U.S. Pat. No. 8,827,811

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown.

The term ‘mobile terminal’, as used herein, may indicate a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcast receiver, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, a tablet computer or an e-book device. In this disclosure, the terms ‘module’ and ‘unit’ can be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram of a mobile terminal100according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1, the mobile terminal100may include a wireless communication unit110, an audio/video (A/V) input/output (I/O) unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface unit170, a controller180, and a power supply unit190. Here, when the above constituent elements are implemented, two or more of the constituent elements may be combined into one constituent element, or one constituent element may be divided into two or more constituent elements, if appropriate.

The wireless communication unit110may include a broadcast reception module111, a mobile communication module113, a wireless internet module115, a short-range communication module117, and a global positioning system (GPS) module119.

The broadcast reception module111may receive broadcast signals and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may be a satellite channel or a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may be a server which generates broadcast signals and/or broadcast-related information and transmits the generated broadcast signals and/or the generated broadcast-related information or may be a server which receives and then transmits previously-generated broadcast signals and/or previously-generated broadcast-related information.

The broadcast-related information may include broadcast channel information, broadcast program information and/or broadcast service provider information. The broadcast signals may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, the combination of a data broadcast signal and a TV broadcast signal or the combination of a data broadcast signal and a radio broadcast signal. The broadcast-related information may be provided to the mobile terminal100through a mobile communication network. In this case, the broadcast-related information may be received by the mobile communication module113, rather than by the broadcast reception module111. The broadcast-related information may come in various forms. For example, the broadcast-related information may come in the form of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) electronic program guide (EPG) or digital video broadcasting-handheld (DVB-H) electronic service guide (ESG).

The broadcast reception module111may receive broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems, such as DMB-terrestrial (DMB-T), DMB-satellite (DMB-S), media forward link only (MediaFLO), DVB-H, and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T). In addition, the broadcast reception module111may be suitable not only for the above-mentioned digital broadcasting systems but also for nearly all types of broadcasting systems other than those set forth herein. The broadcast signal and/or the broadcast-related information received by the broadcast reception module111may be stored in the memory160.

The mobile communication module113may transmit wireless signals to or receives wireless signals from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server through a mobile communication network. The wireless signals may include various types of data according to whether the mobile terminal100transmits/receives voice call signals, video call signals, or text/multimedia messages.

The wireless internet module115may be a module for wirelessly accessing the internet. The wireless internet module115may be embedded in the mobile terminal100or may be installed in an external device. The wireless internet module115may be embedded in the mobile terminal100or may be installed in an external device. The wireless internet module115may use various wireless internet technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), and High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA).

The short-range communication module117may be a module for short-range communication. The short-range communication module117may use various short-range communication techniques such as Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), and ZigBee.

The GPS module119may receive position information from a plurality of GPS satellites.

The A/V I/O unit120may be used to receive audio signals or video signals. The A/V I/O unit120may include a camera121, a microphone123and a projector125. The camera121may process various image frames such as still images or moving images captured by an image sensor during a video call mode or an image capturing mode. The image frames processed by the camera121may be displayed by a display module151.

The image frames processed by the camera121may be stored in the memory160or may be transmitted to an external device through the wireless communication unit110. The mobile terminal100may include two or more cameras121.

The microphone123may receive external audio signals during a call mode, a recording mode, or a voice recognition mode and may convert the received sound signals into electrical audio data. During the call mode, the mobile communication module113may convert the electrical sound data into data that can be readily transmitted to a mobile communication base station, and may then output the data obtained by the conversion. The microphone123may use various noise removal algorithms to remove noise that may be generated during the reception of external sound signals.

The projector125may project an image in an image display region, which is a predetermined distance apart from the main body of the mobile terminal100, by irradiating a beam of light. The projector125may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector or a laser projector.

The user input unit130may generate key input data based on user input for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal100. The user input unit130may be implemented as a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure/static voltage), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. In particular, if the user input unit130is implemented as a touch pad and forms a mutual layer structure with the display module151, the user input unit130and the display module151may be collectively referred to as a touch screen.

