U.S. patent application number 12/181298 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for portable terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Hyun-Bo Choi, Matthew Dehamer.
Application Number | 20090051666 12/181298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39876589 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090051666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi; Hyun-Bo ; et
al. |
February 26, 2009 |
PORTABLE TERMINAL
Abstract
A portable terminal comprising: a first body having a keypad
containing a plurality of keys arranged thereon and a display
disposed in one direction for displaying information inputted via
the keypad; and a second body slidably connected to the first body
in a direction perpendicular to the one direction and having a
touch screen configured to be exposed to the outside when the
portable terminal is converted from a closed state into an open
state, wherein the touch screen is activated in the open state to
display visual information related to information to be displayed
on the display, whereby a portable terminal having a convenient
user interface environment and also a new design can be
provided.
Inventors: |
Choi; Hyun-Bo; (Gyeonggi-Do,
KR) ; Dehamer; Matthew; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEE, HONG, DEGERMAN, KANG & WAIMEY
660 S. FIGUEROA STREET, Suite 2300
LOS ANGELES
CA
90017
US
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39876589 |
Appl. No.: |
12/181298 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60952658 |
Jul 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 ;
455/566 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2250/12 20130101;
H04M 1/0235 20130101; H04M 2250/22 20130101; H04M 1/233 20130101;
H04M 1/72403 20210101; H04M 2250/16 20130101; H04M 1/72427
20210101; H04M 1/0241 20130101; H04M 1/72445 20210101; H04M 2250/18
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 ;
455/566 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; H04M 1/00 20060101 H04M001/00 |
Claims
1. A portable terminal comprising: a first body having a keypad
containing a plurality of keys arranged thereon and a display
disposed in one direction for displaying information inputted via
the keypad; and a second body slidably connected to the first body
in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, and having a
touch screen configured to be exposed to the outside when the
portable terminal is converted from a closed state into an open
state, wherein the touch screen is activated in the open state to
display visual information related to information to be displayed
on the display.
2. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the keys contain numbers or
characters thereon to allow the input of phone numbers or text
messages in the closed state of the portable terminal.
3. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the touch screen displays first
visual information which is able to be inputted in a
touch-sensitive manner when the portable terminal is converted from
the closed into the open state.
4. The terminal of claim 3, wherein the display displays second
visual information related to the first visual information when
touching the first visual information for input.
5. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information
includes a menu or list containing at least one selectable item,
and the second visual information includes detailed information
related to the at least one item.
6. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information
includes at least one icon for executing an operation mode of the
portable terminal, and the second visual information includes a
working image of the operation mode.
7. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information
includes at least ones of character keys, number keys and
functional keys to be inputted, and the second visual information
includes a text output screen representing text corresponding to
the key input.
8. The terminal of claim 7, wherein the first visual information
further includes a text output window representing text
corresponding to the key input.
9. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information
includes at least one content of music, broadcast and video, and
the second visual information includes information related to the
content.
10. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information
includes image information having one touchable region, and the
second visual information includes an enlarged image of the one
region.
11. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first and second visual
information are controlled to have the same output direction.
12. The terminal of claim 3, wherein the first and second bodies
intermittently relatively move with each other by a plurality of
steps according to an exposed area of the touch screen when the
portable terminal is converted from the closed state into the open
state, and the touch screen displays different information for each
step.
13. The terminal of claim 12, wherein the first visual information
is outputted as much as an amount corresponding to the exposed area
of the touch screen for each step.
14. The terminal of claim 13, wherein the first visual information
includes a list containing a plurality of columns, and at least one
of the columns is optionally outputted according to the steps.
15. The terminal of claim 3, wherein the display further includes a
touch-sensitive input unit for allowing an information input in a
touch-sensitive manner, and displaying third visual information to
control the first visual information by the touching manner.
16. The terminal of claim 15, wherein the first visual information
includes a movable pointer or cursor, and the third visual
information includes control image for controlling the movement of
the pointer or cursor.
17. The terminal of claim 15, wherein the first visual information
includes playback image for reproducing video or music, and the
third visual information includes an icon for controlling the
reproduction of the video or music.
18. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the first body includes a
wiper configured to wash up a screen of the touch screen in
response to the relative movement between the first and second
bodies.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/952,658 on Jul. 30, 2007, the entire contents of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a portable terminal having
a touch screen for displaying visual information related to
information to be displayed on a display.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Portable terminals can be easily carried and have one or
more of functions such as supporting voice calls and telephony
calls, inputting and/or outputting information, storing data and
the like.
[0006] As it becomes multifunctional, the portable terminal 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.
[0007] Various attempts have been done for the multimedia devices
by hardware or software in order to implement such complicated
functions. For example, a user interface environment is provided in
order for users to easily and conveniently retrieve or select
functions.
[0008] Also, many users have their portable terminal to express his
personality, and accordingly, various designs are required for the
portable terminal.
[0009] As the enhancement of multimedia environment of the portable
terminal and new designs therefor are required, a portable terminal
having a convenient user interface environment and a new formation
is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a portable terminal having a convenient user interface environment
and a new formation.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
portable terminal capable of extending an output region for visual
information and utilizing various input manners as well as a
typical communication function.
[0012] To 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 portable terminal comprising:
a first body having a keypad containing a plurality of keys
arranged thereon and a display disposed in one direction for
displaying information inputted via the keypad; and a second body
slidably connected to the first body in a direction perpendicular
to the one direction, and having a touch screen configured to be
exposed to the outside when the portable terminal is converted from
a closed state into an open state, wherein the touch screen is
activated in the open state to display visual information related
to information to be displayed on the display.
[0013] The touch screen may display first visual information
inputtable in a touch-sensitive manner when the portable terminal
is converted from the closed state into the open state.
[0014] As the first visual information is touch-sensitively
inputted, second visual information related to the first visual
information may be displayed on the display.
[0015] The first and second visual information may be controlled to
have the same output direction.
[0016] When the portable terminal is converted from the closed
state into the open sate, the first and second bodies
intermittently make a relative movement to each other by a
plurality of steps according to an exposed area of the touch
screen. The touch screen may display different contents for each
step.
[0017] The first visual information may be outputted as much as an
amount corresponding to the exposed area of the touch screen for
each step.
[0018] The display may further be provided with a touch-sensitive
input unit allowing information input in a touch-sensitive manner,
and may display third visual information which controls the first
visual information by the touching manner.
[0019] The first body may be provided with a wiper for washing up
the surface of the touch screen in response to the relative
movement between the first and second bodies.
[0020] The 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
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0022] In the drawings:
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective view of a front side of a
portable terminal according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rear side of the portable
terminal according to the present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 4a to 4c are front views of the portable terminal
showing sequential operational states thereof in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 5a and 5b are front views of the portable terminal
showing sequential operational states thereof in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIGS. 6a to 6c are front views of the portable terminal
showing sequential operational states thereof in accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front view of the portable terminal showing a
certain operational state in accordance with a fourth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a front view of the portable terminal showing a
certain operational state in accordance with a fifth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0030] FIGS. 9a and 9b are perspective views of a portable terminal
having first and second bodies coupled in a different structure;
and
[0031] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a portable terminal in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Description will now be given in detail of a portable
terminal according to the present invention, with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0033] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a front side of a
portable terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, a first body 110 is positioned over the
second body 120, which is referred to as a closed position (closed
state or closed configuration). As shown in FIG. 2, the first body
100 exposes at least part of the second body 120, which is referred
to as an open position (open state or open configuration).
[0035] The portable terminal according to the present invention may
typically operate in a call-communication mode in the closed
configuration. Also, the portable terminal may operate in other
operation modes in the open configuration.
[0036] A case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming an outer
appearance of the first body 110 may be formed from a front case
111 and a rear case 112. A space formed by the front case 111 and
the rear case 112 may accommodate various components therein.
[0037] At least one intermediate case may further be disposed
between the front case 111 and the rear case 112.
[0038] Such cases may be formed by injection-molded synthetic
resin, or may be formed using a metallic material such as stainless
steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).
[0039] The first body 110, in detail, the front case 111 is shown
having a display 113, a first audio output unit 114, a first image
input unit 115, a keypad 116, an audio input unit 117 and the
like.
