AU2007201325B2 - Mobile communication device with enhanced image communication capability - Google Patents

Description

Pool Section 29 Regulation 3.2(2) AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application Number: Lodged: Invention Title: Mobile communication device with enhanced image communication capability The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 1 MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH ENHANCED IMAGE COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile communication device that allows the user to perform image communication, and more particularly to a mobile terminal that allows the user to easily transmit high quality image information to another user and receive high quality image information from 10 another user during image communication by performing simple operations. 2. Description of the Related Art Mobile terminals have generally been used for wireless voice communication. As mobile terminals have become more advanced, functions such as receiving images and multimedia transmissions over the Internet have 15 been incorporated in addition to voice communication functions. Camera phones having various shapes of cameras for photographing a subject and storing the captured image as an image file are now widely used. In addition, a rotary-type camera that may be rotated at a predetermined angle may be mounted on a mobile terminal, thereby enabling a user to 20 conveniently photograph a subject. The mobile terminal supports image communication using the rotary- type camera. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional mobile terminal 1. The mobile terminal 1 includes a main body 20, a circuit unit (not shown) installed inside the main body 20 for controlling communication, a battery 22 detachably mounted on the rear 25 side of the main body, a folder 30 hinge-coupled to the main body via a hinge device 40, an auxiliary display panel 31 and a main display panel (not shown) installed at the front and rear portions, respectively, of the folder and a camera unit 10 installed on the hinge device 40. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the camera unit 10 is a rotary type camera that may 30 be rotated to photograph a subject according to various positions of the subject. The camera unit 10 includes a rotary cylinder 13 rotatably installed on the hinge device 40, a bracket 14 fixed to the main body 20 for supporting the rotary 2 cylinder 13, a camera lens 11a installed on the rotary cylinder, and an FPCB 12 for transmitting signals by connecting the camera lens to the circuit unit. In order to photograph a subject, the user adjusts the camera lens 11 a to face the subject by rotating the rotary cylinder 13 in the circumferential direction 5 16 according to an image displayed on the main display panel and operates the camera via a photographing button when the subject is displayed on the main display panel in the desired position. However, when the user intends to transmit his/her image and a peripheral image to another user during image communication, the user must control the camera lens 11 a to face himself/herself 10 by rotating the rotary cylinder 13. A camera having a large number of pixels to produce a high quality photographic image may be desired. On the other hand, a camera having a small number of pixels may be desired to produce a lower quality image with a reduced size in order to facilitate transmission of the photographic image during image 15 communication. However, the conventional mobile terminal includes only a single camera. Therefore, if a camera having a large number of pixels is provided, image data transmission is compromised while a high quality photographic image is not attainable if a camera having a small number of pixels is provided. 20 Therefore, there is a need for a mobile communication device that facilitates image data transmission while allowing a high quality photographic image to be captured in a manner that allows a user to easily view the subject that is photographed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 25 Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a mobile communication device which allows the user to easily perform simultaneous voice communication and image communication that allows the user to transmit high quality image information to another user and receive high quality image information from another user. 30 Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed 3 out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the 5 present invention is embodied in a mobile communication device that provides multiple cameras and/or display screens that allow a user to easily photograph a subject and view captured images that are received either from a camera located in the device or from another user. Specifically, the cameras and/or display screens are located on the mobile communication device such that viewing of the 10 display screens is enhanced while a user uses a camera to photograph a subject. Although the invention is described herein with regard to a mobile terminal, it is contemplated that the invention may be utilized for any mobile communication device that provides voice and image communication. In one aspect, the present invention provides a mobile terminal including: a 15 housing; a first camera located on a front surface of the housing; a second camera separate from the first camera and having a capturing direction that is different from a capturing direction of the first camera; at least one input unit configured to allow a user to select at least one of the first and second cameras to perform an image capturing function; a display unit having a viewing direction 20 generally being the same as the capturing direction of the first camera, the display unit configured to function as a viewfinder by showing an image captured by at least one of the first camera and the second camera; and a transceiver adapted to transmit an image captured by the first camera or a picture data to another mobile terminal, and to receive an image captured by another mobile 25 terminal, wherein the display unit includes at least two screen regions, wherein a first screen region is adapted to display one of the image captured by the first camera and the picture data based on a user's selection, wherein a second screen region is adapted to display the image captured by the other mobile terminal, and wherein the picture data or the image being displayed in the first 30 screen region is transmitted to the other mobile terminal. The housing preferably includes a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is movable with respect to the second body to operate the mobile terminal between an open configuration and a closed configuration. It is 4 contemplated that the mobile terminal may further include a protective device movable between an open position and a closed position, which is configured to cover the second camera. In a preferred embodiment, the first camera and the display unit are arranged at the first body and the second camera is arranged at 5 the second body. The mobile terminal may further include a second display unit adapted to function as a viewfinder by showing the image captured by the second camera while the mobile terminal is operating in the closed configuration. The first camera may be arranged at the first body on the same side as the 10 display unit, or on the opposite side of the display unit. It is contemplated that the image captured by the second camera may automatically be displayed on the second display unit when the protective device is moved to the open position so as to expose the second camera. