Mobile terminal and wireless charging method thereof

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

p-0002Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2010-0084409, filed on Aug. 30, 2010, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

p-0003The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method for wirelessly charging the terminal placed on a charging pad.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

p-0004As terminals, such as computers, laptop computers, mobile phones and the like, become multifunctional, the terminals can be allowed to capture still images or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as an integrated multimedia player.

p-0005In general, terminals may be divided into a mobile terminal and a stationary terminal according to their mobilities. The mobile terminal may then be categorized into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether a user can carry it around.

p-0006Such a mobile terminal typically utilizes a battery for portability. Charging the battery may be done by a wired charging and a wireless charging, and the wired charging is generally used. However, in recent time, great attention is being paid to wireless charging techniques. The wireless charging methods include an electromagnetic induction type using an electromagnetic induction and a magnetic resonance type for supplying power to transmitting and receiving ends over the same frequency. Of the wireless charging methods, the electromagnetic induction type is configured such that a coil, which is included in a charging pad, generates an electromagnetic field in response to power applied to the charging pad and a coil included in a battery of a mobile terminal generates an induced current responsive to the electromagnetic field, thereby charging the battery with the induced current. In the electromagnetic induction type charging method, the position of the terminal placed on the charging pad is very important. Consequently, if the position of the terminal is changed on the charging pad or the terminal falls out of the charging pad during a wireless charging due to vibration, which is generated when the terminal, for example, in a vibration mode receives a call the charging operation may not be successfully performed or charging efficiency may be drastically decreased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0007Therefore, to overcome the related art problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal, which changes a vibration mode set to the terminal into a ring mode so as to perform a wireless charging, and a wireless charging method thereof.

p-0008To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a wireless charging method for a mobile terminal in which a battery is wirelessly charged using induced current generated from a charging pad, the method including receiving the induced current generated from the charging pad, checking whether the terminal is in a vibration mode upon reception of the induced current, and changing the vibration mode into a ring mode or a mute mode when the terminal is in the vibration mode.

p-0009In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a mobile terminal including a power reception unit configured to receive induced current generated from a charging pad, a controller configured to check whether the terminal is in a vibration mode when the induced current is received, and to change the vibration mode into a ring mode or a mute mode according to the check result, and a charging unit configured to wirelessly charge the battery using the received induced current according to the control of the controller.

p-0010The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0011The 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 drawings.

p-0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a view of a wireless charging system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

p-0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a sectional view taken along the line A-B of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> is a block diagram of a wireless charger in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment;

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration of the charging pad in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment;

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flowchart showing a wireless charging method for a mobile terminal in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a screen for setting the ringtone upon the wireless charging of the mobile terminal in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment;

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a screen for requesting a manual changing of the ringtone upon the wireless charging of the mobile terminal in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment;

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a flowchart showing a method for guiding an alignment of the mobile terminal in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment; and

p-0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a screen for guiding the terminal alignment in the mobile terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

p-0022Description will now be given in detail of the preferred embodiments according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, suffixes “module” and “unit or portion” for components used herein in description are merely provided only for facilitation of preparing this specification, and thus they are not granted a specific meaning or function.

p-0023Mobile terminals described in the present invention may include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, and the like. However, it can be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the configurations according to the embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present invention can be applied to stationary terminals, such as digital TV, desktop computer and the like, excluding several cases of being applicable only to mobile terminals.

p-0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a view of a wireless charging system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a sectional view taken along the line A-B of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

p-0025As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a wireless charging system may include a mobile terminal <b>100</b> and a charging pad <b>200</b>.

p-0026The mobile terminal <b>100</b> is a wirelessly chargeable terminal, and a battery of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> may be charged by using an induced current generated from the charging pad <b>200</b>. The mobile terminal <b>100</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, may include a second coil <b>191</b> for generating an induced current according to an electromagnetic induction. The second coil <b>191</b> may be disposed between the battery and a battery cover <b>101</b>.