The sensing unit140may determine a current state of the mobile terminal100such as whether the mobile terminal100is opened or closed, the position of the mobile terminal100and whether the mobile terminal100is placed in contact with a user, and may generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal100. For example, when the mobile terminal100is a slider-type mobile phone, the sensing unit140may determine whether the mobile terminal100is opened or closed. In addition, the sensing unit140may determine whether the mobile terminal100is powered by the power supply unit190and whether the interface unit170is connected to an external device.

The sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor141, a pressure sensor143and a motion sensor145. The proximity sensor141may detect an approaching object or whether there is an object nearby the mobile terminal100without mechanical contact. More specifically, the proximity sensor141may detect an approaching object based on a change in an alternating current (AC) magnetic field or a static magnetic field, or the rate of change of capacitance. The sensing unit140may include two or more proximity sensors141.

The pressure sensor143may determine whether pressure is being applied to the mobile terminal100or may measure the magnitude of pressure, if any, applied to the mobile terminal100. The pressure sensor143may be installed in a certain part of the mobile terminal100where the detection of pressure is necessary. For example, the pressure sensor143may be installed in the display module151. In this case, it is possible to differentiate a typical touch input from a pressure touch input, which is generated by applying greater pressure than that used to generate a typical touch input, based on a signal output by the pressure sensor143. In addition, it is possible to determine the magnitude of pressure applied to the display module151upon receiving a pressure touch input based on the signal output by the pressure sensor143.

The motion sensor145may determine the location and motion of the mobile terminal100using an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

In the meantime, acceleration sensors are a type of device for converting a vibration in acceleration into an electric signal. With recent developments in micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology, acceleration sensors have been widely used in various products for various purposes ranging from detecting large motions such as car collisions as performed in airbag systems for automobiles to detecting minute motions such as the motion of the hand as performed in gaming input devices. In general, two or more acceleration sensors representing different axial directions are incorporated into a single package. There are some cases when the detection of only one axial direction, for example, a Z-axis direction, is necessary. Thus, when an X- or Y-axis acceleration sensor, instead of a Z-axis acceleration sensor, is required, the X- or Y-axis acceleration sensor may be mounted on an additional substrate, and the additional substrate may be mounted on a main substrate.

Gyro sensors are sensors for measuring angular velocity, and may determine the relative direction of the rotation of the mobile terminal100to a reference direction.

The output unit150may output audio signals, video signals and alarm signals. The output unit150may include the display module151, an audio output module153, an alarm module155, and a haptic module157.

The display module151may display various information processed by the mobile terminal100. For example, if the mobile terminal100is in a call mode, the display module151may display a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) for making or receiving a call. If the mobile terminal100is in a video call mode or an image capturing mode, the display module151may display a UI or a GUI for capturing or receiving images.

If the display module151and the user input unit130form a mutual layer structure and are thus implemented as a touch screen, the display module151may be used as both an output device and an input device. If the display module151is implemented as a touch screen, the display module151may also include a touch screen panel and a touch screen panel controller. The touch screen panel is a transparent panel attached onto the exterior of the mobile terminal100and may be connected to an internal bus of the mobile terminal100. The touch screen panel keeps monitoring whether the touch screen panel is being touched by the user. Once a touch input to the touch screen panel is received, the touch screen panel transmits a number of signals corresponding to the touch input to the touch screen panel controller. The touch screen panel controller processes the signals transmitted by the touch screen panel, and transmits the processed signals to the controller180. Then, the controller180determines whether a touch input has been generated and which part of the touch screen panel has been touched based on the processed signals transmitted by the touch screen panel controller.

The display module151may include electronic paper (e-paper). E-paper is a type of reflective display technology and can provide as high resolution as ordinary ink on paper, wide viewing angles, and excellent visual properties. E-paper can be implemented on various types of substrates such as a plastic, metallic or paper substrate and can display and maintain an image thereon even after power is cut off. In addition, e-paper can reduce the power consumption of the mobile terminal100because it does not require a backlight assembly. The display module151may be implemented as e-paper by using electrostatic-charged hemispherical twist balls, using electrophoretic deposition, or using microcapsules.

