WO2022080538A1 - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

This mobile terminal is characterized by comprising: a case; a display unit coupled to the case; a window covering the display unit; an optical sensor located on the rear surface of the display unit; and a control unit for assessing a user input on the basis of an optical signal sensed by the optical sensor. The display unit comprises: a display panel from which an image is output; a protective sheet located on the rear surface of the display panel; and an optical hole formed in the protective sheet, the optical hole being formed at a position corresponding to the optical sensor. Even when the display unit has been extended to the side, a user input unit can be disposed on the side surface. Thus, a large screen can be achieved while maintaining the performance of the mobile terminal.

Description

mobile terminal

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a side user input unit having excellent sensitivity in a mobile terminal including a display unit extending to the side surface.

The terminal may be divided into a mobile/portable terminal and a stationary terminal according to whether the terminal can be moved. Again, the mobile terminal can be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether the user can directly carry it.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversifying. For example, there are functions for data and voice communication, photo and video shooting through a camera, voice recording, music file playback through a speaker system, and output of images or videos to the display unit. Some terminals add an electronic game play function or perform a multimedia player function. In particular, recent mobile terminals can receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcast and video or television programs.

As such terminals are diversified in functions, for example, in the form of a multimedia device (Multimedia player) equipped with complex functions such as taking pictures or videos, playing music or video files, playing games, and receiving broadcasts. is being implemented.

As the multimedia function of the mobile terminal is strengthened, the area occupied by the display unit is gradually increasing. Recently, as a flexible display unit capable of bending and deformation can be mounted on a mobile terminal, the display unit can be extended not only on the front side but also on the side surface of the mobile terminal. When the display unit extends to the side to form a curved surface, it is possible to implement a display unit that is visually wider than the actual extended length.

However, there is a problem in that the user input unit located in the lateral direction overlaps with the display unit extending in the lateral direction, so that it is difficult to implement the user input unit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal including a user input unit that can be disposed to overlap with a display unit extending to the side.

case; a display unit coupled to the case; a window covering the display unit; an optical sensor positioned on the rear surface of the display unit; and a control unit for determining a user input based on the optical signal sensed by the optical sensor, wherein the display unit includes: a display panel on which an image is output; a protective sheet positioned on the rear surface of the display panel; and an optical hole formed in a position corresponding to the optical sensor of the protective sheet.

The display unit may include a front part positioned on the front side of the case and a side part positioned on a side surface of the case, the optical sensor is positioned on the rear surface of the side part, and the optical hole is formed in the side part.

The case may include a seating groove in which the optical sensor is mounted, and the optical sensor may be positioned between the display unit and the case.

It may further include a frame hole formed in the case, an outer side of the frame hole is connected to the optical hole, and the optical sensor is located inside the frame hole.

The optical sensor includes: a light emitting unit for emitting an optical signal; a light receiving unit configured to receive the optical signal, wherein the light receiving unit includes a first light receiving unit and a second light receiving unit, wherein the control unit includes a user based on a change in magnitude of the optical signal received by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit. input can be judged.

It may further include a barrier rib positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

It may further include a lens unit positioned on the emitting surface of the light emitting unit and the receiving surface of the light receiving unit.

The optical hole may include a first hole positioned in the light emitting unit; and a second hole positioned in the light receiving unit.

The first light receiving unit is disposed closer to the light emitting unit than the second light receiving unit, and the control unit is a ratio of the magnitude of the first optical signal received by the first light receiving unit to the magnitude of the second optical signal received by the second light receiving unit. The user input may be determined based on the phosphor optical signal ratio.

The magnitudes of the first optical signal and the second optical signal increase as the object reflecting the optical signal of the light emitting unit is adjacent to each other, and when they are located within an ultra-close distance, the magnitude decreases, and the optical signal ratio is within the ultra-close distance. can have a maximum value.

When the optical signal ratio exceeds a first threshold value, the controller recognizes the user input, and when the optical signal ratio is less than the second threshold value, it can recognize that the user input is released.

The first threshold value may be greater than the second threshold value.

When the magnitude of the first optical signal reaches a third threshold value, an icon corresponding to the user input is output to the display unit, and the third threshold value is the first optical signal ratio when the optical signal ratio reaches the first threshold value. It may be smaller than the size of the optical signal.

The controller may remove the icon output to the display unit when the optical signal ratio is less than the second threshold value.

A haptic module for providing vibration to the case may be further included, and when the user input is sensed, the controller may control the haptic module to provide vibration to the user.

The display unit may further include a touch sensor sensing a touch input, and the control unit may detect the touch input and detect as a user input when the optical signal detected by the optical sensor exceeds a threshold value.

The control unit may not determine the optical signal detected by the optical sensor as a user input when the touch sensor simultaneously senses a touch input at a position corresponding to the optical sensor and at a position other than that.

The mobile terminal of the present invention can provide a wider screen by extending the display unit in the lateral direction.

Even when the display unit extends to the side, the user input unit can be arranged on the side, so that the performance of the mobile terminal can be maintained and a large screen can be implemented.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as the preferred embodiments of the present invention are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

2 and 3 are perspective views viewed from the front and rear of the mobile terminal according to the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a force sensor and an ultrasonic sensor.

5 is a side cross-sectional view of a mobile terminal on which an optical sensor is mounted.

6 is a view showing various embodiments of the optical sensor.

7 and 8 are views showing an embodiment of a protective sheet of the display unit positioned on the front of the optical sensor.

9 is a diagram illustrating optical signal strength of a first light receiving unit and a second light receiving unit of an optical sensor.

10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a path of an optical signal when an object is adjacent.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting a user input using an optical sensor.

12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating a method of implementing a user input unit using an optical sensor.

14 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen related to a user input.

15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating an expandable terminal having an optical sensor.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar components are assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including an ordinal number such as 1st, 2nd, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in between. it should be On the other hand, when it is said that a certain element is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that the other element does not exist in the middle.

