Portable terminal capable of sensing proximity touch and method for controlling screen in the same

Abstract

A portable terminal for sensing a touch input, including a direct touch input and a proximity touch input, includes a touch screen configured to receive the touch input via a touching object and responsively displaying at least a first portion of a page and a controller configured to recognize the direct touch input when the touching object contacts the touch screen and recognize the proximity touch input when the touching object is located within a threshold distance relative to the touch screen for a period of time, the proximity touch input being effective as long as the touching object remains within the threshold distance, wherein in response to the proximity touch input, a size of the displayed page is changed from a first size to a second size, or a second portion of the page is displayed on the touch screen, the second portion being different from the first portion.