held display device and method of displaying complete or determined parts of a screen image.

<CIT> discloses an adaptive user interface input device for providing a more effort input function.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a portable terminal, and a method and system to overcome a spatial limitation of an idle screen of the portable terminal.

Additional features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

References to embodiments in the description falling outside the scope of the appended claims are to be understood as examples useful for understanding the invention.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The other Figures illustrate various exemplary techniques that may be used in conjunction with the invention and/or in which the invention may be implemented.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.

Prior to explaining exemplary embodiments of the present invention, relevant terminology will be defined for the description below.

Contents may correspond to various types of items arranged on an idle screen of a portable terminal. Contents may include a shortcut icon or widget that can directly execute a particular menu in the portable terminal without processing a start-up of the menu. Content may be executed based on a widget.

A widget may refer to a graphic user interface (GUI) that displays an application program executed on the portable terminal or, in general, in a computer. The widget may be displayed on an idle screen with a variety of shapes and may provide a variety of functions. A widget may, in some cases, refer to a mobile widget. The mobile widget is an application program operated in a portable terminal. The mobile widget may refer to an application program that can operate on one widget engine, or on an idle screen of a portable terminal.

In the following description, a method for configuring a general idle screen using a widget is explained with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are views that describe a widget function and a method for configuring an idle screen in a portable terminal.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the portable terminal may include a plurality of widget icons <NUM> for calling widgets that can execute preset functions, a tray <NUM> on which the plurality of widget icons <NUM> may be arranged, an idle screen <NUM> serving as a main display area of the portable terminal, a scroll indicator <NUM> for marking or removing the tray <NUM>, at least one submenu <NUM> for executing frequently used functions in the portable terminal, a submenu display area <NUM> for displaying the submenu <NUM>, and an indicator area <NUM> for displaying information related to a received signal strength indicator, remaining battery information, time information, and information regarding function executing states of the portable terminal. The idle screen <NUM> may display data of a screen on which the plurality of widgets are arranged.

As shown in <FIG>, the portable terminal may include an idle screen layer <NUM> for providing an idle screen <NUM>, and a tray layer <NUM> for providing a tray <NUM> containing a plurality of widget icons <NUM>.

The idle screen <NUM> may refer to an area that is formed on the idle screen layer <NUM>. The idle screen <NUM> may allow a user to execute a function of a particular widget, and may display the result of the executed function. The idle screen <NUM> may display a particular image or a particular color according to the user's setting.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, when a portable terminal user moves a particular widget icon from the tray <NUM> to the idle screen <NUM>, the portable terminal may execute and display a widget <NUM> corresponding to the widget icon. When widget icons <NUM> of the tray <NUM> are moved to the idle screen <NUM>, a function of a widget corresponding to the placed widget icon may be executed.

The tray <NUM> may be a user interface (UI) formed on the tray layer <NUM>. A plurality of widget icons <NUM> may be displayed in the tray <NUM>, so that the user can easily use a particular widget in the portable terminal. The tray <NUM> may be configured horizontally or vertically. In <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the widget icons <NUM> are arranged in the vertical direction. The tray <NUM> may be located at one side of the idle screen <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> may also be part of an addition tray layer <NUM> on the idle screen layer <NUM>.

A widget icon <NUM> may be a picture, symbol, or icon representative of a function of the portable terminal. The portable terminal user can select a widget function to execute through a corresponding widget icon and can then execute the widget icon.

The scroll indicator <NUM> may be used to display or remove the tray <NUM> and can have a directivity corresponding to the display or removal. The scroll indicator <NUM> may be displayed by a symbol (e.g., triangle) pointing in a particular direction. The direction of the scroll indicator <NUM> may indicate a direction in which the portable terminal opens or closes the tray <NUM>. The directions for opening and closing the tray <NUM> may be opposite (i.e., <NUM>°). For example, in <FIG>, the first screen illustrates a scroll indicator <NUM> pointing in the left direction with a tray <NUM> displayed. However, in the second screen of <FIG>, the scroll indicator <NUM> is pointing in the right direction and the tray <NUM> is no longer displayed. The portable terminal user can open or close the tray <NUM> by tapping the scroll indicator <NUM>.

The submenu <NUM> may allow the user to tap a frequently-used menu of the portable terminal in a one touch manner. Examples of submenu items in the submenu <NUM> correspond to a phone call item through which the portable terminal user can directly make a call, a phone book item through which the user can search for a phone number stored in the portable terminal, a message item through which the user can send a message or identify a received message, a menu item through which the user can enter a general menu mode, and an option item through which the user can execute an option for a particular function. It should be understood that various other submenu items may be provided by the submenu <NUM> and that the types of submenu items are not limited to the submenu items described above. For example, the submenu <NUM> may include a submenu item for deleting submenu items from the submenu <NUM> according to the user's choice or preference.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a portable terminal having an idle screen <NUM> with widget <NUM> and a tray <NUM> with a widget icon <NUM> that may be used to configure the idle screen <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of widget icons <NUM> may be arranged on the tray <NUM> in the vertical direction. The functions of the portable terminal, corresponding to the plurality of widget icons <NUM>, may be related to a day, date, photo album, and/or wireless Internet online games. For example, as shown in <FIG>, on the idle screen <NUM>, a current time display widget and a game widget may be executed.

As described above, the portable terminal user may drag and drop a widget icon from the tray <NUM> to the idle screen <NUM>. The dropped widget icon may then be executed and a function corresponding to executed widget icon may be activated. The portable terminal user can configure the idle screen using the widgets, so that the user can conveniently use the functions of the portable terminal.

Widgets associated with the use of the portable terminal may also be displayed on the idle screen. For example, the widgets related to use modes (e.g., frequent places where the user uses a portable terminal, a pattern indicating how the user uses a portable terminal, and other user interests such as, health, beauty, stocks, sports, and education, may be provided in the idle screen <NUM>.

As noted above, a display unit size is limited in conventional portable terminals. An idle screen may also be subjected to size limitations of the display unit. Therefore, due to the spatial limitation of the idle screen <NUM>, it may be difficult to arrange all widgets that a user of the portable terminal wishes to display.

