KR20090081225A - Portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable terminal is provided to realize a manipulation part in the form of a rotating wheel. A portable terminal comprises the first and second bodies and a manipulation part(123). The first and second bodies are combined so as to be folded or unfolded. The manipulation part inputs operation information and is mounted one of the first and second bodies so as to be positioned between the first and second bodies in the folded state. At least a portion of the manipulation part is exposed to the outside in the folded state so that a user can input each operation information in the folded and unfolded states.

Description

Mobile terminal {PORTABLE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a portable terminal having an operation unit capable of inputting operation information in a folding and an unfolding state, respectively.

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 the design aspect of the portable terminal is emphasized, the portable terminal is becoming smaller and slimmer. Accordingly, the space for mounting components of the portable terminal is becoming narrower.

Accordingly, attempts have been made to overcome the narrowing of the component mounting space by applying a structure capable of various functions as a single configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a portable terminal having a structure of being folded or unfolded, the portable terminal having an operation unit capable of inputting operation information in each of the folding and unfolding states in a single configuration.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a convenience in inputting the operation information of the user at the same time by saving the component mounting space by enabling the input of the operation unit in the folding and unfolding state with a single operation unit, respectively.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a first body and a second body, which are foldable or unfoldable, input operation information, and are located between the first and second bodies in a folded state. And an operation unit mounted on at least one of the second bodies, wherein the operation unit is disposed such that at least a portion of the operation unit is exposed to the outside in a folding state to allow input of operation information in a folding and an unfolding state, respectively. Start the terminal.

The first and second bodies are rotatably coupled by first and second hinge connectors disposed at both ends, and the manipulation unit may be disposed between the first and second hinge connectors.

The operation unit may include a rotating wheel mounted to the surface of the second body to be horizontally rotated.

An exposed area may be formed at an end of the first body to expose a portion of the rotating wheel in a folded state.

The first body may further include a first display unit mounted on a surface facing the second body in a folded state, and a second display unit mounted on an opposite surface of the mounting surface of the first display unit.

The first display unit outputs first visual information controlled by the rotating operation of the rotating wheel in the unfolding state, and the second display unit outputs second visual information controlled by the rotating operation of the rotating wheel in the folding state. Can be configured to output.

The rotating wheel may be provided with a through hole, and the manipulation part may further include a joy stick configured to support one end of the inside of the through hole and the other end of the rotating wheel to move in a plurality of directions.

The first visual information may be displayed on the first display unit, and the joystick may be configured to move at least one region of the third visual information.

The present invention has a structure that can input the operation information in each of the folding and unfolding state in a single configuration by having an operation unit exposed to the outside during folding between the first and the second body that is coupled to be folded or unfolded Can provide.

In addition, the present invention can be implemented in the form of a rotating wheel that is mounted to the surface of the second body by the rotation operation to be rotated horizontally, so that the user can enter the operation information more conveniently in the folding and unfolding state have.

In addition, the present invention provides a more convenient user interface environment by having a first and a second display unit for outputting visual information controlled by the operation of the rotary wheel.

In addition, the present invention provides a more convenient operation method in a multimedia environment by providing a joystick in the center of the rotating wheel.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the portable terminal which concerns on this invention is demonstrated in detail with reference to drawings.

1 is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention.

The portable terminal of the present invention includes a first body 110 and a second body 120 that can be folded or unfolded with the first body 110. The first body 110 and the second body 120 are rotatably coupled by the hinge connecting portions 101 and 102, and the hinge connecting portions 101 and 102 are disposed at both ends of the first and second bodies 110 and 120. And second hinge connectors 101 and 102.

A state in which the first body 10 is disposed to overlap with the second body 20 may be referred to as a folding state (see FIG. 3). As shown in this drawing, the first body 10 may be referred to as a second body ( The state in which at least a portion of 20) is exposed may be referred to as an unfolding state.

