WO2015130128A1

WO2015130128A1 - Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2015130128A1
Application number: PCT/KR2015/001924
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yongkyoung SHIN
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2014-02-28
Filing date: 2015-02-27
Publication date: 2015-09-03
Also published as: KR20150102418A

Abstract

A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which an information displayed location is dynamically adjusted. The present invention includes a display unit configured to display information, a sensing unit configured to detect an object blocking the display unit, and a controller, if a partial region on the display unit is blocked by the object, controlling first information to be displayed on a remaining region other than the blocked partial region.

Description

MOBILE TERMINAL AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for dynamically adjusting an information displayed location.

A mobile terminal is a device which may be configured to perform various functions. Examples of such functions include data and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files and outputting music via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display.

Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile terminals and stationary terminals according to a presence or non-presence of mobility. And, the mobile terminals can be further classified into handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals according to availability for hand-carry.

There are ongoing efforts to support and increase the functionality of mobile terminals. Such efforts include software and hardware improvements, as well as changes and improvements in the structural components which form the mobile terminal.

Particularly, as mentioned in the foregoing description, in order to perform complex functions through a mobile terminal and to provide more information to a user through a mobile terminal, it is attempted to change a size and configuration of a display unit of a mobile terminal in various ways.

However, although a size and configuration of a display unit are changed, as mentioned in the above description, if an object blocks the display unit, a user is unable to recognize all informations displayed through the display unit at a glance. In particular, in case that a prescribed one of the displayed informations is located on a region blocked by the object, it is difficult for a user to recognize the corresponding information unless the object is removed.

For instance, while a user is manipulating a mobile terminal using an input tool such as a finger, a pointer or the like, the user has difficulty in recognizing an information displayed on a part of a display unit blocked by the input tool.

Particularly, as a display unit has a front display unit and a side display unit, if a mobile terminal is capable of providing a user with information through a plurality of surfaces of the front and side display units, the above-mentioned problem can be caused. For instance, if a display unit is implemented in a manner that at least one edge is bent, the display unit can have a plurality of surfaces owing to the bending. In doing so, if there is an object that blocks a portion of a specific one of the surfaces generated by the bending, it causes inconvenience to a user in obtaining an information located at the blocked portion from information provided through the specific surface of the display unit.

Moreover, even if a display unit is not blocked by an object like the above example, while a user is doing a specific job through a mobile terminal, when a specific information is displayed by an interrupt inside or outside the mobile terminal, if a user's job screen is blocked by the displayed specific information, it causes inconvenience for a user to do a job.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

When a partial region of a display unit of a mobile terminal is blocked by an object, one technical task of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof, by which an information having been displayed on the partial region or an information supposed to be displayed on the partial region can be displayed on a region unblocked by the object.

When a display unit has a front display unit and a side display unit (e.g., a display unit is implemented into a bent configuration to have a plurality of surfaces owing to at least one bent edge), if a partial region of a specific one of a plurality of the surfaces is blocked by an object, another technical task of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof, by which an information having been displayed on the blocked partial region or an information supposed to be displayed on the blocked partial region can be displayed on a region unblocked by the object.

While a user is doing a specific job through a mobile terminal, if a specific information is displayed by an interrupt inside or outside the mobile terminal, further technical task of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and controlling method thereof, by which a displayed location of the specific information can be changed in order to prevent a user's job screen from being blocked by the displayed specific information.

Technical tasks obtainable from the present invention are non-limited by the above-mentioned technical tasks. And, other unmentioned technical tasks can be clearly understood from the following description by those having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a display unit configured to display information, a sensing unit configured to detect an object blocking the display unit, and a controller, if a partial region on the display unit is blocked by the object, controlling first information to be displayed on a remaining region other than the blocked partial region.

To further achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to the present invention including detecting an object blocking a display unit; and if a partial region on the display unit is blocked by the object, displaying information, displayed or scheduled to be displayed through the blocked partial region, through a remaining region other than the blocked partial region.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects and/or features.

First of all, according to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, even if a display unit is blocked by an external object, an information is displayed not on a blocked region but on a region other than the blocked region, whereby convenience for a user to recognize the information can be maximized.

Secondly, according to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, if a display unit of a mobile terminal has a front display unit and a side display unit (e.g., at least one edge of the display unit is bent to provide a plurality of display surfaces, although an information displayed through a specific one of the display surfaces is blocked by an object, the information can be displayed on a region other than a blocked region.

Thirdly, according to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, while a user is doing a specific job through a mobile terminal, if a specific information is displayed in response to a detection of an internal or external interrupt, the present invention enables the specific information to be displayed at an optimal location free from disturbance caused to the user's job doing, thereby enabling the user to check the specific information and to continue to do the job.

Effects obtainable from the present invention may be non-limited by the above mentioned effect. And, other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood from the following description by those having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a diagram for one example to describe a front display unit and a side display unit;

FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C are diagrams for different perspective views for one example of a mobile terminal having both bent edges of a display unit related to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for an operation of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for one example to describe a case that a display region is blocked by an object according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram to describe for one example of changing a region for displaying a first information if a display region is blocked by an object according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram to describe for one example of changing a region for displaying a first information scheduled to be displayed if a display region is blocked by an object according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for one example to describe an information displayed on a specific surface of a display unit having a front display unit and a side display unit according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram to describe one example of adjusting a size of a displayed first information if a display unit is gripped by a user according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for one example to describe an input button and a second information according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram to describe one example of displaying a first information at allocation failing to overlap an input button displayed region if the input button is displayed according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a diagram for one example that a first information is displayed on a region except a second information displayed region when a second information is displayed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

As used herein, the suffixes 'module', 'unit' and 'part' are used for elements in order to facilitate the disclosure only. Therefore, significant meanings or roles are not given to the suffixes themselves and it is understood that the 'module', 'unit' and 'part' can be used together or interchangeably.

The present invention can be applicable to a various types of mobile terminals. Examples of such terminals include mobile phones, user equipments, smart phones, digital broadcast receivers, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, portable multimedia players (PMP), navigators and the like.

Yet, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a configuration according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification is applicable to such a fixed terminal as a digital TV, a desktop computer and the like as well as a mobile terminal.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows the mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A/V (audio/video) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, a power supply unit 190 and the like. FIG. 1 shows the mobile terminal 100 having various components, but it is understood that implementing all of the illustrated components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

In the following description, the above elements of the mobile terminal 100 are explained in sequence.

First of all, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or more components which permits wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system or network within which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For instance, the wireless communication unit 110 can include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, a position-location module 115 and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. At least two broadcast receiving modules 111 can be provided to the mobile terminal 100 in pursuit of simultaneous receptions of at least two broadcast channels or broadcast channel switching facilitation.

