WO2015174586A1

WO2015174586A1 - Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same

Info

Publication number: WO2015174586A1
Application number: PCT/KR2014/008862
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeongyoon Rhee; Taeseong Kim; Yujune Jang; Gukchan Lim
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2014-09-24
Publication date: 2015-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 2016-11-16
Also published as: KR20150131816A

Abstract

The present invention discloses a wearable mobile terminal capable of detecting whether wearing and a posture of a user is bad and guiding a detected result to the user. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mobile terminal including a frame configured to make the mobile terminal to be worn around a neck of a user, a first sensing unit configured to detect a state that the frame is contacted with the neck of the user, a second sensing unit configured to detect inclination of the mobile terminal, an output unit and a controller configured to control the output unit to output guide information guiding a bad wearing or a bad posture based on a signal detected by the first and the second sensing unit.

Description

MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal enabling a user to more conveniently use the terminal and a method of controlling therefor.

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. Some terminals include additional functionality which supports game playing, while other terminals are also configured as multimedia players. More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to receive broadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of contents, such as videos and television programs.

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.

Meanwhile, a mobile terminal is more than just a terminal used by a user mainly held by a hand. The mobile terminal can be extended to a wearable device capable of being worn on a body of the user. This sort of wearable device includes a smart watch, a smart glass, a HMD (head mounted display) and the like. Since a wearable device is contacted with a body of a user, a method of utilizing the wearable device is diversified. Hence, methods of utilizing the wearable device are studying.

An object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problem and other problem. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal making a guide comment used for correcting wear/posture to be outputted to a user and a method of controlling therefor.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, according to one embodiment, a mobile terminal includes a frame configured to make the mobile terminal to be worn around a neck of a user, a first sensing unit configured to detect a state that the frame is contacted with the neck of the user, a second sensing unit configured to detect inclination of the mobile terminal, an output unit and a controller configured to control the output unit to output guide information guiding a bad wearing or a bad posture based on a signal detected by the first and the second sensing unit.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, according to a different embodiment, a method of controlling a necklace type mobile terminal, which is equipped with a frame making the necklace type mobile terminal to be worn around a neck of a user, includes the steps of a first sensing step to detect a state that the frame is contacted with the neck of the user, a second sensing step to detect inclination of the mobile terminal and outputting guide information guiding a bad wearing or a bad posture based on a signal detected by the first and the second sensing step.

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

Advantages and effects of a mobile terminal according to the present invention and a method of controlling therefor are explained in the following.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, it is able to provide a user with a notification capable of correcting a posture of the user.

And, according to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, it is able to automatically transmit a prompt emergency rescue request in case that an unintended accident occurs to a user.

It will be apparent to 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 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.

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram for a necklace type mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram for arrangement of an SAR sensor configured to detect correct wearing of a necklace type mobile terminal 100 using the SAR (synthetic aperture radar) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for a method of detecting a state of bad wearing based on signals of two condensers installed in a SAR sensor 301 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a controlling method outputting a guide on wearing and posture according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for a controlling method determining whether a posture of a user is correct according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams for examples of a guide on correct wearing or posture according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for a controlling method outputting a screen capable of correcting a posture to a user according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for a controlling method giving a prescribed feedback according to one embodiment of the present invention in case that movement of a user is not detected for more than a prescribed time;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for a controlling method outputting a guide capable of correcting an exercising posture of a user according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for a controlling method detecting an accident occurred while a user is driving, outputting a guide and/or transmitting an emergency rescue signal based on a detected result according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram for an example of outputting a guide on a bad posture/wearing according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram for a controlling method outputting a guide for a user wearing a glasses type mobile terminal 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 terminals. Examples of such terminals include mobile terminals, such as mobile phones, user equipment, smart phones, mobile computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants, portable multimedia players (PMP) and navigators.

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.

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.

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 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), DVB-CBMS, OMA-BCAST, 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(Gobal 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 keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

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, and free-falling of the mobile terminal 100. 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, a haptic module 154, a projector module 155 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 a sensor for detecting a touch action (hereinafter called ‘touch sensor’) configures a mutual layer structure (hereinafter called ‘touchscreen’), 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 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 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, 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. 1, 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.