[0040] The display 113 may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
module, an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) module or the like,
which can visually represent information. The display 113 may
further include a touch screen to allow the input of information by
a user's touch.
[0041] The first audio output unit 114 may be implemented as a
receiver or a speaker. The first image input unit 115 may be
implemented as a camera module for capturing images or video for a
user or the like.
[0042] The keypad 116 may receive a command for controlling
operations of the portable terminal in accordance with the one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] The keypad 116 may have a plurality of keys 116a and 116b
arranged thereon. Such keys 116a and 116b may be implemented to be
operated in a pushing or touching manner. The keys 116a and 116b
may include first keys 116a having numbers, characters, symbols and
the like to enable a user to input phone number or text in the
closed state of the portable terminal, and second keys 116b to
allow the input of commands such as START, END or the like.
[0044] The audio input unit 117 may be implemented, for example, as
a microphone for receiving user's voice and other input sounds.
[0045] Side keys 118 may further be provided at a side surface of
the first body 110. The side keys 118 may perform specific
functions, such as activating the first image input unit 115,
controlling a volume outputted from the audio output unit 114.
[0046] Also, a broadcast signal receiving antenna 119 may be
disposed at one side of the first body 110. The antenna 119 may be
configured to retract into the first body 110.
[0047] The second body 120 may slide in a direction perpendicular
to the arrangement direction of the display 113 and the keypad 116.
Similar to the first body 110, the case of the second body 120 may
be formed from a front case 121 and a rear case 122.
[0048] The second body 120, in detail, the front face of the front
case 121, may be provided with a touch screen 123. When the
portable terminal is converted from the open state into the closed
state, the touch screen 123 is exposed to the outside. The touch
screen 123 is also activated in the open state so as to display
visual information related to visual information to be displayed on
the display 113.
[0049] At least one of the front case 121 or the rear case 122 may
be provided with an interface 124.
[0050] The interface 124 may interface the portable terminal
according to the present invention and external devices so as to
allow data exchange therebetween or the like. For example, the
interface 124 may be at least one of a wired/wireless access
terminal for earphones, a short-range communication port (e.g.,
IrDA port, wireless Lan port, and the like), and power supply
terminals for supplying power to the portable terminal.
[0051] The interface 124 may be a card socket for accommodating an
external card such as Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), User
Identity Module (UIM), memory card for storing information, and the
like.
[0052] The first body 110 may be formed further having a wiper 138
for washing up the surface of the touch screen 123 when the first
body 110 slides relative to the second body 120.
[0053] The wiper 138 is disposed at a rear surface of the first
body 110, namely, at the rear case 112. The wiper 138 may be formed
of cloth or a piece of cloth by which a window of the touch screen
123 is washed up. The wiper 138 may be installed in a direction
parallel with the length direction of the first body 110. The wiper
138 may be disposed to be biased at one side based upon the center
of the first body 110.
[0054] Also, the wiper 138 may be detachably installed at the first
body 110 such that the wiper 138 can be washed up or foreign
materials on the wiper 138 can be removed.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rear side of the portable
terminal of FIG. 1.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, a second image input unit 125 may
further be disposed at the rear surface of the rear case 122 of the
second body 120. The second image input unit 125 faces a direction
which is substantially opposite to a direction faced by the first
image input unit 115 (see FIG. 1). Also, the second image input
unit 125 may be a camera having different pixels from those of the
first image input unit 115.
[0057] For example, the first image input unit 115 may operate with
relatively lower pixels (lower resolution). Thus, the first image
input unit 115 may be useful when a user can capture his face and
send it to another party during a video call or the like. On the
other hand, the second image input unit 125 may operate with
relatively higher pixels (higher resolution) such that it can be
useful for a user to obtain higher quality pictures for later
use.
[0058] A flash 126 and a mirror 127 may be disposed adjacent to the
second image input unit 125. The flash 126 operates in conjunction
with the second image input unit 125 when taking a picture using
the second image input unit 125. The mirror 127 can cooperate with
the second image input unit 125 to allow a user to photograph
himself in a self-portrait mode.
[0059] A second audio output unit 128 and a power supply 129 may
further be disposed at the rear case 122.