p-0027The charging pad <b>200</b>, as a device for wirelessly charging the battery of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, is a power transmitter which sends power needed for the battery charging. The charging pad <b>200</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, may include a first coil <b>210</b> present inside a cover <b>201</b> for generating an electromagnetic field in response to power supply, and a sensor <b>220</b> for recognizing a contact and/or a position of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>. The sensor <b>220</b> may serve to notify that the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is placed on the charging pad <b>200</b> and also to help the mobile terminal <b>100</b> to be placed on a position with the highest charging efficiency when the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is put on the charging pad <b>200</b>. The highest charging efficiency can be obtained only when a center of the first coil <b>210</b> is in alignment with a center of the second coil <b>191</b> at the time the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is put on the charging pad <b>200</b>. Hence, in order to make the centers of the first and second coils <b>210</b> and <b>191</b> located in alignment with each other, a magnet is installed at the center of the first coil <b>210</b>, and accordingly, when the center of the second coil <b>191</b> is located within a preset radius based upon the center of the first coil <b>210</b>, the terminal <b>100</b> is attracted by a magnetic force, thereby aligning the centers of the first coil <b>210</b> and the second coil <b>191</b> with each other. Here, if a distance between the centers of the first and second coils <b>210</b> and <b>191</b> is out of an allowable distance range D, the charging pad <b>200</b> recognizes it as the mobile terminal <b>100</b> does not satisfy an alignment condition, so as to send a signal to the mobile terminal <b>100</b> to notify impossibility of the wireless charging. That is, when the centers of the first and second coils <b>210</b> and <b>191</b> overlap with each other, if the distance between the centers of the first coil <b>210</b> and the second coil <b>191</b> does not meet the alignment condition, the charging pad <b>200</b> does not allow the battery wireless charging of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>. Here, the charging pad <b>200</b> sends to the mobile terminal <b>100</b> information relating to deviated direction and distance of the center of the second coil <b>191</b> from the center of the first coil <b>210</b>.

p-0028Also, the charging pad <b>200</b> may charge a plurality of terminals at the same time. In other words, two or more terminals may be chargeable by being placed on the charging pad <b>200</b>, and the terminals may be different types of terminals. For instance, a mobile terminal, a multimedia player, PDA and the like may all be placed the charging pad <b>200</b> for charging.

p-0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> is a block diagram of a wireless charger in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment.

p-0030The mobile terminal <b>100</b> may comprise components, such as a wireless communication unit <b>110</b>, an Audio/Video (A/V) input unit <b>120</b>, a user input unit <b>130</b>, a sensing unit <b>140</b>, an output unit <b>150</b>, a memory <b>160</b>, an interface unit <b>170</b>, a controller <b>180</b>, a power supply unit <b>190</b> and the like. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows the mobile terminal <b>100</b> 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.

p-0031Hereinafter, each component is described in sequence.

p-0032The wireless communication unit <b>110</b> may typically include one or more components which permit wireless communications between the mobile terminal <b>100</b> and a wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal <b>100</b> and a network within which the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is located. For example, the wireless communication unit <b>110</b> may include a broadcast receiving module <b>111</b>, a mobile communication module <b>112</b>, a wireless Internet module <b>113</b>, a short-range communication module <b>114</b>, a location information module <b>115</b> and the like.

p-0033The broadcast receiving module <b>111</b> receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel.

p-0034The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast managing entity may indicate a server which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information or a server which receives a pre-generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and sends them to the portable terminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, among others. The broadcast signal may further include a data broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

p-0035The broadcast associated information may indicate information relating to broadcast channels, broadcast programs or broadcast service providers. Further, the broadcast associated information may be provided via a mobile communication network and received by the mobile communication module <b>112</b>.

p-0036The broadcast associated information may be implemented in various formats. For instance, broadcast associated information may include Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), and the like.

p-0037The broadcast receiving module <b>111</b> may be configured to receive digital broadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems. Such broadcast systems may include Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO), Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. The broadcast receiving module <b>111</b> may be configured to be suitable for every broadcast system transmitting broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcasting systems.

p-0038Broadcast signals and/or broadcast associated information received via the broadcast receiving module <b>111</b> may be stored in a suitable device, such as a memory <b>160</b>.

p-0039The mobile communication module <b>112</b> transmits/receives wireless signals to/from at least one of network entities (e.g., base station, an external terminal, a server, etc.) on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signals may include audio call signal, video call signal, or various formats of data according to transmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

p-0040The wireless Internet module <b>113</b> supports wireless Internet access for the portable terminal. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the portable terminal <b>100</b>. Examples of such wireless Internet access may include Wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and the like.