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 projector module 155 is the element for performing an image projector function using the mobile terminal 100. And, the projector module 155 is able to display an image, which is identical to or partially different at least from the image displayed on the display unit 151, on an external screen or wall according to a control signal of the controller 180.

In particular, the projector module 155 can include a light source (not shown in the drawing) generating light (e.g., laser) for projecting an image externally, an image producing means (not shown in the drawing) for producing an image to output externally using the light generated from the light source, and a lens (not shown in the drawing) for enlarging to output the image externally in a predetermined focus distance. And, the projector module 155 can further include a device (not shown in the drawing) for adjusting an image projected direction by mechanically moving the lens or the whole module.

The projector module 155 can be classified into a CRT (cathode ray tube) module, an LCD (liquid crystal display) module, a DLP (digital light processing) module or the like according to a device type of a display means. In particular, the DLP module is operated by the mechanism of enabling the light generated from the light source to reflect on a DMD (digital micro-mirror device) chip and can be advantageous for the downsizing of the projector module 151.

Preferably, the projector module 155 can be provided in a length direction of a lateral, front or backside direction of the mobile terminal 100. And, it is understood that the projector module 155 can be provided to any portion of the mobile terminal 100 according to the necessity thereof.

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.

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.

A wearable device can be configured to exchange (interwork) data with a different mobile terminal 100. A short-range communication module 114 can detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal around the mobile terminal 100. Moreover, if the detected wearable device corresponds to a device authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, a controller 180 can transmit at least a part of data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-range communication module 114. Hence, a user can use the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 via the wearable device. For instance, if a telephone call is received by the mobile terminal 100, a user may perform a phone call via the wearable device. Or, if a text message is received by the mobile terminal 100, a user can check the received text message via the wearable device.

In the following, a controlling method implementable in the aforementioned mobile terminal and relevant embodiments are explained with reference to attached drawings. It will be apparent to 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.

One embodiment of the present invention intends to propose a terminal of a different form as well as the aforementioned wearable device. As the wearable device proposed by one embodiment of the present invention, a necklace type terminal capable of performing a control while a user is wearing the terminal around a neck of the user and a method of controlling therefor are proposed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram for a necklace type mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A necklace type mobile terminal 100 can include a frame 201 configured to be worn around a neck of a user, a first body 100-1 and a second body 100-2 connected to both ends of the frame 201. In case that the frame 201 is worn around the neck of the user, the first and the second body 100-1/100-2 may play a role of a pendulum used for balancing both directions of the frame 201. In order to play a role of the pendulum, weight of the first and the second body 100-1/100-2 can be designed to be balanced with each other.

Meanwhile, components of the present invention mentioned earlier with reference to FIG. 1 can be appropriately arranged to the first and the second body 100-1/100-2. According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one prescribed sensor among the sensing unit 140 can be installed in the first and the second body 100-1/100-2, respectively.

In a state that the necklace type mobile terminal is worn around the neck of the user, what is proposed by one embodiment of the present invention corresponds to a controlling method (1) determining whether a mobile terminal 100 is correctly worn and (2) if the mobile terminal is correctly worn, determining whether a posture of a user is correct and guiding a user on a result based on the determined result. In particular, in case that the user does not wear the mobile terminal 100 correctly or a posture of the user is bad although the mobile terminal is correctly worn, one embodiment of the present invention intends to provide a guide capable of correcting the aforementioned state. In order to precisely detect the aforementioned states, embodiments of the present invention propose to install one or more sensors configured to detect the states in the first and the second body 100-1/100-2, respectively.

And, earphones 202 capable of being electrically connected to the first and second body 100-1/100-2 and outputting an audio signal can be further installed in the mobile terminal.