The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, terms such as “comprises” or “have” are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110 , an input unit 120 , a sensing unit 140 , an output unit 150 , an interface unit 160 , a memory 170 , a control unit 180 , and a power supply unit 190 . ) and the like. The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential for implementing the mobile terminal, so the mobile terminal described in this specification may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, among the components, the wireless communication unit 110 is between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between them. In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast reception module 111 , a mobile communication module 112 , a wireless Internet module 113 , a short-range communication module 114 , and a location information module 115 . .

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110 , the broadcast reception module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more of the broadcast reception modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching for at least two broadcast channels.

Mobile communication module 112, the technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (CDMA2000), EV -Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (DO), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced, etc.) transmits and receives a radio signal to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to.

The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission/reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text/multimedia message.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built-in or external to the mobile terminal 100 . The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

As wireless Internet technology, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), etc., and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology within a range including Internet technologies not listed above.

From the point of view that wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc. is made through a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network. ) may be understood as a type of the mobile communication module 112 .

Short-range communication module 114 is for short-range communication, Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), infrared communication (Infrared Data Association; IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC At least one of (Near Field Communication), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies may be used to support short-range communication. The short-distance communication module 114 is, between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or the mobile terminal 100 through wireless area networks (Wireless Area Networks). ) and another mobile terminal (100, or an external server) can support wireless communication between the network located. The local area network may be local area networks (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, if the mobile terminal utilizes a GPS module, it can acquire the location of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite. As another example, if the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the location of the mobile terminal may be obtained based on information of the Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function of the other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data on the location of the mobile terminal as a substitute or additionally. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting an image signal, a microphone 122 or an audio input unit for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example, , a touch key, a push key, etc.). The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command.

The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a shooting mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170 . On the other hand, the plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the cameras 121 forming the matrix structure as described above, various angles or focal points are applied to the mobile terminal 100 . A plurality of image information with can be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to acquire a left image and a right image for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes an external sound signal as electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be utilized in various ways according to a function (or an application program being executed) being performed by the mobile terminal 100 . Meanwhile, various noise removal algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal may be implemented in the microphone 122 .

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from the user, and when information is input through the user input unit 123 , the controller 180 may control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . Such a user input unit 123 is a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch (dome switch), a jog wheel, jog switch, etc.) and a touch input means. As an example, the touch input means consists of a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, or a part other than the touch screen. It may be made of a touch key (touch key) disposed on the. On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key, it is possible to be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, graphic (graphic), text (text), icon (icon), video (video) or these can be made by a combination of

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, an illumination sensor, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity. Sensor (G-sensor), gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor: infrared sensor), fingerprint recognition sensor (finger scan sensor), ultrasonic sensor , optical sensors (eg, cameras (see 121)), microphones (see 122), battery gauges, environmental sensors (eg, barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, radiation detection sensors, It may include at least one of a thermal sensor, a gas sensor, etc.) and a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating an output related to visual, auditory or tactile sense, and includes at least one of a display unit 151 , a sound output unit 152 , a haptip module 153 , and an optical output unit 154 . can do. The display unit 151 may implement a touch screen by forming a layer structure with the touch sensor or being integrally formed. Such a touch screen may function as the user input unit 123 providing an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user, and may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user.

The sound output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output unit 152 also outputs a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100 . The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 153 may be controlled by a user's selection or setting of the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or output them sequentially.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event by using the light of the light source of the mobile terminal 100 . Examples of the event occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may be message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage with various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100 . The interface unit 160 connects a device equipped with a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, and an earphone port. In response to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160 , the mobile terminal 100 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100 . The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs (or applications) driven in the mobile terminal 100 , data for operation of the mobile terminal 100 , and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for basic functions (eg, incoming calls, outgoing functions, message reception, and outgoing functions) of the mobile terminal 100 . Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170 , installed on the mobile terminal 100 , and driven to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal by the controller 180 .

In addition to the operation related to the application program, the controller 180 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 . The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170 .

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components discussed with reference to FIG. 1 in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170 . Furthermore, in order to drive the application program, the controller 180 may operate at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 in combination with each other.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the control unit 180 to supply power to each component included in the mobile terminal 100 . The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the respective components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. Also, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170 .

Hereinafter, before looking at various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal 100 as described above, the above-listed components will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1 .

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110 , the broadcast reception module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more of the broadcast reception modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching for at least two broadcast channels.

Mobile communication module 112, the technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (CDMA2000), EV -Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (DO), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced, etc.) transmits and receives a radio signal to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to.

The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission/reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text/multimedia message.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built-in or external to the mobile terminal 100 . The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

As wireless Internet technology, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), etc., and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology within a range including Internet technologies not listed above.

From the point of view that wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc. is made through a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network. ) may be understood as a type of the mobile communication module 112 .

Short-range communication module 114 is for short-range communication, Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), infrared communication (Infrared Data Association; IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC At least one of (Near Field Communication), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies may be used to support short-range communication. The short-distance communication module 114 is, between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or the mobile terminal 100 through wireless area networks (Wireless Area Networks). ) and another mobile terminal (100, or an external server) can support wireless communication between the network located. The local area network may be local area networks (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 is a wearable device capable of exchanging (or interworking) data with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, for example, a smart watch, smart glasses. (smart glass) or HMD (head mounted display)). The short-range communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 100 in the vicinity of the mobile terminal 100 . Furthermore, when the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 transmits at least a portion of data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the short-range communication module ( 114) to transmit to the wearable device. Accordingly, the user of the wearable device may use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, the user performs a phone call through the wearable device, or when a message is received in the mobile terminal 100, the user receives the received call through the wearable device. It is possible to check the message.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, if the mobile terminal utilizes a GPS module, it can acquire the location of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite. As another example, if the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the location of the mobile terminal may be obtained based on information of the Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function of the other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data on the location of the mobile terminal as a substitute or additionally. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for input of image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For input of image information, the mobile terminal 100 has one Alternatively, a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a shooting mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170 . On the other hand, the plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the cameras 121 forming the matrix structure as described above, various angles or focal points are applied to the mobile terminal 100 . A plurality of image information with can be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to acquire a left image and a right image for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes an external sound signal as electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be utilized in various ways according to a function (or an application program being executed) being performed by the mobile terminal 100 . Meanwhile, various noise removal algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal may be implemented in the microphone 122 .