p-0041The short-range communication module <b>114</b> denotes a module for short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing this module may include Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee™, and the like.

p-0042The location information module <b>115</b> denotes a module for detecting or calculating a position of a portable terminal. An example of the position location module <b>115</b> may include a Global Position System (GPS) module.

p-0043Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref>, the A/V input unit <b>120</b> is configured to provide audio or video signal input to the mobile terminal. The A/V input unit <b>120</b> may include a camera <b>121</b> and a microphone <b>122</b>. The camera <b>121</b> receives and processes image frames of still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video (telephony) call mode or a capturing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a display unit <b>151</b>.

p-0044The image frames processed by the camera <b>121</b> may be stored in the memory <b>160</b> or transmitted to the exterior via the wireless communication unit <b>110</b>. Two or more cameras <b>121</b> may be provided according to the use environment of the mobile terminal.

p-0045The microphone <b>122</b> may receive an external audio signal while the mobile terminal is in a particular mode, such as a phone call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like. This audio signal is processed into digital data. The processed digital data is converted for output into a format transmittable to a mobile communication base station via the mobile communication module <b>112</b> in case of the phone call mode. The microphone <b>122</b> may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

p-0046The user input unit <b>130</b> may generate input data input by a user to control the operation of the mobile terminal. The user input unit <b>130</b> may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch and the like.

p-0047The sensing unit <b>140</b> provides status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal. For instance, the sensing unit <b>140</b> may detect an open/close status of the mobile terminal, a change in a location of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, the orientation of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, and the like, so as to generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>. For example, regarding a slide-type mobile terminal, the sensing unit <b>140</b> may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobile terminal is open or closed. Other examples include sensing functions, such as the sensing unit <b>140</b> sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply <b>190</b>, the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface unit <b>170</b> and an external device and the like. Moreover, the sensing unit <b>140</b> may include a proximity sensor <b>141</b>.

p-0048The output unit <b>150</b> is configured to output an audio signal, a video signal or an alarm signal. The output unit <b>150</b> may include a display unit <b>151</b>, an audio output module <b>152</b>, an alarm unit <b>153</b>, a haptic module <b>154</b> and the like.

p-0049The display unit <b>151</b> may output information processed in the mobile terminal <b>100</b>. For example, when the mobile terminal is operating in a phone call mode, the display unit <b>151</b> will provide a User Interface (UI) or a Graphic User Interface (GUI) which includes information associated with the call. As another example, if the mobile terminal is in a video call mode or a capturing mode, the display unit <b>151</b> may additionally or alternatively display images captured and/or received, UI, or GUI.

p-0050The display unit <b>151</b> may be implemented using, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD), an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), a flexible display, a three-dimensional (3D) display, or the like.

p-0051Some of the displays can be configured to be transparent such that it is possible to see the exterior therethrough. These displays may be called transparent displays. A representative example of the transparent display may include a Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED), and the like. The rear surface of the display unit <b>151</b> may also be implemented to be optically transparent. Under this configuration, a user can view an object positioned at a rear side of a terminal body through a region occupied by the display unit <b>151</b> of the terminal body.

p-0052The display unit <b>151</b> may be implemented in two or more in number according to a configured aspect of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>. For instance, a plurality of the display units <b>151</b> may be arranged on one surface to be spaced apart from or integrated with each other, or may be arranged on different surfaces.

p-0053Here, if the display unit <b>151</b> and a touch sensitive sensor (referred to as a ‘touch sensor’) have a layered structure therebetween, the structure may be referred to as ‘touch screen’. In this structure, the display unit <b>151</b> may be used as an input device rather than an output device. The touch sensor may be implemented as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like.

p-0054The touch sensor may be configured to convert changes of a pressure applied to a specific part of the display unit <b>151</b>, or a capacitance occurring from a specific part of the display unit <b>151</b>, into electric input signals. Also, the touch sensor may be configured to sense not only a touched position and a touched area, but also a touch pressure.

p-0055When touch inputs are sensed by the touch sensors, corresponding signals are transmitted to a touch controller (not shown). The touch controller processes the received signals, and then transmits corresponding data to the controller <b>180</b>. Accordingly, the controller <b>180</b> may sense which region of the display unit <b>151</b> has been touched.