As mentioned in the foregoing description, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is able to detect whether a user correctly wears the necklace type mobile terminal 100 using sensed signals detected by the sensing unit 140. A method of detecting is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 in the following.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram for arrangement of an SAR sensor configured to detect correct wearing of a necklace type mobile terminal 100 using the SAR (synthetic aperture radar) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention explained with reference to FIG. 3, it is able to detect whether the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is correctly contacted with a neck of a user. To this end, a contact unit 300 of a form capable of being contacted with the neck of the user can be combined with the frame 201 of the mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The contact unit 300 or the frame 201 can include SAR sensors 301. Referring to FIG. 3, although the SAR sensors 301 are installed in the inside of the contact unit 300, by which the present invention may be non-limited. The SAR sensors can be installed on an external surface of the contact unit 300 or on the frame 201.

The SAR sensor 301 includes at least two condenser (

capacitor

301a, 301b, …). In case that a necklace type mobile terminal 100 is worn on a user, each condenser can detect the extent of being contacted with a neck of the user.

More closely contacted with the neck of the user, strength of a signal detected by the condenser become stronger. Hence, the controller 180 can detect the extent of being contacted with the neck of the user based on the strength of the signal received from the SAR sensor 301. Table 1 shows an example of a method of determining the extent of being contacted according to the strength of the signal detected by the SAR sensor 301 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Table 1

SAR sensor signal (PSAR)	Determination of the extent of being contacted (example)
Very strong T1 < PSAR	State of being contacted with skin
Strong T2 < PSAR < T1	Contacted with a collar
Weak PSAR < T2	Bad wearing
Unable to detect a signal	Not wearing

In Table 1, T1 and T2 correspond to random thresholds. The T1 and the T2 can be determined in the time of designing the mobile terminal or can be controlled by a user.

An embodiment of determining whether wearing of a necklace type mobile terminal 100 is bad based on strength of a detected signal is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 4 in the following.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for a method of detecting a state of bad wearing based on signals of two condensers installed in a SAR sensor 301 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4 (a), a contact of a right part of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is bad on the basis of a user (the mobile terminal is leaning toward to the left). In FIG. 4 (b), a contact of a left part of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is bad on the basis of the user (the mobile terminal is leaning toward to the right).

In FIG. 4 (a), a signal strength of a first condenser 301a of a bad contact part may be weak or may be not detected and a signal strength of a second condenser 301b where a contact is properly done may be normal (very strong or strong). On the contrary, in FIG. 4 (b), a signal strength of a second condenser 301b of a bad contact part may be weak or may be not detected and the signal strength of the first condenser 301a where a contact is properly done may be normal (very strong or strong). A good/bad state of wearing is summarized based on signals detected via the two condensers in Table 2 in the following.

Table 2

Signal detected by SAR sensor		Determination of state of being worn
Condenser 1 (301a)	Condenser 2 (301b)	Determination of state of being worn
No signal	No signal	Not wearing
weak	strong	Leaning toward to the left (FIG. 4(a))
strong	weak	Leaning toward to the right (FIG. 4(b))
strong	strong	Good wearing state (FIG. 3)

In particular, if both strength of a signal detected by the condenser 301a configured to detect a left state and strength of a signal detected by the condenser 301b configured to detect a right state are strong (greater than a prescribed threshold), the controller 180 may determine it as the wearing of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is good.

Meanwhile, according to a different embodiment of the present invention, it is able to determine whether the wearing is good using an acceleration sensor. In this case, assume that the acceleration sensor is installed in the first body 100-1 and the second body 100-2, respectively. The acceleration sensor outputs a value of an acceleration g (g = 9.8 m / s2) to the direction of gravity in a state that the mobile terminal 100 is put still. If the mobile terminal 100 inclines with a prescribed angle, an acceleration value detected by the acceleration sensor may have a different value. Meanwhile, regarding the acceleration sensor, an outputted result value can be normalized with a specific voltage value according to a specific model. For instance, a specific acceleration sensor can output the g value in a manner of normalizing the g value to 1V. Examples of the acceleration sensor described in the following are explained under an assumption that the acceleration sensor outputs a result of which the g value is normalized to 1V. In one embodiment of the present invention, if a value of acceleration of gravity detected by the acceleration sensors, which are installed in the first body 100-1 and the second body 100-2, respectively, does not correspond to 1, it is able to determine it as the wearing of the mobile terminal is not good (i.e., the mobile terminal is worn in a manner of being inclined).