[0060] The second audio output unit 128 can cooperate with the
first audio output unit 114 (see FIG. 1) to provide stereo output.
Also, the second audio output unit 129 may be configured to operate
as a speakerphone.
[0061] The power supply 129 is configured to provide power to the
portable terminal. The power supply 129 may be in a form of a
battery for charging, so as to be detachably coupled to the first
or second body 110 or 120.
[0062] A slide module for slidably connecting the first body 110 to
the second body 120 may be disposed between the first body 110 and
the second body 120.
[0063] As described above, it has been described that the second
image input unit 125 is disposed at the second body 120; however,
the present invention may not be limited to the configuration. It
is also possible that one or more of those components (e.g., 125 to
128), which have been described to be implemented on the second
body 120, such as the second image input unit 125, will be
implemented on the first body 110, particularly, on the rear case
112.
[0064] In this configuration, the component(s) disposed on the rear
case 112 can be protected by the second body 120 in a closed state
of the portable terminal. In addition, without the second image
input unit 125, the first image input unit 115 can be implemented
to be rotatable so as to rotate up to a direction which the second
image input unit 125 faces.
[0065] The portable terminal according to the present invention
having described above can be used like a bar-type portable
terminal in the closed state. That is, the portable terminal can
perform functions associated with wireless communications (e.g.,
placing a call, sending text messages, and the like) in the closed
state.
[0066] For example, in the closed state, a user can manipulate the
first keys 116a on the keypad 116 to input a phone number. The user
then manipulates at least one of the second keys 116b (e.g., a SEND
button) so as to place a call. Also, the user can manipulate the
first keys 116a and then manipulates the second keys 116b so as to
send a text message.
[0067] The user can slide the first body 110 relative to the second
body 120 in order to use additional functions (e.g., a multimedia
function of playing music, video or the like), other than the above
functions. Accordingly, the touch screen 123 is exposed to the
exterior.
[0068] As the touch screen 123 is activated, the touch screen 123
displays visual information related to visual information to be
displayed on the display 113. Hereinafter, operational states of
the display 113 and the touch screen 123 both applicable to the
portable terminal according to the present invention will be
described.
[0069] FIGS. 4a to 4c are front views of the portable terminal
showing operational states thereof in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] When the portable terminal is converted from the closed
state into the open state, then the touch screen 123 displays first
visual information 131a which can be inputted in a touch-sensitive
manner. When the first visual information 131a is touched for
input, then the display 113 displays second visual information 132a
related to the inputted first visual information 131a.
[0071] The first visual information 131a may include a menu or list
containing at least one selectable item. The second visual
information 132a may include detailed information related to items
selected by touching the first visual information 131a. FIGS. 4a to
4c show a list of calls received or sent (or a phone book), as one
example of the menu or list.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 4a, when a user slides the first body 110
relative to the second body 120 to expose the touch screen to the
outside, then the touch screen 123 displays the first visual
information 131a indicating a list of calls currently received or
sent. Here, the first visual information 131a may have, for
example, a format of a list having another parties' names having
talked with the user, or the like.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 4b, when any one item on the list of calls
received or sent is selected by being touched or manipulating the
first and second keys 116a and 116b, the display 113 displays
second visual information 132a indicating detailed information
related to the item selected. That is, the display 113 visually
displays, for example, a phone number of another party having
talked with the user, a time taken for the call continued, and the
like.
[0074] In the state of FIG. 4b, if the user enters a TALK key 116b
or touches the corresponding item, the portable terminal then
places a call to another party of the corresponding item. During
this process, the display 113 can newly display the second visual
information 132a indicating the state of the call being connected
as shown in FIG. 4c.
[0075] As shown in the state of FIG. 4c, the user slides the first
body 110 relative to the second body 120 to the closed position so
as to be able to speak to the another party.
[0076] As described above, the list of calls received or sent (or
phone book) was provided as one example of the first visual
information 131a displayed on the touch screen 123. However, the
first visual information 131a may also include various types of
menus or lists, such as a mailing list containing messages sent, a
list of music files or video files, and the like.