p-0056As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref>, a proximity sensor <b>141</b> may be arranged at an inner region of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> covered by the touch screen, or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor <b>141</b> indicates a sensor to sense presence or absence of an object approaching to a surface to be sensed, or an object disposed near a surface to be sensed, by using an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor <b>141</b> has a longer lifespan and a more enhanced utility than a contact sensor.

p-0057The proximity sensor <b>141</b> may include a transmissive type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, and so on. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, proximity of a pointer to the touch screen is sensed by changes of an electromagnetic field. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be categorized into a proximity sensor.

p-0058Hereinafter, for the sake of brief explanation, a status that the pointer is positioned to be proximate onto the touch screen without contact will be referred to as ‘proximity touch’, whereas a status that the pointer substantially comes in contact with the touch screen will be referred to as ‘contact touch’. For the position corresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer on the touch screen, such position corresponds to a position where the pointer faces perpendicular to the touch screen upon the proximity touch of the pointer.

p-0059The proximity sensor <b>141</b> senses proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (e.g., distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, etc.). Information relating to the sensed proximity touch and the sensed proximity touch patterns may be output onto the touch screen.

p-0060The audio output module <b>152</b> may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit <b>110</b> or stored in the memory <b>160</b>, in a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and so on. The audio output module <b>152</b> may output audio signals relating to functions performed in the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, e.g., sound alarming a call received or a message received, and so on. The audio output module <b>152</b> may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and so on.

p-0061The alarm unit <b>153</b> outputs signals notifying occurrence of events from the mobile terminal <b>100</b>. The events occurring from the mobile terminal <b>100</b> may include call received, message received, key signal input, touch input, and so on. The alarm unit <b>153</b> may output not only video or audio signals, but also other types of signals such as signals notifying occurrence of events in a vibration manner. Since the video or audio signals can be output through the display unit <b>151</b> or the audio output module <b>152</b>, the display unit <b>151</b> and the audio output module <b>152</b> may be categorized into a part of the alarm unit <b>153</b>.

p-0062The haptic module <b>154</b> generates various tactile effects which a user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module <b>154</b> includes vibration. Vibration generated by the haptic module <b>154</b> may have a controllable intensity, a controllable pattern, and so on. For instance, different vibration may be output in a synthesized manner or in a sequential manner.

p-0063The haptic module <b>154</b> may generate various haptic effects, including not only vibration, but also arrangement of pins vertically moving with respect to a skin being touched (contacted), air injection force or air suction force through an injection hole or a suction hole, touch by a skin surface, presence or absence of contact with an electrode, effects by stimulus such as an electrostatic force, reproduction of cold or hot feeling using a heat absorbing device or a heat emitting device, and the like.

p-0064The haptic module <b>154</b> may be configured to transmit tactile effects (signals) through a user's direct contact, or a user's muscular sense using a finger or a hand. The haptic module <b>154</b> may be implemented in two or more in number according to the configuration of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>.

p-0065The memory <b>160</b> may store a program for the processing and control of the controller <b>180</b>. Alternatively, the memory <b>160</b> may temporarily store input/output data (e.g., phonebook data, messages, still images, video and the like). Also, the memory <b>160</b> may store data related to various patterns of vibrations and audio output upon the touch input on the touch screen.

p-0066Also, the memory <b>160</b> may store a wireless charging application downloaded from an application providing server (e.g., App store). The wireless charging application is a program for controlling a wireless charging of the battery, and accordingly a ringtone (notification mode) may be selectively set upon the wireless charging or upon completion of the wireless charging through the corresponding program. Here, the ringtone relates to outputting of an alarm (alert, notice) signal for allowing a user to recognize the moment when a text message or an incoming call is received, and may include a ring mode, a vibration mode (manner mode), a mute mode (silent mode) and the like.

p-0067The memory <b>160</b> may be implemented using any type of suitable storage medium including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a memory card type (e.g., SD or DX memory), Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-only Memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, and the like. Also, the mobile terminal <b>100</b> may operate a web storage which performs the storage function of the memory <b>160</b> on the Internet.