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an image resolution of the first 15 camera is lower than that of the second camera. In another aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communications device including: a first body; a second body moveable with respect to the first body such that the mobile communications device has an open configuration and a closed configuration; a first image capturing device arranged at the first body, 20 the first image capturing device having a first capturing direction; a second image capturing device arranged at the second body, the second image capturing device having a second capturing direction; at least one switch key configured to initiate an image capturing function; a transceiver adapted to transmit an image captured by the first image capturing device or a picture data to another mobile 25 communications device, and to receive an image captured by another mobile communications device; and a display unit having a viewing direction generally being the same as the first capturing direction or the second capturing direction, wherein the display unit includes at least two screen regions, wherein a first screen region is configured to display one of the image captured by the first 30 image capturing device and the picture data based on a user's selection, wherein a second screen region is configured to display the image captured by the other mobile communications device, wherein the picture data or the image being 5 displayed in the first screen region is transmitted to the other communications device. According to preferred embodiments, the first capturing direction of the first camera is different from the second capturing direction of the second camera. 5 Advantageously, the at least one switch key may be configured to allow a user to select at least one of the first and second cameras to perform an image capturing function. Preferably, the display unit is configured to provide a viewfinder function by displaying the image captured by at least one of the first camera and the second 10 camera. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the first camera and the display unit are mounted at the first body, and the second camera is mounted at the second body. The mobile communications device preferably includes a second display 15 unit adapted to provide a viewfinder function by displaying the image captured by the second camera while the device is in the closed position. The first camera may be arranged at the first body on the same side as the display unit, or on the opposite side of the display unit. The second camera may be arranged at the second body on the same side as the second display unit, or on the opposite side 20 of the second display unit. It is contemplated that the image captured by the second camera may automatically be displayed on the second display unit when the protective cover is moved to the open position. In a related arrangement, there is provided a mobile terminal including: 25 a body; a display screen at a front of the body; a first camera at a rear of the body and having a first capturing direction that is substantially aligned with a viewing direction of the display screen; a second camera separate from the first camera and having a second 30 capturing direction that is different from the first capturing direction; and 6 a transceiver adapted to transmit an image captured by the second camera to another mobile terminal, wherein the second camera supports a lower image resolution than the first camera. 5 Preferably, the first capturing direction substantially opposes a viewing direction of the display screen. It is further preferred that the second capturing direction points towards the user, and the first capturing direction points away from the user. In preferred embodiments, the first camera is fixed with respect to the body 10 and the second camera is movable with respect to the body. In particular, the mobile terminal may further include a folder operatively attached to the body to be opened or closed therefrom, and the second camera may be attached to the folder. It is contemplated that a protective cover may be operatively attached to 15 the rear of the body to hide or expose the first camera. The folder itself may provide protection to the second camera, when the folder is closed. The mobile terminal may further include a second display screen mounted on the folder or the body, which is configured to be viewable when the folder is opened. The first capturing direction is preferably substantially opposite to a 20 viewing direction of the second display screen. 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. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general 25 description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further 30 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. Features, elements, 7 This page has been intentionally left blank 5 8 and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional mobile terminal. 5 FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a camera of the mobile terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the mobile terminal of FIG. 3. 10 FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the mobile terminal of FIG. 3 with the folder closed. FIG. 6 is a rear view illustrating the mobile terminal of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the mobile terminal of FIG. 3 with the folder open. 15 FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the mobile terminal of FIG. 3. having a touch pad on a display. FIG. 9 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 20 The present invention is directed to an apparatus for performing simultaneous voice communication and image communication that allows the user to transmit high quality image information to another user and receive high quality image information from another user. Although the present invention is illustrated with respect to a mobile terminal, it is contemplated that the present 25 invention may be utilized anytime it is desired to facilitate simultaneous voice communication and high quality image communication in a mobile communication device. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying 30 drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. FIGS. 3 to 8 illustrate a mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal 100 includes a main body 110, on 9 which a circuit unit (not shown) is installed and to which a folder 120 is rotatably coupled, and a first display unit 122 located on the folder 120. The folder 120 includes a folder casing 121 having the first display unit 122 installed thereon, a first camera 124 installed above the first display unit 122, a 5 first flash unit 125 installed below the first display unit 122, a pair of legs 127 that extend from both sides of the lower portion of the folder casing 121 to form a screen exposure portion 126, and hinge shafts 128. The first camera 124 and first flash unit 125 facilitate photographing a subject positioned in the direction of the user. The screen exposure portion 126 10 facilitates viewing the screen of the second display unit 116 when the folder 120 covers the main body 110. The main body 110 further includes a main body casing 111 formed to surround the circuit unit, a keypad 112 located on the front side of the main body casing, a microphone unit 113, a second display unit 116 located on a protruding 15 unit 115 of the main body casing, hinge holes 115a formed at both sides of the protruding unit into which hinge shafts 128 of the folder 120 are rotatably inserted, a battery 114 detachably mounted on the rear side of the main body casing by a lock means 11 4a, a second camera 118 located inside a recess 11 8b formed on the rear side of the main body casing, a second flash 119 installed inside the 20 recess adjacent the second camera, and a slide cover 118a slidably installed at the opening of the recess. The circuit unit (not shown) controls communication functions of the mobile terminal 100. The keypad 112 enables the user to input information. The microphone unit 113 enables the user to input voice. The first display unit 122 25 and second display unit 116 provide various