Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Description
Title of Invention: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
PROVIDING GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE IN MOBILE
TERMINAL
Technical Field
[l] The present invention relates to a method for providing a graphic user
interface
(GUI) in a mobile terminal. More particularly, the present invention relates
to a
method and apparatus for providing a GUI that is operable when more than one
ap-
plication is being executed in a mobile terminal.
Background Art
[2] In the conventional multi-tasking function, a plurality of applications
are simul-
taneously executed. However, because the applications are executed as a
background,
the user cannot view a plurality of applications. Accordingly, when the user
accesses
one application, the user can display another application in the form of pop-
up.
However, it is difficult to use two applications at one time, particularly on
a small
display such as a mobile display, tablet, PDA, etc. In addition, because there
are often
dependent applications, the user cannot access them in all situations.
[3] With further regard to an event regarding an application being executed
as a
background occurs during the execution of one application, a function
displaying an
event alarm in the pop-up form is implemented. However, an interface capable
of si-
multaneously operating a plurality of applications is not provided. Thus,
there is a need
in the art for a better way to access a display of multiple applications on a
display.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[4] It is difficult to use two applications at one time, particularly on a
small display such
as a mobile display, tablet, PDA, etc. In addition, because there are often
dependent
applications, the user cannot access them in all situations. Furthermore,
interface
capable of simultaneously operating a plurality of applications is not
provided.
Solution to Problem
151 The present invention provides a method for providing GUI capable of
implementing
a plurality of application execution screens on one screen, and an apparatus
using the
same.
[6] In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a
method for
providing Graphic User Interface (GUI) in a mobile terminal preferably
includes:
displaying an application execution icon region and application execution
screen
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region configured by one or more application execution icons; receiving
selection of one from
the one or more application execution icons; and displaying a reduction mode
execution
screen of an application corresponding to the selected application execution
icon on the
application execution screen region.
[7] In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a
mobile
terminal for providing Graphic User Interface (GUI) preferably includes: a
display unit that
displays an application execution icon region and application execution screen
region
configured by one or more application execution icons; an input unit that
receives selection of
one from the one or more application execution icons; and a controller for
controlling the
display unit to display a reduction mode execution screen of an application
corresponding to
the selected application execution icon on the application execution screen
region.
[7a] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
method for
providing a Graphic User Interface, in a mobile terminal, the method
comprising: executing
and displaying, by the mobile terminal, a full-mode execution screen of a
first application on
.. an application execution screen region; displaying, based on a control
signal, a mini-mode
execution icon region with the application execution screen region, the mini-
mode execution
icon region including one or more mini-mode execution icons; and executing and
displaying,
in response to an input for selecting one of the one or more mini-mode
execution icons, a
mini-mode execution screen of a second application corresponding to a selected
mini-mode
execution icon on the application execution screen region, the mini-mode
execution screen
comprising an execution screen configured to be a partial region of the
application execution
screen region while executing the first application, wherein when the first
application is
executing on the application execution screen region in full mode and the
display of the mini-
mode execution screen is hidden, in response to a selection of a mini-mode
change key,
changing display of the first application to the mini-mode execution screen,
and changing
display of the second application to the full mode execution screen in which
the mini-mode
execution screen overlaps the full mode execution screen on the application
execution screen
region.
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[7b] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
mobile
terminal for providing Graphic User Interface (GUI), the terminal comprising:
a display unit
that displays an application execution screen region, an input unit that
receives a user input;
and a controller of the mobile terminal configured to: execute a full-mode
execution screen of
a first application and control display of the full-mode execution screen of
the first application
on the application execution screen region; control display, based on a
control signal, a mini-
mode execution icon region with the application execution screen region, the
mini-mode
execution icon region including one or more mini-mode execution icons; and in
response to
an input for selecting one of the one or more mini-mode execution icons,
execute a mini-mode
execution screen of a second application and control display of the mini-mode
execution
screen of the second application corresponding to a selected mini-mode
execution icon on the
application execution screen region, the mini-mode execution screen comprising
an execution
screen configured to be a partial region of the application execution screen
region while
executing the first application, wherein when the first application is
executed on the
application execution screen region in full mode and the display of the mini-
mode execution
screen is hidden, in response to a selection of a mini mode change key, change
a display of the
first application to the mini-mode execution screen that overlaps display of
the second
application, and change display of the second application to execution in the
full mode on the
application execution screen.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[8] In the present invention, when using a multi-tasking function of a
mobile terminal, the
user can view a plurality of application execution screens on one screen, and
input an
operating command for a plurality of applications on one screen. Because a
command such as
application execution, termination, hide, conversion from a mini mode to a
full mode through
a simple touch operation, convenience for the user may be improved in using
the multi-
tasking function.