The broadcast managing server generally refers to a server which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information or a server which is provided with a previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and then transmits the provided signal or information to a terminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, among others. If desired, the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information includes information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider, etc. And, the broadcast associated information can be provided via a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcast associated information can be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast associated information can be implemented in various forms. For instance, broadcast associated information may include an electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to receive broadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems. By nonlimiting example, such broadcasting systems include digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), Convergence of Broadcasting and Mobile Service(DVB-CBMS), Open Mobile Alliance-BroadCAST(OMA-BCAST), China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting (CMMB), Mobile Broadcasting Business Management System(MBBMS), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only (MediaFLO ) and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T). Optionally, the broadcast receiving module 111 can be configured suitable for other broadcasting systems as well as the above-explained digital broadcasting systems.

The broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information received by the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in a suitable device, such as a memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits/receives wireless signals to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, external terminal, server, etc.) via a mobile network such as GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA) and so on. Such wireless signals may represent audio, video, and data according to text/multimedia message transceivings, among others.

The wireless internet module 113 supports Internet access for the mobile terminal 100. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the wireless Internet technology can include WLAN(Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA(High Speed Downlink Packet Access), GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution) etc.

Wireless internet access by Wibro, HSPDA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE or the like is achieved via a mobile communication network. In this aspect, the wireless internet module 113 configured to perform the wireless internet access via the mobile communication network can be understood as a sort of the mobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 facilitates relatively short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing this module include radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at the networking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name a few.

The position-location module 115 identifies or otherwise obtains the location of the mobile terminal 100. If desired, this module may be implemented with a global positioning system (GPS) module. According to the current technology, the GPS module 115 is able to precisely calculate current 3-dimensional position information based on at least one of longitude, latitude and altitude and direction (or orientation) by calculating distance information and precise time information from at least three satellites and then applying triangulation to the calculated information. Currently, location and time informations are calculated using three satellites, and errors of the calculated location position and time informations are then amended using another satellite. Besides, the GPS module 115 is able to calculate speed information by continuously calculating a real-time current location.

Referring to FIG. 1, the audio/video (A/V) input unit 120 is configured to provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal 100. As shown, the A/V input unit 120 includes a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 receives and processes image frames of still pictures or video, which are obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. And, the processed image frames can be displayed on the display 151.

The image frames processed by the camera 121 can be stored in the memory 160 or can be externally transmitted via the wireless communication unit 110. Optionally, at least two cameras 121 can be provided to the mobile terminal 100 according to environment of usage.

The microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while the portable device is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording mode and voice recognition. This audio signal is processed and converted into electric audio data. The processed audio data is transformed into a format transmittable to a mobile communication base station via the mobile communication module 112 in case of a call mode. The microphone 122 typically includes assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The user input unit 130 generates input data responsive to user manipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of such devices include a button 136 provided to front/rear/lateral side of the mobile terminal 100 and a touch sensor (constant pressure/electrostatic) 137 and may further include a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch and the like [not shown in the drawing].

The sensing unit 140 provides sensing signals for controlling operations of the mobile terminal 100 using status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal. For instance, the sensing unit 140 may detect an open/close status of the mobile terminal 100, relative positioning of components (e.g., a display and keypad) of the mobile terminal 100, a change of position of the mobile terminal 100 or a component of the mobile terminal 100, a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal 100, orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal 100. By nonlimiting example, such sensing unit 140 include, gyro sensor, accelerate sensor, geomagnetic sensor.

As an example, consider the mobile terminal 100 being configured as a slide-type mobile terminal. In this configuration, the sensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobile terminal is open or closed. Other examples include the sensing unit 140 sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply 190, the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface unit 170 and an external device. And, the sensing unit 140 can include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 generates outputs relevant to the senses of sight, hearing, touch and the like. And, the output unit 150 includes the display 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, and a haptic module 154 and the like.

The display 151 is typically implemented to visually display (output) information associated with the mobile terminal 100. For instance, if the mobile terminal is operating in a phone call mode, the display will generally provide a user interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) which includes information associated with placing, conducting, and terminating a phone call. As another example, if the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the display 151 may additionally or alternatively display images which are associated with these modes, the UI or the GUI.

The display module 151 may be implemented using known display technologies including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and a three-dimensional display. The mobile terminal 100 may include one or more of such displays.

Some of the above displays can be implemented in a transparent or optical transmittive type, which can be named a transparent display. As a representative example for the transparent display, there is TOLED (transparent OLED) or the like. A rear configuration of the display 151 can be implemented in the optical transmittive type as well. In this configuration, a user is able to see an object in rear of a terminal body via the area occupied by the display 151 of the terminal body.

At least two displays 151 can be provided to the mobile terminal 100 in accordance with the implemented configuration of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, a plurality of displays can be arranged on a single face of the mobile terminal 100 in a manner of being spaced apart from each other or being built in one body. Alternatively, a plurality of displays can be arranged on different faces of the mobile terminal 100.

In case that the display 151 and the touch sensor 137 configures a mutual layer structure (hereinafter called 'touch screen'), it is able to use the display 151 as an input device as well as an output device. In this case, the touch sensor can be configured as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touchpad or the like.

The touch sensor 137 can be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of the display 151 or a variation of a capacitance generated from a specific portion of the display 151 to an electric input signal. Moreover, it is able to configure the touch sensor 137 to detect a pressure of a touch as well as a touched position or size.

If a touch input is made to the touch sensor 137, signal(s) corresponding to the touch is transferred to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transfers the processed signal(s) to the controller 180. Therefore, the controller 180 is able to know whether a prescribed portion of the display 151 is touched.

Referring to FIG. 2, a proximity sensor (141) can be provided to an internal area of the mobile terminal 100 enclosed by the touchscreen or around the touchscreen. The proximity sensor is the sensor that detects a presence or non-presence of an object approaching a prescribed detecting surface or an object existing around the proximity sensor using an electromagnetic field strength or infrared ray without mechanical contact. Hence, the proximity sensor has durability longer than that of a contact type sensor and also has utility wider than that of the contact type sensor.

The proximity sensor can include one of a transmittive photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective photoelectric sensor, a radio frequency oscillation proximity sensor, an electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor and the like. In case that the touchscreen includes the electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, it is configured to detect the proximity of a pointer using a variation of electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touchscreen (touch sensor) can be classified as the proximity sensor.

For clarity and convenience of the following description, as a pointer becomes proximate to a touchscreen without coming into contact with the touchscreen, if the pointer is perceived as situated over the touchscreen, such an action shall be named 'proximity touch'. If a pointer actually comes into contact with a touchscreen, such an action shall be named 'contact touch'. A proximity-touched position over the touchscreen with the pointer may mean a position at which the pointer vertically opposes the touchscreen when the touchscreen is proximity-touched with the pointer.

The proximity sensor detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch duration, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch shift state, etc.). And, information corresponding to the detected proximity touch action and the detected proximity touch pattern can be outputted to the touchscreen.

The audio output module 152 functions in various modes including a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode and the like to output audio data which is received from the wireless communication unit 110 or is stored in the memory 160. During operation, the audio output module 152 outputs audio relating to a particular function (e.g., call received, message received, etc.). The audio output module 152 is often implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinations thereof.