images and information according to the user's selection. The protruding unit 115 facilitates inclining the screen of the second display unit 116 with respect to the main body 111. The second camera 118 enables the user to photograph a subject positioned in the opposite direction of the user. The slide cover 11 8a facilitates opening and closing the recess 11 8b 30 to expose the second camera 118 and second flash 119. The hinge shafts 128 of the folder 120 are inserted into the hinge holes 115a of the protruding unit 115 of the main body 110 to connect the folder to the main body. As illustrated in Fig. 7, in order to prevent interference between the 10 protecting window and the inclined protruding unit 115 when the folder 120 is opened or closed, the maximum distance 12 between the center of the hinge shafts 128 and the screen of the second display unit 116 is preferably shorter than the minimum distance 11 between the center of the hinge shafts and the 5 protecting window. FPCB serving as a signal line for transmitting signals from the main body 110 to the folder 120 is coupled to the circuit unit of the main body and the LCD of the folder 120 through the hinge holes 115a of the inclined protruding unit 115 and the hollow portions of the hinge shafts 128. The screen of the second display unit 116 is exposed through the screen 10 exposure portion 126 when the folder 120 covers the main body 110, thereby enabling the user to view the screen of the second display unit after closing the folder. Preferably, a transparent protecting window 126a is installed on the screen exposure portion 126 to protect the second display unit 116. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second display unit 116 is inclined so that the 15 user may view the screen at a convenient field angle. Preferably, the screen of the second display unit 116 is inclined with respect to the main body 110 such that a field angle ang3 between the user and the screen of the second display unit is substantially vertical. With the filed angle substantially vertical, the user may clearly recognize the information displayed on the screen of the second 20 display unit 116. Preferably, a field angle ang2 between the screen of the second display unit 116 and the main body 110 is substantially identical to a field angle ang1 between the folder 120 and the main body when the folder is completely opened. When the folder 120 is completely opened, the screen of the second display unit 25 116 and the screen of the first display unit 122 are positioned on the same plane surface, or at least parallel to each other. The field angle ang1 in the open state of the folder 120 ranges from about 40* to about 55*. Therefore, the field angle ang2 between the screen of the second display unit 116 and the main body 110 preferably ranges from about 40* 30 to about 55 0 . It is contemplated that the first camera 124 may be used mainly in image communication to photograph the user and the second camera 118 may be used mostly to photograph a subject near the user. Therefore, the first camera 124 has 11 a charge-coupled device (CCD) with a relatively small number of pixels installed thereon and the second camera 118 has a CCD with a relatively large number of pixels installed thereon. Preferably, the image captured by the first camera 124 is displayed on the 5 screen of the first display unit 122 and the image captured by the second camera 118 is displayed on the screen of the second display unit 116. However, the image captured by the first camera 124 may be displayed on the screen of the second display unit 116 and the image captured by the second camera 118 may be displayed on the screen of the first display unit 122. 10 The screen of the first display unit 122 may be divided into a first screen region 122a and a second screen region 122b such that an image captured by the first camera 124 may be displayed on the first screen region and an image captured by the second camera 118 may be displayed on the second screen region 122b. The user may control the shape and size ratio of the first 122a and 15 second 122b screen regions. In use, the first screen region 122a may display the image of the user photographed by the first camera 124 and second screen region 122b may display either the image of another user or another image captured and transmitted by another mobile communication device. It is contemplated that the image captured by the second camera 118 may 20 be displayed on the screen of the second display unit 116 when the folder 120 covers the main body 110. Since the screen of the second display unit 116 is viewable even when the folder 120 is closed, the user may photograph a subject without opening the folder. Preferably, when the slide cover 118a is moved to expose the recess 118b in which the second camera 118 is located, the image 25 captured by the second camera 118 is automatically displayed on the screen of the second display unit 116. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a touch pad may be installed on the screen of the second display unit 116. In the call standby state or during general voice communication, the touch pad displays basic information related to the mobile 30 terminal 100 such as battery power, current time, vibration mode and alarm information. During image communication, the touch pad allows the user to write or draw characters or pictures on the second display unit 116 with a pen or by hand with the characters or pictures transmitted to another user. It is further 12 contemplated that during image communication the user may change the image communication mode into another mode by touching a pop-up menu displayed on the second display unit 116 with the pen or by hand. The touch pad functions of the second display unit 116 are not limited to 5 image communication. The touch pad may be provided with a note function to allow the user to make and store notes in a memory of the mobile terminal 100. Preferably, the characters or pictures written or drawn on the second display unit 116 are displayed on the screen of the first display unit 122 and either stored with other images displayed on the first display unit 122 or transmitted to another user. 10 The position of the first camera 124 and second camera 118 is not limited to the positions illustrated in FIGS. 3-8. It is contemplated that the first camera 124 may be installed on a side of the folder 120 opposite to the side where the first display unit 122 is installed and the second camera 118 may be installed on a front side of the main body 110 such that the second camera may photograph a 15 subject positioned in the direction of the user. With the first camera 124 and second camera 118 positioned in this way, it is contemplated that the second camera may be used mainly in image communication to photograph the user and the first camera may be used mostly to photograph a subject near the user. Therefore, the second camera 118 has a 20 CCD with a relatively small number of pixels installed thereon and the first camera 124 has a CCD with a relatively large number of pixels installed thereon. The operation of the mobile terminal 100 in accordance with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3-8 will now be described in detail. 25 When the user receives image communication from another user, the user opens the folder 120 and presses a call button 112a to automatically start image communication mode. The first camera 124 captures the image of the user and the image is transmitted to the other user. The user may also view the image of the other user on the screen of the first display unit 122. 30 If the first display unit 122 is divided into a first screen region 122a and a second region 122b, the image of the other user may be displayed on the first screen region and the image of the user may be displayed on the second screen region. The user may confirm the image being transmitted to the other user.