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Brief Description of Drawings
[9] The exemplary objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become
more apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from the following
detailed description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile
terminal according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[11] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary a method for providing GUI
in a mobile
terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[12] FIG. 3 is an example of a screenshot of a mobile terminal displayed in a
procedure of
FIG. 2;
[13] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation a method for
providing GUI in a
mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[14] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a screen configuration of a mobile terminal
according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[15] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of a screenshot of a mobile
terminal displayed
in a procedure of FIG. 4;
[16] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a method for
providing GUI
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in a mobile terminal according to a further exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention;
[17] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of a screenshot of a mobile
terminal
displayed in a procedure of FIG. 7;
[18] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of a screenshot of a mobile
terminal
displayed upon termination of an application according to an exemplary
embodiment
of the present invention;
1191 FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a change of form from a mini mode
execution screen to
a full mode execution screen;
[20] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a form that a mini mode execution
screen and a full
mode execution screen in the same application are displayed on one screen;
[21] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a method
for providing
GUI in a mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention;
122] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an example of a screenshot of a mobile
terminal
displayed in a procedure of FIG. 12;
[23] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an example of a plurality of mini mode
execution
screens are displayed on an application execution screen region; and
[24] FIGS. 15 and 16 are views illustrating conversion forms from a full
mode execution
screen to a mini mode execution screen, respectively.
Mode for the Invention
1251 Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with
reference to the
accompanying drawings in detail. The same reference numbers are used
throughout the
drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Detailed descriptions of well-
known
functions and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring
ap-
preciation of the subject matter of the present invention by a person of
ordinary skill in
the art with detailed descriptions of such well-known functions and
structures.
[26] As used herein, the term "application execution icon region" refers to
a region in
which at least one application execution icon is located. The application
execution icon
region is formed to distinguish from an application execution screen region.
The ap-
plication execution icon region may be comprised of a mini mode execution icon
region and a full mode execution icon region. The mini mode execution icon
region
comprises a region in which an application execution icon for executing a mini-
mode
is located and the full mode execution icon region is a region in which an
application
execution icon for executing a full mode is located. The mini-mode execution
icon
region and the full mode execution icon region are displayed on the same
location, and
may be changed according to input of the user. As would be understood by the
artisan,
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the mini-mode region is relatively smaller than the full mode region, as shown
for
example in FIG. 3.
[27] As used herein, the term "indicator region" refers to a region in
which at least one
function key is located. The indicator region is displayed on the same
location as that
of the application execution icon region. The indicator region and the
application
execution icon region may be converted into each other according to input of
the user.
A back key, a home key, a recent execution list key, and a search key may be
included
in the indicator region in whole or in part. Further, a cue image may be
included in the
indicator region, in which the cue image indicates that the indicator region
may be
converted into another region.
[28] As used herein, the term "menu bar region" refers to a region in which
the ap-
plication execution icon region and the indicator region are located.
[29] As used herein, the term "application execution screen region" refers
to a region on
which an application execution screen, a home screen, and a menu screen are
displayed. The application execution screen region is distinguished from the
ap-
plication execution icon region. The application mini mode execution screen
and a full
mode execution screen are displayed on the application execution screen
region.
[30] As used herein, the term "full mode execution screen" of an
application refers to an
execution screen configured by a full application execution screen region as
one
example of application execution screens. If the user touches or by another
means such
as key, stylus or voice, selects an application execution icon included on a
home screen
or a menu screen, then a full mode execution screen of an application is
displayed.
[31] As used herein, the term "mini mode execution screen" or "reduction
mode
execution screen" refers to an execution screen configured by a partial region
of an ap-
plication execution screen region as another form of an application execution
screen.
The mini mode execution screen is configured smaller than a full mode
execution
screen, and a mini mode execution screen and full mode execution screen for
the same
application may be configured by different GUIs. If the user touches or by
another
means such as key, stylus or voice, selects an application execution icon
included in a
mini mode execution icon region, a mini mode execution screen of an
application is
displayed.
[32] A mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention
may become an information communication device and a multi-media device such
as a
Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), tablet
device,
or an MP3.
[33] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile
terminal according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal 100
of the
present invention preferably includes a radio frequency (RF) communication
unit 110,
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a memory 120, a touch screen 130, a key input unit 140, and a controller 150.
[34] The RF communication unit 110 performs wireless transmitting and
receiving
functions of corresponding data for RF communication in the mobile terminal
100. The
RF communication unit 110 may include a transmitter (not shown) up-converting
a
frequency of a transmitted signal and amplifying the signal, a receiver (not
shown)
low-noise-amplifying a received signal and down-converting the signal.
Further, the
RF communication unit 110 receives data through an RF channel and outputs the
received data to the controller 150. The RF communication unit 110 may
transmit data
output from the controller 150 through the RF channel.
[35] The memory 120 is a non-transitory machine readable medium having
structural
elements for storing programs and data utilized in operating the mobile
terminal 100,
and may store data such as applications, images, audios, and videos.
[36] The touch screen 130 preferably includes a touch sensor 131 and a
display unit 132.
The touch sensor 131 is a structural element for sensing touch input of the
user. The
touch sensor 131 may comprise a capacitive overlay touch sensor or a resistive
overlay
touch sensor, just to name two possible non-limiting examples. Besides the
foregoing
sensors, various types of sensor devices capable of sensing contact of an
object may be
configured by a touch sensor 131 of the present invention. The touch sensor
senses
touch input of the user and generates and transmits a sensing signal to the
controller
150. The sensing signal includes coordinate data that the user input a touch.
When the
user inputs a touch location moving operation, the touch sensor 131 generates
and
transmits a sensing signal including coordinate data of a touch location
moving path to
the controller 150.