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from the user, and when information is input through the user input unit 123 , the controller 180 may control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . Such a user input unit 123 is a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch (dome switch), a jog wheel, jog switch, etc.) and a touch input means. As an example, the touch input means consists of a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, or a part other than the touch screen. It may be made of a touch key (touch key) disposed on the. On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key, it is possible to be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, graphic (graphic), text (text), icon (icon), video (video) or these can be made by a combination of

On the other hand, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding thereto. The controller 180 may control the driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 or perform data processing, function, or operation related to an application program installed in the mobile terminal 100 based on the sensing signal. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing in the vicinity without mechanical contact using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen described above or near the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the proximity sensor 141 may be configured to detect the proximity of an object having conductivity by a change in an electric field according to the proximity of the object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of description, the act of approaching an object on the touch screen without contacting it so that the object is recognized that it is located on the touch screen is called “proximity touch”, and the touch The act of actually touching an object on the screen is called "contact touch". The position where the object is touched in proximity on the touch screen means a position where the object is perpendicular to the touch screen when the object is touched in proximity. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (eg, proximity touch distance, proximity touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch time, proximity touch position, proximity touch movement state, etc.) there is. Meanwhile, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern sensed through the proximity sensor 141 as described above, and further, provides visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be printed on the touch screen. Furthermore, the controller 180 may control the mobile terminal 100 to process different operations or data (or information) according to whether a touch to the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a contact touch. .

The touch sensor receives a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 151) using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method. detect

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific part of the touch screen or a change in capacitance occurring in a specific part of the touch screen into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area, a pressure at the time of touch, an electrostatic capacitance at the time of touch, etc. in which a touch object applying a touch on the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, or a pointer.

As such, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, a signal(s) corresponding thereto is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transmits corresponding data to the controller 180 . Accordingly, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 has been touched, and the like. Here, the touch controller may be a component separate from the controller 180 , or may be the controller 180 itself.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may perform different controls or may perform the same control according to the type of the touch object that touches the touch screen (or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen). Whether to perform different control or the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to the current operating state of the mobile terminal 100 or a running application program.

On the other hand, the above-described touch sensor and proximity sensor independently or in combination, a short (or tap) touch on the touch screen (short touch), long touch (long touch), multi touch (multi touch), drag touch (drag touch) ), flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swype touch, hovering touch, etc. It can sense touch.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize position information of a sensing target by using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the controller 180 may calculate the position of the wave source through information sensed by the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The position of the wave source may be calculated using the property that light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, that is, the time at which light arrives at the optical sensor is much faster than the time at which ultrasonic waves reach the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave source may be calculated using a time difference from the time that the ultrasonic wave arrives using light as a reference signal.

On the other hand, the camera 121 as seen in the configuration of the input unit 120 includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to detect a touch of a sensing target for a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be stacked on the display device, and the photo sensor is configured to scan the motion of the sensing target close to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor mounts photo diodes and transistors (TRs) in rows/columns and scans the contents placed on the photo sensors using electrical signals that change according to the amount of light applied to the photo diodes. That is, the photo sensor calculates the coordinates of the sensing target according to the amount of change in light, and through this, location information of the sensing target can be obtained.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100 . For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100 or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information. .

Also, the display unit 151 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit for displaying a stereoscopic image.

A three-dimensional display method such as a stereoscopic method (glasses method), an auto stereoscopic method (glassesless method), or a projection method (holographic method) may be applied to the stereoscopic display unit.

The sound output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output unit 152 also outputs a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100 . The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module 153 may be controlled by a user's selection or setting of the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or output them sequentially.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 is configured to respond to stimuli such as a pin arrangement that moves vertically with respect to the contact skin surface, a jet force or suction force of air through a nozzle or an inlet, rubbing against the skin surface, contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, etc. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as the effect of heat absorption and the effect of reproducing a feeling of coolness and warmth using an element capable of absorbing heat or generating heat.

The haptic module 153 may not only deliver a tactile effect through direct contact, but may also be implemented so that the user can feel the tactile effect through a muscle sense such as a finger or arm. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to the configuration of the mobile terminal 100 .

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event by using the light of the light source of the mobile terminal 100 . Examples of the event occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may be message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like.

The signal output from the optical output unit 154 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits light of a single color or a plurality of colors toward the front or rear. The signal output may be terminated when the mobile terminal detects the user's event confirmation.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100 . The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device, receives power and transmits it to each component inside the mobile terminal 100 , or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module (port), an audio I/O (Input/Output) port, a video I/O (Input/Output) port, an earphone port, etc. may be included in the interface unit 160 .

On the other hand, the identification module is a chip storing various types of information for authenticating the use authority of the mobile terminal 100, a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (subscriber identity module; SIM), universal user authentication It may include a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) and the like. A device equipped with an identification module (hereinafter, 'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160 .

In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 160 becomes a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or is input from the cradle by a user. Various command signals may be a path through which the mobile terminal 100 is transmitted. Various command signals or the power input from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 , and may temporarily store input/output data (eg, a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 170 may store data related to vibrations and sounds of various patterns output when a touch input on the touch screen is input.

Memory 170 is a flash memory type (flash memory type), hard disk type (hard disk type), SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SDD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type (multimedia card micro type) ), card-type memory (such as SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read (EEPROM) -only memory), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk may include at least one type of storage medium. The mobile terminal 100 may be operated in relation to a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 170 on the Internet.

Meanwhile, as described above, the controller 180 controls the operation related to the application program and the general operation of the mobile terminal 100 in general. For example, if the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute or release a lock state restricting input of a user's control command to applications.

In addition, the controller 180 performs control and processing related to voice calls, data communication, video calls, etc., or performs pattern recognition processing capable of recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively. can Furthermore, in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may control one or a combination of any one or a plurality of the components described above.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the control unit 180 to supply power required for operation of each component. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery configured to be rechargeable, and may be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging or the like.