The display module151may include at least one of an LCD, a thin film transistor (TFT)-LCD, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a three-dimensional (3D) display. The mobile terminal100may include two or more display modules151. For example, the mobile terminal100may include an external display module (not shown) and an internal display module (not shown).

The audio output module153may output audio data received by the wireless communication unit110during a call reception mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or a broadcast reception mode or may output audio data present in the memory160. In addition, the audio output module153may output various sound signals associated with the functions of the mobile terminal100such as receiving a call or a message. The audio output module153may include a speaker and a buzzer.

The alarm module155may output an alarm signal indicating the occurrence of an event in the mobile terminal100. Examples of the event include receiving a call signal, receiving a message, and receiving a key signal. Examples of the alarm signal output by the alarm module155include an audio signal, a video signal and a vibration signal. More specifically, the alarm module155may output an alarm signal upon receiving an incoming call or message. In addition, the alarm module155may receive a key signal and may output an alarm signal as feedback to the key signal. Therefore, the user may be able to easily recognize the occurrence of an event based on an alarm signal output by the alarm module155. An alarm signal for notifying the user of the occurrence of an event may be output not only by the alarm module155but also by the display module151or the audio output module153.

The haptic module157may provide various haptic effects (such as vibration) that can be perceived by the user. If the haptic module157generates vibration as a haptic effect, the intensity and the pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module157may be altered in various manners. The haptic module157may synthesize different vibration effects and may output the result of the synthesization. Alternatively, the haptic module157may sequentially output different vibration effects.

The haptic module157may provide various haptic effects, other than vibration, such as a haptic effect obtained using a pin array that moves perpendicularly to a contact skin surface, a haptic effect obtained by injecting or sucking in air through an injection hole or a suction hole, a haptic effect obtained by giving a stimulus to the surface of the skin, a haptic effect obtained through contact with an electrode, a haptic effect obtained using an electrostatic force, and a haptic effect obtained by realizing the sense of heat or cold using a device capable of absorbing heat or generating heat. The haptic module157may be configured to enable the user to recognize a haptic effect using the kinesthetic sense of the fingers or the arms. The mobile terminal100may include two or more haptic modules157.

The memory160may store various programs necessary for the operation of the controller180. In addition, the memory160may temporarily store various data such as a list of contacts, messages, still images, or moving images.

The memory160may include at least one of a flash memory type storage medium, a hard disk type storage medium, a multimedia card micro type storage medium, a card type memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory), a random access memory (RAM), and a read-only memory (ROM). The mobile terminal100may operate a web storage, which performs the functions of the memory160on the internet.

The interface unit170may interface with an external device that can be connected to the mobile terminal100. The interface unit170may be a wired/wireless headset, an external battery charger, a wired/wireless data port, a card socket for, for example, a memory card, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card or a user identity module (UIM) card, an audio input/output (I/O) terminal, a video I/O terminal, or an earphone. The interface unit170may receive data from an external device or may be powered by an external device. The interface unit170may transmit data provided by an external device to other components in the mobile terminal100or may transmit data provided by other components in the mobile terminal100to an external device.

When the mobile terminal100is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit170may provide a path for supplying power from the external cradle to the mobile terminal100or for transmitting various signals from the external cradle to the mobile terminal100.

The controller180may control the general operation of the mobile terminal100. For example, the controller180may perform various control operations regarding making/receiving a voice call, transmitting/receiving data, or making/receiving a video call. The controller180may include a multimedia player module181, which plays multimedia data. The multimedia player module181may be implemented as a hardware device and may be installed in the controller180. Alternatively, the multimedia player module181may be implemented as a software program.

The power supply unit190may be supplied with power by an external power source or an internal power source and may supply power to the other components in the mobile terminal100.

The mobile terminal100may include a wired/wireless communication system or a satellite communication system and may thus be able to operate in a communication system capable of transmitting data in units of frames or packets.

The exterior of the mobile terminal100will hereinafter be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. For convenience, assume that the mobile terminal100is a slider-type mobile terminal equipped with a touch screen. However, the present invention is not restricted to a slider-type mobile terminal. Rather, the present invention can be applied to various mobile phones, other than a slider-type mobile terminal.

