KR20090034659A - Portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable terminal is provided to improve a user interface environment for multitasking by outputting plural kinds of visual information at the same time. A terminal body includes a wireless communication module(141), display units(113,213) and operation units(116,117). The wireless module independently performs a wireless communication function, and a connection type display(200) can be connected to the terminal body. Through the control from the terminal body, the connection type display outputs visual information. The display units include touch sensors for touch input, and the connection unit connects the terminal body with the connection type display electrically.

Description

Mobile terminal {PORTABLE TERMINAL}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable terminal having a connected display that can be independently connected to a terminal body capable of wireless communication.

A portable terminal is a portable device that is portable and has one or more functions such as voice and video calling, information input and output, and data storage.

As the functions are diversified, for example, the mobile terminal has complex functions such as taking a picture or video, playing a music or video file, playing a game, and receiving a broadcast, and is realized in the form of a comprehensive multimedia player. It is becoming.

Many new attempts are being applied to these multimedia devices in terms of hardware or software to implement complex functions. For example, a user interface environment is provided for a user to search for or select a function easily and conveniently.

In addition, while a mobile terminal is regarded as a personal portable device for expressing its individuality, various designs are required.

As described above, the importance of the multimedia function of the portable terminal is highlighted, and efforts have been made to simultaneously display various visual information on the terminal to improve the user interface environment.

An object of the present invention is to improve a user interface environment for multitasking by providing a portable terminal capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of visual information.

The portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object is formed to be connected to the terminal body, and a terminal main body provided with a wireless communication module, a display unit and an operation unit to independently perform a wireless communication function, the terminal A connected display for outputting visual information under control of the main body, and a connecting unit for electrically connecting the terminal main body and the connected display.

As an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit may further include a touch sensing unit for a touch input.

As an embodiment of the present invention, the connected display may further include a touch sensing unit for a touch input, and the display unit and the connected display may be configured to receive a touch input in cooperation with each other.

As an embodiment of the present invention, the connected display may include an E-paper.

As an embodiment of the present invention, the connection unit may include a short range wireless communication module or an infrared communication module for wirelessly connecting the terminal body and the connected display.

As an embodiment of the present invention, the connection unit may include a plug-in connector for coupling the connected display to one side of the terminal body.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit may output time information in a first mode, and the connected type display may output time information in a second mode different from the first mode.

As an embodiment of the present invention, detailed information on visual information displayed on the display unit may be output to the connected display.

The present invention is provided with a connected display that can be connected to a terminal body that can independently communicate wirelessly, so that a plurality of visual information can be displayed simultaneously through the terminal body and the connected display.

In addition, the present invention allows the user to use a plurality of displays without limitation of the use space by connecting the terminal body and the connected display through the short-range communication module.

In addition, the present invention improves the user interface environment by implementing a touch screen function on the display unit of the terminal body and the connected display, and configured to receive a touch input in cooperation with each other.

Hereinafter, a portable terminal according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a front perspective view of an example of a portable terminal according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal of FIG. 1.

The portable terminal according to the present invention includes a terminal body 100 capable of independently performing a wireless communication function, and a connected display 200 formed to be connectable to the terminal body 100.

The case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming the exterior of the terminal body 100 is formed by the front case 111 and the rear case 112. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the front case 111 and the rear case 112.

The cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

In the first body 110, specifically, the front case 111, the first display unit 113, the first sound output unit 114, the first image input unit 115, and the first operation unit 116 are disposed. Can be.

The first display unit 113 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) module, an organic light emitting diodes (OLED) module, and the like that visually express information.

In addition, the first display unit 113 may further include a touch screen to enable input of information by a user's touch.

The first sound output unit 114 may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker.

The first image input unit 115 may be implemented in the form of a camera module for capturing an image or a video of a user.

The first manipulation unit 116 receives a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The second manipulation unit 117, the sound input unit 118, and the interface 119 may be disposed on at least one of the front case 111 and the rear case 112.

The first and second manipulation units 116 and 117 may be collectively referred to as manipulating portions, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user is tactile in a tactile manner.

For example, the manipulation units 116 and 117 may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch screen or a touch pad that may receive a command or information by a user's push or touch manipulation. In functional terms, the operation unit may operate as a hot-key that performs a special function such as activation of the first image input unit 115.

The sound input unit 118 may be implemented in the form of, for example, a microphone to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface 119 serves as a passage for allowing a portable terminal related to the present invention to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface 119 may be wired or wirelessly, and a connection terminal for connecting to an earphone, a port for short range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA port), a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port (wireless) Lan port) and the like, or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to the portable terminal.