13 The user may also directly enter characters by pen or by hand using the touch pad of the second display unit 116 and transmit the characters to the other user during image communication. Additionally, the user may have voice communication with another user while viewing the image of the other user on the 5 screen of the second display unit 116. FIG. 8 illustrates one example of image communication. The user shares picture data such as a map with the other user on the first screen region 122a of the first display unit 122 while viewing the image of the other user on the second screen region 122b of the first display unit. The user may add information which is 10 inputted by pen or by hand on the touch pad of the second display unit 116 to the picture displayed on the first screen region 122a of the first display unit 122 and transmit the combined information to the other user. The first screen region 122a and the second screen region 122b of the first display unit 122 are not limited to the image of the user and the other user. The 15 content of the first screen region 122a and second screen region 122b of the first display unit 122 as well as the content of the second display unit 116 may be changed by image mode defaults according to the user. When the user desires to photograph a subject by using the mobile terminal 100, the slide cover 118a is moved to expose the second camera 118 20 installed on the rear side of the main body 110 and the photographing button 117 is pressed. When the user desires to photograph a subject after opening the folder 120 on the main body 110, the image of the subject is displayed on the screen of the first display unit 122. When the user desires to photograph a subject after closing the folder 120 on the main body 110, the image of the subject is 25 displayed on the screen of the second display unit 116 which is viewable when the folder is closed. When the folder 120 is closed, the second camera 118 installed on the rear side of the main body 110 faces the subject and the user adjusts the image of the subject through the second display unit 116 on the front side of the main 30 body 110. The user may easily adjust the image of the subject that is captured. Since the mobile terminal 100 is used in a manner similar to a digital camera when the folder 120 is closed, the user feels as if he or she is using a digital camera. Therefore, a user who is not familiar with the camera functions of 14 the mobile terminal 100 may still easily photograph a subject. Furthermore, the user does not have to externally expose the first display unit 122 in order to photograph a subject. On the other hand, the user may photographs a subject using the first 5 camera 124, for example when it is desired to photograph a subject as well as the user. The user selects the first camera 124 by clicking a module select switch 11 7a at the side of the main body 110, opens the folder 120, adjusts the image of the subject captured by the first camera and displayed on the first display unit 122 and presses the photographing button 117. 10 Additionally, the user may use the first flash unit 125 or the second flash unit 119 to photograph a subject when using the first camera 124 or the second camera 118 and may transmit the captured image to another user. Furthermore, since It is difficult for the user to place the receiver 123 to his or her ear while viewing the screens of the first display unit 122 and second display unit 116, it is 15 contemplated that the user may use an in-ear microphone or use the receiver as a speakerphone by increasing the volume. Voice communication using the mobile terminal 100 of the present invention is almost identical to voice communication using a conventional mobile terminal 1 with the exception that the user may make and store simple notes using the touch pad on the second display unit 116 while 20 performing voice communication with the folder 120 in the open state. FIG. 9 illustrates a disassembly perspective view of a mobile terminal 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Identical drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements as those of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-8 and detailed explanations thereof are 25 omitted. The mobile terminal 200 includes a folder 220 rotatably coupled to a main body 210, a first display unit 222 located on the folder and a second display unit 216 located on the main body The folder 220 is rotatably coupled to the main body 210 by a first fixing unit 227 that protrudes from one side of the folder 220 and a pair of second fixing 30 units 211 a that protrude from the main body and are separated by a width as large as the width of the first fixing unit. Hinge shafts 240 are formed at both ends of the first fixing unit 227 and hinge holes 211b into which the hinge shafts are rotatably inserted are formed in the second fixing units 211 a.