Although the portable terminal 100 mainly operates in a standby mode in a folded state, the standby mode may be released by a user's operation. In addition, although the mobile terminal 100 operates mainly in a call mode or the like in an unfolding state, the portable terminal 100 may be switched to a standby mode by a user's manipulation or a lapse of a predetermined time.

The case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming the exterior of the first body 110 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 110 and the rear case 120.

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).

The first display unit 113, the first sound output unit 114, and the first image input unit 115 may be disposed on the first body 110, specifically, the front case 111.

The first display unit 113 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) module, an organic light emitting diodes (OLED) module, and the like, which visually express information, and the display unit 113 further includes a touch screen. It is also possible to enable the input of information.

The first sound output unit 114 may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker, and the first image input unit 115 may be in the form of a camera module for capturing an image or a video for a user. Can be implemented.

Like the first body 110, the front case 121 and the rear case 122 may form a case of the second body 120. First to third manipulation units 123, 124, and 125 may be disposed on the front surface of the second body 120, specifically, the front case 121.

The fourth manipulation unit 126, the sound input unit 127, and the interface 128 may be disposed on at least one of the front case 121 and the rear case 122.

The first to fourth manipulation units 123, 124, 125, and 126 receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion.

The operation unit may be adopted in any manner as long as the user is operating in a tactile manner.

For example, the operation unit may be implemented by a wheel or a polarization method that rotates a key as in the first operation unit, or a dome switch or touch pad capable of receiving a command or information by a push or touch operation unit as in the second to fourth operation units. It can be implemented as.

In functional terms, the first operation unit 123 is for inputting a scroll command, and the second operation unit 124 is for inputting commands such as start and end. In addition, the third manipulation unit 125 may be operated to input a number, a letter, a symbol, and the like, and the fourth manipulation unit 126 may perform a hot key for performing a special function such as activation of the first image input unit 115. It can be operated as a (hot-key).

The sound input unit 127 may be implemented in the form of a microphone, for example, to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface 128 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 126 may be wired or wirelessly, and a connection terminal for connecting with an earphone, a port for short-range communication (for example, an IRDA port, a wireless LAN port, etc.), or At least one of the power supply terminals for supplying power to the portable terminal.

The interface 128 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 129 for supplying power to the portable terminal is mounted on the rear case 122 side. The power supply unit 129 may be detachably coupled for charging, for example, as a rechargeable battery.

2 is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal of FIG. 1.

2, a second display unit 116 may be additionally mounted on the rear case 112 of the first body 110. The first display unit 113 displays visual information in an unfolding state, while the second display unit 116 is disposed to be exposed to the outside in a folding state to display visual information.

The second image input unit 130 may be additionally mounted on the rear case 122 of the second body 120. The second image input unit 130 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 a video call, and the second image input unit 130 immediately photographs a general subject. It is preferable to have a high pixel because it is not transmitted in many cases.

The flash 131 and the mirror unit 132 are further disposed adjacent to the second image input unit 130. The flash 131 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second image input unit 130. The mirror unit 132 allows the user to see his / her face or the like when the user wants to photograph himself (self-photographing) by using the second image input unit 130.

The second sound output unit 133 may be further disposed in the rear case 122.

The second sound output unit 133 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 134 for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed on one side of the rear case 122 in addition to an antenna for a call or the like. The antenna 134 may be installed to be pulled out from the second body 120.

3 is a perspective view of the portable terminal in a folded state, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first operation unit along line IV-IV of FIG. 1.

1 to 3, the first manipulation unit 123 is positioned between the first and second bodies 120 in a folded state, and at least a portion thereof is disposed to be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the first manipulation unit 123 can input manipulation information in the folded state and the unfolded state, respectively.