p-0068The interface unit <b>170</b> may generally be implemented to interface the mobile terminal with external devices. The interface unit <b>170</b> may allow a data reception from an external device, a power delivery to each component in the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, or a data transmission from the mobile terminal <b>100</b> to an external device. The interface unit <b>170</b> may include, for example, wired/wireless headset ports, external charger ports, wired/wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for coupling devices having an identification module, audio Input/Output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, and the like.

p-0069The identification module may be configured as a chip for storing various information required to authenticate an authority to use the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, which may include a User Identity Module (UIM), a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), and the like. Also, the device having the identification module (hereinafter, referred to as ‘identification device’) may be implemented in a type of smart card. Hence, the identification device can be coupled to the mobile terminal <b>100</b> via a port.

p-0070Also, the interface unit <b>170</b> may serve as a path for power to be supplied from an external cradle to the mobile terminal <b>100</b> when the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is connected to the external cradle or as a path for transferring various command signals inputted from the cradle by a user to the mobile terminal <b>100</b>. Such various command signals or power inputted from the cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal <b>100</b> has accurately been mounted to the cradle.

p-0071The controller <b>180</b> typically controls the overall operations of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>. For example, the controller <b>180</b> performs the control and processing associated with telephony calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. The controller <b>180</b> may include a multimedia module <b>181</b> which provides multimedia playback. The multimedia module <b>181</b> may be configured as part of the controller <b>180</b> or as a separate component.

p-0072The controller <b>180</b> can perform a pattern recognition processing so as to recognize writing or drawing input on the touch screen as text or image.

p-0073The controller <b>180</b> may perform a wired charging or wireless charging operation responsive to a user input or an internal input. Here, the internal input may be a signal for informing that an induced current generated from the second coil within the terminal has been detected. The controller <b>180</b> then charges the battery in a wireless manner using the induced current when the induced current generated from the charging pad is detected.

p-0074The controller <b>180</b> may check whether or not the ringtone of the terminal is in a vibration mode upon entering a wireless charging mode. That is, the controller <b>180</b> starts wireless charging of the battery and checks whether the ringtone of the terminal has been set to the vibration mode. If the ringtone is the vibration mode, then the controller <b>180</b> checks whether or not a ringtone change has been set. If so, the controller <b>180</b> changes the ringtone set to the vibration mode into a ring mode or a mute (silent) mode based upon the preset information.

p-0075Also, the controller <b>180</b> may check whether or not the position of the terminal placed on the charging pad <b>200</b> upon the wireless charging meets an alignment condition, and if the terminal position does not meet the alignment condition, the controller <b>180</b> may output an alarm sound or a message. In addition, the controller <b>180</b> may guide the alignment of the terminal to meet the alignment condition. In other words, the controller <b>180</b> receives from the charging pad <b>200</b> information relating to a deviated direction and distance of the second coil <b>191</b> from the center of the first coil <b>210</b>, and then guides the alignment of the terminal based upon the received information.

p-0076The power supply unit <b>190</b> provides power required by various components under the control of the controller <b>180</b>. The provided power may be internal power, external power, or combination thereof.

p-0077The power supply unit <b>190</b> may include a battery <b>196</b> for supplying power to each component of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, and a wireless charging device for charging the battery <b>196</b> via a cable or wirelessly.

p-0078The wireless charging device, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>, may include a second coil <b>191</b>, a rectifier <b>192</b>, a converter <b>193</b>, a communication controller <b>194</b>, a charging unit <b>195</b> and a battery <b>196</b>. Here, the second coil <b>191</b>, the rectifier <b>192</b>, the converter <b>193</b> and the communication controller <b>194</b> may be referred to as a power reception unit P. The power reception unit P may serve to receive the induced current generated from the charging pad <b>200</b>.

p-0079The second coil <b>191</b> may generate an induced current in response to the change in an electromagnetic field generated from the first coil <b>210</b> of the charging pad <b>200</b>. The second coil <b>191</b> may generate the induced current by receiving an induced current generated from the first coil <b>210</b>.

p-0080The rectifier <b>192</b> may be an alternative current (AC)—direct current (DC) converter for converting the induced current received via the second coil <b>191</b> into DC power (or DC voltage).

p-0081The converter <b>193</b> may convert the DC power output from the rectifier <b>192</b> into a preset voltage. That is, the converter <b>193</b> may serve to convert the DC power into an appropriate voltage for battery charging. For instance, if the DC power output from the rectifier <b>192</b> is 9V, the converter <b>193</b> converts 9V into 5V.