In addition, the power supply unit 190 may include a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of the interface 160 to which an external charger that supplies power for charging the battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured to charge the battery in a wireless manner without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 uses one or more of an inductive coupling method based on a magnetic induction phenomenon or a resonance coupling method based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon from an external wireless power transmitter. power can be transmitted.

Meanwhile, various embodiments below may be implemented in a computer-readable recording medium using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

2 and 3 , the disclosed mobile terminal 100 has a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to various structures such as a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, a swivel type, a foldable type, and a rollable type in which two or more bodies are coupled to be relatively movable. Although it will relate to a particular type of mobile terminal, descriptions regarding a particular type of mobile terminal are generally applicable to other types of mobile terminals.

Here, the terminal body may be understood as a concept referring to the mobile terminal 100 as at least one aggregate.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (eg, a frame, a housing, a cover, etc.) forming an exterior. Various components are mounted inside the cases 104 and 105 , and the display unit 151 is disposed on the front side of the case to output information. The display unit 151 may be located on a part of the front surface of the body of the mobile terminal 100 and cover the entire front surface or the display unit is located. It can extend to the sides.

The display unit 151 may include a front-facing front part and a side-facing side part, and the side part is formed only on both sides in one direction of the mobile terminal and is located on both sides of the mobile terminal in the left and right direction as shown in FIG. can The front part and the side part of the display unit may be connected to form a curved surface.

The window 151a may cover the display unit 151 and form the exterior of the mobile terminal 100 . The window 151a may be located up to the side of the mobile terminal so as to cover the entire display unit 151 , and the window 151a may be positioned to cover both the front side of the display unit 151 and side portions located on both sides of the display unit 151 . It may have a bent shape corresponding to the shape. The window 151a may include a curved surface corresponding to the continuous curved surface of the front and side portions of the display unit 151 .

Some cases 104 and 105 not covered by the window 151a may be exposed to the outside to form an exterior together with the window 151a. It may further include a rear cover forming a rear exterior, the rear cover 105 may include a glass material like the window (151a). The rear cover 105 also forms a curved surface to form a curved surface like the front window 151a, and may extend in the lateral direction.

A battery, a main board, a sound output unit 152 , a camera 121 and the like may be disposed inside the case, and the camera 121a and the proximity sensor 141 may be exposed in the front direction. On the other hand, the rear cover 105 may be provided with an opening for exposing the camera (121b) or the sound output unit (152b) to the outside. A camera window covering the opening may be included.

These cases 104 and 105 may be formed by injection of synthetic resin or may be formed of metal, for example, stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

Unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an internal space for accommodating various electronic components, the mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the internal space. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 of a uni-body in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the rear can be implemented. Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit (not shown) that prevents water from permeating into the terminal body.

Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the display unit 151, the first sound output unit 152a, the proximity sensor 141, the illuminance sensor 142, and the light output unit ( 154), the first camera 121a and the first operation unit 123a are disposed, the second operation unit 123b, the microphone 122 and the interface unit 160 are disposed on the side of the terminal body, the terminal body The mobile terminal 100 in which the second sound output unit 152b and the second camera 121b are disposed on the rear side of the device will be described as an example.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These components may be excluded or replaced as necessary, or may be disposed on different sides. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side surface of the terminal body instead of the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100 . For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100 or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information. .

The display unit 151 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display (Flexible Display). display), a three-dimensional display (3D display), and an electronic ink display (e-ink display) may include at least one.

In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist according to an implementation form of the mobile terminal 100 . In this case, in the mobile terminal 100 , a plurality of display units may be spaced apart on one surface or disposed integrally, or may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor for sensing a touch on the display unit 151 so as to receive a control command input by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made on the display unit 151 , the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 180 may generate a control command corresponding to the touch based thereon. The content input by the touch method may be letters or numbers, or menu items that can be instructed or designated in various modes.

On the other hand, the touch sensor is configured in the form of a film having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or a metal wire patterned directly on the rear surface of the window 151a. may be Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or provided inside the display.

As such, the display unit 151 may form a touch screen together with the touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may function as the user input unit 123 (refer to FIG. 1 ). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a.

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver that transmits a call sound to the user's ear, and the second sound output unit 152b is a loudspeaker that outputs various alarm sounds or multimedia reproduction sounds. ) can be implemented in the form of

A sound hole for emitting sound generated from the first sound output unit 152a may be formed in the window 151a of the display unit 151 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between structures (eg, a gap between the window 151a and the case location). In this case, the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 may be simplified because the hole formed independently for sound output is not visible or hidden.

The light output unit 154 is configured to output light to notify the occurrence of an event. Examples of the event include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, and information reception through an application. When the user's event confirmation is detected, the controller 180 may control the light output unit 154 to end the light output.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 and stored in the memory 170 .

The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b are an example of the user input unit 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion. there is. The first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be employed in any manner as long as they are operated in a tactile manner such as touch, push, scroll, and the like while the user receives a tactile feeling. In addition, the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be operated in a manner in which the user is operated without a tactile feeling through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, or the like.

In this drawing, the first operation unit 123a is exemplified as a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a push key (mechanical key) or may be configured as a combination of a touch key and a push key.

The contents input by the first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives commands such as menu, home key, cancel, search, etc., and the second operation unit 123b is output from the first or second sound output units 152a and 152b. It is possible to receive a command such as adjusting the volume of the sound and switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 .

Meanwhile, as another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit 123c may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rear input unit is manipulated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 , and input contents may be variously set. For example, a command such as power on/off, start, end, scroll, etc., control of the sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, and a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 You can receive commands such as switching of The rear input unit may be implemented in a form capable of input by a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the display unit 151 on the front side in the thickness direction of the terminal body. For example, the rear input unit may be disposed on the upper rear portion of the terminal body so that the user can easily manipulate the terminal body using the index finger when holding the terminal body with one hand. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.

As such, when the rear input unit is provided on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new type of user interface using the same can be implemented. In addition, when the aforementioned touch screen or rear input unit replaces at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front surface of the terminal body, the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front surface of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured with a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing a user's fingerprint, and the controller 180 may use fingerprint information detected through the fingerprint recognition sensor as an authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be built in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123 .