15 The second display unit 216 is formed on the same plane surface with the main body 210. A screen exposure portion 226 is formed on the folder 220 such that the screen of the second display unit 216 may be viewed when the folder is closed. 5 Although the second display unit 216 may be relatively large or located at the middle or lower end of the front side of the main body 210, the mobile terminal 200 obtains the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, a transparent protecting window 226a for protecting the screen of the second display unit 216 is installed outside the screen exposure 10 portion 226 of the folder 220. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the second display unit 216 formed on the same plane surface with the front side of the main body 210 may be inclined to obtain a field angle with respect to the user. The screen exposure portion 226 is sufficiently large not to interfere with a protruding second display 15 unit 216. The operation of the mobile terminal 200 in accordance with the second and third embodiments of the present invention is substantially identical to the operation of the mobile terminal 100 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. As with the first embodiment of the invention, when the 20 folder 220 is open, the user may view both the first display unit 226 and the second display unit 216. Additionally, the user may write or draw characters or pictures by using a pen or by hand using a touch pad installed on the second display unit 216 and the characters or pictures may be stored or transmitted to another user. Furthermore, If the CCD mounted on the first camera 124 has a 25 smaller number of pixels than the CCD mounted on the second camera 118, the first camera having the small number of pixels is used mainly to photograph the user during image communication and the second camera having the large number of pixels is used mainly to photograph a subject near the user. The mobile terminal 200 provides efficient image communication functions 30 and digital camera functions. Furthermore, if the screen of the display unit 216 is inclined with respect to the main body 210, the user may easily view the screen of the second display unit and use the touch pad installed on the second display unit. Moreover, the user may adjust the image of a subject using the second 16 display unit 216 and photograph the subject using the second camera 118 without opening the folder 220. As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should be 5 understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified. The present invention should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of in the appended claims and, therefore, all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are 10 intended to be embraced by the claims. The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the 15 claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structure described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Comprises/comprising and grammatical variations thereof when used in 20 this specification are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. 25