[0077] FIGS. 5a and 5b are front views of the portable terminal
showing operational states thereof in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, when the first body 110 slides
relative to the second body 120 to the open position, the first and
second bodies 110 and 120 may be configured to intermittently move
by a plurality of steps according to an exposed area of the touch
screen 123. As one example, the first and second bodies 110 and 120
may relatively move with each other by a first step of the touch
screen 123 being partially exposed, and a second step of the touch
screen 123 being entirely exposed.
[0079] The touch screen 123 may display different contents
(information) for each step. The touch screen 123 may have an
output screen with a size depending on the exposed area of the
touch screen 123.
[0080] When the first body 110 slides relative to the second body
120, the touch screen 123 displays first visual information 131b in
a format of menu or list containing selectable items, as similar to
the previous embodiment, and the display 113 displays second visual
information 132b indicating information related to the selected
item.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 5a, when the first slides relative to the
second body 120 to the first step, then the touch screen 123
displays first visual information 131b indicating a list of
originators of messages currently received, and the display 113
displays second visual information 132b indicating detailed
information related to a message of an originator selected from the
first visual information 131b in the touch-sensitive manner.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 5b, when the first body 110 further slides
relative to the second body 120 to the second step, the first
visual information 131b may be converted into a form of list having
a plurality of columns. That is, upon the conversion from the first
step into the second step, a column representing phone numbers of
the originators may further be displayed.
[0083] In case of a list having more than 3 columns, at least one
column of the plural columns may selectively be displayed depending
on the exposed area of the touch screen 123.
[0084] As such, the first visual information 131b may be outputted
as much as corresponding to the exposed area of the touch screen
123 by each step of the relative movement between the first and
second bodies 110 and 120, which can be implemented in many
variations as well as the previous embodiment.
[0085] FIGS. 6a to 6c are front views of the portable terminal
showing operational states thereof in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 6a, when the portable terminal is open, the
touch screen 123 displays first visual information 131c including
at least one icon for executing operation modes of the portable
terminal.
[0087] This embodiment implements that the first and second bodies
110 and 120 have relatively been moved to the first step having the
touch screen 123 being partially exposed. However, it can equally
be applied to the case where the first and second bodies 110 and
120 relatively move immediately to the state of the touch screen
123 being entirely exposed.
[0088] Upon touching one icon (e.g., "MESSAGE` icon) of a plurality
of icons shown in FIG. 6a, then the display 113 displays second
visual information 132c representing a screen (e.g., "text output
screen") for executing a corresponding operation mode as shown in
FIG. 6b.
[0089] Here, when the first slides relative to the second body 120
to the second step to thusly expose the entire of the touch screen
123, then the first visual information 131c is converted into at
least ones of character keys, number keys and functional keys
touchable on the touch screen 123 for input.
[0090] The first visual information 131c may include either
character keys having a plurality of alphabets aligned thereon as
shown in FIG. 6b, or character keys arranged in a qwerty
configuration.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 6c, the first visual information 131c may
further include a text output window 133c on which text is
outputted when keys are touched.
[0092] The display 113 outputs a text received from another user,
and the text output window 133c of the touch screen 123 outputs a
text outputted by entering (touching) keys. Under this state, if an
"ENTER" key is inputted, the display 113 outputs such contents
(text) displayed on the text output window 133c.
[0093] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the first
and second visual information 131c and 132c are controlled to have
the same output direction.
[0094] FIG. 7 is a front view of the portable terminal showing a
certain operational state thereof in accordance with a fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] First visual information 131d may include at lest one
content of music, broadcast and video, and second visual
information 132d may include information related to the
contents.
[0096] For example, in a video reproducing mode, the touch screen
123 may display first visual information 131d representing an image
of a playback file, and the display 113 may display second visual
information 132d representing detailed information related to the
file reproduced. The video reproducing mode may be set to be
automatically executed when the portable terminal is converted from
the closed state into the open state of exposing the entire of the
touch screen 123, or set to be executed by touching an icon for
executing the mode at the first step.
[0097] The touch screen 123 may further include icons 134d for
controlling volume and playback of video reproduced. Such icons
134d may operate in a touch-sensitive manner.
[0098] In the meantime, the display 113 may further be provided
with a touch-sensitive input unit for receiving a touch input. In
this case, the display 113 may further display third visual
information 133d including an icon for controlling a video
reproduction.