FIG. 2illustrates a front perspective view of the mobile terminal100shown inFIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 2, the mobile terminal100may include a first body100A and a second body100B which can slide up or down against the first body100A.

When the first body100A and the second body100B completely overlap each other, the mobile terminal100is referred to as being closed. On the other hand, when the first body100A is slid up against the second body100B and thus the front of the second body100B is partially exposed, as shown inFIG. 2, the mobile terminal100is referred to as being open.

When the mobile terminal100is closed, the mobile terminal may generally operate in a standby mode and may be released from the standby mode in response to user manipulation. On the other hand, when the mobile terminal100is open, the mobile terminal100may generally operate in a call mode and may be switched to the standby mode either manually in response to user manipulation or automatically after the lapse of a predefined amount of time.

Referring toFIG. 2, the exterior of the first body100A may be defined by a first front case100A-1and a first rear case100A-2. Various electronic devices may be installed in the space formed by the first front case100A-1and the first rear case100A-2. At least one intermediate case may be additionally provided between the first front case100A-1and the first rear case100A-2. The first front case100A-1and the first rear case100A-2may be formed of a synthetic resin through injection molding. Alternatively, the first front case100A-1and the first rear case100A-2may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The display module151, a first audio output module153a, a first camera121aand a first user input module130amay be disposed in the front case100A-1.

Examples of the display module151include an LCD and an OLED which can visualize information. Since a touch pad is configured to overlap the display module151and thus to form a mutual layer structure, the display module151may serve as a touch screen. Thus, the user can enter various information simply by touching the display module151.

The exterior of the second body100B may be defined by a second front case100B-1and a second rear case100B-2. A second user input module130bmay be disposed in the second body100B, and particularly, at the front of the second front case100B-1. Third and fourth user input modules130cand130d, the microphone123and the interface unit170may be provided in the second front case100B-1or the second rear case100B-2.

The first through fourth user input modules130athrough130dmay be collectively referred to as the user input unit130. The user input unit130may adopt various manipulation methods as long as it can offer tactile feedback to the user.

The first user input module130amay allow the user to enter various commands such as ‘start’, ‘end’, and ‘scroll’ to the mobile terminal100, the second user input module130bmay be used to enter various numerals, characters or symbols, and the third and fourth user input modules130cand130dmay be used as hot keys for activating certain functions of the mobile terminal100.

The microphone123may be configured to properly receive the user's voice or other sounds.

The interface unit170may serve as a pathway for allowing the mobile terminal100to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface unit170may include at least one of a connector for connecting earphones to the mobile terminal wiredly or wirelessly, a port for performing short-range communication, and a power supply port for supplying power to the mobile terminal100. Alternatively, the interface unit170may include a card socket for receiving a SIM card, a UIM card or an exterior card such as a memory card.

FIG. 3illustrates a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal100shown inFIG. 2. Referring toFIG. 3, a fifth user input module130e, which is of a wheel type, and the second camera121bmay be disposed at the rear of the second rear case100B-2of the second body100B, and a sixth user input module130fmay be disposed on one side of the second body100B.

The second camera121bmay have a different photographing direction from the first camera121ashown inFIG. 2. In addition, the first and second cameras121aand121bmay have different resolutions. For example, the first camera121amay be used to capture and then transmit an image of the face of the user during a video call. Thus, a low-resolution camera may be used as the first camera121a. The second camera121bmay be used to capture an image of an ordinary subject. Since images captured by the second camera121bgenerally do not need to be transmitted, a high-resolution camera may be used as the second camera121b.

A camera flash125and a mirror126may be disposed near the second camera121b. The camera flash125may be used to illuminate a subject when the user attempts to capture an image of the subject with the second camera121b. The mirror126may be used for the user to prepare himself or herself for taking a self shot.

A second audio output module (not shown) may be additionally provided in the second rear case100B-2. The second audio output module may realize a stereo function along with the first audio output module153a. The second audio output module may also be used in a speaker-phone mode.

An antenna (not shown) for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed on one side of the second rear case100B-2. The antenna may be installed so as to be able to be retracted from the second rear case100B-2.