The interface 119 may be a card socket for receiving an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM), a memory card for storing information.

The power supply unit 120 for supplying power to the portable terminal is mounted on the rear case 112 side. The power supply unit 120 may be detachably coupled for charging, for example, as a rechargeable battery.

Referring to FIG. 2, a second image input unit 121 may be additionally mounted on the rear surface of the rear case 112. The second image input unit 121 may be a camera having a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first image input unit 115 (see FIG. 1) and having different pixels from the first image input unit 115.

For example, the first image input unit 115 has a low pixel so that it is easy to take a picture of a user and transmit it to a counterpart in the case of a video call, and the second image input unit 121 immediately photographs a general subject. It is preferable to have a high pixel because it is not transmitted in many cases.

The flash 122 and the mirror unit 123 are further disposed adjacent to the second image input unit 121. The flash 122 emits light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second image input unit 121. The mirror unit 123 allows the user to see the user's face or the like when photographing (self-photographing) the user by using the second image input unit 121.

The second sound output unit 124 may be further disposed in the rear case 112.

The second sound output unit 124 may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 114 (refer to FIG. 1), and may be used for a call in the speakerphone mode.

In addition, an antenna 125 for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed at one side of the rear case 112 in addition to an antenna for a call or the like. The antenna 125 may be installed to be pulled out of the first body 110.

The connected display 200 is configured to output visual information under the control of the terminal body 100, and a case forming the external appearance may be formed by the front case 211 and the rear case 212.

The second display unit 213 for outputting visual information is disposed on the front surface of the front case 211.

At least one of the front case 211 or the rear case 212 has a power supply port 214 for supplying power from the outside, and an external interface 215 for exchanging data with an external device such as the terminal body 100. And the like can be arranged.

3A and 3B are exploded perspective views of the terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a printed circuit board (PCB) 126 is mounted in a space formed between the front case 111 and the rear case 112 of the terminal body 100, and the terminal is mounted on the printed circuit board 126. Electronic components that perform various functions of the are mounted.

The first display unit 113 includes a first display module 127 disposed inside the terminal and a window 129 disposed in front of the terminal, and the first display module 127 includes one surface of the printed circuit board 126. Is mounted on. The window 129 is installed in the front case 111 and has a light-transmissive material to display visual information output from the first display module 127.

The printed circuit board 126 may be equipped with switches 128 that are pressed by an operation of the first manipulation unit 116 and input information to the terminal.

The first display unit 113 may include a touch sensing unit that senses a touch so that a touch screen function can be implemented. The touch sensing unit may be implemented in the form of an electrode layer 130 disposed on the window 129, and the electrode layer 130 and the printed circuit board 126 may be electrically connected to each other by the flexible printed circuit boards FPCB and 131.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a printed circuit board 216 is mounted in a space formed between the front case 211 and the rear case 212 of the connected display 200, and the printed circuit board 216 is connected. Various electronic components necessary for the operation of the display 200 are mounted.

The second display unit 213 may include a second display module 217 and a window 218.

The second display module 217 is mounted on the printed circuit board 216 to output visual information under the control of the terminal body 100, and a window 218 is disposed on the front surface of the second display module 217.

LCD, OLED, etc. may be used for the second display module 217, and an E-paper may be used to make the thickness of the connected display 200 more slim.

E-paper is much thinner and bendable than conventional flat panel displays (eg LCDs), and can be driven with very little energy, resulting in superior energy efficiency.

E-paper can be implemented using electrophoretic phenomena, for example, top and bottom transparent microcapsules containing ink particles of a certain color with a specific charge and ink particles of a different color with opposite charges. If the voltage is placed on the transparent electrode and a voltage is applied, the text or image is displayed.

The second display unit 213 may also include a touch sensing unit to implement a touch screen function, and the touch sensing unit may include an electrode layer 219 disposed in the window 218 for touch sensing.

The terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 are provided with a connection unit to transmit information to each other, and the connection method may be both wired and wireless. For example, the terminal body and the connected display may be equipped with a short range wireless communication module, which wirelessly connects both. The short range wireless communication module may be implemented by Bluetooth, infrared communication (IrDA), Zigbee, or the like.

In addition, the terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 may be wired by plug-in connectors, cables, and the like.

4 to 6 are front views of the terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 for explaining the operation of the mobile terminal according to the present invention. 4 and 5 show that the terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 are electrically connected by a short range wireless communication module, and FIG. 6 shows that both are connected to each other by a plug-in connector.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first display unit 113 outputs time information in the first mode, and the second display unit 213 outputs time information in a second mode different from the first mode. Can be.