A virtual area may be provided with the idle screen <NUM>. The virtual area may extend an idle screen <NUM> to overcome the spatial limitation of conventional idle screens in the portable terminal. A method for configuring idle screen using a virtual area, a user interface for controlling the idle screen, and controlling means is hereinafter described.

In the following description, user interfaces of a portable terminal, screens corresponding to the user interfaces, and associated operating methods are explained in detail.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate user interfaces and a method for configuring an idle screen in a portable terminal using a widget set according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Detailed explanations of the same elements shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> will be omitted in the following description of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a screen when a tray <NUM> is in an open state, and <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show screens when a tray <NUM> is in a closed state.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a screen where a virtual area <NUM> extends the idle screen in the vertical direction (i.e., the up and down directions). <FIG> and <FIG> show a screen where a virtual area extends the idle screen in the horizontal direction (i.e., the left and right directions). <FIG> shows a screen where virtual areas extend the idle screen in the vertical and horizontal directions (i.e., the up, down, left, and right directions). <FIG> shows a screen where virtual areas extend the idle screen all directions (e.g., the up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the portable terminal may include a plurality of widget icons <NUM>, a tray <NUM> for arranging the plurality of widget icons <NUM>, an idle screen <NUM>, widgets <NUM> displayed on the idle screen <NUM>, an indicator area <NUM>, a submenu <NUM>, a submenu display area <NUM> for displaying the submenu <NUM>, a scroll indicator <NUM>, at least one virtual area <NUM> for extending the idle screen <NUM>, and widgets <NUM> provided in the virtual area <NUM>.

The virtual areas <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, may refer to areas on which widgets that are not displayed on the idle screen <NUM> are arranged. The virtual areas <NUM> may extend the idle screen <NUM>. For example, the virtual areas <NUM> may correspond to areas that are extended from the idle screen <NUM> in the lengthwise direction (e.g., the up and down direction). The widgets <NUM> may be displayed differently on the virtual area <NUM> according to the position of virtual area <NUM> relative to the idle screen <NUM>, as shall be explained in further detail below.

The scroll indicator <NUM> may be a scroll controller that can control the scrolling operations of the virtual area <NUM> on the extended idle screen. The scroll indicator <NUM> can be displayed at a relative location on the idle screen <NUM> with respect to the virtual area <NUM> and/or the size of the virtual area <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> can scroll through parts of the virtual areas <NUM> that do not appear on the idle screen <NUM> in any (e.g., up and down) direction, so that the widgets <NUM> arranged on the virtual area <NUM> can be located and displayed on the idle screen <NUM>.

It should be understood that the scroll controller may be implemented in various ways and is not limited to being implemented by a scroll indicator <NUM>. Furthermore, multiple scroll controllers may be used. Other methods to scroll through the virtual areas <NUM> may be used. Some of the methods to scroll through the virtual areas <NUM> are described in further detail below.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the portable terminal may include an idle screen <NUM>, widgets <NUM> displayed on the idle screen <NUM>, an indicator area <NUM>, a submenu display area <NUM> for displaying a submenu, a scroll indicator <NUM>, at least one virtual area <NUM> for extending the idle screen <NUM>, and widgets <NUM> provided on the virtual area <NUM>. A detailed description of elements already described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> may be omitted in the following description.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the virtual areas <NUM> may refer to areas on which widgets not displayed in the idle screen <NUM> are arranged. The virtual areas <NUM> may extend the idle screen <NUM> in the widthwise direction (i.e., the left and right direction). The virtual areas <NUM> shown in <FIG> are extended further than the virtual areas <NUM> shown in <FIG>. A size of the virtual area <NUM> can be variable as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The widgets <NUM> may be displayed differently on the virtual area <NUM> according to the position the virtual area <NUM> occupies on the idle screen <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the scroll indicator <NUM> may be as a scroll controller that can control the scrolling operation of the virtual area <NUM> on the extended idle screen. When the scroll indicator <NUM> serves as the scroll controller, the location of the scroll indicator <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM> may be determined in proportion to the total size of the virtual area <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> can be displayed at a relative location on the idle screen <NUM> with respect to the virtual area <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> can scroll through parts of the virtual areas <NUM> that do not appear on the idle screen <NUM> in the left and right direction, so that the widgets <NUM> arranged on the virtual area <NUM> can be located and displayed on the idle screen <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the portable terminal may include an idle screen <NUM>, widgets <NUM> displayed on the idle screen <NUM>, a scroll indicator <NUM>, virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM> for extending the idle screen <NUM>, and widgets <NUM> and <NUM> arranged on the virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. A detailed description of elements already described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may be omitted in the following description.

Virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> may refer to areas on which widgets not displayed on the idle screen <NUM> are arranged. The virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM> may extend the idle screen <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, virtual areas <NUM> correspond to areas extended from the idle screen <NUM> in the lengthwise direction, and virtual areas <NUM> correspond to areas extended from the idle screen <NUM> in the widthwise direction. The virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM> may extend the idle screen <NUM> in the up, down, left, and right directions, respectively. Accordingly, a portable terminal user can arrange a relatively large number of widgets on the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM>. The widgets <NUM> and <NUM> may be displayed differently on the virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM> according to the respective positions occupied by the virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM> relative to the idle screen <NUM>.

The scroll indicator <NUM> shown in <FIG> may serve as a scroll controller that can control the scroll operations through the virtual area <NUM> that extends the idle screen <NUM> in the up and down direction. A scroll bar <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM> may serve as a scroll controller that can control the scroll operations through the virtual areas <NUM> that extend from the idle screen <NUM> in the right and left direction.