The alarm unit 153 is output a signal for announcing the occurrence of a particular event associated with the mobile terminal 100. Typical events include a call received event, a message received event and a touch input received event. The alarm unit 153 is able to output a signal for announcing the event occurrence by way of vibration as well as video or audio signal. The video or audio signal can be outputted via the display 151 or the audio output unit 152. Hence, the display 151 or the audio output module 152 can be regarded as a part of the alarm unit 153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects that can be sensed by a user. Vibration is a representative one of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module 154. Strength and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module 154 are controllable. For instance, different vibrations can be outputted in a manner of being synthesized together or can be outputted in sequence.

The haptic module 154 is able to generate various tactile effects as well as the vibration. For instance, the haptic module 154 generates the effect attributed to the arrangement of pins vertically moving against a contact skin surface, the effect attributed to the injection/suction power of air though an injection/suction hole, the effect attributed to the skim over a skin surface, the effect attributed to the contact with electrode, the effect attributed to the electrostatic force, the effect attributed to the representation of hold/cold sense using an endothermic or exothermic device and the like.

The haptic module 154 can be implemented to enable a user to sense the tactile effect through a muscle sense of finger, arm or the like as well as to transfer the tactile effect through a direct contact. Optionally, at least two haptic modules 154 can be provided to the mobile terminal 100 in accordance with the corresponding configuration type of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory unit 160 is generally used to store various types of data to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of such data include program instructions for applications operating on the mobile terminal 100, contact data, phonebook data, messages, audio, still pictures (or photo), moving pictures, etc. And, a recent use history or a cumulative use frequency of each data (e.g., use frequency for each phonebook, each message or each multimedia) can be stored in the memory unit 160. Moreover, data for various patterns of vibration and/or sound outputted in case of a touch input to the touchscreen can be stored in the memory unit 160.

The memory 160 may be implemented using any type or combination of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage devices including hard disk, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, multimedia card micro type memory, card-type memory (e.g., SD memory, XD memory, etc.), or other similar memory or data storage device. And, the mobile terminal 100 is able to operate in association with a web storage for performing a storage function of the memory 160 on Internet.

The interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple the mobile terminal 100 with external devices. The interface unit 170 receives data from the external devices or is supplied with the power and then transfers the data or power to the respective elements of the mobile terminal 100 or enables data within the mobile terminal 100 to be transferred to the external devices. The interface unit 170 may be configured using a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for coupling to a device having an identity module, audio input/output ports, video input/output ports, an earphone port and/or the like.

The identity module is the chip for storing various kinds of information for authenticating a use authority of the mobile terminal 100 and can include User Identify Module (UIM), Subscriber Identify Module (SIM), Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and/or the like. A device having the identity module (hereinafter called 'identity device') can be manufactured as a smart card. Therefore, the identity device is connectible to the mobile terminal 100 via the corresponding port.

When the mobile terminal 110 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 170 becomes a passage for supplying the mobile terminal 100 with a power from the cradle or a passage for delivering various command signals inputted from the cradle by a user to the mobile terminal 100. Each of the various command signals inputted from the cradle or the power can operate as a signal enabling the mobile terminal 100 to recognize that it is correctly loaded in the cradle.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operations of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 that provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be configured as part of the controller 180, or implemented as a separate component.

Moreover, the controller 180 is able to perform a pattern (or image) recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and a picture drawing input carried out on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 provides power required by the various components for the mobile terminal 100. The power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof.

A battery may include a built-in rechargeable battery and may be detachably attached to the terminal body for a charging and the like. A connecting port may be configured as one example of the interface 170 via which an external charger for supplying a power of a battery charging is electrically connected.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium using, for example, computer software, hardware, or some combination thereof.

For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a selective combination thereof. Such embodiments may also be implemented by the controller 180.

For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented with separate software modules, such as procedures and functions, each of which perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. The software codes can be implemented with a software application written in any suitable programming language and may be stored in memory such as the memory 160, and executed by a controller or processor, such as the controller 180.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 shown in the drawing has a bar type terminal body. Yet, the mobile terminal 100 may be implemented in a variety of different configurations. Examples of such configurations include folder-type, slide-type, rotational-type, swing-type and combinations thereof. For clarity, further disclosure will primarily relate to a bar-type mobile terminal 100. However such teachings apply equally to other types of mobile terminals.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the mobile terminal 100 includes a case (101, 102, 103) configuring an exterior thereof. In the present embodiment, the case can be divided into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electric/electronic parts are loaded in a space provided between the front and

rear cases

101 and 102.

Occasionally, electronic components can be mounted on a surface of the rear case 102. The electronic part mounted on the surface of the rear case 102 may include such a detachable part as a battery, a USIM card, a memory card and the like. In doing so, the rear case 102 may further include a backside cover 103 configured to cover the surface of the rear case 102. In particular, the backside cover 103 has a detachable configuration for user's convenience. If the backside cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, the surface of the rear case 102 is exposed.

Referring to FIG. 2, if the backside cover 103 is attached to the rear case 102, a lateral side of the rear case 102 may be exposed in part. If a size of the backside cover 103 is decreased, a rear side of the rear case 102 may be exposed in part. If the backside cover 103 covers the whole rear side of the rear case 102, it may include an opening 103' configured to expose a camera 121' or an audio output unit 152' externally.

The

cases

101, 102 and 103 are formed by injection molding of synthetic resin or can be formed of metal substance such as stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti) or the like for example.

A display 151, an audio output unit 152, a camera 121, user input units 130/131 and 132, a microphone 122, an interface 180 and the like can be provided to the

case

101 or 102.

The display 151 occupies most of a main face of the front case 101. The audio output unit 152 and the camera 121 are provided to an area adjacent to one of both end portions of the display 151, while the user input unit 131 and the microphone 122 are provided to another area adjacent to the other end portion of the display 151. The user input unit 132 and the interface 170 can be provided to lateral sides of the front and

rear cases

101 and 102.

The input unit 130 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling an operation of the terminal 100. And, the input unit 130 is able to include a plurality of manipulating

units

131 and 132. The manipulating

units

131 and 132 can be named a manipulating portion and may adopt any mechanism of a tactile manner that enables a user to perform a manipulation action by experiencing a tactile feeling.

Content inputted by the first or second manipulating

unit

131 or 132 can be diversely set. For instance, such a command as start, end, scroll and the like is inputted to the first manipulating unit 131. And, a command for a volume adjustment of sound outputted from the audio output unit 152 and the like can be inputted to the second manipulating unit 132, a command for a switching to a touch recognizing mode of the display 151 and the like can be inputted to the second manipulating unit 133.

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of a backside of the terminal shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, a camera 121' can be additionally provided to a backside of the terminal body, and more particularly, to the rear case 102. The camera 121 has a photographing direction that is substantially opposite to that of the former camera 121 shown in FIG. 2 and may have pixels differing from those of the firmer camera 121.