The microphone 122 is configured to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be provided at a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 is a connection terminal for connection with another device (eg, earphone, external speaker), a port for short-distance communication (eg, infrared port (IrDA Port), Bluetooth port (Bluetooth) Port), a wireless LAN port, etc.], or at least one of a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100 . The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket accommodating an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM), a user identity module (UIM), or a memory card for information storage.

A second camera 121b may be disposed on the rear side of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix form. Such a camera may be referred to as an 'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, images may be captured in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and images of better quality may be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121b.

A second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed on the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a, and may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be provided in the terminal body. The antenna may be built into the terminal body or formed in the case. For example, the antenna forming a part of the broadcast reception module 111 (refer to FIG. 1 ) may be configured to be withdrawable from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in a film type and attached to the inner surface of the rear cover, and a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.

A power supply unit 190 (refer to FIG. 1 ) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100 is provided in the terminal body. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery built into the terminal body or detachably configured from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160 . In addition, the battery may be configured to be able to be charged wirelessly through a wireless charging device. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

An accessory for protecting the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 or supporting or extending a function of the mobile terminal 100 may be added. As an example of such an accessory, there may be a cover or a pouch that covers or accommodates at least one surface of the mobile terminal 100 . The cover or pouch may be configured to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100 by interworking with the display unit 151 . As another example of the accessory, there may be a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the mobile terminal 100 including the display unit 151 extending to the side of the mobile terminal 100 is a physical button type user input disposed on the side of the conventional mobile terminal 100 . There is not enough space to place wealth.

Since antennas are disposed in the upper and lower portions of the mobile terminal 100 , antenna performance deteriorates when the user input unit is disposed, and when the user holds the mobile terminal 100 , when considering the placement of the hand, the mobile terminal 100 moves rather than the upper or lower portion It is advantageous in terms of usability to arrange the user input unit 123 on the side of the terminal.

In order to arrange the user input unit in the lateral direction of the mobile terminal 100 , the side surface of the display unit 151 bent in the lateral direction of the mobile terminal 100 and the user input unit should be overlapped.

The user input unit overlapped with the display unit 151 is formed with a hole in the side case 104 like a dome switch as in the prior art so that the position varies according to physical pressure and it is difficult to implement a form that generates a signal.

As a first method, a touch sensor located on the side part may be used. However, the touch sensor can be recognized as a user input when the user's hand touches the user's hand in the process of gripping the mobile terminal 100, and comes in contact with the user's body when put in a pocket, and can be detected as a user input. , it may operate contrary to the user's intention.

Alternatively, a user input unit may be implemented using a force sensor. The force sensor, also called a force touch, is characterized in that it operates by recognizing a pressing force. As a sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to a minute mechanical change, it can detect changes of several um to tens of um on the attached surface. Since the force sensor does not need to be directly exposed to the outside, it may be positioned on the inner surface of the display unit 151 .

Figure 4 (a) is a force sensor including a strain gauge (strain gauge). A device including a metallic material is included, and when the device receives a force, it is stretched or contracted and the cross-sectional area is changed. Since the resistance value changes when the length and cross-sectional size of the device change, when the user presses the force sensor, the shape of the device changes and the user input can be recognized through the change in the resistance of the device.

Figure 4 (b) is a force sensor implemented using the induced current principle. When the distance between the metal layer and the sensing coil is changed, an eddy current is generated and a current flows through the sensing coil, and the pressure can be sensed through the change in the current.

The force sensor includes a base substrate and a sensing coil, is attached to the sensor seating portion, and is disposed to form a predetermined gap with the display unit 151 . A force sensor including a sensing coil may recognize a user input by using the principle that an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil when the distance between the metallic material and the sensing coil changes.

FIG. 4C includes a transmitter that emits ultrasonic waves to a user input unit using ultrasonic waves and a receiver that senses when the user's hand approaches the emitted ultrasonic waves.

However, when the display unit 151 and the overlapping arrangement, the user's input (pressure) is transmitted through the window 151a and the display unit 151 composed of a plurality of layered structures, it is difficult to accurately sense the input. Since ultrasound also has high accuracy for a single medium, it is difficult to detect an accurate input when overlapping the display unit 151 .

The force sensor detects a minute change in the side member when the user presses the side of the mobile terminal 100 . However, since the side surface of the mobile terminal 100 is formed of continuous members in the vertical direction, the user input units using the force sensor must be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. That is, the user input unit using the force sensor inevitably becomes longer in length.

In the present invention, in order to overcome the limitation of the structure overlapping the display unit 151 , the optical sensor 200 may be used instead of the force sensor and the ultrasonic sensor to implement the user input unit overlapping the display unit 151 . Hereinafter, the description will be made based on the optical sensor 200 overlapping the side portion positioned in the lateral direction of the mobile terminal 100 , but the optical sensor 200 may be disposed overlapping the front portion of the display unit 151 .

5 is a cross-sectional side view of the mobile terminal 100 on which the optical sensor 200 is mounted, and FIG. 6 is a view showing various embodiments of the optical sensor 200 . Recently, the display unit 151 may use an organic light emitting diode that emits light by itself. In the organic light emitting diode, a backlight unit is omitted, so that the display panel 1511 itself is made of a transparent material that allows light to pass therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the optical sensor 200 of the present invention may be disposed in the rear direction of the display unit 151 to face the lateral direction of the mobile terminal 100 . As shown in FIG. 5A , the display unit 151 may be positioned directly on the rear side thereof, and the inner case 106 positioned on the rear surface of the display unit 151 may be optically positioned so that a protrusion does not occur on the display unit 151 . A groove in which the sensor 200 can be seated may be formed.

The optical sensor 200 may be disposed inside the inner case 106 as shown in FIG. 5B . Since the optical sensor 200 uses light, a case hole may be formed in the inner case 106 through which light cannot pass, and the optical sensor 200 may be disposed inside the inner case 106 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the optical sensor 200 of the present invention includes a light emitting unit 201 from which light (optical signal) is emitted, and light receiving units 2021 and 2022 for detecting an optical signal reflected from a nearby object. The light receiving units 2021 and 2022 may include a plurality of light receiving units 2021 and 2022 as shown in FIG. 6 , and each of the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 may be disposed at different distances from the light emitting unit 201 . When there are a plurality of light receiving units 2021 and 2022, the intensity of an optical signal received varies according to a distance from the light emitting unit 201, so that the distance to a nearby object can be more accurately detected.