Yet, the method of using the aforementioned acceleration sensor cannot distinguish a bad wearing from inclination of a body of a user properly wearing the mobile terminal. Hence, one embodiment of the present invention proposes to detect a posture of a user while using the method of detecting whether the mobile terminal is properly worn mentioned earlier in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, which is detected based on an acceleration value via the acceleration sensor. Regarding this embodiment, it shall be described with reference to drawings in the following.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a controlling method outputting a guide on wearing and posture according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In the step S501, the controller 180 detects wearing of a user for the necklace type mobile terminal 100. In order to detect the wearing, it is able to use the SAR sensor 301 mentioned earlier with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

In the step S502, the controller 180 detects whether the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is properly worn. In order to detect whether the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is properly worn, it may also use the aforementioned SAR sensor 301. If the mobile terminal is properly worn, it may go to the step S504. Otherwise, it may go to the step S503. In the step S503, the controller 180 can output a guide indicating that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is not properly worn.

Meanwhile, in the step S504, the controller 180 determines whether a posture of the user is good. After the posture of the user is determined, if it is determined as the posture of the user is good, the flowchart ends. After the posture of the user is determined, if it is determined as the posture of the user is not good, the controller 180 may go to the step S505. Whether the posture of the user is good can be determined using an acceleration sensor. The extent of inclination of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is detected using the acceleration sensor and the posture of the user can be determined using the detected result. This sort of controlling method is explained in detail with reference to FIG. 6 in the following.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for a controlling method determining whether a posture of a user is correct according to one embodiment of the present invention. Embodiment of FIG. 6 may correspond to the aforementioned step S503 as a controlling method determining whether the posture of the user is good in a state that the user is properly wearing the necklace type mobile terminal 100.

FIG. 6 (a) shows a state that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is straight. When the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is straight, it means that a user is properly wearing the necklace type mobile terminal 10 and a posture of the user is also straight. Assume that an acceleration value detected by an acceleration sensor is detected via x axis and y axis shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the x axis is horizontal to the ground and the y axis may correspond to a vertical top direction. Since acceleration of gravity g is applied to a vertical bottom direction toward the ground, an acceleration value detected via the x axis corresponds to 0 and an acceleration value detected via the y axis may correspond to -1 in the state shown in FIG. 6 (a).

If a user is properly wearing the necklace type mobile terminal 100, the extent of inclination may correspond to a posture of the user.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), if it is determined that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is leaning toward to the right, an acceleration value detected by the acceleration sensor may change. In FIG. 6 (a), although the acceleration value detected via the x axis corresponds to 0, the value will increase to a prescribed value. Although the acceleration value detected via the y axis corresponds to -1, the value will decrease.

On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), if it is determined that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is leaning toward to the left, an acceleration value detected by the acceleration sensor may change. In FIG. 6 (a), although the acceleration value detected via the x axis corresponds to 0, the value will increase to a prescribed value. Although the acceleration value detected via the y axis corresponds to -1, the value will decrease.

Since it is already determined that the user is properly wearing the necklace type mobile terminal 100, if inclination of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is detected, it is able to determine it as a posture of the user is not correct. Table 3 corresponds to an example summarizing wearing states mentioned earlier with reference to FIG. 6 (g corresponds to acceleration of gravity in Table 3).

Table 3

Whether a mobile terminal is properly worn (example)	Detection result of acceleration sensor		Determined posture of user
	X axis acceleration (ACCx)	Y axis acceleration (ACCy)
good	ACCx=0	ACCy=-1	straight
good	ACCx>0	ACCy>-1	leaning to the left
good	ACCx<0	ACCy>-1	leaning to the right
not good	ignore	ignore	not properly worn

Back to FIG. 5 again, in the step S505, the controller 180 can output a guide on a straight posture.

In the aforementioned flowchart, the step S503 and the step S505 output a guide on a proper wearing or a straight posture. Regarding an example of outputting the guide, it shall be described with reference to FIG. 7 in the following.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams for examples of a guide on correct wearing or posture according to one embodiment of the present invention.

An output of a guide according to one embodiment of the present invention can be performed by at least one selected from the group consisting of a guide voice output, a vibration output and a haptic output. In this case, the haptic output corresponds to an output used for stimulating a sense of touch of a user. For instance, the haptic output may include an output of inflating earphones.