In the present embodiment, a text message input mode is used as an example of the first mode, and a DMB mode is described as an example of the second mode.

When the text message input mode is activated, the first display unit 113 displays text, a symbol 132, and the like for inputting text information, and the contents input to the input window 133 are displayed as the user touches them. Is displayed.

 A broadcast screen in the DMB mode may be output to the second display unit 213, and a change of a broadcast channel, a change to another mode, and the like may be performed as a user manipulates the terminal body 100.

According to the above configuration, the user may simultaneously operate the two modes in which the visual information is output through the first display unit 113 and the second display unit 213. For example, the two modes can be operated simultaneously without the need of releasing the DMB mode and activating the text message input mode for text message input while watching DMB broadcasting.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, detailed information about visual information displayed on the first display unit 113 may be output to the connected display 200.

For example, when the MP3 mode is activated in the terminal body 100, the title or name 134 of the songs stored in the terminal body 100 may be output in a list form to the first display unit 113. In this case, when the user touches one of them, the second display unit 213 may display detailed information 234a (eg, title, artist, album, etc.).

When the second display unit 213 is configured to allow a touch input, the second display unit 213 may display icons 234b in the form of buttons required for playing or stopping a song, and the user touches them. You can control the playback of the song.

As such, as detailed information of the visual information displayed on the first display 113 is displayed on the second display unit 213, the user interface environment is improved by reducing the number of times the screen of the first display 113 is switched to another screen. Let's do it.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 may be electrically connected by the plug-in connector 134 to transmit and receive data with each other. When the first display unit 113 and the second display unit 213 are configured to enable touch input, respectively, the first and second display units 113 and 213 may be configured to receive a touch in cooperation with each other.

For example, the first display unit 113 may be dragged by dragging a menu, an icon, or a window (eg, a window displaying text and input windows for text message input) 135 for input in a specific mode. The display unit 213 can be moved.

In addition, a wider screen may be realized by setting the first display unit 113 and the second display unit 213 as one integrated screen. In addition, a task window for two or more modes may be displayed on the first and second display units 113 and 213 to implement a more efficient multitasking environment.

In addition, the file stored in the terminal main body 100 may be dragged from the first display unit 113 and dropped onto the second display unit 213 to copy or move the file to the connected display 200. That is, the connected display 200 may function as a storage medium for storing information as well as a function of outputting visual information. In this case, the connected display 200 is equipped with a memory.

7 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The connected display 200 described above may be detachably coupled to the terminal body 100, and thus, the user may carry the connected display 200 more conveniently.

The connected display 200 in the present embodiment is coupled to the front of the terminal body 100, that is, the front case 111, it is also possible to be coupled to the rear or side according to the design of the terminal.

The terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 are provided with a coupling means for detachably coupled to each other, the coupling means is disposed on the first member and the terminal body 100 disposed on the connected display 200 And a second member detachably arranged with the first member.

In this embodiment, a magnet 235 is used as an example of the first member, and a magnetic body detachable from the magnet 235 is used as an example of the second member. The magnet 235 may be attached to the rear case 212 of the connected display 200, and the magnetic body 135 may be disposed at the front case 111. A guide rib 136 protruding along the outer circumferential surface of the front case 111 may be formed on the front surface of the terminal body 100 to guide the attachment of the connected display 200.

When the terminal body 100 is in a call waiting state, the connected display 200 may be attached to the terminal body 100, and the terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 may be electrically connected to each other through a connection terminal. Can be connected.

If there is a call, the second display unit 213 may display a message or icon for guiding the call, a phone number of the other party, and the like. It may be configured to allow a call even when attached. To this end, the connected display 200 may be provided with a sound output unit 221.

8 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

One example of the present invention shown is a connection including a wireless communication module 141, an operation unit 116, 117, an image input unit 115, 121, a sound input unit 1185, a first display unit 113, a second display unit 213 Display 200, sound output units 114 and 124, sensing unit 146, interface 119, broadcast receiving module 145, memory 144, power supply unit 120, and control unit 140. .

The controller 140 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal. For example, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like.

In addition to the normal function control, the controller 140 additionally controls the operation of the connected display 200 related to the present invention. The controller 140 transmits data related to visual information displayed on the connected display 200.

The wireless communication module 141 transmits / receives a radio signal with a mobile communication base station through an antenna. For example, under the control of the controller 140, the transmitter 142 is responsible for transmitting and receiving voice data, text data, image data, and control data, and modulates and transmits a signal to be transmitted, and a receiver for demodulating the received signal. 143).