Scroll indicator <NUM> can control the up and down scrolling operation of the virtual areas <NUM> to view at least part of the virtual areas <NUM> that do not appear on the idle screen <NUM>. The scroll bar <NUM> can control the right and left scrolling operation of the virtual areas <NUM> to view at least part of the virtual areas <NUM> that do not appear on the screen <NUM>. Through these scrolling operations, the widgets <NUM> and <NUM>, arranged on the virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, can be rearranged and displayed on the idle screen <NUM>. The location of the scroll indicator <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM> can be determined in proportion to the total size of the virtual areas <NUM>. The location of the scroll bar <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM> can be determined in proportion to the total size of the virtual areas <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> and the scroll bar <NUM> can be displayed at relative locations on the idle screen <NUM> with respect to the virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

It should be understood that scroll controllers may be implemented in various ways and are not limited to being implemented by a scroll indicator <NUM> or a scroll bar <NUM>. Furthermore, multiple scroll controllers may be used. Other methods to scroll through the virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM> may be used. Some of the methods to scroll through the virtual areas <NUM> and <NUM> are described in further detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, a portable terminal may include an idle screen <NUM>, a scroll indicator <NUM>, virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> for extending the idle screen <NUM>, and widgets <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> provided to the virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. A detailed description of elements already described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may be omitted in the following description.

Virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may refer to areas on which widgets <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be arranged. The virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend the idle screen <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the virtual areas <NUM> correspond to areas that can extend the idle screen <NUM> in the lengthwise direction. The virtual areas <NUM> correspond to areas that can extend the idle screen <NUM> in the widthwise direction. The virtual areas <NUM> correspond to areas that can extend the idle screen <NUM> in the diagonal direction. Accordingly, the virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend the idle screen <NUM> in the up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions. Therefore, the portable terminal user can arrange a relatively large number of widgets on the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The widgets <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be displayed differently on the virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> according to the respective positions occupied by the virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> relative to the idle screen <NUM>.

Scroll indicator <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may serve as a scroll controller that can control the scroll operations through the virtual area <NUM> that extends the idle screen <NUM> in the up and down direction. The scroll indicator <NUM> may also control display of the tray <NUM> on the screen as described above. Therefore, to provide scroll control convenience with respect to the up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions, the scroll control of the virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be performed by manipulating a widget of the idle screen <NUM> or a user's gesture generated on an empty area of the idle screen <NUM>, as shall be explained in further detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, an idle screen layer <NUM> may provide an idle screen <NUM>, a tray layer <NUM> may provide the tray <NUM> containing the widget icons <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM>, and a virtual area layer <NUM> may provide virtual areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that extend the idle screen <NUM>. The virtual area layer <NUM> may correspond to the virtual area <NUM> extending the idle screen <NUM> in the up and down direction. In some cases, the virtual area layer <NUM> may be configured to correspond to a virtual area extending the idle screen <NUM> in the right and left direction, a virtual area extending the idle screen <NUM> in the up, down, right, and left directions, or a virtual area extending the idle screen <NUM> in all directions.

As shown in <FIG>, the virtual area layer <NUM> may be a layer that corresponds to the virtual area <NUM> and may extend the idle screen <NUM>. The virtual area layer <NUM> may provide at least one widget <NUM> thereon according to the portable terminal user's choice. In some cases, the virtual area layer <NUM> may be larger than the idle screen <NUM>. In general, the virtual area layer <NUM> may be any suitable size. Although the virtual area <NUM> extends the idle screen <NUM> in the up and down direction as shown in <FIG>, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, the virtual area may extend the idle screen <NUM> in the right and left direction, the up, down, right, and left direction, and/or in all directions. The extension of the virtual area <NUM> with respect to the idle screen <NUM> can be defined according to the shape of the virtual area layer <NUM>.

The virtual area <NUM> may be scrolled up and down according to the scroll control of the scroll indicator <NUM>. The location and arrangement of widgets <NUM> may change as the virtual area <NUM> is scrolled. That is, according to the scroll operations of the virtual area <NUM>, the widgets <NUM> arranged on the idle screen <NUM> may move up or down and may not be displayed on the idle screen <NUM>. The widgets <NUM> may also be moved on to the idle screen <NUM> from the virtual area <NUM> and then displayed on the idle screen <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart describing a method for configuring an idle screen in a portable terminal according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, when the portable terminal detects an idle screen request (<NUM>), the portable terminal may determine whether a virtual area <NUM> is set (<NUM>). The virtual area <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may be an area that extends from the idle screen of the portable terminal and may be called an extended area. The virtual area <NUM> can arrange a plurality of widgets that do not appear on the idle screen <NUM>.

If the portable terminal ascertains that a virtual area <NUM> has been set at <NUM>, the portable terminal may display the idle screen <NUM> supplemented with at least one virtual area (<NUM>). On the contrary, if the portable terminal ascertains that a virtual area <NUM> has not been set at <NUM>, the portable terminal may display a general idle screen (<NUM>). If the portable terminal receives a request to display a virtual area <NUM> (<NUM>) while displaying a general idle screen, the portable terminal may display an idle screen as displayed at <NUM>.

When the portable terminal displays an idle screen <NUM> in <NUM>, the portable terminal may identify arrangement information regarding at least one widget (<NUM>). The portable terminal may arrange the at least one widget on the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM> based on the arrangement information (<NUM>) and may display the widgets on the idle screen <NUM> accordingly. The idle screen <NUM> may display a certain number of widgets according to the arrangement information. Some widgets may not appear on the idle screen <NUM>, as shall be explained in further detail below.

After displaying one or more widgets, when the portable terminal receives a scroll request (<NUM>), the virtual area <NUM> may be scrolled through according to the scroll direction (<NUM>). The scroll request may be a scroll request input by the user and may correspond to the movement of the scroll indicator on the idle screen <NUM>. The scroll request may be a movement command that is generated after a widget is selected on the idle screen <NUM> and moved to the edge of the idle screen <NUM>. The scroll request may be a gesture such as inputting a preset touch.

After scrolling the idle screen <NUM> through the virtual area <NUM> in the scroll direction at <NUM>, the portable terminal may display corresponding widgets in the scrolled virtual area <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM> (<NUM>).