In embodiment explained with reference to FIG. 7, a guide voice output is explained as an example among the aforementioned guide output methods.

Referring to FIG. 7 (a), assume a state that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is normally worn around a neck of a user and a body of the user is leaning to one side. In this state, both a shoulder line 700a of the user and a horizontal reference line 700b of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 are leaning to an identical direction.

In this state, the controller 180 can determine whether the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is properly worn based on a signal detected by the aforementioned SAR sensor 301. In this state, it is determined whether a posture of the user is straight (using the aforementioned acceleration sensor). If it is determined that the posture of the user is not good, the controller 180 can output a first guide comment 701-1.

Referring to FIG. 7 (b), assume a state that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is abnormally worn around a neck of a user and a body of the user is straight. In this state, a shoulder line 700a of the user is horizontal to the ground and a horizontal reference line 700b of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is leaning to one side.

In this state, the controller 180 can determine whether the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is properly worn based on a signal detected by the aforementioned SAR sensor 301. In this state, if it is determined that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is not properly worn, the controller 180 can output a second guide comment 701-2.

Referring to FIG. 7 (c), assume a state that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is normally worn around a neck of a user and a body of the user is straight. In this state, a shoulder line 700a of the user and a horizontal reference line 700b of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 are horizontal to the ground.

Referring to FIG. 8, assume a state that the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is normally worn around a neck of a user and a body of the user is leaning to one side for more than a prescribed time. In this state, the present invention proposes to output a fourth guide comment 701-4 indicating that a posture of the user is not good for a long time. As shown in an example of FIG. 8, the fourth guide comment 701-4 may correspond to “A right shoulder is inclining for more than 30 minutes. If a bag is on the right shoulder, please move the bag to a left shoulder”. Having received the fourth guide comment, the user may balance a body of the user in a manner of moving the bag, which has been worn on one shoulder for a long time, to another shoulder (refer to FIG. 8 (b)).

In the aforementioned one embodiment of the present invention, a guide on a proper wearing/posture is outputted by a voice comment. In embodiment explained with reference to FIG. 9 in the following, the present invention proposes to output a guide capable of specifically correcting a posture of a user.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for a controlling method outputting a screen capable of correcting a posture to a user according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A drawing shown in FIG. 9 includes a mobile terminal 100’ of a general form and a state of the mobile terminal. Assume a state that a necklace type mobile terminal 100 worn on a user can transceive data with the mobile terminal 100’ in a manner of being connected with each other.

In embodiment of the present invention explained with reference to FIG. 9, a posture of a user is captured using a camera of the mobile terminal 100’ and the captured posture of the user is outputted via a display 151. By doing so, the posture of the user can be corrected.

If it is determined that the posture of the user is not good, the necklace type mobile terminal 100 can transmit a camera activation command to the mobile terminal 100’. Having received the camera activation command, the mobile terminal 100’ can output an image received via the activated camera using the display 151. Moreover, the mobile terminal 100’ outputs a guide on a correct posture together with the image received via the camera to help the user correct the posture of the user in accordance with a guideline 901.

In the following FIG. 10, a controlling method outputting a vibration and voice feedback via a mobile terminal 100 is proposed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for a controlling method giving a prescribed feedback according to one embodiment of the present invention in case that movement of a user is not detected for more than a prescribed time.

Referring to FIG. 10 (a), assume a state that a bad posture of a user is maintained for more than a prescribed time. If it is determined that the state shown in FIG. 10 (a) is maintained for more than a prescribed time, the necklace type mobile terminal 100 can output a guide comment 1001 inducing the user to stretch as shown in FIG. 10 (b). Moreover, if there exists a different mobile terminal 100’ connected with the necklace type mobile terminal 100, a feedback voice or a sound can also be outputted via the mobile terminal 100’.