[37] The display unit 132 may be configured preferably by a Liquid Crystal
Display
(LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), or an Active Matrix Organic
Light
Emitting Diode (AMOLED), or other types of thin film technology displays. The
display unit 132 visibly provides data stored in the mobile terminal 100 or
input data to
the user. The display unit 132 of the present invention displays an
application
execution icon region and an application execution screen region configured by
at least
one application execution icon. When one application execution icon is
selected and
input, a mini mode execution screen of an application corresponding to the
selected ap-
plication execution icon is displayed on an application execution screen
region.
[38] The key input unit 140 is an input device formed at region other than
the touch
screen 130 in the mobile terminal, and creates and transfers an input signal
to the
controller 150 as in the touch sensor 131. The key input unit 140 may be
configured by
a key pad including numeral keys and anow keys, or by separate keys. The key
input
140 may be configured by a button type or a touch sensor type. In an
embodiment of
the present invention, the key input unit 140 may be omitted from a mobile
terminal
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capable of performing various operations by only the touch screen 130. The con-
figuration of the keypad can be of any known type, including but in no way
limited to
QWERTY, DVORAK, 12-key telephone pad, alphanumeric, etc.
[39] The controller 150 is a structural element for controlling an overall
operation of the
mobile terminal 100.
[40] The controller 150, which may comprise a processor or microprocessor,
according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention controls the display unit 132
to
display an application execution icon region and an application execution
screen
region configured by at least one application execution icon. If the
controller 150
receives selection of any one application execution icon from the user through
the
touch sensor 131, the controller controls the display unit 132 to display a
mini mode
execution screen of an application corresponding to the selected application
execution
icon on an application execution screen region.
[41] The controller 150 of the present invention controls the display unit
132 to display an
indicator region with at least one function key and an application execution
screen
region. If a touch location moving operation to an application execution
screen region
is received by a touch sensor(s) after touching an indicator region from the
user
through the touch sensor 131, the controller 150 may control the display unit
132 to
change the indicator region to an application execution icon region configured
by at
least one application execution icon and display the changed application
execution
icon region. Next, if the user selects one application execution icon, the
controller 150
may display a mini mode execution screen conesponding to the selected
application
execution icon on an application execution screen region.
[42] If the controller 150 receives from touch sensor a touch location
moving operation in
a direction toward an indicator region after touching a mini mode execution
screen
through the touch sensor 131 while an indicator region and a mini mode
execution
screen of an application are displayed, the controller controls the display
unit 132 to
move and display a mini mode execution screen according to the touch location
moving operation.
[43] The controller 150 also preferably controls the display unit 132 to
move and display
mini mode execution screen, and determines whether a center of the mini mode
execution screen extends to an indicator region.
[44] If the controller is determined that the center of the mini mode
execution screen
extends to the indicator region, the controller 150 controls the display unit
132 to
change and display an indicator region in an application execution icon
region. If it is
determined that the center of the mini mode execution screen does not extend
to the
indicator region, the controller 150 maintains display of the indicator
region. The
controller 150 determines whether or not a touch moving location reaches an ap-
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plication execution icon region through the touch sensor 131. If it is
determined that
the touch moving location reaches the application execution icon region, the
controller
150 terminates an application of a mini mode execution screen. If it is
determined that
the touch moving location does not reach the application execution icon
region, the
controller 150 maintains an application execution state of a mode execution
screen.
[45] The controller 150 of the present invention also preferably controls
the display unit
132 to display a focused mini mode execution screen and full mode execution
screen
and determines whether or not an event occurs in an application displayed on a
full
mode execution screen. If the controller determines that the event occurs, the
controller
150 controls the display unit 132 to display a pop-up window including an 'OK
key'
and a 'Cancel key'. If the controller determines that the 'OK key' is selected
through
the touch sensor 131, the controller 150 then controls the display unit 132 to
move and
display a focus to a full mode execution screen. If the controller is
determined that the
'Cancel key' is selected, the controller 150 maintains a focus state of a mini
mode
execution screen.
[46] The foregoing exemplary embodiment has illustrated a configuration of
a mobile
terminal 100 according to the present invention. Hereinafter, a method for
providing a
GUI supporting a multi-tasking function in the mobile terminal 100 will now be
described.
[47] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a method for
providing GUI
in a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[48] At (201) a controller 150 preferably controls a display unit 132 to
display an ap-
plication execution icon region configured by at least one application
execution icon
and an application execution screen region. For example, the controller 150
may
control the display unit 132 to display an application execution icon region
at a lower
end of the display unit 132 in the form of a bar and an application execution
screen
region at an upper part of the application execution icon region. In this
particular case,
at least one application execution icon is arranged in a left and right
direction in the ap-
plication execution icon region.
[49] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a home
screen configured
by a menu icon or widget, a menu screen configured by the menu icon, or a full
mode
execution screen of an application may be included in the application
execution screen
region. The controller 150 preferably controls the display unit 132 in an idle
state to
display a home screen or a menu screen in an application execution screen
region. The
controller 150 also preferably controls the display unit 132 in an application
execution
state to display a full mode execution screen of a corresponding application.
[50] At (201), the controller 150 receives selection of one application
execution icon
through the touch sensor 131. When the full mode execution screen of an
application is
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displayed on the application execution screen region, the touch screen has
sensed that
the user has touched an application execution icon to perform multi-tasking
for another
application and the controller 150 recognizes an application execution icon
touched by
the user through the touch sensor 131.
