Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2007-0033817, filed on Apr. 5, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This document relates to a mobile terminal and adding digital content using the mobile terminal. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    An increase in demand for mobile terminals has lead to an integration of various digital media such as photographs, pictures, videos, and music, in addition to general voice telephony. The integration of digital music with a mobile terminal has proliferated through the use of Playlists, wherein several Playlists may be created such that a user may listen to music on a per-Playlist basis. 
         [0006]    However, adding a specific music file to a specific Playlist in the mobile terminal requires navigating several menus. For example, prior art methods require a user to select an option menu, a Playlist addition menu, and select and store a specific Playlist among displayed Playlists. Thus, the user has a very inconvenient experience. 
         [0007]    The user&#39;s inconvenience is not limited to adding music files to Playlists. A user faces problems similar to those mentioned above when adding files to locations such as a folder, an internal memory, or an external memory. Thus there is a need to provide a user with a convenient method for managing files in a mobile terminal. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an embodiment, a file management method of a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes entering a mode configured to receive a file identifier, detecting the file identifier via an input device, associating the file identifier with the a file location in the mobile terminal, and detecting a selection of at least one file from a displayed file list, wherein the selected at least one file is accessible from the file location when an input value matches the file identifier. 
         [0010]    In one feature, the file location includes one of a Playlist and a memory location. A new file location is assigned to the input value if the input value does not match the file identifier and a title of the new file location is user selectable. 
         [0011]    In one feature, the file location includes one of a Playlist and a memory location. A new file location is assigned to the input value if the input value does not match the file identifier and a title of the new file location is user selectable. 
         [0012]    In another feature, the method further includes displaying a plurality of file items with corresponding file identifiers. Additionally, the input device includes one of a keypad and touch screen. Furthermore, the file location is associated with a file organization of multimedia files. 
         [0013]    In yet another feature, the method further includes displaying a plurality of file items and file identifiers for selection by a user. The selection of the at least one file comprises using a drag and drop of one of the plurality of file items to a desired file identifier if the input device comprises a touch screen and the input value is recognized from contact on the touch screen that displays the file list. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another embodiment, a mobile terminal for adding files is provided. The mobile terminal includes a memory unit for storing a plurality of files and a file identifier set to correspond to a specific input signal, a display unit for displaying a list of files and file identifiers, the list comprising all or a specific category of the plurality of files and file identifiers, an input unit for selecting at least one file from the displayed file list and generating a specific input signal corresponding to the file identifier of the selected at least one file, a transceiving unit for communicating with a terminal, by sending and receiving files, and a controller for adding the selected at least one file to a file location associated with the specific input signal. 
         [0015]    These and other embodiments will also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiment disclosed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an implementation of architecture of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating an implementation of a method for adding files using a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a specific position corresponding to a specific input signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4A to 4C  are diagrams illustrating examples of adding a file to a Playlist in response to a specific input signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of selectively adding a file to a Playlist according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A to 6C  are diagrams illustrating examples of displaying an addition position guide at one side of selected files according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7A to 7D  are diagrams illustrating examples of creating a Playlist and changing a name of a Playlist according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are diagrams illustrating examples of adding files between Playlists according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are diagrams illustrating examples of displaying a position to which respective files are currently added according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrams illustrating examples of adding a plurality of selected files to a Playlist in response to a specific input signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are diagrams illustrating examples of changing a storage position of a file in response to a specific input signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are diagrams illustrating examples of changing a display position of a file by a specific input according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 13A to 13C  are diagrams illustrating examples of setting a specific position corresponding to a specific input signal where the content is an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 14A to 14C  are diagrams illustrating examples of adding files to a specific position where an input unit is a touch type according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an example of adding files to a specific position in case where an input unit is a rotary type according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an example of adding files to a specific position in case where an input unit is a stick type according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an implementation of architecture of the mobile terminal  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the mobile terminal  10  may be a mobile communication device. The mobile terminal  10  includes a transceiving unit  100 , a memory unit  110 , an input unit  120 , a display unit  130 , and a controller  140 . The respective elements may be connected using a bus  150 . 