Preferably, for instance, the former camera 121 has low pixels enough to capture and transmit a picture of user's face for a video call, while the latter camera 121' has high pixels for capturing a general subject for photography without transmitting the captured subject. And, each of the cameras 121 and 121' can be installed at the terminal body to be rotated or popped up.

A flash 123 and a mirror 124 are additionally provided adjacent to the camera 121'. The flash 123 projects light toward a subject in case of photographing the subject using the camera 121'. In case that a user attempts to take a picture of the user (self-photography) using the camera 121', the mirror 124 enables the user to view user's face reflected by the mirror 124.

An additional audio output unit 152' can be provided to the backside of the terminal body. The additional audio output unit 152' is able to implement a stereo function together with the former audio output unit 152 shown in FIG. 2 and may be used for implementation of a speakerphone mode in talking over the terminal.

A broadcast signal receiving antenna 116 can be additionally provided to the lateral side of the terminal body as well as an antenna for communication or the like. The antenna 116 constructing a portion of the broadcast receiving module 111 shown in FIG. 1 can be retractably provided to the terminal body.

Meanwhile, various embodiments described in the following can be embodiment in a record medium readable by a computer or a similar device using software, hardware or a combination thereof for example.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the disclosed mobile terminal 100 includes a terminal body of a bar type, by which the present invention is non-limited. For instance, the present invention is applicable to various types such as a watch type, a clip type and the like. For another instance, the present invention is applicable to such a configuration, in which at least two bodies are coupled together in a manner of being relatively movable, as a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, a swivel type or the like.

In the present specification, an object blocking the display unit 151 may mean an object that blocks a front surface of the display unit 151 outside the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the object may include one of all targets such as fingers, pointers and the like. If a target blocks a display region of the display unit 151, it corresponds to an object in the present specification. The object may come in contact with the display unit. The object may be spaced apart from the display unit 151.

In case that the display unit 151 of the mobile terminal 100 is configured with a touchscreen, the sensing unit 140 may include a touch sensor and a proximity sensor 141. Hence, the sensing unit 140 can detect that an object is placed on or proximate to the display unit 151. Although an object is not conductive, the sensing unit 140 is provided with an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor and/or the like and is able to detect that an object is placed on or proximate to the display unit 151.

In this case, as an object is placed on or proximate to the display unit 151, a portion of a display region of the display unit 151 is blocked by the object. And, the controller 180 can determine that a partial region of the display region of the display unit 151 is blocked by the object.

The sensing unit 140 can be provided with various sensors such as an illumination sensor 142, an optical sensor and the like and is able to detect that a partial region of the display region of the display unit 151 is blocked by an object. In particular, the sensing unit 140 can detect that the display unit 151 is blocked by an object in a manner of measuring a light receiving amount or using a camera. Based on the measured light receiving amount, an image obtained through a camera and/or the like, the controller 180 can determine that the display unit 151 is blocked by an object.

In doing so, if the object is formed of transparent material such glass, plastics, or the like, the controller 180 may determine that the display unit 151 is not blocked by the object.

In the present specification, a first information may mean an information currently outputted to a part, which is blocked by an object, of a display region of the display unit 151 if the display unit 151 is blocked by the object despite that the information is currently outputted through the display unit 151. Moreover, the first information may mean an information scheduled to be outputted through the display unit 151, and more particularly, to a partial region of the display unit 151 blocked by the object. The first information may include at least one of a text message notification, an SNS message notification, a time alarm output, a schedule information, an audio or video call signal reception notification, a battery information, a data use amount information, a banking service notification, an application update information and the like and may also include information of multimedia data (e.g., image, video, etc.) or information displayed on a running screen of an application such as an internet webpage, a game or the like. Moreover, a prescribed content included in the above-listed information may correspond to the first information of the present invention. For instance, a notification of information on an item obtained during a game play through the mobile terminal 100 can be included in the first information of the present invention.

The first information may include an information displayed on a part blocked by an object or an information scheduled to be displayed. And, the first information may include an information displayed on a region including a part blocked by an object or an information scheduled to be displayed on a region including a part blocked by an object. In particular, the first information may include an information displayed on a region including a partial region of the display unit 151 blocked by an object. For instance, when a partial region of the display unit 151 is blocked by a user's finger, if a specific information is currently displayed on a region including the blocked region or is scheduled to be displayed on the region including the blocked region, the specific information can be handled as a first information corresponding to a single unit. In particular, although a size of the specific information exceeds the region blocked by the user's finger, the specific information corresponds to the first information.

In the present specification, an input button, which can be selected by a user, means a menu button displayed on a running screen of one of various applications displayed on the display unit 151 or a manipulating button for manipulating a function of the corresponding application. For instance, a user interface for selecting a music from a running screen of a music play application or giving a play command may be included in the input button. A soft keyboard for inputting a text or an emoticon during a message or mail composition may correspond to the input button of the present invention. An icon or indicator for one of various applications displayed through the display unit 151 may correspond to the input button that can be selected by a user as well. In case that the display unit 151 is configured with a touchscreen, the controller 180 can detect that a touch gesture is inputted to the selectable input button.

The touch gesture may mean an input action for a user to manipulate the mobile terminal 100 through the touchscreen 151. The controller 180 can recognize a touch gesture inputted through the touchscreen 151 as a manipulating command of the mobile terminal 100. A type of the touch gesture may include one of a tab action on a specific point of the touchscreen 151, a flick action, a drag action of drawing a specific trace, and the like. Moreover, if the mobile terminal 100 includes the proximity sensor 141, as mentioned in the foregoing description, the touch gesture may include a proximity touch gesture. The touch gesture may be performed through a part of a body of a user. And, the touch gesture may be performed through one of various pointers such as an electronic pen detectable by the touchscreen 151 and the like.

In the present specification, a second information is a terminology that is used as a concept to be distinguished from the first information. The second information may be the same kind of the first information. Yet, if the first information is the information displayed through a partial region blocked by an object, the second information is the information displayed on a portion of the rest of the region except the partial region. As a display unit is bent, if the display unit has a plurality of surfaces, a first information is currently outputted through a first surface. In doing so, if the first surface is blocked by an object, an information displayed through a second surface may be a second information. On the other hand, when the object blocks the display unit across a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface, if the first information is scheduled to be outputted through the first surface, the second information may mean the information having been already outputted through the second surface.

Embodiments relating to a controlling method implemented in the above-configured mobile terminal are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows.

The display unit 151 of the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention may include a front display unit exposed to a front surface of the mobile terminal 100 and at least one side display unit exposed to a side surface of the mobile terminal 100.

For instance, FIG. 4A is a diagram for one example to describe a front display unit and a side display unit. Particularly, in order to describe that the display unit 151 is divided into a front surface and a side surface, FIG. 4A shows that a prescribed angle is formed between a front display unit 151-1 and a side display unit 151-2 for example. Alternatively, the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2 may be connected together in a manner of forming a curved surface. With reference to FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, a detailed structure of a mobile terminal 200 having a front display unit 151-1 and a side display unit 151-2 connected together by forming a curved surface shall be described later. Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 200 mentioned in the following description is denoted by a reference number '200' different from the former reference number '100' for clarity of the following description. And, all embodiments of the present invention are identically applicable to both of the mobile terminal 200 and the mobile terminal 100.