[0099] FIG. 8 is a front view of the portable terminal showing a
certain operational state thereof in accordance with a fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0100] This embodiment illustrates that the touch screen 123 is
used for web-browsing. The touch screen 123 displays a webpage for
web-browsing. On the webpage is displayed first visual information
131e which includes at least one of a cursor for inputting text
information, a drag bar for moving up or down a screen displayed
and a pointer for moving a cursor.
[0101] The display 113 may be implemented to be touch-sensitive as
shown in the fourth embodiment. The display 113 may display third
visual information 133e which includes control image for
controlling the first visual information 131e. Here, the control
image may be implemented to be operated in a touching or tapping
manner. Alternatively, the control image can be operated in a
scrolling or dragging manner.
[0102] The first visual information 131e may be controlled by
touching, tapping, scrolling or dragging the touch screen 123.
Alternatively, the first visual information 131e may be controlled
by touching, tapping, scrolling or dragging the third visual
information 133e.
[0103] When one region of the touch screen 123 is touched upon the
web-browsing, the display 113 may be configured to display an
enlarged image for the corresponding region.
[0104] FIGS. 9a and 9b are perspective views of a portable terminal
having first and second bodies coupled in a different
structure.
[0105] The first and second bodies 110 and 120 configuring the
portable terminal of the present invention may have a coupled
structure as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 9a, a first body 210 has one side open, and
may be configured in a box-like shape having an inner space. A
second body 220 may retract into the first body 210.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 9b, a first body 310 and a second body 320
may have a slidable structure such that each one surface thereof is
overlapped. One side surface of the first body 310 extends so as to
cover the side surface of the second body 320.
[0108] The first body 210 and 310 and the second body 220 and 320
may include a rail groove and a sliding rail inserted into the rail
groove so as to slidably couple the first and second bodies. The
first and second bodies 210 and 220 and 310 and 320 may be
connected to each other by a sliding module.
[0109] The portable terminals according to these embodiments may
have the same configuration as the aforesaid portable terminal
excluding the coupled structure between the first and second
bodies. Such configuration has been described above, so as to be
omitted. Here, the same configuration as that in the previous
embodiment is given of similar reference numerals.
[0110] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a portable terminal in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 10, a portable terminal according to the
present invention may include a wireless communication module 141,
a manipulating unit 116, image input units 115 and 125, an audio
input unit 117, a display 113, audio output units 114 and 128, a
sensing unit 146, an interface 124, a broadcast receiving module
145, a memory 144, a power supply 129, and a controller 140.
[0112] The controller 140 may control an overall operation of the
portable terminal. For example, the controller 140 may perform
related control and processing for a voice call communication, data
communication, telephony communication and the like.
[0113] Also, the controller 140 may control operations of the
portable terminal according to the present invention in addition to
the typical control function. That is, when the first or second
body 110 or 120 moves (slides) to the open position, the controller
140 may control such that the touch screen 123 can be activated and
the touch screen 123 and the display 113 can display first to third
information.
[0114] The wireless communication module 141 may transmit and
receive wireless signals with a mobile communication base station
via an antenna. For example, the wireless communication module 141
manages transmission and reception of audio data, text data, video
data and control data under the control of the controller 140. To
this end, the wireless communication module 141 may include a
transmitting unit 143 for modulating and transmitting a signal to
be sent, and a receiving unit 142 for demodulating a signal
received.
[0115] The manipulating unit 116 (See keypad in FIG. 1) may provide
key input data inputted by a user for controlling the operation of
the terminal to the controller 140. The manipulating unit 116 may
be implemented as a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static
pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch and the like.
[0116] The image input units 115 and 215 process image frames of
still images or video obtained by an image sensor in a video call
mode or a capturing mode. Such processed image frames are converted
into image data displayable on the display 113 to be then outputted
on the display 113.
[0117] The image frames processed by the image input units 115 and
125 may be stored in the memory 144 by the control of the
controller 140 or be sent to the exterior via the wireless
communication module 141.