In the foregoing description, a method for configuring an idle screen in a portable terminal has been described in which the idle screen <NUM> may be extended by a virtual area <NUM> (e.g., the idle screen <NUM> can scroll through virtual area <NUM>), widgets may be arranged in the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM>, and the virtual area <NUM> may be scrolled through. The virtual area <NUM> can be scrolled through when the tray <NUM> is in an open state and/or a closed state.

In the following description, a method for scrolling an idle screen through a virtual area is explained. Although the virtual area may be situated above and below (e.g., up and down) relative to the idle screen <NUM>, it should be understood that virtual areas may be extended in the right and/or left directions, in the up, down, right and/or left directions, and in the up, down, right, left, and/or diagonal directions. In general, a virtual area may extend in any suitable direction with respect to the idle screen <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates screens in which an idle screen scrolls through a virtual area using a scroll indicator according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the portable terminal may configure an idle screen <NUM> as a default screen and a virtual area <NUM> that extends the idle screen <NUM>, and may arrange a plurality of widgets on the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM>. A scroll indicator <NUM> may be displayed on the idle screen <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> may open or close a tray <NUM>. The direction (e.g., facing left or right) of the scroll indicator <NUM> may be based on whether the tray <NUM> is opened or closed.

The scroll indicator <NUM> may serve as a scroll controller for controlling the virtual area <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the scroll indicator <NUM> can be displayed at a relative location on the idle screen <NUM>. For example, as shown in screens <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the scroll indicator <NUM> may be located at a relative position on the idle screen <NUM> in proportion to a scrolled distance through the virtual area <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the scroll indicator <NUM> may be used to scroll through the virtual area <NUM>. As the scroll indicator <NUM> is used to adjust a position of the idle screen <NUM>, the widgets may be rearranged and displayed.

For example, when the portable terminal displays a screen <NUM>, the user can input a signal via the scroll indicator <NUM> to adjust a position of the idle screen <NUM>. The idle screen <NUM> can be moved (scrolled) in the up or down direction. For example, if the scroll indicator <NUM> is scrolled upward, the portable terminal may display the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM> shown in screens <NUM> and <NUM>. As indicated in screens <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the scroll indicator <NUM> may move upward if the idle screen is scrolled upward. If, for example, the scroll indicator <NUM> is scrolled downward, the portable terminal may display the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM> as shown in screen <NUM> relative to screen <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> may then be located at the bottom portion on the idle screen <NUM> as illustrated in screen <NUM>.

In more detail, an initial idle screen <NUM> may display widgets W8, W9, and W10, as shown in screen <NUM>. Widgets may be moved out of the idle screen <NUM> or into the idle screen <NUM>, as shown in screens <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, as the idle screen <NUM> is scrolled upward in screen <NUM>, widgets W4 and W2, in addition to widgets W8 and W9 are displayed on the idle screen <NUM>, as shown in screen <NUM> (widget W10 has been removed and is no longer displayed on idle screen <NUM>). As the idle screen <NUM> is further scrolled upward, widgets W1, W4, W2, and W8 may be displayed on the idle screen <NUM> as shown in screen <NUM>, and widget W9 may be removed from the idle screen <NUM>. If the idle screen <NUM> is moved downward, widgets W9, W10, W6, W5, and W7 may be displayed on the idle screen <NUM>, and widgets W1, W2, W4, and W8 may be removed from the idle screen <NUM>.

Referring to screens <NUM> to <NUM>, scroll control of the scroll indicator <NUM> may be performed by directly tapping the scroll indicator <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM>. The touch event of the scroll indicator <NUM> can be generated by a gesture such as, for example, a user's finger touching and dragging the scroll indicator <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM> or by the user's finger touching and flicking the scroll indicator <NUM>. If the display unit of the portable terminal is implemented by a touch screen, the scroll indicator <NUM> can be controlled by a variety of input gestures. For example, operating keys, such as direction keys, can control the scroll indicator <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> can be selected and up or down movements may be indicated by operating keys on the keypad.

<FIG> illustrates screens in which an idle screen scrolls though a virtual area using a widget that is displayed on the idle screen according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the portable terminal may display an idle screen <NUM> as a default screen and configure a virtual area <NUM> that extends from the idle screen <NUM>. The portable terminal may arrange a plurality of widgets on the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM>. A scroll indicator <NUM>, as described above, may be displayed on the idle screen <NUM>.

As shown in screens <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the virtual area <NUM> can be scrolled through using a widget, for example, W9. Scrolling the virtual area <NUM> using a widget (e.g., W9) may change the location of the widget (e.g., W9).

As shown in screen <NUM>, a portable terminal user can select a widget, for example, W9, to change the arrangement of the idle screen <NUM>. The user can then move the widget W9 to a lower edge of the idle screen <NUM> as shown in screen <NUM>.

When the user releases the selection of the widget W9 on screen <NUM>, the widget W9 may be stored and saved at the position of release. The portable terminal may store and update the arrangement information for all widgets.

If the user continues to move the widget W9 toward the lower edge and maintains the selection of widget W9as shown in screen <NUM>, the portable terminal may determine that the motion corresponds to a scroll request. While the widget W9 is in a hold state (e.g., the widget is selected, pressed, and held at the lower edge of the idle screen <NUM>), the portable terminal may control scrolling through the virtual area <NUM> as shown in screens <NUM> and <NUM>. When the user releases the widget W9 as shown in screen <NUM>, the widget W9 may be stored and saved at the position of release.

As described above, the idle screen <NUM> and virtual area <NUM> can be controlled by a widget on the idle screen <NUM>. The user-selected widget (e.g., W9) can be controlled by a combination of keys. For example, the widget W9 can be selected by using direction keys and a selection key. The widget W9 can then be moved to the lower edge of the idle screen <NUM> using the direction keys. The idle screen <NUM> may then scroll through the virtual area <NUM>. The selection of the widget W9 may be released according to the user's choice. The widget W9 can also be moved right and left by using the direction keys.