Claims (18)

1. A mobile terminal including: a housing; a first camera located on a front surface of the housing; 5 a second camera separate from the first camera and having a capturing direction that is different from a capturing direction of the first camera; at least one input unit configured to allow a user to select at least one of the first and second cameras to perform an image capturing function; a display unit having a viewing direction generally being the same as the 10 capturing direction of the first camera, the display unit configured to function as a viewfinder by showing an image captured by at least one of the first camera and the second camera; and a transceiver adapted to transmit an image captured by the first camera or a picture data to another mobile terminal, and to receive an image captured by 15 another mobile terminal, wherein the display unit includes at least two screen regions, wherein a first screen region is adapted to display one of the image captured by the first camera and the picture data based on a user's selection, wherein a second screen region is adapted to display the image captured by the other mobile 20 terminal, and wherein the picture data or the image being displayed in the first screen region is transmitted to the other mobile terminal.

2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first body and a second body, and where the first body is moveable with respect to the second body to operate the mobile terminal between an open configuration and a 25 closed configuration.

3. The mobile terminal of claim 2, further including a protective device moveable between an open position and a closed position, configured to cover the second camera. 18

4. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein the first camera and the display unit are arranged at the first body and the second camera is arranged at the second body.

5. The mobile terminal of claim 2, further including a second display unit 5 adapted to function as a viewfinder by showing the image captured by the second camera while the mobile terminal is operating in the closed configuration.

6. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein the first camera is arranged at the first body on the same side as the display unit or on the opposite side of the display unit. 10

7. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the image captured by the second camera is automatically displayed on a second display unit when the protective device is moved to the open position to expose the second camera.

8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein an image resolution of the first camera is lower than that of the second image camera. 15

9. A mobile communications device including: a first body; a second body moveable with respect to the first body such that the mobile communications device has an open configuration and a closed configuration; a first image capturing device arranged at the first body, the first image 20 capturing device having a first capturing direction; a second image capturing device arranged at the second body, the second image capturing device having a second capturing direction; at least one switch key configured to initiate an image capturing function; a transceiver adapted to transmit an image captured by the first image 25 capturing device or a picture data to another mobile communications device, and to receive an image captured by another mobile communications device; and a display unit having a viewing direction generally being the same as the first capturing direction or the second capturing direction, 19 wherein the display unit includes at least two screen regions, wherein a first screen region is configured to display one of the image captured by the first image capturing device and the picture data based on a user's selection, wherein a second screen region is configured to display the image captured by the other 5 mobile communications device, wherein the picture data or the image being displayed in the first screen region is transmitted to the other communications device.

10. The mobile communications device of claim 9, wherein the first capturing direction of the first camera is different from the second capturing direction of the 10 second camera.

11. The mobile communications device of claim 9, wherein the at least one switch key is configured to allow a user to select at least one of the first and second cameras to perform an image capturing function.

12. The mobile communications device of claim 10, wherein the display unit is 15 configured to provide a viewfinder function by displaying the image captured by at least one of the first camera and the second camera.

13. The mobile communications device of claim 11, wherein the first camera and the display unit are mounted at the first body and the second camera is mounted at the second body. 20

14. The mobile communications device of claim 13, further including a second display unit adapted to provide a viewfinder function by displaying the image captured by the second camera while the device is in the closed position.

15. The mobile communications device of claim 14, wherein the first camera is arranged at the first body on the same side as the display unit or on the opposite 25 side of the display unit and the second camera is arranged at the second body on the same side as the second display unit or on the opposite side of the second display unit. 20

16. The mobile communications device of claim 14, wherein the image captured by the second camera is automatically displayed on the second display unit when the protective cover is moved to the open position.

17. A mobile terminal according to claim 1, and substantially as herein 5 described with reference to Figures 3 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

18. A mobile communications device according to claim 9, and substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 to 9 of the accompanying drawings. LG ELECTRONICS INC 10 WATERMARK PATENT & TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS P24993AU01