It may further include a lens cover 204 that covers the light emitting unit 201 and the light receiving unit 2021. The lens cover 204 collects and transmits the emitted optical signal Tx in the direction of a nearby object while protecting the light emitting unit 201 and the light receiving units 2021 and 2022, and transmits the reflected optical signal Rx to the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 ) are collected. The lens cover 204 is made of a light-transmitting material and may include a curved surface to collect optical signals.

The optical signal Tx emitted from the light emitting unit 201 may be reflected without passing through the lens cover 204 and the display panel 1511 depending on the angle and transmitted to the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 . The bypassed optical signal may be mixed with the optical signal reflected from a nearby object, and an error may occur in detecting a user input. In order to prevent an optical signal not reflected by a nearby object from being incident on the light receiving units 2021 and 2022, a structure for separating the light emitting unit 201 and the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 is required.

When the lens cover 204 is separated between the light emitting unit 201 and the light receiving unit 2021 and 2022 as shown in FIG. 2022) can be prevented. Alternatively, as shown in (c) of FIG. 6 , the barrier rib 205 may be further included between the light emitting unit 201 and the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 made of a material through which light does not pass.

7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the protective layer 1512 of the display unit 151 positioned on the front of the optical sensor 200 . Although the display panel 1511 itself is transparent, it may further include a protective layer 1512 for protecting the organic light emitting diode or the like on the rear surface. The protective layer 1512 may include a metal material such as copper. In order for light emitted from the optical sensor 200 to pass through, the protective layer 1512 may be partially omitted to form an optical hole 1512h. there is.

As shown in FIG. 7 , both the light of the light emitting unit 201 and the light of the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 may pass through one optical hole 1512h. The size of the optical hole 1512h and the thickness of the display unit 151 may vary depending on the distance from the optical sensor 200 to the display surface. When the distance between the display unit 151 and the optical sensor 200 is separated, the optical signal of the light emitting unit 201 may be directly incident to the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 through the spaced apart space. To prevent this, the barrier rib 205 positioned between the light emitting unit 201 and the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 may extend to the rear surface of the display unit 151 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , in the optical hole 1512h formed in the protective layer 1512 , the light emitting unit 201 and the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 may be separated. The divided optical hole 1512h may block the optical signal emitted from the light emitting unit 201 from being reflected on the display unit or transmitted along the plane of the display unit and incident on the light receiving units 2021 and 2022. The distance between the first optical hole 1512a of the light emitting unit 201 and the second optical hole 1512b of the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 and the size of the first optical hole 1512a and the second optical hole 1512b By adjusting the sensitivity of the optical sensor 200 can be adjusted.

9 is a diagram illustrating the intensity of the first optical signal Rx1 of the first light receiving unit 2021 of the optical sensor 200 and the second optical signal Rx2 of the second light receiving unit 2022 of the optical sensor 200 . Since the first light receiving unit 2021 is disposed closer to the light emitting unit 201 than the second light receiving unit 2022 , the size of the first optical signal Rx1 received by the first light receiving unit 2021 is larger.

As a graph showing the intensity of the optical signals Rx1 and Rx2 detected by the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 according to the distance between the proximity object, that is, the user's hand and the optical sensor 200, the closer the distance, the closer the optical signal Rx1 , Rx2) gradually increases. However, if the distance is within 0.5 cm, the intensity of the optical signal decreases rapidly, and this section is called a dead zone. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an optical region and a dead region. When an object is located at a position where the optical area (FOV1: Field of View 1) from which the optical signal of the light emitting unit 201 is emitted and the optical areas (FOV2, FOV2) detectable by the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 overlap each other, the light emitting unit The optical signal emitted from 201 is reflected by the object and is incident on the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 .

Since the optical area FOV2 of the first light receiving unit 2021 close to the light emitting unit 201 overlaps the optical area FOV1 of the light emitting unit 201 than the optical area FOV3 of the second light receiving unit 2022 is wider. More optical signals can be received. Since the probability that the reflected optical signal arrives at the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 increases as it approaches closer, the size of the optical signal detected by the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 may increase.

However, when an object approaches the optical sensor 200 , an area in which the optical area of the light emitting unit 201 and the optical area of the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 does not overlap may occur. This area becomes a dead zone (hatched area in FIG. 10). The dead area may be wider when light is blocked by a partition 205 between the light emitting unit 201 and the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 or an area other than the optical hole 1512h formed in the protective layer 1512 of the display unit. there is.

When an object is located in the dead area, the intensity of the optical signal received by the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 is abruptly decreased. In the dead area, even if the optical area of the light emitting unit 201 and the optical area of the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 do not overlap, they are reflected by the user's hand and the display unit 151 or the window glass to reach the light receiving units 2021 and 2022, The optical signal received by the light receiving units 2021 and 2022 may be minutely detected.

When the object reaches the dead area, the size of the optical signal is greatly reduced. Therefore, only the size of the first optical signal (Rx1) and the size of the second optical signal (Rx2) can be used to determine whether the distance of the object has reached the dead area or is farther away. it's difficult. In order to solve this problem, it is easy to grasp the distance of the object by using the ratio (optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio)) of the optical signals received by the two light receiving units 2021 and 2022.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the ratio between the magnitude of the first optical signal Rx1 received by the first light receiving unit 2021 and the magnitude of the second optical signal Rx2 received by the second light receiving unit 2022 is in the case where the object is far away. The closer it gets, the smaller it gets, and the closer the object gets to 1 cm or less, the bigger it gets.

Even when entering the dead area, the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) increases rapidly. In this case, as the object approaches, some of the optical signals reflected by the object include the re-reflection optical signal reflected by the display unit 151 or the window glass and then reflected back to the object. Since the re-reflection optical signal increases to a greater proportion in the first light receiving unit 2021 adjacent to the light emitting unit than in the second light receiving unit 2022, the optical signal ratio in the oblique region increases rapidly.