As shown in <FIG>, the controlling operation of the particular widget W9 can be achieved by directly tapping the widget W9 on the idle screen <NUM>. For example, in a portable terminal having a touch screen, the user can directly tap and select the widget W9 with the user's finger (or pen), and move the selected widget W9 to the lower edge of the idle screen <NUM> by a drag gesture. The user may then hold the drag gesture for the widget W9 at the lower edge of the idle screen <NUM> to scroll through the virtual area <NUM>. The widget W9 can be moved up and down, or right and left using up, down, right, and left drag gestures, and arranged accordingly.

In <FIG>, widget W9 is moved to the bottom (e.g., lowest) end of the idle screen <NUM> to scroll through the virtual area <NUM>. However, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a widget may be moved to the top most (e.g., highest) end of the idle screen <NUM> and the idle screen <NUM> may move upward through the virtual area <NUM>. If a virtual area is extended to the right and left relative to the idle screen, right and left scroll control of the virtual area can be performed. If a virtual area is extended in the up, down, right, and left direction or in the up, down, right, left, and diagonal directions with respect to the idle screen, the scroll control of the virtual area can be performed in a corresponding direction by a gesture of up, down, right, left, upper right, upper left, lower right, and/or lower left motions.

<FIG> illustrates screens in which an idle screen scrolls through a virtual area by touching an idle screen, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the portable terminal may display an idle screen <NUM> as a default screen, and configure a virtual area <NUM> that extends the idle screen <NUM>. A plurality of widgets may be arranged on the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM>. As described above, a scroll indicator <NUM> may be displayed on the idle screen <NUM>.

As shown in screens <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the virtual area <NUM> can be scrolled through by a touch input. The touch input can be input to an empty area on the idle screen <NUM> on which a particular widget is not arranged. The touch input can be generated by a drag gesture or a flick gesture. The input unit of the portable terminal can be implemented with a touch screen or a touch pad.

As shown in screens <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, when the portable terminal user taps an empty area on the idle screen <NUM>, for example, in the upper direction, the portable terminal may scroll through the virtual area <NUM> in the corresponding direction (e.g., upper direction) in response to the user's touch input. As the idle screen <NUM> scrolls through the virtual area <NUM> in one direction (e.g., the upper direction), the scroll indicator <NUM> may move in a corresponding direction (e.g., upper direction) and distance on the idle screen <NUM>. The distance may be proportional to the scrolled distance of the virtual area <NUM>.

When a touch input is generated at the lower portion of the idle screen <NUM> in the upper direction, the virtual area <NUM> may be moved to the lower side of the idle screen <NUM> as shown in screen <NUM>. The location of the virtual area <NUM> may be based on a location of the scroll indicator <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM>. In some case, if, for example, a touch input is generated at an upper portion of the idle screen <NUM>, in the lower direction, the portable terminal may ignore the touch input or may output a pop-up message window indicating that the touch input has failed.

If the virtual area <NUM> is extended to the right and left, a right and left scroll control can be performed by touching the idle screen <NUM> with a drag gesture in the right or left direction. Furthermore, if the virtual area <NUM> is extended in the up, down, right, and left direction or in the up, down, right, left, and diagonal direction, the scroll control can be performed in a corresponding direction by touching (e.g., drag gesture) the idle screen in the up, down, right, left, upper right, upper left, lower right, or lower left direction.

<FIG> is a flow chart describing a method for scrolling through a virtual area in a portable terminal using a widget set by a hold function or a widget selected by a scroll control according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, when a portable terminal receives a scroll request (<NUM>), the portable terminal may determine whether a widget set by a hold function (e.g., a hold widget) exists (<NUM>). If the portable terminal determines that no widget is set by a hold function at <NUM>, the portable terminal may then determine whether a particular widget is selected (e.g., a selected widget) (<NUM>). The scroll request can be input to the portable terminal using various input methods described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The portable terminal may identify a scroll request when one of the input methods is detected.

The hold widget may be a widget designated by a user and may be displayed on the idle screen irrespective of the scroll through the virtual area <NUM>. For example, a clock widget may serve as a clock and may be set as a hold function. The clock widget can be displayed on the idle screen <NUM> irrespective of the scroll operations.

A selection widget may be a widget selected by a touch input or an option when the portable terminal receives a request to scroll through a virtual area. For example, if the portable terminal user intends to continue displaying a particular widget on the idle screen <NUM> while the user scrolls through a virtual area <NUM>, the user can request scrolling through the virtual area <NUM> with the selected widget. A touch input may refer to an input corresponding to a gesture such as, for example, touching a widget with the user's finger. A scroll can be requested by another touch input while another widget is being tapped by another touch. The other touch input may be a touch input of a scroll indicator or a gesture input that can be generated in an empty area on an idle screen, such as a flick/drag.

If the portable terminal ascertains that a widget is set by a hold function at <NUM>, the portable terminal may fix a position of the hold widget on the idle screen <NUM>.

(<NUM>) and scroll through the virtual area <NUM> (<NUM>). The remaining widgets, other than the fixed hold widget, may be scrolled (e.g., rearranged and redisplayed) as the virtual area <NUM> is scrolled through. The portable terminal may then display the widgets on the scrolled virtual area <NUM> and the hold widget on the idle screen <NUM> (<NUM>).

If the portable terminal determines that a particular widget is selected (a selected widget) at <NUM>, the portable terminal may fix a position of the selected widget on the idle screen <NUM> (<NUM>) and scroll through the virtual area (<NUM>). The remaining widgets, other than the fixed selected widget, may be scrolled (e.g., rearranged and redisplayed) as the virtual area <NUM> is scrolled through. The portable terminal may then display the widgets on the scrolled virtual area <NUM> and the selected widget on the idle screen <NUM> (<NUM>).

Although it is not shown in <FIG>, it should be understood that, even if the hold widget and the selected widget exist simultaneously, the portable terminal may fix the positions of the hold widget and the selected widget on the idle screen <NUM> and scroll through the virtual area <NUM>.

If a hold widget or a selected widget does not exist, the portable terminal may scroll through the virtual area (<NUM>) as explained with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates screens in which a virtual area is scrolled through and a widget is set by a hold function, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the portable terminal may display an idle screen <NUM> as a default screen and may configure a virtual area <NUM> that extends the idle screen <NUM>. A plurality of widgets may be arranged on the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM>. As described above, a scroll indicator <NUM> may be displayed on the idle screen <NUM>.