When the terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 are electrically connected by the short range wireless communication module, a signal applied to the controller 140 is applied to the short range wireless communication module of the terminal body, which is applied to the connected display. The short distance communication module is mounted and displayed on the second display unit 213.

The operation units 116 and 117 are configured as shown in FIG. 1 to provide the control unit 140 with key input data input by the user for controlling the operation of the terminal.

The image input units 115 and 121 process image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frames are converted into image data that can be displayed on the first and second display units 113 and 213, and output to the first and second display units 113 and 213.

The image frames processed by the image input units 115 and 121 are stored in the memory 44 under the control of the controller 140 or transmitted to the connected display 200 or the outside through the wireless transceiver 141.

The sound input unit 118 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. In the case of the call mode, the processed voice data is converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the wireless communication module 141 and output to the wireless communication module. In the recording mode, the processed voice data is output to be stored in the memory 144.

The sound input unit 118 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The first and second display units 113 and 213 display and output information processed in the portable terminal. For example, when the mobile terminal is in the call mode, the control unit 40 displays and outputs a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the mobile terminal displays and outputs the captured image, UI, or GUI under the control of the controller 140. When the first and second display units 113 and 213 include a touch screen, the first and second display units 113 and 213 are used as input devices in addition to the output device.

The sound output units 114 and 124 are sound data or memory 144 received from the wireless communication module 141 under the control of the control unit 140 in call signal reception, call mode or recording mode, voice recognition mode, broadcast reception mode, and the like. Converts the sound data stored in and outputs to the outside.

In addition, the sound output units 114 and 124 output sound signals related to functions (eg, call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the portable terminal. The sound output units 114 and 124 include a speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, and the like.

The sensing unit 146 detects a current state of the portable terminal such as an open / closed state of the portable terminal, a position of the portable terminal, presence or absence of a user contact, and generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the portable terminal. For example, when the portable terminal is in the form of a slide phone, whether the slide phone is opened or closed is sensed and the sensing result is output to the controller 140 to control the operation of the terminal. In addition, it is responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 120 is supplied with power or whether the interface 119 is coupled to an external device.

The interface 119 may be connected to a mobile terminal such as a wired / wireless headset, an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a card socket (eg, a memory card, a SIM / UIM card), or the like. It serves as an interface with the device. The interface 119 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits the data to each component inside the portable terminal or transmits data within the portable terminal to the external device. The terminal body 100 and the connected display 200 may be electrically connected to each other through the interface 119.

The memory 144 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 140, and may provide a function for temporarily storing input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). It can also be done.

This memory 144 generally includes concepts such as known hard disks, card type memory (eg SD or XD memory, etc.), flash memory, RAM, ROM, and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 145 receives a broadcast signal transmitted through a satellite or terrestrial wave, etc., converts the broadcast signal into a broadcast data format that can be output to the sound output unit 114.124, the first and second display units 113 and 213, and the controller 140. Output to In addition, the broadcast receiving module 145 receives additional data related to a broadcast (for example, an EPG (electric program guide), a channel list, etc.). The broadcast data and additional data converted by the broadcast receiving module 145 may be stored in the memory 144.

The power supply unit 120 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 140 to supply power for operation of each component.

The above-described portable terminal is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or some of the embodiments so that various modifications can be made. It may be.

1 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal body shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

3B is an exploded perspective view of the connected display shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

4 to 6 are front views of the terminal body and the connected display for explaining the operation of the portable terminal of Figs.

7 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to the present invention;

Claims (8)

A terminal body provided with a wireless communication module, a display unit, and an operation unit to independently perform a wireless communication function; A connection type display which is formed to be connectable to the terminal main body and outputs visual information under control of the terminal main body; And And a connection unit for electrically connecting the terminal body and the connected display. The method of claim 1, The display unit further comprises a touch sensing unit for a touch input. The method of claim 2, The connected display further includes a touch sensing unit for touch input, And the display unit and the connected display are configured to receive a touch input in cooperation with each other. The method of claim 1, And the connected display comprises an E-paper. The method of claim 1, And the connection unit is a short range wireless communication module for wirelessly connecting the terminal body and the connected display. The method of claim 1, The connecting unit is a portable terminal, characterized in that the plug-in connector for coupling the connected display to one side of the terminal body. The method of claim 1, And time information in a first mode is output to the display unit, and time information in a second mode different from the first mode is output to the connected display. The method of claim 1, And the detailed information on the visual information displayed on the display unit is output to the connection type display.

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