A slide module100C may be partially exposed on the first rear case100A-2of the first body100A. The slide module100C may couple the first body100A and the second body100B such that the first body100A and the second body100B can slide up and down against each other. A portion of the slide module100C may be hidden by the second front case100B-1of the second body100B, and thus may not be exposed.

The second camera121band the other elements that have been described as being provided in the rear case100A-2may be provided in the front case100A-1. In addition, the first camera121amay be configured to be rotatable and thus to cover the photographing direction of the second camera121b. In this case, the second camera121bmay be optional.

The power supply unit190may be disposed in the rear case100A-2. The power supply unit may be a rechargeable battery and may be coupled to the rear case100A-2so as to be attachable to or detachable from the rear case100A-2.

FIGS. 4 through 8illustrate diagrams for explaining an operating method of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 4, the mobile terminal100(hereinafter referred to as the first mobile terminal100) and a second mobile terminal200may be connected to a sharing device250so as to be able to communicate with the sharing device250. The sharing device250may be a host. A TV or PC may be used as the sharing device250.

A main program for providing a multiplayer game may be installed in the sharing device250, and a simple game controller program may be installed in the first and second mobile terminals100and200, respectively. In this manner, it is possible to maximize the use of the storage capacity of the mobile terminals100and200.

The processing of application data for running a multiplayer game may be mainly performed by the sharing device250. The first and second mobile terminals100and200may display data provided by the sharing device250, and may run a multiplayer game by exchanging data with the sharing device250in accordance with a user command.

During a multiplayer game, a personal screen, which shows how to play the multiplayer game and how the multiplayer game progresses, may be displayed on each of the screens of the first and second mobile terminals100and200, and a shared screen may be displayed on the sharing device250.

Accordingly, the users of the first and second mobile terminals100and200can play a multiplayer game by appropriately touching and dragging on the screens of the first and second mobile terminals100or moving the first and second mobile terminals100and200while watching the personal screen from the first and second mobile terminals100and the shared screen from the sharing device250.

For example, during a multiplayer card game, if the user of the first mobile terminal100drags a playing card out of the display module151of the first mobile terminal100, the playing card may appear on the shared screen of the sharing device250. Alternatively, if the user of the first mobile terminal100moves the first mobile terminal100while touching on a playing card, the playing card may appear on the shared screen of the sharing device250.

During a dice game, if the user of the first mobile terminal100shakes the first mobile terminal100slightly, an image of a dice roll may be displayed on the display module151of the first mobile terminal100. On the other hand, if the user of the first mobile terminal100shakes the first mobile terminal100hard, a dice may be displayed on the shared screen of the sharing device250. The operation of the second mobile terminal200is basically the same as the operation of the first mobile terminal100.

FIG. 5illustrates the flow of data between the sharing device250and the first and second mobile terminals100and200during a card game when the sharing device250serves as a host, as shown inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 5, the sharing device250may transmit an ‘initiate game’ command and card information (such as the position and the suit and rank of each playing card initially held by each of the users of the first and second mobile terminals100and200) to the first and second mobile terminals100and200. As the card game progresses, the sharing device250may update the card information, and may transmit the updated card information to the first and second mobile terminals100and200. If the outcome of the card game is decided or a predefined event occurs, the sharing device250may transmit an event occurrence command (such as a haptic command) to the first and second mobile terminals100and200, as indicated by reference numeral {circle around (1)}.

The first and second mobile terminals100and200may transmit information regarding card selections and arrangements made by their users during the card game to the sharing device250, and may also transmit player number information for withdrawing playing cards from the shared screen and a ‘request card’ command to the sharing device250, as indicated by reference numeral {circle around (2)}.

The second mobile terminal200may transmit the same data as that transmitted to the first mobile terminal100to the sharing device250, as indicated by reference numeral {circle around (3)}.

During a multiplayer game, various graphic objects such as playing cards may be displayed on a personal screen of the first mobile terminal100. If one of the graphic objects is selected in response to a gesture input, the first mobile terminal100may transmit identification information of the selected graphic object to the sharing device200, and may allow the sharing device200to display the selected graphic object thereon. The gesture input may include a touch input, a touch-and-drag input, a flicking input and a movement of the main body of the mobile terminal100.