As shown on screens <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a hold widget <NUM> may be fixed on the idle screen <NUM>. The scrolling of the idle screen <NUM> may be controlled as explained with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

The scroll indicator <NUM> may be moved to and displayed on the lower side of the idle screen <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> may be moved and displayed based on the scrolled distance of the virtual area <NUM>. The hold widget <NUM> may continue to be displayed in the same position irrespective of the scrolling of the idle screen <NUM> through the virtual area <NUM>.

The hold widget <NUM> can be selected by the user. For example, a portable terminal user may choose a particular widget and select a hold option for the particular widget using a menu. The number of hold widgets can be set by the user.

The hold state of the widget may be retained until the hold option setting is cancelled. For example, the location of the hold widget may be fixed on the idle screen <NUM> irrespective of the scrolling of the idle screen <NUM> until the hold option setting is cancelled.

<FIG> illustrates screens in which a virtual area is scrolled through while a particular widget is selected, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

As shown on screens <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a selected widget <NUM> may be fixed (i.e., a position of the selected widget is fixed) on the idle screen <NUM>. The scrolling of the virtual area <NUM> may be controlled as explained above with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

The scroll indicator <NUM> may be moved to and displayed on the lower side of the idle screen <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> may be moved and displayed based on the scrolled distance of the virtual area <NUM>. The selected widget <NUM> may continue to be displayed in the same position irrespective of the scrolling of the idle screen <NUM> though the virtual area <NUM>.

The selected widget <NUM> can be selected by the user. For example, a portable terminal user may select a particular widget <NUM> by tapping the particular widget. While widget <NUM> may be selected by applying a touch input, the scrolling of the virtual area <NUM> can be controlled by an additional touch input, such as, for example, a flick or drag gesture. The additional touch input may be applied to the screen while a touch input continues to be applied to the selected widget <NUM>. The additional touch input may then control scrolling through the virtual area <NUM>.

For example, as shown on screen <NUM>, using a multi-finger based multitouch input, the user can select a particular widget using one finger and may designate the particular widget as the selected widget <NUM>. The user may then input a scrolling command on the screen using another finger. Accordingly, if the particular widget retains its selected state by a touch input during the scrolling of the virtual area <NUM>, the portable terminal may recognize the particular widget as a selected widget. The portable terminal may then fix a position of the particular widget on the idle screen <NUM> and control the scrolling of the idle screen <NUM>.

The portable terminal user may choose a particular widget and may then select a select/hold option for the particular widget using a menu, thereby designating the particular widget as a selected widget. The number of selected widgets can be set by the user.

If selection of the particular widget is cancelled, the particular widget can be rearranged and moved on the screen again based on the scrolling action through the virtual area <NUM>. The arrangement of the particular widget can be altered, for example, by the scroll control as shown in <FIG>. Selection of a particular widget may be cancelled by, for example, stopping a touch input applied to the particular widget.

In the foregoing description, a method for scrolling a virtual area has been explained. Operations for adding or removing a particular widget to or from an idle screen are explained as follows.

<FIG> illustrates screens in which a virtual area is scrolled through and a new widget is added to the idle screen, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates screens in which a virtual area is scrolled through and a widget is removed from the idle screen, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the portable terminal may open a tray <NUM> and display the tray <NUM> on an idle screen <NUM> in response to a user's request as shown in screen <NUM>. The user's request may be a user's input on a scroll indicator <NUM>. For example, a portable terminal user may tap the scroll indicator <NUM> to open the tray <NUM>. When the portable terminal detects a touch input for the scroll indicator <NUM>, the portable terminal may open and display the tray <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM>.

The scroll indicator <NUM> may change its indicating direction according to the direction of the opened tray <NUM>. The touch input may be a tap gesture generated on the scroll indicator <NUM>. The tap gesture may differ from a drag gesture or a touch & drag gesture that serves to scroll through the virtual area <NUM> using the scroll indicator <NUM>.

It should be understood that the touch input for opening/closing the tray <NUM> may not be limited to the tap gesture. The touch input for opening/closing the tray <NUM> may be implemented using various types of inputs and may differ from the touch inputs for scrolling through the virtual area <NUM> using the scroll indicator <NUM>.

Scrolling through the virtual area <NUM> can be controlled as explained with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As shown on screens <NUM> and <NUM>, a portable terminal user can move and add a particular widget to the idle screen <NUM>. For example, the user may generate an input event (i.e., selection) on an icon (e.g., 'V3') that is situated on the tray <NUM> and may request an addition of a new widget to the idle screen <NUM>. The input event may be a touch event, such as, for example, a drag & drop gesture and a flick gesture. The input event may also include key operating events for the addition of widgets.

The portable terminal may move the particular widget icon on which an input event has occurred from the tray <NUM> to the idle screen <NUM> in response to the request, and may then execute the widget associated with the particular widget icon. When the portable terminal detects that a new widget is added to the idle screen <NUM>, the portable terminal can update the arrangement information based on the widget information and location information associated with the widget.

When the particular widget is added to the idle screen <NUM> and the virtual area <NUM> is scrolled through as shown on screen <NUM>, the added widget may move relative to the idle screen <NUM> according to the scrolling of the idle screen <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the idle screen <NUM> may scroll through the virtual area <NUM> as shown in screens <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, using the process described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As shown on screens <NUM> and <NUM>, a portable terminal user can move a widget from the idle screen <NUM> to the tray <NUM>, thereby removing the widget from the idle screen <NUM>. The user may generate an input event with respect to a widget existing on the idle screen <NUM> and may request movement of the widget to the tray <NUM>. The input event may be a touch event such as, for example, a drag and drop gesture or a flick gesture. The input event may also include key operating events for the movement of widgets.