11511 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the user
selects preferably
by tactile selection an application execution icon and then inputs a touch
location
moving operation to an application execution screen region, the controller 150
may
determine whether an application execution icon selected by the user through
the touch
sensor 131 and recognize the selection as an execution command of a
corresponding
application. In this particular case, it is preferred that the input touch
location moving
operation is drag and drop that is sensed when a user touches an application
execution
icon, moves into an application execution screen region, and then release the
touch.
[52] Next, at (203) the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to
display a mini mode
execution screen of an application corresponding to an application execution
icon
selected by the user on an application execution screen. The controller 150
executes an
application corresponding to the application execution icon selected by the
user,
configures and displays a mini mode execution screen on the display unit 132.
The
mini mode execution screen preferably comprises an execution screen configured
by a
partial region of the application execution screen region, and is displayed on
a home
screen, a menu screen, or an upper layer of a full mode execution screen of an
ap-
plication. In a case of an application displayed on the mini mode execution
screen in
the present invention, the mini mode execution screen and a full mode
execution
screen may be configured by different GUIs.
[53] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an example of a screen of a mobile
terminal displayed in
a procedure of FIG. 2.
11541 FIG. 3 illustrates the display an application execution screen region
31, application
execution icon region 32, and a mini mode execution screen 33. A full mode
execution
screen of a 'calculator' application is displayed on the application execution
screen
region 31. The mini mode execution screen 33 is a 'world time' application
execution
screen, and is displayed on a foreground of the 'calculator' application
execution
screen. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the mini mode execution screen 33
includes a
full mode change key 34 and a termination key 35. To change the 'world time"
ap-
plication to a full mode, the user touches a full mode change key 34. In order
to ter-
mination the 'world time' application, the termination key 35 is input.
[55] A plurality of application execution icons 321 to 327 are included in
the application
execution icon region 32. An application execution icon list included in the
application
execution icon region 32 may be reset by the user, and the user may construct
an ap-
plication execution icon region 32 by application execution icons of a
frequently used
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application. FIG. 3 illustrates a result when the user touches an icon 323
corresponding
to an execution icon of the 'world time' application. An application execution
icon
region termination key for changing an application execution icon region 32 to
another
region may be included in the application execution icon region 32. In the
present
invention, an application execution icon 32 region may be changed to an
indicator
region configured by function keys.
[56] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a method for
providing GUI
in a mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[57] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment such that that an
application execution
icon region and an indicator region may be changed. In this case, the user
inputs and
changes an application execution icon region termination key.
[58] At (401), the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to display
an indicator
region and an application execution screen including at least one function
key. In the
present invention, a number of keys such as a back key, a home key, a recent
execution
list key, and a search key may be included in the indicator region. As shown
in FIG. 3,
a home screen, a menu screen, and a full mode execution screen of an
application may
be displayed on the application execution screen region.
[59] At (402), the touch sensor senses a touch input and notifies
controller 150 regarding
receipt of an input of a touch location moving operation to an application
execution
screen region after touching the indicator region. It is preferred that the
touch location
moving operation input at step 402 is a flick operation comprising directly
releasing
the touch after performing a touch operation higher than a preset speed.
[60] At (403), the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to change
and display an
indicator region to an application execution icon region configured by at
least one ap-
plication execution icon. In this case, the controller 150 controls the
display unit 132 to
change the indicator region to an application execution icon region while
displaying an
effect image of a rotated bar.
[61] At (404), the controller 150 receives selection of one application
execution icon
through the touch sensor 131.
[62] Next, at (405), the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to
display a mini mode
execution screen of an application corresponding to the selected application
execution
icon on the application execution screen region.
163] A change key for changing to the application execution icon region may
be included
in the indicator region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
If the user touches the change key, the controller 150 controls the display
unit 132 to
change the indicator region to an application execution icon region, and to
display the
application execution icon region.
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164_1 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an application
execution icon
region termination key may be included in the application execution icon
region. If the
user touches the key, the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to
change the ap-
plication execution icon region to the indicator region.
[65] In a state that the application execution icon region is displayed,
when the
touchscreen senses that the user touches the application execution icon region
and
inputs a touch location moving operation of a downward direction (opposite to
a
direction toward application execution screen region), the controller 150
controls the
display unit 132 to change display of the application execution icon region to
the
indicator region. In this particular case, it is preferred that an input touch
location
moving operation is a flick operation.
[66] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller
150 controls the
display unit 132 to change display of the indictor region to an application
execution
icon region, drives the timer, and determines whether a preset time T elapses.
The
controller determines that the preset time T elapses, and the controller 150
may control
the display unit 132 to display of an application execution icon region to
that of the
indicator region.
[67] In the present invention, the application execution icon region may
preferably
include a mini mode execution icon region and a full mode execution icon
region.
Three regions, for example, an indicator region, a mini mode execution icon
region,
and a full mode execution icon region may be sequentially changed in a lower
part of
the application execution screen region being displayed. The mini mode
execution icon
region and the full mode execution icon region are configured by at least one
ap-
plication execution icon. If an icon included in the mini mode execution icon
region is
selected, the controller 150 constructs and displays a mini mode execution
screen of a
corresponding application on the display unit 132. If the icon included in the
full mode
execution icon region is selected, the controller 150 constructs and displays
a full mode
execution screen of a corresponding application on the display unit 132.