The identification information of the selected graphic object may include characteristics information. When displaying the selected graphic object on the sharing device200, the shape of the selected graphic object may be changed or a screen effect or a haptic effect may be generated in accordance with the characteristics information. Once the selected graphic object is displayed on the sharing device200, it may be deleted from the first mobile terminal100.

FIG. 6illustrates a case where the first mobile terminal100serves as a host. Referring toFIG. 6, the first and second mobile terminals100and200may be connected to the sharing device250so as to be able to communicate with the sharing device250. The second mobile terminal200may be connected to the first mobile terminal100so as to be able to communicate with the first mobile terminal100. The sharing device250may be a TV or PC.

A main program for providing a multiplayer game may be installed in the first mobile terminal100, and a game controller program may be installed in the second mobile terminal200. A program for displaying a shared screen may be installed in the sharing device250. Alternatively, no additional program may be installed in the sharing device250. In this case, the sharing device250may simply display a shared screen under the control of the first mobile terminal100.

The first mobile terminal100may transmit shared data to be displayed on the shared screen to the sharing device250. The sharing device250may process the shared data and may display the processed data on the shared screen. The second mobile terminal100may receive the shared data or exclusive data therefor from the first mobile terminal100, and may display the received data on its screen.

Accordingly, the users of the first and second mobile terminals100and200can play a multiplayer game by appropriately touching and dragging on the screens of the first and second mobile terminals100or moving the first and second mobile terminals100and200while watching a personal screen from the first and second mobile terminals100and the shared screen from the sharing device250.

FIG. 7illustrates the flow of data between the first mobile terminal100, the sharing device250and the second mobile terminal200during a card game when the first mobile terminal100serves as a host, as shown inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIG. 7, the first mobile device100may transmit an ‘initiate game’ command and card information (such as the position and the suit and rank of each playing card initially held by the user of the second mobile terminal200) to the second mobile terminal200. As the card game progresses, the first mobile device100may update the card information, and may transmit the updated card information to the second mobile terminal200. If the outcome of the card game is decided or a predefined event occurs, the first mobile device100may transmit an event occurrence command (such as a haptic command) to the second mobile device200, as indicated by reference numeral {circle around (1)}.

The second mobile terminal200may transmit information regarding card selections and arrangements made on the shared screen to the first mobile terminal100, and may also transmit player number information for withdrawing playing cards from the shared screen and a ‘request card’ command to the first mobile terminal100, as indicated by reference numeral {circle around (2)}.

The first mobile terminal100may transmit the same data as that transmitted to the second mobile terminal200to the sharing device250, as indicated by reference numeral {circle around (3)}.

FIG. 8illustrates a diagram for explaining how to display a shared screen270using a projector. Referring toFIG. 8, the first and second mobile terminals100and200may be connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the shared screen270may be projected by the projector125of the first mobile terminal100.

In this manner, the users of the first and second mobile terminals100and200can play a multiplayer game by appropriately touching and dragging on the screens of the first and second mobile terminals100or moving the first and second mobile terminals100and200while watching the shared screen270.

FIG. 9illustrates a flowchart of an operating method of a mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 9, a multi-game mode may be selected in accordance with, for example, a user command (S300). The multi-game mode may be a mode for allowing the user of the first mobile terminal100to play a multiplayer game with the user of the second mobile terminal200with the use of a shared screen. During the multi-game mode, a personal screen that can be manipulated individually may be displayed on each of the screens of the first and second mobile terminals100and200, and a shared screen may be displayed on the sharing device250.

Once the multi-game mode is selected, the controller180may control the first mobile terminal100to be connected to the sharing device250via the wireless communication unit110so as to be able to communicate with the sharing device250(S302). In this case, the first mobile terminal100may be connected to the sharing device250using Bluetooth or WiFi.

Once the first mobile terminal100is connected to the sharing device250so as to be able to communicate with the sharing device250, the controller180may download programs for running a multiplayer game from the sharing device250and may run the downloaded programs (S304). In this case, a main program for running a multiplayer game may be installed in the sharing device250, and a sub-program such as a program for displaying a personal screen regarding the multiplayer game may be installed in the first and second mobile terminals100and200, respectively.