A widget on which an input event has occurred may be moved from the idle screen <NUM> to the tray <NUM>. The widget icon may be removed from the idle screen <NUM> to the tray <NUM>. When the portable terminal detects that the widget has been removed from the idle screen <NUM>, the portable terminal can update the arrangement information.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the portable terminal may remove the tray <NUM> from the idle screen <NUM> in response to a user's request to close the tray <NUM>, i.e., the input event generated at the scroll indicator <NUM>. Although an embodiment of the present invention is implemented in such a way that a particular widget is added or removed, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the embodiment may be modified in such a way that the location of a particular widget can be changed. As such, if the configuration of the widgets is changed on the idle screen <NUM>, the portable terminal stores the changed information and can update the arrangement information based on the changed information in real time.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the embodiment of the present invention is implemented in such a way that it is operated by an input event that has occurred on the touch screen. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. That is the embodiment may be modified in such a way that it can be operated by a mouse pointer or a keypad of a portable terminal. For example, if a user uses a selection key/direction keys/numerical keys on the keypad, the widgets and the widget icons may undergo selection, execution, addition, removal, etc., and the virtual area <NUM> may also undergo its scroll control.

The portable terminal can be applied to all information communication devices, multimedia devices, and their applications, such as, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a digital broadcast player, or a mobile communication terminal. In the following description, a configuration of the portable terminal is explained in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic block diagram illustrating a portable terminal according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a portable terminal may include an input unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> may include a setting information storage area <NUM> and an arrangement information storage area <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include a virtual area managing unit <NUM>, a scroll processing unit <NUM>, and a hold function managing unit <NUM>.

The input unit <NUM> may receive a variety of text information and may output signals related to the settings of the portable terminal associated with a variety of functions. The input unit <NUM> may also transmit signals to the controller <NUM>. The input unit <NUM> may be implemented using any suitable input means such as, for example, a touch pad. The touch pad may be integrated or separated from the portable terminal. Other examples of suitable input units <NUM> include a touch pad, a touch screen, a keypad of a general key arrangement, a QWERTY keypad, and an input device having function keys for performing particular operations, or a combination thereof. The input unit <NUM> may receive signals for selecting, moving, and removing a widget, and signals for controlling scroll operations, and may then output the signals to the controller <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> may display screen data generated when the portable terminal is operated. The display unit <NUM> may also display the input event, state information regarding operations and key operations, and function setting information. The display unit <NUM> can display an idle screen <NUM> containing at least one widget, a tray <NUM>, a scroll indicator <NUM>, and screen data of a virtual area <NUM>. The screen data may be related to scrolling operations. Furthermore, the display unit <NUM> can display signals and information regarding colors provided by the controller <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can display data related to screen operations according to the control of the controller <NUM>. For example, the display unit <NUM> may display a virtual area <NUM> extending an idle screen <NUM> according to a scrolling operation. The display unit <NUM> can display a scroll indicator <NUM> on the idle screen <NUM>. The scroll indicator <NUM> may open/close a tray and may control the scrolling operations. The scroll indicator <NUM> may be displayed relative to the position of the idle screen <NUM> and virtual area <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> may move and display the scroll indicator <NUM> in proportion to the scrolled distance of the virtual area <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> may be implemented with a liquid crystal display (LCD), and may include an LCD controlling unit, a memory for storing image data, and an LCD device.

The display unit <NUM> may also be implemented with a touch screen. A touch screen may be a display equipped with an input apparatus that can detect a touch event. A user's finger or an object such as a pen may be used to provide an input on the touch screen. Examples of the touch event include, but are not limited to, a touch, drag, tap, and/or flick. When an input event occurs at a particular position corresponding to a widget or a user interface on the touch screen, the portable terminal may detect the position and execute an application program related to the widget. The application program may be stored in the storage unit <NUM>. The touch screen may be a display through which the portable terminal can directly receive information.

The touch screen may include a touch panel installed to the display unit <NUM> of the portable terminal. The touch panel may detect a touch of a user's finger or an object, and may process the touch as a touch event or input event. When an input event occurs on an item (e.g., a widget, a widget icon, a scroll indicator, an image, a user interface, etc.) on a touch screen, the controller <NUM> detects the input event and processes a command corresponding to the item. Using the touch screen, the user can easily acquire information from the portable terminal.

For example, when an input event occurs at a preset area on a touch screen due to an action of the user's finger or a pen, the controller <NUM> may detect the position information of the input event. The controller <NUM> may then apply an effect to an item at the position and may then display the item on the display unit <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> can also display the scrolled virtual area <NUM> according to the input event on the idle screen <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> may receive control signals through the touch screen and may output the control signals to the controller <NUM>. The configuration and operations of the display unit <NUM> have been explained hereinabove.

The storage unit <NUM> may be implemented with read only memories (ROMs) and random access memories (RAMs). The storage unit <NUM> may store a variety of data generated and used in the portable terminal. The data may include data generated as application programs are executed in the portable terminal. The data may also include all types of data that can be stored in the portable terminal, for example, data generated or received in or by the portable terminal. The data may, for example, include data related to widgets, widget icons, virtual areas, and the scroll operations. Furthermore, the data may also include a variety of setting information associated with the user interfaces and use of the portable terminal.

The storage unit <NUM> can store setting information related to the function of the virtual area <NUM>. The setting information may be information regarding activation/deactivation of the virtual area <NUM>, information regarding a hold function, and information to set a size of the virtual area <NUM>. The setting information can be stored in the setting information storage area <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> can store arrangement information regarding widgets on the virtual area. The arrangement information may include widget information and location information regarding widgets on the virtual area <NUM>, and may be stored in the arrangement information storage area <NUM>.

The storage unit <NUM> may store application programs for controlling the operations of the portable terminal and the scroll operations. The application programs may process scroll operations as described hereinabove, and the application programs may be stored in an application storage area (not shown) of the storage unit <NUM>.

The storage unit <NUM> may include at least one or more buffers that can temporarily store data generated as the application programs are executed. The storage unit <NUM> may be installed within the portable terminal or may be attached to the portable terminal. For example, the storage unit <NUM> may include a smart card attached to the portable terminal. In general, the storage unit <NUM> may include all types of internal/external storage media.