[0118] The audio input unit 117 receives an external audio signal
via a microphone while the portable terminal is in a particular
mode, such as phone call mode, recording mode and voice
recognition. This audio signal is processed and converted into
digital data. Such processed digital data is converted into a data
format transmittable to a mobile communication base station via the
wireless communication module 141 when the portable terminal is in
the phone call mode, and then outputted to the wireless
communication module 141. The processed digital data may be stored
in the memory 144 in a recording mode.
[0119] The audio input unit 117 may include assorted noise removing
algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the
external audio signal.
[0120] The display 113 displays information processed in the
portable terminal. For example, when the portable terminal is in a
phone call mode, the display 113 displays User Interface (UI) or
(Graphic User Interface (GUI) related to the call under the control
of the controller 140. When the portable terminal is in the video
call mode or a capturing mode, the display 113 displays images
captured or UI or GUI under the control of the controller 140. The
display 113 may be configured with including a touch screen. Such
configuration permits the display 113 to function both as an output
device and an input device.
[0121] The audio output units 114 and 128 may convert audio data
received from the wireless communication module 141 or audio data
stored in the memory 144 under the control of the controller 140
when the portable terminal is in the call-receiving mode, a phone
call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or a
broadcast receiving mode. Such converted audio data is then
outputted to the exterior.
[0122] The audio output units 114 and 128 also output an audio
signal associated with a function (e.g., outputting a call
receiving sound, a message receiving sound, or the like) performed
in the portable terminal.
[0123] The sensing unit 146 provides status measurements of various
aspects of the portable terminal. For instance, the sensing unit
146 may detect an open/close status of the portable terminal, a
change of position of the portable terminal or a component of the
portable terminal, a presence or absence of user contact with the
portable terminal and the like, thereby generating a sensing signal
for controlling the operation of the portable terminal. For
example, the sensing unit 146 senses the open or closed state of
the portable terminal, and output the sensed result to the
controller 140, such that the operation of the portable terminal
can be controlled. Other examples include the sensing unit 140
sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power
supply 129, the presence or absence of a coupling or other
connection between the interface 124 and an external device.
[0124] The interface 124 is often implemented to couple the
portable terminal with external devices. Typical external devices
include wired/wireless headphones, external chargers,
wired/wireless data ports, card sockets (e.g., memory card, SIM/UIM
card or the like) and the like. The interface 124 may allow the
portable terminal to receive data or power from external devices
and transfer such data or power to each component inside the
portable terminal, or transmit internal data of the portable
terminal to external devices.
[0125] The memory 144 may store a program for the control and
processing of the controller 140, or temporarily store input/output
data (e.g., phone book data, messages, still images, video or the
like).
[0126] The memory 144 may store a program for controlling the
operation of the portable terminal according to the present
invention.
[0127] The memory 144 may include typically known hard disk, a
card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a flash memory, RAM, ROM
and the like.
[0128] The broadcast receiving module 145 may receive broadcast
signals transmitted via satellites or terrestrial waves and convert
such broadcasting signal into a broadcast data format displayable
onto the touch screen 123 so as to output to the controller 140.
The broadcast receiving module 145 may also receive additional data
associated with broadcasting (e.g., Electric Program Guide (EPG),
channel list, or the like). The broadcast data converted in the
broadcast receiving module 145 and the additional data may be
stored in the memory 144.
[0129] The power supply 129 provides power required by the various
components for the portable terminal. The provided power may be
internal power, external power, or combinations thereof.
[0130] As described above, the present invention provides a
portable terminal which has a bar-type configuration in a closed
state and a configuration of exposing a touch screen in an open
state. Accordingly, a new design can be provided to the portable
terminal and also more convenient multimedia environment can be
supported therefor.
[0131] Also, the present invention allows second visual information
in relation to first visual information displayed on the touch
screen to be displayed on a display, so as to provide more
convenient user interface environment.
[0132] The present invention also provides a wiper for washing up
the surface of the touch screen, to allow fingerprints or other
foreign materials on the touch screen made due to the relative
movement between first and second bodies to be removed.
[0133] The aforementioned portable terminal may not be limitedly
applied to the configurations and methods of the foregoing
embodiments, but part or entire of each embodiment can optionally
be combined to thusly implement many variations can be made from
those embodiments.
[0134] As 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.
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