Referring to FIG. 4A, like the example shown in FIG. 4A (a), the front display unit 151-1 may mean a display region exposed to a front surface of the mobile terminal 100 and the side display unit 151-2 may mean a display region exposed to a lateral surface of the mobile terminal 100.

The front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2 can be embodied through separate electronic parts, respectively. On the other hand, if the display unit 151 includes a flexible display that is freely bendable, the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2 can be formed by bending at least one edge of the flexible display.

For instance, FIG. 4A (b) is a diagram for one example that the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2 are formed by bending at least one edge of the flexible display. Like the example shown in FIG. 4A (b), as at least one edge of the flexible display unit 151 is bent, a flat front surface forms the front display unit 151-1 and a bent region can form the side display unit 151-2.

Like the example shown in FIG. 4A (a), the side display unit 151-2 may be provided to each of right and left sides of the mobile terminal 100. Like the example shown in FIG. 4A (b), the side display unit 151-2 may be provided to either a right side of the mobile terminal 100 or a left side of the mobile terminal 100.

FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C are diagrams for different perspective views for one example of a mobile terminal 200 having both bent (or curved) edges of a display unit related to the present invention.

The disclosed mobile terminal 200 includes a mobile phone body of a bar type, by which the present invention is non-limited. For instance, the present invention is applicable to such a configuration, in which at least two bodies are coupled together in a manner of being relatively movable, as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, a swivel type or the like.

The body includes a case (e.g., a casing, a housing, a cover, etc.) configuring an exterior. In the present embodiment, the case can be divided into a front case 201 and a rear case 202 [FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C]. Various electric/electronic parts are loaded in a space provided between the front and rear cases 201 and 202. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 201 and the rear case 202.

The cases are formed by injection molding of synthetic resin or may be formed of metal substance such as stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti) or the like for example.

A display unit 251, an audio output unit 252, a camera module 221and the like can be disposed in the terminal body, and more particularly, in the front case 201. And, an interface 270 and the like can be disposed on lateral sides of the front case 201 and the rear case 202.

The display unit 251 occupies most of a main surface of the front case 201. In particular, the display unit 251 is disposed on a front surface of the terminal and is configured to display visual information. The display unit 251 of the present invention is configured to extend to another surface of the terminal as well as to the front surface of the terminal. In particular, the display unit 251 includes a first region A disposed on the front surface and a second region B disposed on a lateral surface of the body by extending from the first region A [cf. FIG. 2].

For instance, a window disposed on a top surface of the display unit 251 is configured in a manner that both sides are bent. Through this configuration, the exteriors of the front and lateral surfaces of the body are formed by the window. Hence, the first region A and the second region B can be connected to each other without a physical boundary surface. In this case, the display unit 251 can include a display device built in to correspond to the window by being configured to be bent.

For another instance, the display unit 251 may include a flexible display. In this case, the flexible display unit includes a display, which is a type of display that is deformable by an external force. This deformation, which includes display unit 251 and other components of mobile terminal 200, may include any of curving, bending, folding, twisting, rolling, and combinations thereof. The flexible (or deformable) display unit 251 may include a general flexible display, electronic paper (also known as e-paper), and combinations thereof.

In this case, a general flexible display is formed as a lightweight, non-fragile display, which still exhibits characteristics of a conventional flat panel display, but is instead fabricated on a flexible substrate which can be deformed as noted previously.

The term e-paper may be used to refer to a display technology employing the characteristic of a general ink, and is different from the conventional flat panel display in view of using reflected light. E-paper is generally understood as changing displayed information (e.g., figures, characters, etc.) using a twist ball or via electrophoresis using a capsule.

Thus, owing to the flexible material properties, the terminal body can be configured in a manner that both sides of the display unit are bent.

The audio output unit 252 and the camera module 221 are provided to an area adjacent to one of both end portions of the display 251, while a front input unit (not shown in the drawing) and a microphone 222 are provided to another area adjacent to the other end portion of the display 151.

The front input unit is one example of the user input unit 130 shown in FIG. 1 and is able to include a plurality of manipulating units. The manipulating units can be named a manipulating portion and may adopt any mechanism of a tactile manner that enables a user to perform a manipulation action by experiencing a tactile feeling.

Moreover, the display unit 251 can configure a touchscreen together with a touch sensor. In this case, the touchscreen can become a user input unit. Through this, it is able to remove the front input unit from the front surface of the terminal. Namely, the first region 252 may become the only input unit located at the front surface of the terminal.

Referring to FIG. 4C, a camera module 221' can be additionally provided to a backside of the terminal body, and more particularly, to the rear case 202. The camera module 221' has a photographing direction that is substantially opposite to that of the former camera module 221 shown in FIG. 4B and may have pixels differing from those of the former camera module 221.

Preferably, for instance, the former camera module 221 has low pixels enough to capture and transmit a picture of user's face for a video call, while the latter camera module 221' has high pixels for capturing a general subject for photography without transmitting the captured subject. And, each of the camera modules 221 and 221' can be installed at the terminal body to be rotated or popped up.

A flash and a mirror may be additionally provided adjacent to the camera module 221'. The flash projects light toward a subject in case of photographing the subject using the camera module 221'. In case that a user attempts to take a picture of the user (self-photography) using the camera module 221', the mirror enables the user to view user's face reflected by the mirror.

An additional audio output unit (not shown in the drawing) can be provided to the backside of the terminal body. The additional audio output unit is able to implement a stereo function together with the former audio output unit 252 shown in FIG. 4B and may be used for implementation of a speakerphone mode in talking over the terminal.

In particular, together with the audio output unit (i.e., first audio output unit) 252 configured as a receiver on the front surface of the terminal, it is able to configure a second audio output unit with a speaker on the rear surface, by which the present invention is non-limited. And, the second audio output unit may be provided to a lateral surface of the terminal.

A power supply unit 290 configured to supply a power to the mobile terminal 200 is loaded on the terminal body. The power supply unit 290 may be built in the terminal body or may be configured in a manner of being externally detachable from the terminal body.

In the drawing, a rear input unit 232 may be disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rear input unit 232 may be located below the camera module 221' for example.

The rear input unit 232 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling an operation of the mobile terminal 200. And, inputted contents can be set variously. For instance, the rear input unit 232 may receive an input of a command such as a power on/off, a start, an end, a scroll or the like or an input of a command such as a volume adjustment of an audio outputted from the audio output unit 252, a switching to a touch recognition mode of the display module 251 or the like, by which the present invention is non-limited. The mobile terminal 200 may include one of the front input unit (not shown in the drawing) and the rear input unit 232.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, according to the present invention, at least one portion of the second region 253 configures a side input unit. In particular, the side input unit includes a touch sensor and may be optionally combined with the display unit. For instance, the side input unit may become a touchscreen together with the display unit or may become a touch detection region instead of a display unit.