The controller <NUM> may control the operations of the portable terminal. The controller <NUM> may control the signal flow between different components (e.g., input unit, display unit, storage unit) of the portable terminal.

The controller <NUM> may include a data processor that is composed of a codec and at least one modem to provide a mobile communication service if the portable terminal is a mobile communication terminal. When the portable terminal supports a mobile communication service, the portable terminal may further include an RF communication module for processing RF signals.

The controller <NUM> can distinguish between an idle screen layer and a virtual area layer, and may provide a virtual area <NUM> extending the idle screen <NUM> through the virtual area layer. The controller <NUM> may instruct the display unit <NUM> to arrange and display at least one widget on the virtual area.

The controller <NUM> may control the scrolling operations according to the settings of the portable terminal. The controller <NUM> can control the idle screen <NUM> and may scroll through the virtual area <NUM> not shown on the idle screen <NUM>, so that the scrolled virtual area <NUM> can appear on the idle screen <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control the scrolling operations according to the user's input. For example, the controller <NUM> can scroll through the virtual area <NUM> according to at least one of the methods explained hereinabove.

For example, the controller <NUM> may control the scrolling operations when a widget is fixed and displayed according to the hold and selection functions described above. Additionally, the controller <NUM> can add a widget in a user-specified location on the idle screen <NUM> that may be altered as the virtual area is scrolled through. The controller <NUM> can also remove a widget from the idle screen <NUM> as describe above. In general, the controller <NUM> can adaptively change and update the arrangement of the plurality of widgets using the scrolling operations. The controller <NUM> can update arrangement information in real time.

As described above, the controller <NUM> may include the virtual area managing unit <NUM>, the scroll processing unit <NUM>, and the hold function managing unit <NUM>.

The virtual area managing unit <NUM> may process operations related to extensions of the idle screen <NUM> using a virtual area <NUM>. For example, the virtual area managing unit <NUM> may activate/deactivate the virtual area <NUM> and may configure the idle screen <NUM> according to the activation/deactivation of the virtual area <NUM>. The virtual area managing unit <NUM> may also call and arrange at least one widget on the virtual area <NUM> using arrangement information when the virtual area <NUM> is activated. In addition, the virtual area managing unit <NUM> may call and arrange at least one widget on the idle screen <NUM> using arrangement information when the virtual area <NUM> is deactivated.

The scroll processing unit <NUM> may process the scrolling operations. For example, the scroll processing unit <NUM> may control scrolling through the virtual area <NUM> by the use of the scroll indicator <NUM>, a touch input, or movement of a particular widget as described above. The scroll processing unit <NUM> may control scrolling operations such as, for example, when a hold widget and/or a selected widget are fixed and displayed at corresponding positions on the idle screen <NUM> as described above.

The hold function managing unit <NUM> may process operations related to a hold function where one of the widgets arranged on the virtual area <NUM> is fixed at a position of the idle screen <NUM> and is continuously displayed on the idle screen <NUM> irrespective of the scrolling operations. The hold function managing unit <NUM> may manage a hold function to set a widget (e.g., fix a location of the widget on the idle screen <NUM>). When the scroll processing unit <NUM> controls the scrolling operations, the hold function managing unit <NUM> may fix and display a widget on the idle screen <NUM> according to the hold function. The hold function managing unit <NUM> may manage a hold function to set a widget (e.g., fix a location of the widget selected by user on the idle screen <NUM>). When the scroll processing unit <NUM> controls the scrolling operations in a state where a particular widget, displayed on the idle screen, is selected by user, the hold function managing unit <NUM> may fix and display the selected widget on the idle screen <NUM>, according to the hold function. When the hold function managing unit <NUM> ascertains that the scroll processing unit <NUM> controls the scrolling of the virtual area <NUM>, the hold function managing unit <NUM> may determine whether a hold widget or a selected widget exists and may then output, to the scroll processing unit <NUM>, a control value according to the determination.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the portable terminal may further include a digital broadcast receiving module, a short-range communication module, an Internet communication module, and a camera module. If the portable terminal is implemented to support a mobile communication service, the portable terminal can further include a communication module and an RF module. The communication module may be composed of a codec and a modem. In addition, it should be understood that various combinations and modifications of the above-noted modules may be used, and that exemplary embodiments are not limited to the modules noted above.

For example, if the portable terminal supports short-range communication, such as Bluetooth communication or Zigbee communication, the portable terminal can include a short-range communication module. The short-range communication module can be used to communicate with other portable terminals via short-range communication. If the portable terminal supports Internet communication via an Internet network, the portable terminal can include an Internet module. The Internet module can be used for wirelessly communicating with other portable terminals and network systems via the Internet network. Furthermore, if the portable terminal is implemented to provide a function related to digital broadcasting, the portable terminal can include a broadcast receiving module.

As described above, the method and system for configuring an idle screen, according to the present invention, can overcome the spatial limitation of the idle screen to arrange contents, such as widgets and shortcut icons, thereby increasing the utility of the contents.

Claim 1:
A method for configuring an idle screen (<NUM>) in a portable terminal, the method comprising:
displaying an idle screen (<NUM>) on a touch screen of the portable terminal, and configuring a virtual area (<NUM>) that extends the idle screen (<NUM>) beyond the size of the touch screen, wherein a plurality of widgets (W1, W2, W4-W9) are arranged on the idle screen (<NUM>) and the virtual area (<NUM>);
in response to a first touch input applied on a particular widget (W4, <NUM>) displayed on the touch screen, selecting the particular widget (W4, <NUM>);
in response to an additional touch input applied (<NUM>) to the touch screen while the first touch input continues to be applied (<NUM>) to the selected widget (W4, <NUM>), wherein the additional touch input is a flick or drag gesture, scrolling (<NUM>) through the virtual area (<NUM>) while fixing (<NUM>) the position of the selected widget (W4, <NUM>); and
in response to stopping the first touch input, cancelling selection of the particular widget (W4, <NUM>) and rearranging (<NUM>) the particular widget (W4, <NUM>) on the extended idle screen (<NUM>) based on the scrolling (<NUM>) through the virtual area (<NUM>).