Accordingly, the optical signal ratio Rx Ratio of the first light receiving unit 2021 and the second light receiving unit 2022 increases as the object approaches. When the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) becomes larger than a certain size, it can be detected as a user input.

The user's hand is not detected as a user input simply by touching the surface of the display unit 151 , but is detected as a user input only when the user applies a force to press the surface of the display unit 151 . When the user removes the force and releases his or her hand from the surface of the display unit 151 , it may be determined that the user input has been released.

At this time, the first threshold for recognizing the user input (1 ^st Threshold) and the second threshold for canceling the user input (2 ^nd Threshold) may be set to be the same, but may be set differently as shown in FIG. 9 . In order to distinguish it from the touch input, when the user's hand is pressed with a greater force than when the user's hand touches the surface of the display unit 151 during the touch input, the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) becomes larger and when the first threshold value is exceeded, the control unit ( 180 may be determined as a user input through the optical sensor 200 .

11 is a diagram illustrating a method of implementing a user input unit using the optical sensor 200 . As shown in (a) of FIG. 11 , before the user presses the user input unit (just before touching the display unit), a guide for a user input that can be input from the optical sensor 200 may be output to the display unit 151 . Just before the user makes a touch input, a translucent icon is output to the display unit 151, and an icon indicating a corresponding function, such as a volume control function or screen brightness control, may be output.

As shown in FIG. 9 , this may be determined based on the magnitude of the optical signal of the first light receiving unit 2021 or may be determined based on the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio). However, the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) increases rapidly upon entering the dead area, and before entering the dead area, the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) may have a similar size to that of the case where the object is located at a distance, so that the first optical It may be determined based on the signal Rx1 magnitude.

When the first optical signal Rx1 exceeds the third threshold, the icon 221 corresponding to the user input may be displayed on the display unit 151 . The third threshold value is set to be smaller than the size of the first optical signal Rx1 when the optical signal ratio Rx Ratio is the first threshold value, so that the optical sensor 200 is displayed on the display unit 151 before detecting the user input. A guide image (icon 221 ) or information for user input may be output.

In FIG. 11B , when the user presses the user input and the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) exceeds the first threshold, a haptic response such as vibration may be provided to notify the user of the recognition of the user input. When a plurality of user input units (optical sensor 200) are provided, a different haptic response may be provided according to the optical sensor 200 recognizing the user's hand.

In addition to the haptic response, a button sound may be provided to inform the user that the user input has been recognized. Alternatively, the translucent guide icon 221 may be changed to be dark to visually inform the user that the user input is recognized.

As shown in (c) of FIG. 11 , the guide icon 221 may be continuously output on the display unit 151 while the user input is continued, and when the volume or screen brightness is adjusted, the adjusted degree can be visually shown to the user. there is.

When the user releases his/her hand to stop the user input, the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) falls below the second threshold value, and the controller may determine that the user input is stopped. At this time, since it is no longer necessary to output the user input unit information to the display unit 151 , the controller may control the image output to the display unit 151 to disappear.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting a user input using the optical sensor 200 . The first optical signal Rx1, the second optical signal Rx2, and the optical signal ratio Rx Ratio detected by the first light receiving unit 2021 and the second light receiving unit 2022 are monitored (S10). When the first optical signal Rx1 exceeds the third threshold, the preliminary function is operated (S20, S30). When the preliminary function operates, the guide icon 221 may be output to the display unit 151 (S40), and the monitoring period may be shortened in preparation for recognizing a user input soon.

When the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) exceeds a first threshold value (1 ^st Threshold), the user input is recognized, and if it does not exceed the first threshold value, the output guide icon 221 is removed from the screen (S80, S90) ). When the optical signal ratio (Rx Ratio) falls below the second threshold ( ^2nd Threshold), it is determined that there is no more user input and the user input is released (S80), and the guide icon 221 that was output is also turned off (S90) ).

13 is a diagram illustrating a method of implementing a user input unit using the optical sensor 200 and the touch sensor. When determining the user input only with the optical sensor 200, the input may be detected regardless of the user's intention. For example, when an object is pressed in a bag or when a user holds the mobile terminal 100 , it may be detected as a user input. In order to solve this problem, the user input may be determined by synthesizing the touch input together with the input through the optical sensor 200 .

As shown in (a) of FIG. 13 , when the optical sensor 200 recognizes the proximity state O and at the same time the user's touch T is input from the touch sensor at a position corresponding to the optical sensor 200, the user's hand It can be determined by user input.

However, as shown in FIG. 13B , even when the user holds the hand, if the user's hand is positioned near the optical sensor 200, it can be detected as a user input. In this case, if the touch input T2 is detected in another area other than the touch input T1 at the position corresponding to the optical sensor 200, it is determined that the user is holding the mobile terminal 100, and the user input is deactivated. can

14 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen related to a user input. In relation to a user input using the optical sensor 200 located on the side of the mobile terminal 100, the user can set it through a menu. For example, in addition to the pressing operation, the optical sensor 200 may recognize even a sliding operation through the sizes of the first and second optical signals Rx1 and Rx2 that change when the user's hand moves in the vertical direction.

By recognizing changes in the first and second optical signals (Rx1, Rx2), it is possible to determine whether sliding from top to bottom or from bottom to top is sliding, and when a plurality of optical sensors 200 are provided, a plurality of optical sensors ( 200), a sliding input can be detected by combining the values detected. 14 , a user input according to a sliding input may be set through a user menu.

15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating an expandable terminal having an optical sensor 200 . (a) is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the optical sensor 200 is positioned, and (b) is a rear view of the first and second states of the mobile terminal 100 .

In addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , a user input unit may be implemented by using the optical sensor 200 in the mobile terminal 100 having a variable size as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 . The mobile terminal 100 of the present embodiment includes a display unit 151 extending to the rear while wrapping the side in the first direction D1 of the mobile terminal 100, and according to a change in the size of the mobile terminal 100, the front The size of the display unit 151 located at , and the size of the display unit 151 located on the rear side may change.