         [0035]    The transceiving unit  100  communicates with a base station via an antenna (ANT) and receives various files, including music, image, and video, via the antenna (ANT). 
         [0036]    The memory unit  110  may include a flash memory, a Random Access Memory (RAM), or an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). The memory unit  110  stores a predetermined program for controlling a general operation of the mobile communication terminal  10 . The memory unit  110  stores a plurality of files, including music, image, and video. Also, the memory unit  110  stores information on a specific position that is set to correspond to a specific input signal of the input unit  120 . 
         [0037]    The input unit  120  includes numeral keys and a variety of function keys. The input unit  120  selects a list of files. The files may be selected from all or a specific category of files stored in the memory unit  110 . The input unit  120  selects any one or more file and generates a specific input signal for the selected file. 
         [0038]    The display unit  130  displays each variety of information signal received from the transceiving unit  100 . The display unit  130  may display a list of files of all or a specific category selected through the input unit  120 . 
         [0039]    The controller  140  includes a Mobile Station Modem (MSM) and controls general input/output of the mobile terminal  10 . In one embodiment of the present invention, where one or more files are selected through the input unit  120  from among the list of files displayed on the display unit  130 , upon generation of a specific input signal, the controller  140  controls and adds the selected file(s) to a specific position that corresponds to the specific input signal. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating an implementation of a method for adding files using the mobile terminal  10 .  FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a specific position corresponding to a specific input signal. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the file addition method includes setting a specific position corresponding to a specific input signal (Step  200 ), displaying a list of files (Step  210 ), selecting a file from the displayed file list (Step  220 ), checking whether a specific input signal for the selected file is generated (Step  230 ), and adding the selected file to a specific position that corresponds to a specific input signal (Step  240 ). 
         [0042]    If the input unit  120  is a key type, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a menu for “setting position for file addition” is selected through the input unit  120 . Accordingly, the controller  140  displays a name of a specific position  300  for file addition on the display unit  130 . The controller  140  controls the display unit  130  such that a specific input  305  corresponding to a specific position  300  may be set through the input unit  120 . 
         [0043]    The term “specific position” refers to a position at which selected files may be added. For example, a specific position may be a Playlist to which a file is added. A Playlist represents a list for grouping and playing a plurality of music files stored in the memory unit  110 . 
         [0044]    Accordingly, Playlists 1, 2, 3, and 4 each may be formed such that music files may be grouped and played according to a user&#39;s desire. For example, a user may select all music which is good for exercising, as music files stored in “Playlist 1”. After a user associates certain music files with “Playlist 1,” the display unit  130  displays only a list of music files corresponding to the “Playlist 1” when “Playlist 1” is selected. 
         [0045]    The specific input  305  may be set through the input unit  120  to add files to a Playlist. If desired, a specific input  305  may be input using numeral keys when the input unit  120  is a keypad. 
         [0046]    A specific input  305  of the input unit  120  that serves to associate a file with “Playlist 1” may be set as a numeral key “1”. A specific input  305  of the input unit  120  that serves to associate a file with “Playlist 2” may be set as a numeral key “2”. A specific input  305  of the input unit  120  that serves to associate a file with “Playlist 3” may be set as a numeral key “3”. A specific input  305  of the input unit  120  that serves to associate a file with “Playlist 4” may be set as a numeral key “4”. The same principle applies to setting the specific input  305  corresponding to the specific position  300  and setting the specific position  300  corresponding to the specific input  305 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 4A to 4C  are diagrams illustrating examples of adding files to a Playlist in response to a specific input signal. As shown in  FIG. 4A , a menu of “all music” is selected through input unit  120 . The controller  140  displays a list all music files stored in the memory unit  110  on the display unit  130  (Step  210 ). 