Thereafter, a personal screen may be displayed on the display module151, and the controller180may run a multiplayer game while exchanging data with the sharing device250(S306). During the multiplayer game, if the transmission of image data is required, a code corresponding to the image data may be transmitted, instead of the image data itself, thereby reducing network traffic. In addition, during the multiplayer game, the sharing device250may transmit a haptic code to each of the first and second mobile terminals100and200and may thus control each of the first and second mobile terminals100and200to generate a haptic effect corresponding to the haptic code.

If a communication event occurs during the multiplayer game, information indicating the occurrence of the communication event may be displayed on the display module151.

Operation S306may be performed until the user of the first mobile terminal100chooses to terminate the multiplayer game (S308).

According to this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to run a multiplayer game using a sharing device capable of providing a shared screen, which is larger than the screen of a mobile terminal.

FIG. 10illustrates a flowchart of an operating method of a mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, unlike in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 9, the first mobile terminal100may serve as a host.

Referring toFIG. 10, if a multi-game mode is selected in accordance with, for example, a user command (S330), the controller180may control the first mobile terminal100to be connected to the second mobile terminal200and the sharing device250via the wireless communication unit110so as to be able to communicate with the sharing device250(S332).

Thereafter, the controller180may exchange programs for running a multiplayer game with the second mobile terminal200and the sharing device250(S334). Thereafter, the controller180may transmit data for displaying a shared screen to the sharing device250and may control the sharing device250to display a shared screen (S336).

Thereafter, the controller180may run a multiplayer game while exchanging data with the second mobile terminal200and the sharing device250(S338).

Operation S338may be performed until the user of the first mobile terminal100chooses to terminate the multiplayer game (S340).

According to this exemplary embodiment, it is possible for a mobile terminal to run a multiplayer game, as a host, together with another mobile terminal.

FIG. 11illustrates a flowchart of an operating method of a mobile terminal according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, unlike in the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS. 9 and 10, no sharing device may be required. Instead, a shared screen may be projected by the projector125.

Referring toFIG. 11, operations S350through S360are the same as or at least similar to their respective counterparts ofFIG. 10, and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The controller180may control the projector125to project a shared screen (S368). Thereafter, the controller180may run a multiplayer game while exchanging data with the second mobile terminal200(S368). Operation S368may be performed until the user of the first mobile terminal100chooses to terminate the multiplayer game (S370).

According to this exemplary embodiment, it is possible for a mobile terminal to run a multiplayer game together with another mobile terminal with the use of a shared screen, which is projected by a projector.

FIG. 12illustrates a signal flow diagram for explaining how to generate a haptic effect during a multiplayer game. Referring toFIG. 12, if a predefined haptic effect occurs in the sharing device250in which a main program for running a multiplayer game is installed (S400), the sharing device250may apply a screen shaking effect to a shared screen (S405). Thereafter, the sharing device250may transmit a haptic code to the first and second mobile terminals100and200(S410and S415). Then, each of the first and second mobile terminals100and200may generate a haptic effect (such as vibration) corresponding to the haptic code transmitted by the sharing device250(S420and S425).

In this manner, it is possible to easily generate various haptic effects such as vibration. In addition, it is possible to generate various screen effects or other effects that may be needed during the course of a multiplayer game.

FIG. 13illustrates a diagram for explaining how to display both a personal screen and a shared screen at the same time. Referring toFIG. 13, if a predetermined button key on the second mobile terminal200is pressed and thus a request for a shared screen is issued, predetermined data may be provided to the second mobile terminal200by the sharing device250. As a result, a personal screen543and a shared screen545may both be displayed on a screen540of the second mobile terminal200. As a result, not only the game players but also the audiences can easily determine the progress of the multiplayer game.

In short, it is possible to effectively run a multiplayer game using both a shared screen and a personal screen.