p-0082The communication controller <b>194</b> may perform communications with the charging pad <b>200</b>. The communication controller <b>194</b> may request an authentication as to whether or not the corresponding terminal is a chargeable device from the charging pad <b>200</b>. The communication controller <b>194</b> may send identification information, such as a device number of the battery or the like to the charging pad <b>200</b> upon the authentication request.

p-0083The charging unit <b>195</b> may charge the battery <b>196</b> by using the induced current received via the second coil <b>191</b>. In other words, the charging unit <b>195</b> may supply the induced current, which is generated from the second coil <b>191</b> in response to an electromagnetic induction generated from the charging pad <b>200</b>, to the battery <b>196</b>. The charging unit <b>195</b> may include a charging circuit for controlling battery charging, and anti-overcurrent/overvoltage circuit for preventing overcurrent and overvoltage.

p-0084Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium using, for example, software, hardware, or some combination thereof.

p-0085For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented within one or more of 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, micro processors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a selective combination thereof. In some cases, such embodiments are implemented by the controller <b>180</b>.

p-0086For software implementation, the embodiments such as procedures and functions may be implemented together with separate software modules each of which performs at least one of functions and operations. The software codes can be implemented with a software application written in any suitable programming language. Also, the software codes may be stored in the memory <b>160</b> and executed by the controller <b>180</b>.

p-0087<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram showing a configuration of the charging pad in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment.

p-0088Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the charging pad <b>200</b> may include a first coil <b>210</b>, a sensor <b>220</b>, a switching unit <b>230</b>, a comparing unit <b>240</b>, a charging pad controller <b>250</b> and an output unit <b>260</b>.

p-0089The first coil <b>210</b> may generate an electromagnetic field when power is applied thereto. The first coil <b>210</b> may be implemented as a solenoid. Also, the electromagnetic field generated from the first coil <b>210</b> may induce a magnetic field from the second coil <b>191</b> of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> so as to allow generation of an induced current from the first coil <b>191</b>.

p-0090The sensor <b>220</b> may detect a contact of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> when the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is put on the charging pad <b>200</b>, and check the position of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> on the charging pad <b>200</b>.

p-0091The switching unit <b>230</b> may supply external power to the first coil <b>210</b> or block the external power supplied to the first coil <b>210</b> according to the control of the charging pad controller <b>250</b>.

p-0092The comparing unit <b>240</b> may check whether or not the charging pad <b>200</b> normally operates. The comparing unit <b>240</b> may detect a voltage or current of power supplied from the exterior, and then check whether the detected voltage or current exceeds a threshold value. The comparing unit <b>240</b> may include a resistor for detecting the voltage or current of the external power, and a comparator for comparing the detected voltage or current value of the power with the threshold value to output the comparison result. For example, the comparator <b>240</b> checks whether or not the externally applied power exceeds 5V to output the check result to the charging pad controller <b>250</b>. The charging pad controller <b>250</b> then controls the switching unit <b>230</b> to block power supplied to the second coil <b>210</b> when the externally applied power exceeds 5V.

p-0093The charging pad controller <b>250</b> may control the switching unit <b>230</b> according to the check result sent from the comparing unit <b>240</b>. The charging pad controller <b>250</b> may also perform communications with the mobile terminal <b>100</b> and check a charged state of the battery <b>196</b> through the communications. For example, the charging pad controller <b>250</b> can perform communications with the controller <b>180</b> of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> via the short-range communication, such as Bluetooth™, thereby checking the charged state of the battery <b>196</b>.

p-0094Also, the charging pad controller <b>250</b> may check the position of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> on the charging pad <b>200</b> via the sensor <b>220</b> and undergo the authentication process via the communication with the communication controller <b>194</b> of the mobile terminal <b>100</b>, thereby checking whether the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is a wirelessly chargeable terminal. Here, the charging pad controller <b>250</b> may also receive information relating to a model of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> or the battery <b>196</b>. Hence, the charging pad controller <b>250</b> may check information related to the second coil <b>191</b> (e.g., the position of the second coil <b>191</b>) based upon the model related information. For example, the charging pad controller <b>250</b> may access the position of the second coil <b>191</b> of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> from second coil position information, which is stored for each type in a memory (not shown).