         [0048]      FIG. 4A  illustrates, selecting a music file named “Hello.” Files are selected by moving a selection bar  310  and selecting a file on which the selection bar  310  is positioned. The controller  140  checks whether a specific input signal is generated (Step  230 ). As shown in  FIG. 4B , when a numeral key “3” of the input unit  120  is selected, the controller  140  adds the “Hello” music file to “Playlist 3” (Step  240 ). Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 4C , the controller  140  has added the “Hello” music file to “Playlist 3”. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of selectively adding files to a Playlist. A numeral key “3” is selected through the input unit  120  when the “Hello” file is selected as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the controller  140  displays a message window  315  with a message of “Add ‘Hello’ to ‘Playlist 3’?” on the display unit  130 . If the user intends to add the music file to the corresponding position, “Okay” is selected. Otherwise, “Cancel” is selected. 
         [0051]    In the current embodiment of the present invention, when specific music files are selected, a position to which the selected music files may be added is displayed. An example is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A to 6C . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 6A to 6C  are diagrams illustrating examples of displaying an addition position guide at one side of selected file. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the “Hello” file is selected through the input unit  120  when all music files are displayed on the display unit  130 . Accordingly, the controller  140  displays a name of a specific position  300  for file addition and an addition position guide  317  representing specific inputs  305  of the input unit  120 , each specific input corresponding to a name of a specific position  300 . The addition position guide  317  may be formed in a position adjacent or close to a selection bar  310 . 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 6B , the controller  140  may display the addition position guide  317  at one side of the display unit  130 . In an alternate embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6C , the controller  140  may display the addition position guide  317  on the display unit  130  in a pop-up window form. The addition position guide  317  may be configured according to a user&#39;s setting. 
         [0054]    The above implementation is a description of selecting a specific file, selecting a specific numeral key of the input unit  120 , and inputting a specific input. However, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In other words, a specific input may be a non-preset input. An example of a non-present input is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A to 7D . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 7A to 7D  are diagrams illustrating examples of creating a Playlist and changing a name of a Playlist. As shown in  FIG. 7A , the “Hello” file may be selected through the input unit  120  when all music files are displayed on the display unit  130 . Then, a numeral key “5” is selected through the input unit  120 . 
         [0056]    For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , numeral key “5” is selected. If numeral key “5” is not associated with a Playlist, the controller  140  will create a new Playlist. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the controller  140  displays a message window  315  with a message of “Create Playlist 5?” on the display unit  130 . 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 7C , the controller  140  displays a message window  315  with a message of creating a Playlist on the display unit  130  if “Yes” is selected through the input unit  120 . The controller creates and names “Playlist 5” and adds the selected files to the created Playlist. As shown in  FIG. 7D , the controller  140  controls and changes the Playlist name if “name change” is selected through the input unit  120  in message window  315  of  FIG. 7B . 
         [0058]    The above implementation is a description of selecting specific files through the input unit  120  and moving the selected specific file to a specific position when all music files are displayed on the display unit  130 . However, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are diagrams illustrating examples of adding contents between Playlists. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the display unit  130  displays a list of music files added to “Playlist 3”. A numeral key “2” is selected through the input unit  120  when music content “OST 01” is selected. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 8B , the controller  140  adds “OST 01”, which has already been added to “Playlist 3”, to “Playlist 2”. After adding “OST 01” to “Playlist 2”, the controller  140  may delete “OST 01” from “Playlist 3”. This setting may be set by a user. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are diagrams illustrating examples of displaying an indicator indicating a position to which respective files are currently added. As shown in  FIG. 9A , the controller  140  may display an indicator  320  indicating a position to which respective music files are currently added at one side of all music files displayed on the display unit  130 . 
         [0062]    For example, the controller  140  displays an indicator  320  “1” for indicating that music files of “like rain like music” and “love” are added to “Playlist 1”. The controller  140  displays an indicator  320  “2” for indicating that music files of “small talk” and “black glass” are added to “Playlist 2”. The controller  140  also displays an indicator  320  “3” for indicating that music files of “Hello” and “Shout me” are added to “Playlist 3”. The controller  140  further displays an indicator  320  “4” for indicating that the music file of “Only wind only wind” is added to “Playlist 4.” As shown in  FIG. 9B , the controller  140  may display all positions for music files added to two or more Playlists. For example, the controller  140  displays all positions where the music file of “Hello” is added to Playlists “3” and “5”. 