A different embodiment of the present invention proposes to output a guide capable of correcting an exercise posture. Regarding this embodiment, it shall be explained with reference to FIG. 11 in the following.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for a controlling method outputting a guide capable of correcting an exercising posture of a user according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11 (a), assume a state that a user wearing a necklace type mobile terminal 100 is exercising (e.g., playing golf). In case that the user is performing a golf swing motion, the necklace type mobile terminal 100 determines whether the swing motion of the user is good using a result detected by a sensing unit 140 and can inform the user of the result. In this case, the necklace type mobile terminal 100 may have pre-stored database for a correct swing motion corresponding to an output result of the sensing unit 140. And, the necklace type mobile terminal determines which part of the swing motion of the user is incorrect in a manner of comparing the correct swing motion with the result detected by the sensing unit 140. And, the necklace mobile terminal can give the user feedback on the determination result (refer to FIG. 11 (b)).

Meanwhile, although the embodiment explained with reference to FIG. 11 shows an example of playing golf, the embodiment can also be applied to such an exercise as stretching and the like. In case of the stretching, since the stretching corresponds to not only a static exercise but also an exercise of which accuracy of a posture is important, it may be effective to inform a user of a correct posture via the mobile terminal 100.

Meanwhile, a different embodiment of the present invention proposes to detect abnormality of a user while the user is driving, output a guide to the user and/or transmit a rescue request signal. Regarding this embodiment, it shall be described with reference to FIG. 12 in the following.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for a controlling method detecting an accident occurred while a user is driving, outputting a guide and/or transmitting an emergency rescue signal based on a detected result according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 (a), FIG. 12 (a) shows a state that a user wearing a necklace type mobile terminal 100 is driving a vehicle. And, FIG. 12 (b) shows a state that an accident has occurred to the user.

The controller 180 can detect the occurrence of the accident based on various signals detected by the sensing unit 140. First of all, in order to determine whether a user is moving on a vehicle, the controller determines current moving speed using a position-location module 115 and the like. If the determined current moving speed is faster a prescribed speed or if a current position determined by using the position-location module 115 exists on a road, it is able to determine it as the user is moving on the vehicle.

While the user is moving on the vehicle, if a rapid speed change (e.g., hitting the brake or stopping the vehicle due to a different impact) or a rapid posture change of the user is detected, the necklace type mobile terminal 100 may recognize that an accident has occurred to the user. In particular, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), if an accident occurs to the user driving the vehicle, it may expect a change of a posture of the user as shown in FIG. 12 (c).

If the necklace type mobile terminal 100 detects the occurrence of the accident via the sensing unit 140, the controller 180 can output a guide on a danger. And, the controller can automatically transmit a rescue request signal to a relief agency and the like in a manner of controlling the wireless communication unit 110. The rescue request signal may include current location information of the necklace type mobile terminal 100 detected by the position-location module 115, current posture state information of the user and the like.

A different example of outputting a guide according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an output via earphones 202. Regarding this embodiment, it shall be described with reference to FIG. 13 in the following.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for an example of outputting a guide on a bad posture/wearing according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13 (a), assume a state that a posture of a user wearing the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is not good. The controller 180 can output a vibration/haptic feedback via an earphone 202 positioned at a direction to which one of a first and a second body 100-1/100-2 is leaning. By doing so, the controller can guide on a correction of the posture of the user. In particular, the user recognizes that the necklace type mobile terminal is leaning to a direction to which the vibration/haptic feedback is outputted and may be able to properly correct the posture and/or wearing of the terminal.

In this case, the haptic output means an output capable of stimulating a sense of touch of the user. As mentioned in the foregoing description, the haptic output may include an output inflating an earphone and the like.

For the output inflating the earphone, the haptic module 153 can be equipped with EAP (electric active polymer). The EAP indicates a polymer capable of properly performing contraction and relaxation by a simple electronic signal.

According to a different embodiment of the present invention, the haptic module 153 can include a piezo-electric element. The piezo-electric element indicates an element capable of outputting a mechanical output when an electronic signal is supplied.

And, the controller 180 can control strength of outputted sound and/or the extent of inflation according to the extent of inclination. For instance, if a posture is getting close to a straight posture by adjusting the inclination, the strength of the sound and/or the extent of inflation can be outputted in a manner of being strengthened. In correcting a posture, a user can precisely correct the posture based on the strength of the sound and/or the extent of inflation.