If the display unit 151 is embodied as a touchscreen, implementation of the present invention can be facilitated. Hence, in the following description of the present invention, the display unit 151 may be assumed as the touchscreen.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for an operation of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the controller 180 can detect an object that blocks the display unit 151 [S501]. As mentioned in the foregoing description, the controller 180 can detect that the display unit 151 is blocked by an object through the sensing unit 140 equipped with various sensors. The controller 180 can detect that a partial region of a display region of the display unit 151 is blocked by an object through the sensing unit 140. In this case, the sensing unit 140 can include at least one of a touch sensor, the proximity sensor 141, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, the illumination sensor 142 and an optical sensor. In doing so, the controller 180 may obtain the material of the object. In particular, if an object is detected not through the touch sensor and the proximity sensor 141 but through the infrared sensor, the controller 180 can detect that the object is not formed of a conductive material but blocks the display unit 151. In case that an object is detected through the infrared sensor but a variation of a light receiving amount is not detected through the illumination sensor, the controller 180 can detect that the corresponding object is formed of a transparent material. In this case, although the object is placed on the display region, the controller 180 may determine that the display unit 151 is not blocked. In the following description, a case that a display region is blocked by an object is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for one example to describe a case that a display region is blocked by an object according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 (a), a specific information is displayed on the display unit 151. In doing so, a user's finger 600 blocks a partial region of the display unit 151. In particular, the finger 600 is shown as an object in FIG. 6 (a). The controller 180 can detect the object and is able to determine that a partial region 610 of a display region of the display unit 151 is blocked by the finger 600.

FIG. 6 (b) is a diagram to describe that a display region is blocked by an object in case that the display unit 151 includes the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2, as mentioned in the foregoing description with reference to FIG. 4A. In FIG. 6 (b), a cup is shown as one example of the object. In particular, in FIG. 6 (b), the display unit 151 is placed toward a ceiling and is illustrated in a direction of a bottom perspective view.

Referring to FIG. 6 (b), since a user's view 620 toward the side display unit 151-2 is blocked by a cup 630, a user may have difficulty in obtaining information displayed through the side display unit 151-2. Using the sensing unit 140, the controller 180 is able to detect that the cup 630 is placed in a direction for the side display unit 151-2 to display the information toward the user's view.

As mentioned in the above description, if the object blocking the display unit 151 is detected, when a partial region of the display region is blocked by the object, the controller 180 can determine whether a first information is currently displayed through the partial region [S503]. Moreover, in case that the first information is currently displayed through the partial region, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed on a remaining region deviating from the blocked partial region [S505].

Thus, when the partial region of the display unit 151 is blocked by the object, a case that the first information is currently displayed is described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 as follows.

FIG. 7 is a diagram to describe for one example of changing a region for displaying a first information if a display region is blocked by an object according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 (a), while a first information 700 is displayed on a partial region of the display unit 151, if the partial region of the display unit 151 is blocked by an object 600, the controller 180 can detect it through the sensing unit 140. In FIG. 7 (a), a multimedia information on a webpage is illustrated as one example of the first information 700 and a user's finger is illustrated as one example of the object.

Referring to FIG. 7 (b), the controller 180 can control the first information 700 to be displayed on a remaining region of the display unit 151 deviating from the partial region of the display unit 151 blocked by the user's finger 600. In particular, the controller 180 can control the first information 700 to be displayed on the region unblocked by the user's finger 600 in a manner of being shifted from the region of the display unit 151 blocked by the user's finger 600.

Meanwhile, when a partial region of the display unit 151 is blocked by an object, a case that a first information is scheduled to be displayed on the partial region is described in detail with reference to FIG. 8 as follows.

FIG. 8 is a diagram to describe for one example of changing a region for displaying a first information scheduled to be displayed if a display region is blocked by an object according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 (a), when an object 600 blocks a partial region of the display unit 151, the controller 180 can detect it through the sensing unit 140 and is able to control a specific information to be outputted through the corresponding region. In FIG. 8 (a), a popup window for a notification of a message received from an external device is illustrated as one example of a first information and a user's finger is illustrated as one example of the object.

While a user is manipulating the mobile terminal 100, if a text message is received from an external device, the controller 180 can control a popup window 800, which is provided to notify the message reception, to be displayed on partial region of the display unit 151. In particular, before the text message is received, the first information is not displayed at the location shown in FIG. 8 (a). Yet, once the text message is received, the first information is displayed at the location shown in FIG. 8 (a). In doing so, if a user finger 600 blocks a partial region of the display unit 151, the controller 180 can determine whether the first information is scheduled to be displayed through the partial region [S507].

Referring to FIG. 8 (b), if the controller 180 determines that the partial region is blocked by the user finger 600 and the popup window 800 is scheduled to be displayed on the partial region, the controller 180 can control the popup window 800 to be displayed on a remaining region of the display unit 151 deviating from the scheduled partial region [S505]. In particular, when there exists an output location preset for the case of outputting the first information, if the corresponding output location is blocked by a specific object, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed at a location different from the corresponding output location.

On the other hand, although an object blocks a partial region of the display unit 151, if a first information is not displayed on the partial region and is not scheduled to be displayed on the partial region, the controller 180 can control the first information to maintain its display state in a displayed original region or to be displayed on an original region scheduled to display [S509].

FIG. 9 is a diagram for one example to describe an information displayed on a specific surface of a display unit having a front display unit and a side display unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As mentioned in the forgoing description with reference to FIG. 4A, the display unit 151 can have a front display unit and a side display unit. In particular, if one edge of the display unit 151 is embodied into a bended shape, the display unit 151 can have a plurality of display surfaces owing to the bending.

In FIGs. 9 (a) to 9 (c), one information 905 is assumed as displayed on the front display unit 151-1 of the display unit 151 and an information 900 and another information 900 is assumed as displayed on the side display unit 151-2. In particular, a webpage is illustrated as one example of the information 905. And, a message content received from an external device is displayed as one example of the information 900 which is a first information according to an embodiment of the present invention. In more particular, the first information is displayed through a right side display unit 151-2 among the side display units. Through a user's setup or a user location detection through the sensing unit 140, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed through the right side display unit 151-2.

Referring to FIG. 9 (a), in case that the display unit 151 has a plurality of display surfaces, while a specific information 905 is displayed on the front display unit 151-1, if a text message is received from an external device, the controller 180 can control the received text message to be displayed not through the front display unit 151-1 but through the side display unit 151-2. In case that an alarm information is outputted in accordance with a setup in the memory 160 of the mobile terminal 100, the controller 180 can control the alarm information to be displayed not through the front display unit 151-1 but through the side display unit 151-2. In particular, in case of outputting a specific information in accordance with an external or internal interrupt, the controller 180 can control the specific information to be displayed not through the front display unit 151-1 but through the side display unit 151-2. A type of information outputted not through the front display unit 151-1 but through the side display unit 151-2 may be determined in accordance with a user's setup or a manufacturer's setup. Thus, as the specific information is displayed not through the front display unit 151-1 but through the side display unit 151-2, it is advantageous in that a user can watch information through the front display unit 151-1 or do a job without interruption.