         [0063]    The above implementations are a description of an embodiment when a file is added to a specific position. In an alternate embodiment a plurality of files may be added to a Playlist. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrams illustrating examples of adding a plurality of selected files to a Playlist in response to a specific input signal. As shown in  FIG. 10A , a plurality of files are selected through the input unit  120  when all music files are displayed on the display unit  130 . As shown in  FIG. 10B , if numeral key “2” of the input unit  120  is selected, the controller  140  adds the plurality of selected files to “Playlist 2” that corresponds to the numeral key “2”. 
         [0065]    Adding files to a Playlist refers to adding a name of a file to the Playlist without changing a storage position of the file. However, in an alternate embodiment, a storage position of files may be changed when a file is added to a Playlist. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are diagrams illustrating examples of changing a storage position of files in response to a specific input signal. As shown in  FIG. 11A , a menu for “setting position for contents addition” is selected through the input unit  120 . Accordingly, the controller  140  displays a name of a specific position  300  for file addition on the display unit  130 . The controller  140  controls and sets a specific input  305  of the input unit  120  corresponding to the name of the specific position  300 . 
         [0067]    The specific position  300  may be “1. Background music folder,” “2. Internal memory,” or “3. External memory.” A method of setting the specific input  305  using the input unit  120  is the same as the above description of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0068]    After the specific position  300  is set, the “Hello” music file may be selected through the input unit  120  as shown in  FIG. 4A . After selecting the file, if numeral key “3” of the input unit  120  is selected, the controller  140  adds the music file of “Hello” to an external memory that is set to correspond to the numeral key “3”. 
         [0069]    In one embodiment, adding the “Hello” music file also deletes the music file from an original storage position and added to the external memory. In an alternate embodiment, the “Hello” music file may be copied to the external memory such that an original storage position is maintained. As described above in  FIG. 9A , the controller  140  may display a position at which respective contents are currently stored. 
         [0070]    The embodiments described above are examples of when a specific position that corresponds to a specific input of the input unit  120  is a Playlist or a storage position. However, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are diagrams illustrating examples of changing a display position of files by a specific input. As shown in  FIG. 12A , a list of music files added to “Playlist 3” is displayed on the display unit  130 . In the example, when “6. OST 02” is selected, numeral key “1” of the input unit  120  is pressed. As shown in  FIG. 12B , the controller  140  may add “6. OST 02” as “1. OST 02,” which corresponds to the first music file of “Playlist 3.” 
         [0072]    The embodiments described above are examples where the content of a file is music. However, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 13A to 13C  are diagrams illustrating examples of setting a specific position corresponding to a specific input signal in the case of image file. As shown in  FIG. 13A , a file may be an image such as a photograph or a picture. The image file may be added to a specific position in the same manner as with the above-described music contents. 
         [0074]    In detail, as described with respect to  FIG. 3A , a menu for “setting position for file addition” is selected through the input unit  120 . Accordingly, the controller  140  displays a name of a specific position  300  for file addition on the display unit  130 . The controller  140  controls and sets a specific input  305  of the input unit  120  corresponding to the name of the specific position  300 . 
         [0075]    The specific position  300  may be a folder such as “1. My photograph folder”, “2. Family photograph folder”, “3. Friend photograph folder”, or “4. Other photograph folders”. “Folder” refers to a group of one or more image files, similar to the Playlist described above. 
         [0076]    Accordingly, a specific input  305  of the input unit  120  that serves to add contents to a position of “1. My photograph folder” is set as numeral key “1”. A specific input  305  of the input unit  120  that serves to add files to a position of “2. Family photograph folder” is set as numeral key “2”. A specific input  305  of the input unit  120  that serves to add files to a position of “3. Friend photograph folder” is set as numeral key “3”. A specific input  305  of the input unit  120  serving to add files to a position of “4. Other photograph folders” is set as numeral key “4”. 