FIG. 14illustrates a diagram for explaining how to perform an operation during a multiplayer game. Referring toFIG. 14, the sharing device250may display a display screen310, which shows data that can be played or a broadcast program received from a predetermined channel, thereon upon the request of the first or second mobile terminal100or200. That is, the first or second mobile terminal100or200may serve the functions of a remote control for controlling the sharing device250.

In this case, the sharing device250may identify whether the first or second mobile terminal100or200is being used as a remote control, and may then perform a predefined operation. The operation performed by the sharing device250when the first or second mobile terminal100or200is used as a remote control may be different from the operation performed by the sharing device250when a typical remote control is used.

For example, if a control command is received from a typical remote control, the sharing device250may overlay channel information on the display screen310. On the other hand, when the first or second mobile terminal100or200is used as a remote control, the sharing device250may transmit the channel information to the first or second mobile terminal100or200, instead of displaying the channel information on the display screen310, and may thus allow the channel information to be displayed on the first or second mobile terminal100or200. A display screen different from a display screen currently being displayed on the sharing device250, i.e., the display screen310, may be displayed on the first or second display screen100or200. In this case, a control command using a different code or identification signal from a typical control command may be transmitted from the first or second mobile terminal100or200to the sharing device250. Thus, the control command transmitted from the first or second mobile terminal100or200to the sharing device250can be easily distinguished from a typical control command.

FIG. 15illustrates a diagram for explaining how to run a multiplayer game in accordance with a predefined code. Referring toFIG. 15, a predefined code may be transmitted between the first and second mobile terminals100and200and the sharing device250, and thus, the first and second mobile terminals100and200can run a multiplayer game together. For example, if the 2 of diamonds playing card is selected from a display screen displayed on the first mobile terminal100in response to a touch input500, the first mobile terminal100may search for a code corresponding to the 2 of diamonds playing card from a code conversion table520present in the memory160and may transmit the identified code (i.e., ‘0x01010’) to the sharing device250.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce network traffic by transmitting a code corresponding to a playing card selected by a player, instead of the selected playing card itself.

FIGS. 16 through 19illustrate diagrams of various data structures that can be used in a multiplayer card game run by the first and second mobile terminals100and200.

Referring toFIG. 16, data transmitted between the first and second mobile terminals100and200and the sharing device250during a multiplayer card game may include player number information, card characteristics information, card information, operation command information and command type information.

More specifically, referring toFIG. 16, the player number information may specify a mobile terminal to transmit or receive predefined data. The operation command information may include code corresponding to a command currently being issued.

Referring toFIG. 17, the card characteristics information may be classified into first card characteristics information such as information specifying playing cards held by each player, playing cards revealed by each player, playing cards discarded by each player, and/or playing cards newly acquired by each player and information indicating whether to reveal playing cards or second card characteristics information such as information regarding the position and the suit and rank of each playing card, and whether each playing card has been revealed or not.

Referring toFIG. 18, the card information may include the position, suit and rank of each playing card.

Referring toFIG. 19, the command type information may include ‘haptic effect’ information, ‘backlight effect’ information, ‘drag effect’ information and ‘other effects’ information.

By using the data structures shown inFIGS. 16 through 19, it is possible to reduce network traffic and effectively run a multiplayer game between the sharing device250and the first and second mobile terminals100and200.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention and the operating method of the mobile terminal according to the present invention are not restricted to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, variations and combinations of the exemplary embodiments set forth herein may fall within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention can be realized as code that can be read by a processor (such as a mobile station modem (MSM)) included in a mobile terminal and that can be written on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be any type of recording device in which data is stored in a computer-readable manner. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, an optical data storage, and a carrier wave (e.g., data transmission through the internet). The computer-readable recording medium can be distributed over a plurality of computer systems connected to a network so that computer-readable code is written thereto and executed therefrom in a decentralized manner. Functional programs, code, and code segments needed for realizing the present invention can be easily construed by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of mobile terminals can run a multiplayer game together using a shared screen displayed on a sharing device and a personal screen on each of the screens of the mobile terminals. As a result, each player can play the multiplayer game simply by touching and dragging on his or her personal screen while viewing the shared screen, which is generally larger than the personal screen. Therefore, it is possible to maximize user convenience and satisfaction.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.