Referring to FIG. 9 (b), the controller 180 can detect that a partial region of the side display unit 151-2, on which a first information 900 is displayed, is blocked by a user finger 600. Hence, referring to FIG. 9 (c), the controller 180 can control the first information 900 to be displayed on a remaining region of the side display unit 151-2 deviating from the partial region. In particular, in FIG. 9 (c), the controller 180 controls the first information 900 to be displayed on the remaining region of the side display unit 151-2 except the partial region blocked by the user finger 600. In particular, the controller 180 determines whether the first information displayed display unit is the front display unit 151-1 or the side display unit 151-2. If the first information displayed display unit is confirmed as one of the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2, the controller 180 controls the first information to be displayed on the confirmed display unit and is also able to detect that the first information is blocked by an object on the confirmed display unit only. For instance, in case that the first information is displayed on the side display unit 151-2, although the object blocks the display unit 151 across the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2, the controller 180 can control the side display unit 151-2 to detect a region blocked by the object only.

On the other hand, in accordance with a user's setup or a manufacturer's setup, in case that the user finger 600 blocks the display unit 151 across the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2, the controller 180 can detect it through the sensing unit 140 as well.

In this case, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed on a remaining region including the front display unit 151-1. In particular, if a right side display unit is blocked by an object, the controller 180 may control the first information to be displayed through a left side display unit or the front display unit 151-1.

Referring to FIG. 9 (c), the controller 180 detects that the user finger 600 blocks the side display unit 151-2 and is then able to control the first information 900 to be displayed on a remaining region of the display unit 151-2 deviating from the region blocked by the user finger 600. In the case shown in FIG. 9 (b), it is difficult for a user to check a received text message. Yet, in the case shown in FIG. 9 9c), although the user does not remove the user finger 600, the user can check the text message corresponding to the first information 900.

The controller 180 can control a size of the first information 900 to be adjusted to particularly fit a size of a region for displaying the first information 900 thereon. In doing so, the size of the first information 900 may be determined by the controller 180 in accordance with the attribute of the first information 900. In particular, when the first information 900 is such a text information as a text message requiring a user confirmation, as shown in FIG. 9 (b) and FIG. 9 (c), in case of adjusting the size of the first information 900, the controller 180 can control a font size of text to be adjusted. In case that the first information 900 includes an image file, the controller 180 may control a resolution of an image, a size of the image and the like to be adjusted. In case that the first information 900 includes an icon or indicator to run a specific function, the controller 180 can control a size of the icon or indicator to be adjusted to fit a size of a desired region.

FIG. 10 is a diagram to describe one example of adjusting a size of a displayed first information if a display unit is gripped by a user according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGs. 10 (a) to 10 (c), an information 905 is assumed as displayed on the front display unit 151-2 of the display unit 151 and a couple of

informations

1001 and 1002 are assumed as displayed on the side display unit 151-2. Particularly, a webpage is illustrated as one example of the information 905. A received call notification 1001 of a call received from an external device and a user interface 1002 for sending a message for declining the call reception are illustrated as examples of the

informations

1001 and 1002 corresponding to the first information according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. The received call notification 1001 and the user interface 1002 are provided as examples only. And, the controller 180 may control various informations (e.g., a running screen of an application, an alarm output, etc.) runnable through the mobile terminal 100 to be outputted through the side display unit 151-2 in various sizes and shapes.

Referring to FIG. 10 (a), while the information 905 is displayed through the front display unit 151-1, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed through the side display unit 151-2. Particularly, if a call is received from an external device, the controller 180 the received call alarm 100 including a sender number information to be displayed through a left side display unit 151-2. Simultaneously, the controller 180 can control the user interface 1002, which is provided to send a message for declining a reception of the received call to the external device, to be displayed through a right side display unit 151-2 as well. FIG. 10 (a) shows one example of a case that the received call notification 1001 and the user interface 1002 corresponding to the first information are displayed through the right side display unit 151-2 and the left side display unit 151-2, respectively, by which the present invention is non-limited. For instance, various display modes through the side display unit 151-2 can be applied to the mobile terminal 100. The various display modes are described with reference to examples as follows. The controller 180 may control the first information to be displayed by combining the following examples together.

First of all, for example, the controller 180 can control the first information to be outputted through the side display unit 151-2 in prescribed time intervals. In doing so, the first information may be displayed through the side display unit 151-2 in a manner of blinking in the prescribed time intervals. Moreover, each time the first information is outputted in the prescribed time intervals, the controller 180 may control the first information to be outputted in a manner of varying at least one of color and brightness.

The controller 180 may control the first information to be displayed in accordance with a preset pattern.

For example, the controller 180 can control the first information to be outputted in a manner of moving to another display region. In doing so, the first information is displayed on a top end of the side display unit 151-2 and is then able to be displayed on a bottom end of the side display unit 151-2 with a prescribed time interval. And, the controller 180 may control the first information to be displayed in a manner of moving between the right side display unit 151-2 and the left side display unit 151-2.

Moreover, the controller 180 may control the first information to be displayed in a manner of circling clockwise from a right side top end to a left side top end, andviceversa.

Furthermore, the controller 180 may control the first information to be displayed in a manner of sliding in a top-to-bottom end direction of the side display unit 151-2 or in the opposite direction.

Referring to FIG. 10 (b), in case that a user grips the mobile terminal 100 with fingers 600, the controller 180 can detect that the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2 are blocked. Particularly, the controller 180 can determine that which one of the right side display unit 151-2 and the left side display unit 151-2 is detected or whether both of the right side display unit 151-2 and the left side display unit 151-2 are blocked simultaneously. And, the controller 180 may be able to detect that a partial region of each of the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2 is blocked.

Particularly, while the

first information

1001 and 1002 are displayed by moving through the display regions in one of the various display modes mentioned in the foregoing description, as a user grips the mobile terminal 100, if a partial region of the side display unit 151-2 is blocked, the controller 180 can detect it through the sensing unit 140. Moreover, the controller 180 can detect whether a region scheduled to display the first region is in a blocked state in accordance with various patterns as well as the case that the first information displayed region is blocked.

Referring to FIG. 10 (c), the controller 180 can control the

first information

1001 and 1002, which is being displayed on the display unit 151 blocked as the user grips the mobile terminal 100 with fingers 600, to be displayed on a remaining region deviating from the blocked partial region. Although the region scheduled to display the first information is blocked in accordance with the above-mentioned various patterns, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed on a remaining region deviating from the blocked region. Details of the display modes are identical to the operation of the controller 180 described with reference to FIG. 9 and shall be omitted from the following description.