[68] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a screen configuration of a
mobile terminal
100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[69] Now referring to FIG. 5, an application execution screen region 51 and
a menu bar
region 52 are shown. The menu bar region 52 has a menu bar of a three-
dimensional
stick shape, and the menu bar is configured by three surfaces. The menu bar
includes
an indicator region 521, a mini mode execution icon region 522, and a full
mode
execution icon region 523. The menu bar is rotated in an upward or downward
direction according to user input. The menu bar region 52 is changed to one of
a mini
mode execution icon region 522 or a full mode execution icon region 523 and
the
changed region is displayed.
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1701 FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of a screenshot of a mobile
terminal 100
displayed in accordance with a procedure of FIG. 4.
[71] FIG. 6[a] illustrates a moving image playback application and
indication region
configured by a full mode execution screen. The indicator region preferably
includes,
for example, a previous key 61, a home key 62, a recent execution list key 63,
and a
search key 64. A cue for indicating a changing to another region and a current
time are
included in the indicator region. FIG. 6[a] illustrates a form that the user
touches the
indicator region and then inputs a touch location moving operation to the
application
execution screen region.
[72] FIG. 6[b] illustrates a screen display has changed when the user
touches the indicator
region in FIG. 6[a] and then inputs a touch location moving operation to an
application
execution screen region. In FIG. 6[b], the indicator region is changed to an
application
execution icon region and the changed application execution icon region is
displayed.
[73] An application execution icon region of FIG. 6[b] is a mini mode
execution icon
region. Further, FIG. 6[b] illustrates a form that the user selects a world
time ap-
plication execution icon 323.
[74] FIG. 6[c] illustrates a screen display has changed when the user
selects a world time
application execution icon 323 in FIG. 6[b]. FIG. 6[c] illustrates a form that
a mini
mode execution screen of a world time application is displayed on an upper
layer of a
full mode execution screen of a moving image application. So as to again
change an
application execution icon region to an indicator region, the user selects an
application
execution icon region terminal key 328.
[75] FIG. 6[d] illustrates a screen display has changed when the user
selects an ap-
plication execution icon region termination key 328 in FIG. 6[c], which
illustrates the
application execution icon region changed from the application execution icon
region.
11761 FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a method
for providing GUI
in a mobile terminal according to a further exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention. FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a procedure terminating an ap-
plication executed in a mini mode.
[77] Now referring to FIG. 7, at (701), the controller 150 controls a
display unit 132 to
display an indicator region and a mini mode execution screen of an
application. Step
701 shows a display state where the application execution icon region is again
changed
to the indicator region after step 203 or step 405 of FIG. 4.
[78] At 702, in response to sensing a touch by the touch sensor 131 of a
mini mode
execution screen, the controller 150 controls receives input of a touch
location moving
operation to a direction toward the indicator region. The user touches can
terminate
current application executed in a mini mode by touching a mini mode execution
screen, and then inputs a touch location moving operation to a direction
toward the
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indicator region which is sensed by the touch screen.
[79] At (703), the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to move and
display the
mini mode execution screen according to the sensed touch location moving
operation.
[80] At 704, the controller 150 determines whether or not a center of a
mini mode
execution screen extends/occupies an indicator region. If the user touches and
moves
the mini mode execution screen downward, the controller 150 controls the
display unit
132 to move and display a mini mode execution screen. If a lower end of the
mini
mode execution screen extends to the indicator region, a mini mode execution
screen is
displayed on a lower layer of an indicator region. Next, the controller 150
determines
whether a center of the mini mode execution screen reaches an indicator
region. In this
case, the controller 150 may determine whether or not a center line of an
upper end and
a lower end of the mini mode execution screen reaches the indicator region.
[81] At 704, if it is determined that a center of the mini mode execution
screen does not
occupy the indicator region, then at 705 the controller 150 controls the
display unit 132
to maintain an indicator display state.
[82] When the center of the mini mode execution screen extends to the
indicator region,
then at (706) the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to change the
indicator
region to an application execution icon region and display changed application
execution icon region. In this case, the controller 150 controls the display
unit 132 to
display a focus in an application execution icon corresponding to an
application
executed in a mini mode.
[83] At (707), the controller 150 determines whether or not a touch moving
location
extends to an application execution icon region through the touch sensor 131.
The user
moves a touch to an application execution icon region for terminating an
application
and then releases a touch.
[84] If at 707 the controller determines that the touch moving location
does not extend
into an application execution icon region, then at (708) the controller 150
maintains an
application execution state.
[85] When it is determined that the touch moving location extends to an
application
execution icon region, then at (709) the controller 150 terminates a
corresponding ap-
plication.
[86] When the application is terminated, the controller 150 controls the
display unit 132 to
display an effect image in which a mini mode execution screen is reduced and
converged to a corresponding application execution icon direction.
[87] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an application
termination key
may be included on the mini mode execution screen. If the user touches the
application
termination key, the controller 150 may terminate execution of a corresponding
ap-
plication. Further, when the user touches a back key included in the indicator
region,
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the controller 150 may terminate an execution state of a current application
executed in
a mini mode.
[88] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of a screen of a mobile
terminal displayed
operating a procedure according to FIG. 7.