Meanwhile, in the aforementioned embodiment, the necklace type mobile terminal 100 is explained as an example, by which the present invention may be non-limited. The embodiment can be identically applied to a glasses type mobile terminal 100’’ as well. Regarding this embodiment, it shall be described with reference to FIG. 14 in the following.

In general, there may exist little case that a glasses type mobile terminal 100’’ is badly worn. This is because the glasses type mobile terminal is more contacted with a body of a user compared to the necklace type mobile terminal in general. Hence, in case of the glasses type mobile terminal 100’’, an output of a guide on a bad posture rather than a guide on a bad wearing could be more effective.

Referring to FIG. 14, it shows states that a user 1401 moves a head of the user to all direction (left, right, top and bottom) in a state of wearing the glasses type mobile terminal 100’’. If the glasses type mobile terminal 100’’ detects a movement of the head of the user, the glasses type mobile terminal can output a guide comment to make the user properly correct the head.

Claims

A mobile terminal, comprising:

a frame configured to make the mobile terminal to be worn around a neck of a user;

a first sensing unit configured to detect a state that the frame is contacted with the neck of the user;

a second sensing unit configured to detect inclination of the mobile terminal;

an output unit; and

a controller configured to control the output unit to output guide information guiding a bad wearing or a bad posture based on a signal detected by the first and the second sensing unit.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein if a state of not being contacted is detected by the first sensing unit, the controller is configured to control the output unit to output guide information guiding a bad wearing.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein if a state of being contacted is detected by the first sensing unit and inclination detected by the second sensing unit is greater than a prescribed angle, the controller is configured to control the output unit to output guide information guiding a bad posture.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the output unit comprises an audio output module configured to output a voice comment and wherein the guide information corresponds to a guide comment outputted via the audio output module.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the output unit further comprises earphones and a haptic module installed in one side of the earphones and wherein the guide information corresponds to an operation of inflating one side of the earphones via the haptic module.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first sensing unit comprises at least one SAR (synthetic aperture radar) sensor configured to detect the extent of proximity with a body and wherein the controller is configured to determine whether wearing of the user is bad based on at least one proximity detected by the at least one SAR sensor.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the second sensing unit comprises at least one acceleration sensor and is configured to detect the inclination based on gravity direction detected by the at least one acceleration sensor.
The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the second sensing unit comprises at least one gravity sensor and is configured to detect the inclination based on gravity direction detected by the at least one gravity sensor.
A method of controlling a necklace type mobile terminal, which is equipped with a frame making the necklace type mobile terminal to be worn around a neck of a user, comprising the steps of:

a first sensing step to detect a state that the frame is contacted with the neck of the user;

a second sensing step to detect inclination of the mobile terminal; and

outputting guide information guiding a bad wearing or a bad posture based on a signal detected by the first and the second sensing step.
The method of claim 9, wherein if a state of not being contacted is detected by the first sensing unit, the outputting step outputs guide information guiding a bad wearing.
The method of claim 9, wherein if a state of being contacted is detected by the first sensing unit and inclination detected by the second sensing unit is greater than a prescribed angle, the outputting step outputs guide information guiding a bad posture.
The method of claim 9, wherein the mobile terminal further comprises an audio output module configured to output a voice comment and wherein the guide information corresponds to a guide comment outputted via the audio output module.
The method of claim 9, wherein the mobile terminal further comprises earphones and a haptic module installed in one side of the earphones and wherein the guide information corresponds to an operation of inflating one side of the earphones via the haptic module.
The method of claim 9, wherein the mobile terminal further comprises at least one SAR (synthetic aperture radar) sensor configured to detect the extent of proximity with a body and wherein the first sensing step determines whether wearing of the user is bad based on at least one proximity detected by the at least one SAR sensor.
The method of claim 9, wherein the mobile terminal comprises at least one acceleration sensor and wherein the second sensing step detects the inclination based on gravity direction detected by the at least one acceleration sensor.
The method of claim 9, wherein the mobile terminal comprises at least one gravity sensor and wherein the second sensing step detects the inclination based on gravity direction detected by the at least one gravity sensor.