The mobile terminal 100 having a variable size includes a first frame 101 and a second frame 102 slidably coupled with respect to the first frame 101, and the second frame 102 includes the first frame 102 . When moving in the direction D1, the display unit 151 located on the rear surface may move in the front direction. The display unit 151 is positioned to surround the end of the moving second frame 102 in the first direction D1 , and according to the position of the second frame 102 , the display unit 151 is located on the rear surface of the second frame 102 . can move in the forward direction.

When the optical sensor 200 is positioned at the end of the second direction D2 instead of the first direction D1, that is, the first frame 101, it may be implemented in a form similar to the optical sensor 200 described above. . However, the user input unit implemented on the side of the first direction D1 surrounding the second frame 102 is different from the first state shown in FIG. 15 and the second state shown in FIG. 16 because the second frame 102 moves. can

When the optical sensor 200 is coupled to the second frame 102 , regardless of the position of the second frame 102 , the optical sensor 200 is the first of the second frame 102 as shown in FIG. 15 ( b ). It may be disposed to face an end in the direction D1.

When the optical sensor 200 is coupled to the first frame 101 , in the first state as shown in FIG. 15 , a user input may be detected from the side in the first direction D1 as shown in FIG. 15B . However, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the second state, the optical sensor 200 is located in the middle portion of the mobile terminal 100 as shown in FIG. 16 (a).

In this case, the optical sensor 200 cannot function as a user input unit that detects an input on the side of the first direction D1. Instead, the direction of the optical sensor 200 may be changed to face the second direction D2 as shown in FIG. 16(b) .

As shown in (a) of FIG. 16 , when the second frame 102 moves in the first direction D1 , the rear surface of the first frame 101 is exposed and an empty space is exposed. When the second frame 102 is switched from the second state back to the first state, if the user's hand is positioned on the back side of the first frame 101, it may interfere with the back of the second frame 102 and cause hand jamming. can

The optical sensor 200 detects whether an object is close to the empty space of the rear surface of the first frame 101 exposed after the second frame 102 moves, and controls the driving unit when the user's hand is located 2 It is possible to stop the movement of the frame 102 in the second direction (D2). The optical sensor 200 of the present embodiment may operate as a user input unit in a first state and may be used as an anti-trap sensor in a second state.

The display unit 151 of the present invention can extend to the lateral direction to provide a wider screen.

Even when the display unit 151 extends to the side, the user input unit can be arranged on the side, so that the performance of the mobile terminal 100 can be maintained and a large screen can be implemented.

Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects but as exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

1. case;

   a display unit coupled to the case;

   a window covering the display unit;

   an optical sensor positioned on the rear surface of the display unit; and

   A control unit for determining a user input based on the optical signal sensed by the optical sensor,

   The display unit,

   a display panel on which an image is output;

   a protective sheet positioned on the rear surface of the display panel; and

   and an optical hole formed in a position corresponding to the optical sensor of the protective sheet.
2. According to claim 1,

   The display unit includes a front portion located on the front side of the case and a side portion located on the side surface of the case,

   The optical sensor is located on the rear surface of the side part,

   The optical hole is a mobile terminal, characterized in that formed in the side portion.
3. According to claim 1,

   The case includes a seating groove in which the optical sensor is seated,

   The optical sensor is a mobile terminal, characterized in that located between the display unit and the case.
4. According to claim 1,

   Further comprising a frame hole formed in the case,

   An outside of the frame hole is connected to the optical hole, and the optical sensor is located inside the frame hole.
5. According to claim 1,

   The optical sensor

   a light emitting unit emitting an optical signal;

   and a light receiving unit for receiving the optical signal,

   The light receiving unit includes a first light receiving unit and a second light receiving unit,

   wherein the control unit determines the user input based on a change in magnitude of the optical signal received by the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit.
6. 6. The method of claim 5,

   The mobile terminal further comprising a barrier rib positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.
7. 6. The method of claim 5,

   The mobile terminal, characterized in that it further comprises a lens unit positioned on the emission surface of the light emitting unit and the receiving surface of the light receiving unit.
8. 6. The method of claim 5,

   The optical hole is

   a first hole positioned in the light emitting unit; and

   and a second hole positioned in the light receiving unit.
9. 6. The method of claim 5,

   The first light receiving unit is disposed adjacent to the light emitting unit than the second light receiving unit,

   wherein the control unit determines the user input based on an optical signal ratio that is a ratio of the magnitude of the first optical signal received by the first light receiving unit and the magnitude of the second optical signal received by the second light receiving unit.
10. 10. The method of claim 9,

    The magnitude of the first optical signal and the second optical signal increases as the object reflecting the optical signal of the light emitting unit is adjacent to each other, and decreases when located within an ultra-close distance,

    The optical signal ratio is a mobile terminal, characterized in that it has a maximum value within an ultra-close distance.
11. 10. The method of claim 9,

    the control unit

    When the optical signal ratio exceeds a first threshold value, it is recognized as a user input,

    The mobile terminal, characterized in that when the optical signal ratio is less than a second threshold value, it is recognized that the user input is released.
12. 12. The method of claim 11,

    wherein the first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value.
13. 12. The method of claim 11,

    When the level of the first optical signal reaches a third threshold, an icon corresponding to the user input is output to the display unit,

    wherein the third threshold value is smaller than a magnitude of the first optical signal when the optical signal ratio reaches the first threshold value.
14. 14. The method of claim 13,

    The control unit is

    When the optical signal ratio is less than the second threshold value, the mobile terminal, characterized in that removing the icon output to the display unit.
15. According to claim 1,

    Further comprising a haptic module for providing vibration to the case,

    When the user input is sensed, the controller controls the haptic module to provide vibration to the user.
16. According to claim 1,

    The display unit further includes a touch sensor for detecting a touch input,

    The control unit detects the touch input and when the optical signal detected by the optical sensor exceeds a threshold value, the control unit detects the touch input as a user input.
17. 17. The method of claim 16,

    Wherein the control unit does not determine the optical signal sensed by the optical sensor as a user input when the touch sensor simultaneously senses a touch input at a position corresponding to the optical sensor and at a position other than the position corresponding to the optical sensor.

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