[89] FIG. 8[a] illustrates a moving image playback application configured
by a full mode
execution screen, a world time application configured by a mini mode execution
screen, and an indicator region, which illustrates a form that a user touches
a mini
mode execution screen and then input a touch location moving operation to a
direction
toward an indicator region. In FIG. 8[a], an 'a' indicates a distance between
an upper
end and a lower end of a mini mode execution screen.
[90] FIG. 8[b] illustrates a screen changed when the user touches a mini
mode execution
screen and inputs a touch location moving operation to a direction toward an
indicator
region by a predetermined distance. A mini mode execution screen in FIG. 8[b]
is
moved downward in comparison with that in FIG. 8[a]. A part of the mini mode
execution screen is displayed on an application execution screen region, and a
remaining part thereof is shielded under the application execution icon
region. An
indicator region of FIG. 8[a] is changed to an application execution icon
region and the
changed application execution icon region is displayed. The controller 150
determines
whether a length b of a currently displayed mini mode execution screen is a
half
(1/2*a) of a total length of a mini mode execution screen. When "b" in 8B is
less than
1/2*a, the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to change an indicator
region to
an application execution icon region, and display the changed application
execution
icon region. FIG. 8[b] illustrates a form in which a focus is displayed in an
execution
icon of a current world time application executed in a mini mode.
Subsequently, the
user continuously moves a touch location to an application execution icon
region.
[91] FIG. 8[c] illustrates a screen changed when the user moves the touch
location to an
application execution icon region. A mini mode execution screen of a world
time ap-
plication disappears from FIG. 8[c], and only a full mode execution screen of
a moving
image playback application is displayed on an application execution screen
region.
[92] FIG. 8[c] illustrates a form in which a world time application is
removed together
with a focus appearing during an execution of a current mini mode as execution
of a
world time application is terminated in comparison with FIG. 8[b].
[93] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the user
inputs a termination
key included in a mini mode execution screen or inputs a back key 82 included
in an
indicator region in FIG. 8[a], the controller 150 may terminate an application
executed
in the mini mode and control the display unit 132 to eliminate a mini mode
execution
screen and display a remainder as shown in FIG. 8[c].
[94] In the present invention, when terminating an application executed in
a mini mode,
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the controller 150 may control the display unit 132 to display an effect image
in which
a mini mode execution screen is reduced and converged to an execution icon of
a cor-
responding application. Further, selection of an application execution icon is
input
from the user, the controller 150 may control display of an effect image of a
form that
a mini mode execution screen of an application corresponding to the selected
ap-
plication execution icon is enlarged from an application execution icon.
[95] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of a screen on a mobile
terminal 100
displayed upon termination of an application according to an exemplary
embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a form that a mini mode execution
screen of
a world time application is reduced to a direction toward a world time
application
execution icon.
[96] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a full mode
change key may
be included in a mini mode execution screen. If the user selects a full mode
change
key, the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to change a mini mode
execution
screen to a full mode execution screen, and display the changed full mode
execution
screen.
[97] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a change form from a mini mode
execution screen to a
full mode execution screen.
[98] In FIG. 1014 a calculation application is displayed on a mini mode
execution screen,
and a full mode change key 10 is included in a mini mode execution screen. To
use the
calculator application as a full mode, the user inputs a full mode change key
10.
[99] FIG. 10[b] illustrates a screen changed when the user inputs a full
mode change key
in FIG. 10[a]. An application execution screen region in FIG. 10[b] is
configured by
a full mode execution screen of a calculator application.
[100] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mini mode
execution screen
and full mode execution screen for the same application may be displayed on a
single
screen. If the user selects an execution icon for the same application from an
ap-
plication execution icon region while executing a certain application in a
full mode, the
controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to display a mini mode execution
screen on
an upper layer of a full mode execution screen.
[101] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a format in which a mini mode
execution screen and a
full mode execution screen in the same application are displayed on one
screen. An ap-
plication execution screen region of FIG. 11 includes a full mode execution
screen and
a mini mode execution screen of a calculator application. A focus may be
changed
(swapped) between a full mode execution screen and a mini mode execution
screen.
The user may move the focus to selectively use the full mode execution screen
and a
mini mode execution screen. In other words. in FIG. 11, the user a calculator
ap-
plication of a mini mode execution screen and calculator application of a full
mode
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execution screen are different applications.
[102] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a method
for providing
GUI in a mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a processing
procedure
when an event occurs in an application executed in a full mode where a mini
mode
execution screen and a full mode execution screen are displayed.
[103] Referring now to FIG. 12, at (1201) a controller 150 controls a
display unit 132 to
display a focused mini mode execution screen and full mode execution screen.
The
controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to display a full mode execution
screen of a
first application, and display a mini mode execution screen of a second
application on
a full mode execution screen according to a user command. In this case, the
controller
150 controls the display unit 132 to display a focus on a mini mode execution
screen.
[104] At (1202), the controller 150 determines whether an event occurs in
an application
displayed on a full mode execution screen. When the application displayed on
the full
mode execution screen is an application associated with a time or schedules,
the event
may become an alarm. When the application displayed on the full mode execution
screen is a call application, the event may become a call destination event.
When the
application displayed on the full mode execution screen is a message
application, the
event may become a received alarm.