p-0095The charging pad controller <b>250</b> may check whether or not the mobile terminal <b>100</b> placed on the charging pad <b>200</b> meets the alignment condition. For example, if a sensor, such as a Hall sensor, is disposed at the center of the first coil <b>210</b> and a magnet is disposed at the center of the second coil <b>191</b> such that the center of the second coil <b>191</b> is aligned with the center of the first coil <b>210</b> in an overlapped state, the charging pad controller <b>250</b> considers it as the mobile terminal <b>100</b> meets the alignment condition. If the mobile terminal <b>100</b> does not satisfy the alignment condition, the charging pad controller <b>250</b> sends a signal to the mobile terminal <b>100</b> to inform that the charging is impossible.

p-0096The output unit <b>260</b> may display a charged state according to the control of the charging pad controller <b>250</b>. The output unit <b>260</b> may be implemented as a light emitting diode and/or an LCD.

p-0097<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flowchart showing a wireless charging method for a mobile terminal in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, which exemplarily illustrates a case where the mobile terminal is placed on a charging pad.

p-0098Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the controller <b>180</b> enters a wireless charging mode responsive to a user input or an internal input (S<b>101</b>). The controller <b>180</b> recognizes the existence of a wireless charging request if a voltage generated from the power reception unit P of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is detected. In other words, if an induced current is generated from the second coil <b>191</b>, the controller <b>180</b> enters the wireless charging mode. The controller <b>180</b> may also perform a battery charging using the generated induced current.

p-0099Upon entering the wireless charging mode, the controller <b>180</b> checks whether or not the ringtone (notification mode) has been set to a vibration mode (manner mode) (S<b>102</b>). Here, the ringtone may include a vibration mode, a ring mode, a mute mode and the like.

p-0100If the ringtone has been set to the vibration mode, the controller <b>180</b> checks whether or not the ringtone change has been set (S<b>103</b>). That is, when the ringtone has been set to the vibration mode upon a wireless charging, the controller <b>180</b> checks whether a function of changing the vibration mode into a ring mode or a mute mode has been set. The ringtone change may be set by a user in advance.

p-0101If the ringtone change is in a set state, the controller <b>180</b> changes the vibration mode of the ringtone into the ring mode or the mute mode based upon the preset setup information (S<b>104</b>). The controller <b>180</b> may perform the wireless charging of the battery <b>196</b> at the same time of the entry into the wireless charging mode, or perform charging of the battery <b>196</b> after changing the ringtone. Also, the controller <b>180</b> may output the charged state of the battery <b>196</b> on a display screen while charging the battery <b>196</b>.

p-0102Upon completion of the battery charging, the controller <b>180</b> returns the changed ringtone to the previous mode (S<b>105</b> and S<b>106</b>). The controller <b>180</b> may change the ringtone back into the vibration mode, which is the mode prior to changing the ringtone into the ring mode or the mute mode, based upon the preset setup information, or maintain the changed ringtone.

p-0103If the ringtone change has not been set at step S<b>103</b>, the controller <b>180</b> may output a message on the display unit <b>151</b> to inform that the vibration mode should be manually changed into the ring mode or the mute mode (S<b>107</b>). Here, the controller <b>180</b> may also output an effect sound.

p-0104If the ringtone is not the vibration mode at step S<b>102</b>, the controller <b>180</b> performs the wireless charging of the battery <b>196</b> (S<b>108</b>). Upon completion of the wireless charging, the controller <b>180</b> may output an effect sound and/or a message for informing the completion of the charging. If a touch input on the display screen of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is detected or a specific key of the user input unit <b>130</b> is entered during the wireless charging, the controller <b>180</b> displays the charged state (charged level) of the battery <b>196</b>.

p-0105<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a screen for setting the ringtone upon the wireless charging of the mobile terminal in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment.

p-0106First, the controller <b>180</b> executes a wireless charging application stored in the memory <b>160</b> in response to a user input. Upon the execution of the wireless charging application, the controller <b>180</b> outputs an execution screen, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, on the display unit <b>151</b>.

p-0107It is available to set the function of changing the vibration mode into the ring mode or the mute mode during charging and also set whether to return the changed ringtone to the state prior to the change after charging completion.

p-0108<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a screen for requesting a manual change of the ringtone upon the wireless charging of the mobile terminal in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment.