So far, the case that the mobile terminal 100 has the configuration shown in FIG. 4A (a) is taken as the examples for the description with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. And, the embodiments described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are identically applicable to the case that the mobile terminal 100 includes the mobile terminal 200 having the front display unit 151-1 and the side display unit 151-2 connected together through a curved surface with a prescribed curvature.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for one example to describe an input button and a second information according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11 (a), a running screen of an application for a music play is displayed on the display unit 151 and a play button 1100 for executing a play operation is shown as one example of an input button. And, an information 1110 on a currently played music is displayed above the play button 100 as one example of a second information. In FIG. 11 (b), a user's text message composing screen is shown. A soft keyboard 1105 for composing a text message is illustrated as one example of an input button. As one example of a second information, a text 1115 for configuring a text message inputted by a user through the soft keyboard 1105 is illustrate.

Although the case of simultaneously showing the input button and the second information is taken as one example for the description with reference to FIG. 11, the controller 180 may control either the input button or the second button to be displayed depending on a type of a running application.

In the following description, when at least one of an input button and a second information is displayed, an operation of the controller 180, which controls a first information to be displayed, is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13.

FIG. 12 is a diagram to describe one example of displaying a first information at allocation failing to overlap an input button displayed region if the input button is displayed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 (a), while a user is doing a text message composing job, the controller 180 can control a soft keyboard to be displayed as an input button 1200 that can be selected by a user. In doing so, if a first information is scheduled to be displayed, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed at a location set to display the first information. As mentioned in the foregoing description, the first information may be one of various types including a remaining battery level indication, a received text message or mail indication, a received call indication and the like. In FIG. 12, a popup window 800, which is provided to notify a reception of a text message received from an external device, is illustrated as one example of the first information.

When the popup window 800 is displayed during a text message input job, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the controller 180 can control a display location of the popup window 800 to be determined so that the display location does not overlap a region for displaying the input button 1200. Hence, since the popup window 800 is displayed at a location that is not the region on which the soft keyboard 1200 is displayed, a user can avoid the interruption to a text message input.

Meanwhile, a case that a partial region of a window 1205, which is provided to output a text inputted by a user through the soft keyboard 1200, is blocked by the popup window 800, is described with reference to FIG. 12 (a). First of all, if a text inputted by a user is outputted to a partial region of the window 1205 blocked by the popup window 800, a user is unable to check a currently composed text during a text message composing job due to a first information (i.e., popup window) 800 and the user's message composing job is interrupted by the first information 800.

In order to solve the above problems, referring to FIG. 12 (b), in case that a text 1105 is already outputted to the window 1205 (i.e., a case that a second information is displayed on the display unit 151), the controller 180 can control a location for displaying the first information to be adjusted in a manner that the second information avoids being blocked by the first information.

In case that a second information is supposed to be displayed (e.g., a case that a user interface for outputting an input result through a user-selectable input button like the window 1205 is displayed) as well as a case that the second information is already displayed, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed on a region deviating from a region for outputting the second information in consideration of the user interface.

Therefore, although the first information is displayed during a specific job through the mobile terminal 100, a user can avoid the interruption to the job.

Referring to FIG. 13, if a second information is displayed on a partial region of a remaining region except a region blocked by an object, the controller 180 can control a first information to be displayed on the rest of the remaining region except the second information displayed partial region. In FIG. 13, like the case shown in FIG. 12, the popup window 800 provided to notify a text message reception is illustrated as one example of the first information.

In FIG. 13 (a), a memo 1300 displayed through a running screen of a memo application is illustrated as one example of the second information. Assume that the memo 1300 is displayed on a portion of a remaining region deviating from the above-described region, in which an object blocks the display unit 151, of the present invention.

While the memo 1300 is displayed, the controller 180 can control the first information 800 to be displayed on a region except the region on which the memo 1300 is displayed. In particular, if an object blocks a partial region of the display unit 151, the controller 180 controls the first information 800 to be displayed on a remaining region deviating from the blocked partial region. In doing so, if the second information is already displayed on a portion of the remaining region, the controller 180 can control the first information to be displayed on a region 1310 of the remaining region except the second information displayed region.

In FIG. 13 (b), a number input window 1320 for sending a call to an external device is illustrated as one example of a user-selectable input button of the present invention. And, a number output window 1330 for outputting an inputted number is shown above the number input window 1320. In this case, if a user inputs a number through the number input window 1320, the number outputted through the number output window 130 is assumed as a second information. In particular, in FIG. 13 (b), the second information has not been displayed yet.

In the above-described case, the controller 180 can adjust a region for displaying the first information. In particular, in case that the second information is scheduled to be displayed as well as the case that the second information is displayed like FIG. 13 (a), the controller 180 can control the first information 800 to be displayed on a region except the region scheduled to display the second information thereon.

For instance, if an object blocks a partial region of the display unit 180, the controller 180 detects it and then controls the first information to be displayed on a remaining region deviating from the partial region. In doing so, if the second information is scheduled to be displayed on a portion of the remaining region, the controller 180 can control the first information 800 to be displayed on the rest of the remaining region except the region scheduled to display the second information thereon.

Like the relation between the input window 1320 and the output window 1330, if a user interface scheduled for a user's input and a corresponding output is displayed, the controller 180 can detect it and is then able to determine a region for displaying the first information thereon in consideration of a region for displaying the second information thereon.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be specified into other form(s) without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions.

The above-described methods can be implemented in a program recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable media may include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable media may include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, and the like for example and also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via Internet). Further, the computer may include the controller 180 of the mobile terminal.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

This invention can be applied to various type of electronic device including a display unit.

Claims

A mobile terminal comprising:

a display unit configured to display information;

a sensing unit configured to detect an object blocking the display unit; and

a controller, if a partial region on the display unit is blocked by the object, controlling first information, which is displayed or scheduled to be displayed through the blocked partial region, to be displayed by shifting to a remaining region other than the blocked partial region.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the controller controls a size of the first information to be adjusted according to a size of the remaining region.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein if a user-selectable input button is displayed through the display unit, the controller adjusts a display location of the first information in order not to overlap with the input button.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein if a second information is already displayed or scheduled to be displayed on a portion of the remaining region, the controller controls adjusts a display location of the first information in order not to overlap with the second information.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein even if the partial region of the display unit is blocked by the object, the controller is configured to control the first information is displayed on the partial region exceptionally, when the object is made up of a transparent material.
A mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the display unit comprise a front displaying part and at least one of lateral displaying part.
A mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein if the first information is displayed or scheduled to be displayed on the front displaying part of the display unit, the controller is configured to prohibit shifting the first information to the lateral displaying part although the partial region of the front displaying part is blocked by the object.
A mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein the front displaying part and the lateral displaying part are formed by bending the display unit.
A mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein if the first information is displayed or scheduled to be displayed through the remaining region other then the blocked partial region, the controller is configured to control the first information is displayed through the remaining region as scheduled without shifting the first information.
A method of controlling a mobile terminal, comprising:

detecting an object blocking a display unit; and

if a partial region on the display unit is blocked by the object, displaying information, displayed or scheduled to be displayed through the blocked partial region, through a remaining region other than the blocked partial region.