[105] When it is determined that the event occurs, at (1203) the controller
150 controls the
display unit 132 to display a pop-up window including an 'OK key' and a
'Cancel'
key. In the present invention, the 'OK key' is key for inputting a
confirmation
command such as Ok, confirm, done, or delete. In this case, the pop-up window
is
displayed on an upper layer of a mini mode execution screen.
[106] At (1204), the controller 150 determines whether an 'OK' key input is
signaled
through a touch sensor 131 or a key input unit 140 is signaled.
111071 when the controller determines that the 'OK' key is input, then at
(1205) the
controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to move and display a focus to a
full mode
execution screen. To select the 'OK key' by the user may be recognized as a
command
confirming or selecting the event, and the controller 150 focuses an
application of a
full mode execution screen generating the vent.
[108] If the 'OK key' is not selected at step 1204, then at (1206) the
controller 150 de-
termines whether a 'Cancel key' is input through the touch sensor 131 or the
key input
unit 140.
[109] If the controller determines that the 'cancel key' is input, then at
(1207) the controller
150 controls the display unit 132 to maintain a focus state of a mini mode
execution
screen. To select the 'cancel key' by the user may be accepted as a command
confirming an event later and preferentially using a currently focused mini
mode
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execution screen, and the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to
continuously
maintain a focus state of a mini mode execution screen.
[110] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an example of a screenshot of a mobile
terminal such as
displayed in the procedure of FIG. 12.
[111] FIG. 13[a] illustrates a full mode execution screen of a world time
application, a mini
mode execution screen of a calculator application, a pop-up window, and an
indicator
region. FIG. 13[a] illustrates a display state on which a focus is displayed
on a mini
mode execution screen of a current calculator application, and a pop-up window
in-
dicating an alarm event occurring in a world time application is displayed on
a
foreground of a mini mode execution screen. An 'OK key' and a 'Cancel key' are
included in the pop-up window.
[112] FIG. 13[b] illustrates a screen changed where the touchscreen senses
that a user
inputs an 'OK key' in FIG. 13[a]. The focus is moved and displayed to a full
mode
execution screen of a world time application. FIG. 13[c] illustrates a screen
changed
where the user inputs a 'Cancel key' in FIG. 13[a], and a focus state of a
mini mode
execution screen of a calculator application continuously maintains.
[113] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller
150 may control
the display unit 132 to display a plurality of mini mode execution screens on
an ap-
plication execution screen region. A plurality of mini mode execution screens
may be
displayed differently according to respective layers, and a focus may be
located at a
mini mode execution screen located at the uppermost layer. When the user
inputs an
execution command of another application in a displayed state of the mini mode
execution screen, the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to position
a mini
mode execution screen of an application to an execution command is input at
the
uppermost layer and to display a focus.
[114] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the user
inputs an
execution command of another application in a display state in which the mini
mode
execution screen is displayed, the controller 150 controls the display unit
132 to
eliminate a currently displayed mini mode execution screen and substitute and
display
a mini mode execution screen in which an execution command is input.
[115] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a format that a plurality of mini mode
execution screens
are displayed on an application execution screen region. In FIG. 14, a mini
mode
execution screen of a world time application is displayed on an uppermost
layer, a mini
mode execution screen of another application is located at a lower layer of a
mini
mode execution screen of a world time application. The user may input a focus
change
command of a mini mode execution screen through a flick operation of left and
right
directions or a touch operation to a mini mode execution screen.
[116] In FIG. 14, if the touchscreen senses touch that user inputs a drag
operation after
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touching a mini mode execution screen, the controller 150 controls the display
unit 132
to move and display all displayed mini mode execution screen according to a
touch
location movement.
[117] When the user inputs a flick operation of a left direction in FIG.
14, the controller
150 controls the display unit 132 to focus and display a mini mode execution
screen
located at a right side of a mini mode execution screen of a world time
application.
Further, when the user touches a mini mode execution screen located at a right
side of
the mini mode execution screen of a world time application, the controller 150
may
control the display unit 132 to focus and display the touched mini mode
execution
screen.
[118] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller
150 may
determine whether a touch location moving operation is input to a direction
toward the
indicator region after touching two points to a mini mode execution screen
through the
touch sensor 131. In this case, an input touch location moving operation is
preferably a
flick operation directly releasing a touch after a user touches two points and
moves a
touch location higher than preset speed. If the touchscreen senses a touch
input that is
determined by the controller to be a flick operation of touching two points,
the
controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to eliminate all of mini mode
execution
screens included in an application execution screen region and to display a
remainder.
In this case, the controller 150 continuously maintains an execution state of
an ap-
plication of a mini mode, and performs only a mini mode execution screen hide
function.
[119] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller
150 may
determine whether or not a touch location moving operation to a direction
toward an
indicator region after touching one point to a mini mode execution screen
through the
touch sensor 131. When the controller determines that the touch location
moving
operation is input, the controller 150 may terminate an application
corresponding to a
mini mode execution screen that the user touches.
[120] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mini mode
change key may
be included in a full mode execution screen. If input of a mini mode change
key is
recognized through the touch sensor 131, the controller 150 controls the
display unit
132 to change from a full mode execution screen to a mini mode execution
screen and
to display the changed mini mode execution screen. Further, an application
termination
key may be included in a full mode execution screen. In this case, the
controller 150
determines whether an application termination key is input greater than a
preset time.