         [0077]    As shown in  FIG. 13B , a list of all image files stored in the memory unit  110  is displayed on the display unit  130  and an image file, “At home.jpg,” is selected, when the specific position corresponding to the specific input is set. After selecting the image file, as shown in  FIG. 13C , if numeral key “1” is selected through the input unit  120 , the controller  140  adds the image file corresponding to the numeral key “1” to the “My photograph folder.” Additionally, as in the above-described music files, image files can be added to a specific position. 
         [0078]    The specific input set to a numeral key of the input unit  120  in the above-described examples may be selected for a predetermined time. For example, when a numeral key is selected for “one second” a numeral key corresponding to a specific menu is input and if the numeral key is selected for “two or more seconds,” the numeral key may correspond to adding files to a specific position. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 14A to 14C  are diagrams illustrating examples of adding files to a specific position using a touch type input unit. As shown in  FIG. 14A , the input unit  120  may be a touch type input device such as a touch screen  122 . Accordingly, if numeral “3” is input on the touch screen  122  when the “Hello” music file is selected, the controller  140  may add “Hello” to a position set to correspond to numeral “3”. As shown in  FIG. 14B , if numeral “3” is input to a separate touch input region  330  provided on a touch screen when the “Hello” music file is selected, the controller  140  adds “Hello” to a position set to correspond to the numeral “3”. As shown in  FIG. 14C , the controller  140  can display an addition position guide  317  at one side of a touch screen when the music contents of “Hello” are selected. Thus, if the music contents of “Hello” are dragged and dropped to a numeral “3” of the addition position guide  317  with being touched, the controller  140  adds the music contents of “Hello” to a position set to correspond to the numeral “3”. 
         [0080]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an example of adding files to a specific position using a rotary type input unit. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the input unit  120  may be a rotary input device such as a jog disk  124 . Accordingly, if jog disk  124  rotates three times in the direction of “B” in a state where the “Hello” music file is selected, the controller  140  may add “Hello” to a position set to correspond to the numeral “3”. 
         [0081]    If the jog disk  124  revolves in the direction of “A”, the next music file, “small talk,” may be selected. Alternately, in case where the jog disk  124  rotates three times in the direction of “A” or “B” and the third rotation is made during a time longer by a predetermined time compared to the respective previous first and second rotations, the controller  140  adds the music file of “Hello” to the position set to correspond to the numeral “3”. This setting may be changed by the user. 
         [0082]      FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an example of adding files to a specific position using a stick type input unit. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the input unit  120  may be a stick type input device such as a jog stick  126 . If the jog stick  126  rotates three times to the right when the “Hello” music file is selected, the controller  140  adds “Hello” to a position set to correspond to “three times” in the right direction. The direction of movement of the jog stick  126  may be set and changed. The stick type input device may be any stick type input device that is movable in several directions, such as in two directions or five directions as well as the four directions shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0083]    In the embodiments discussed above, files are added to a Playlist or a storage position. However, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, files may be added to a Playlist while simultaneously changing a storage position. 
         [0084]    In the embodiments discussed above, specific selected files, such as an image or a music file, may be played. Even when a plurality of specific contents are selected, any one or more of the specific contents can be played. 
         [0085]    The above embodiments are a description of a method for adding files in a mobile terminal  10 . However, the present invention may also be applied to other types of electronic devices. Examples of such devices include a portable device, a digital broadcast receiving terminal, an MP3 player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a portable multimedia player (PMP). Additionally, music files may be provided in any electronic equipment including a mobile terminal  10  which may produce sound. 
         [0086]    Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to all types of files available for electronic equipment. Examples of other types of files to which the present invention is applicable are a moving picture, a game, or a document in addition to music and image files. 
         [0087]    As described above, the present invention increases user convenience because specific contents are promptly and rapidly added to a set position. 
         [0088]    The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and processes. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Technology Category: h