p-0109If the ringtone of the mobile terminal <b>100</b> is set to the vibration mode but the ringtone change is not set upon the wireless charging, the controller <b>180</b> displays a message for requesting a manual change of the ringtone on the display screen, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. When the user selects OK after checking the message displayed on the display screen, the controller <b>180</b> executes the wireless charging application for changing the ringtone shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Afterwards, as mentioned above, the ringtone change function may be set. Upon setting the ringtone change function, the controller <b>180</b> immediately applies the set information to change the ringtone from the vibration mode into the ring mode or the mute mode.

p-0110Alternatively, after checking the message output on the display screen, the controller <b>180</b> may set the ringtone according to a user input entered via the user input unit <b>130</b>. For example, when the terminal is in a manner mode (vibration mode), the controller <b>180</b> releases the manner mode when a manner mode setup/release key is input by a user. Alternatively, if the ringtone is in the vibration mode, the controller <b>180</b> changes the ringtone from the vibration mode into the ring mode or the mute mode according to a user's menu manipulation.

p-0111The manner mode is similar to the vibration mode, but a terminal in the manner mode temporarily operates in the vibration mode irrespective of a preset ringtone. That is, upon the manner mode being set, the terminal operates in the vibration mode even though the mode of the terminal has previously been set to a ringtone mode.

p-0112<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a flowchart showing a method for guiding an alignment of a mobile terminal in accordance with the one exemplary embodiment.

p-0113Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the controller <b>180</b> receives a wireless charging request (S<b>201</b>). Here, the controller <b>180</b> may recognize a detection as the wireless charging request when an induced current generated from the second coil <b>191</b> is detected.

p-0114In response to the wireless charging request, the controller <b>180</b> checks the position of the terminal <b>100</b> on the charging pad <b>200</b> (S<b>202</b>). Here, the controller <b>180</b> may receive position information relating to the terminal <b>100</b> from the charging pad <b>200</b>. The charging pad <b>200</b> may provide the controller <b>180</b> with information relating to the deviated direction and distance (level) of the center of the second coil <b>191</b> within the terminal <b>100</b> with respect to the center of the first coil <b>210</b> within the charging pad <b>200</b>.

p-0115When the position of the terminal <b>100</b> meets an alignment condition, the controller <b>180</b> executes the wireless charging of the battery <b>196</b> (S<b>204</b>). The alignment condition indicates that the distance between centers of the first and second coils is within an allowable distance range.

p-0116In the meantime, if the terminal position does not meet the alignment condition, the controller <b>180</b> guides the alignment of the terminal such that the terminal can satisfy the alignment condition (S<b>205</b>). The controller <b>180</b> then guides the direction and distance that the terminal should move based upon information relating to the deviated direction and distance provided from the charging pad <b>200</b>.

p-0117For instance, referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, an alignment mark <b>301</b>, which indicates the center of the first coil <b>210</b> mounted in the charging pad <b>200</b>, is represented, and guide lines <b>302</b>, which guide the center of the second coil <b>191</b> to be aligned on the alignment mark <b>301</b>, is displayed on a display screen. A user then moves the mobile terminal <b>100</b> such that the intersection between the guide lines <b>302</b> output on the display screen can overlap with the alignment mark <b>301</b>.

p-0118Also, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the aforesaid methods may be implemented in a medium having a program recorded as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable medium may include all types of recording apparatuses each storing data which is readable by a computer system. Examples of such computer-readable media may include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage element and the like. Also, such computer-readable medium may be implemented in a type of a carrier wave (e.g., a transmission via an Internet). The computer can include the controller <b>180</b> of the mobile terminal.

p-0119The configurations and methods of the previously described embodiments may not be limitedly applied to the aforementioned mobile terminal but it would be understood that the present invention can be implemented by selectively combining the aforementioned embodiment(s) entirely or partially

p-0120In accordance with at least one embodiment with the aforesaid configuration, when a terminal is in a vibration mode upon wireless charging, the vibration mode may be changed into a ring mode, thereby avoiding the change in a position of the terminal on a charging pad, which may be caused due to vibration generated from the terminal. This results in maintenance of the same charging efficiency until a battery charging is completed.

p-0121The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments.

p-0122As the present features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.