If it is determined that the application termination key is input greater than
a preset
time, the controller 150 controls the display unit 132 to change from a full
mode
execution screen to a mini mode execution screen and to display the changed
mini
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mode execution screen. If the application terminal key is input less than the
preset time
through the touch sensor 131, the controller 150 terminates execution of an
application
and controls the display unit 132 to eliminate a full mode execution screen.
[121] If the user input a mini mode change key included in a full mode
execution screen in
a state that both of a full mode execution screen and a mini mode execution
screen are
displayed, the controller 150 controls the display unit to change from a full
mode
execution screen to a mini mode execution screen, and to eliminate display of
a
currently displayed mini mode execution screen or locate and display it at a
lower layer
of a newly created mini mode execution screen.
[122] FIGS. 15 and 16 are views illustrating conversion various forms of
display from a
full mode execution screen to a mini mode execution screen, respectively.
[123] FIG. 15[a] illustrates a full mode execution screen of a calendar
application, and a
form in which a touch is input to a mini mode change key. FIG. 15[b] is a
screen
changed from FIG. 15[a], and illustrates a form in which a calendar
application is
changed from a full mode execution screen to a mini mode execution screen.
[124] FIG. 16[a] illustrates a full mode execution screen of a calendar
application and a
mini mode execution screen of a music playback application, and a form in
which the
user inputs a touch to an application terminal for greater than a preset time.
FIG. 16[b]
is a screen changed from FIG. 16[a], and illustrates a form in which a
calendar ap-
plication is changed from a full mode execution screen to a mini mode
execution
screen, and a mini mode execution screen of a calendar application is located
at an
upper layer of a mini mode execution screen of a music playback application.
[125] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when using a
multi-tasking
function of the mobile terminal, the user may view execution screens of a
plurality of
applications, and input an operation command for a plurality of applications
on one
screen.
1261 In the present invention, when using a multi-tasking function of a
mobile terminal,
the user can view a plurality of application execution screens on one screen,
and input
an operating command for a plurality of applications on one screen. Because a
command such as application execution, termination, hide, conversion from a
mini
mode to a full mode through a simple touch operation, convenience for the user
may be
improved in using the multi-tasking function.
[127] In another example of the present invention, a mini mode tray is
called by flicking a
graphic cue region of an indicator region upward. After N seconds, the mini
mode tray
is automatically closed and an end button is tapped to close it. Upon
execution and ter-
mination, 3D effect in which a stick is turned is applied.
[128] Calling mini mode application
[129] The mini mode application can be called by tapping or dragging and
dropping icons
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of respective application in a tray.
[130] Termination of mini mode application
[131] The mini mode application can be dragged and dropped to a tray region
or a ter-
mination button of a title region is tapped to terminal the mini mode
application.
[132] Transition effect
[133] A mini mode application is executed to apply an effect in which a
tray is enlarged in
termination time.
11341 Execution of one application at one time
[135] One mini mode application is called at one time. When another mini
mode ap-
plication is executed while using a specific mini mode application, a
previously use
mini application is closed and a new mini application is executed.
[136] Association with full mode
[137] Moving method
[138] Mini mode title region Tap & move
11391 - Input field contents are first ones of Full mode
[140] Because full mode is more suitable to an input action, full mode is
regarded as input
intention and an input field is firstly applied in the full mode.
[141] - Operation according to selection of Softkey when pop-up occurs
[142] When a pop-up occurs in a background application while using a mini
mode ap-
plication, if Confirmation command (Ok, confirm, done, delete,...) is
selected, focus is
moved to a background application. When a cancel command (Cancel, No,...) is
selected, a focus is maintained in a mini mode application.
[143] - Background sound play
[144] An icon is displayed at an indicator region at a lower end in a
background sound play
situation (Music, call), and an icon is tapped to execute a mini mode
application.
[145] - Incoming call
11461 If an alarm occurs in an indicator region upon generation of a call,
and the call is
accepted, the mini mode is executed. While a user uses another mini mode
application,
a used application is closed and a call mini mode application is executed.
[147] Effect of the present invention
[148] The present invention allows a user to use a multi-tasking function
similar to uti-
lization of a PC in a mobile use environment.
[149] The above-described methods according to the present invention can be
implemented
in hardware, firmware or as software or computer code that can be stored in a
recording medium such as a CD ROM, an RAM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a
magneto-optical disk or computer code downloaded over a network originally
stored
on a remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine readable medium and
to be
stored on a local recording medium, so that the methods described herein can
be
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rendered in such software that is stored on the recording medium using a
general
purpose computer, or a special processor or in programmable or dedicated
hardware,
such as an ASIC or FPGA. As would be understood in the art, the computer, the
processor, microprocessor controller or the programmable hardware include
memory
components, e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash, thumbnail, etc. that may store or receive
software or computer code that when accessed and executed by the computer,
processor or hardware implement the processing methods described herein. In
addition,
it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for
im-
plementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms
the
general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the
processing
shown herein.
[1501 Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been
described in
detail hereinabove, it should be clearly understood that many variations and
modi-
fications of the basic inventive concepts herein taught which may appear to
those
skilled in the present art will still fall within the spirit and scope of the
present
invention, as defined in the appended claims.
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