The first manipulation unit 123 is disposed between the first and second hinge connection units 101 and 102 and may be configured in the form of a scroll key for inputting scroll information by a rotation operation. An exposed area 103 may be formed at an end portion of the first body 110 to expose a portion of the first manipulation unit 123 to the outside, and the exposed area 103 may be formed of the first and first portions of the first body 110. The area between the two hinge connecting portions 101 and 102 may be removed. In the front case 121 of the second body 120, a mounting groove 135 for mounting the first manipulation unit 123 may be formed.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first manipulation unit 123 may include a rotation wheel 141, a support member 142, and a base 143, which are each formed in the form of a circular ring.

The rotary wheel 141 is horizontally rotated with respect to the surface of the second body to enable scroll input, and is supported by the base 143 and the support member 142.

The base 143 supports the rotation wheel 141 and provides a rotation space to the rotation wheel 141, and may be fixed to the seating groove 135 of the front case /. As a material of the base 143, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti) may be used. Connection terminals for electrical connection between the first manipulation unit 123 and the second body may be disposed in the base 143 and the seating recess 135.

Insertion protrusion 145 is formed on the side of the support member 142, which is inserted into the insertion groove 144 formed on the side of the base 143. The insertion protrusion 145 and the insertion groove 144 may be formed in plural along the circumference of the support member 142 and the base 143.

One side of the support member 142 may be attached to the fixed seat 146 of the circular ring shape, which is fixed to the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the rotation wheel 141 so that the rotation wheel 141 is not separated to the outside. It is to.

A through hole is formed in the fixing sheet 146 along its circumferential direction, and a rotating rib 147 inserted into the through hole and rotating therein is formed along the circumferential direction on the rear surface of the rotating wheel 141. An end portion of the rotary rib 147 is formed to be caught by the fixing sheet 146 by thermal fusion, thereby preventing the rotation wheel 141 from escaping to the outside.

A printed board 148 may be mounted on the front surface of the base 143, and electronic components for operation and control of the first manipulation unit 123 may be mounted on the printed board 148. For example, the printed circuit board 148 may be provided with a magnetic sensor that senses a magnetic field of a magnet mounted to the rear of the rotary wheel 141 to detect rotation of the rotary wheel 141, and a signal related thereto to receive a second body ( The control unit for transmitting to 120 may be disposed.

The first manipulation unit 123 may be configured to enable input by a pressing operation as well as scroll input by a rotation operation. A push protrusion 149 is formed on the rear surface of the support member 142, and a switch 150 for inputting information by pressing the push protrusion 149 may be mounted on the printed board 148. The switch 150 may be mounted at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction of the rotation wheel 141, and the insertion groove 144 of the base 143 may have an insertion protrusion 145 so that the support member 142 may be pressed. There may be formed a predetermined space in which is moved.

The first manipulation unit 123 may further include a joy stick 150 that is moved in a plurality of directions to input manipulation information. The joy stick 150 is located at the center of the rotation wheel 141, one end of which is supported by the base 143.

Sensors for detecting the circular motion of the joy stick 150 may be mounted at the end of the joy stick 150 and the printed board 148. For example, the contacts may contact each other to generate an electrical signal, Proximity sensors for generating electrical signals when the proximity to a certain distance or less may be mentioned.

The elastic member 151 may be mounted between the joy stick 150 and the base 143. When the joy stick 150 is operated and the other end is moved in one direction, the joy stick 150 is stopped. ) Is returned to its original position by the restoring force of the elastic member 151.

Like the rotary wheel 141, the joy stick 150 may also be configured to be able to input information by a pressing operation. The printed board 148 is equipped with a switch 152 and is pressed by the joy stick 150. Enter the information.

5A to 5C are front views of the portable terminal in an unfolding state, and illustrate an operating state of the first operation unit in the unfolding state.

The first display unit 113 outputs the first visual information controlled by the rotation operation of the rotary wheel 141 in an unfolding state, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C as examples, Arrows indicate the operating directions of the rotating wheel 141 and the joy stick 150.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a selectable menu or list 113a is output to the first display unit 113 as an example of the first visual information, and the cursor or pointer 113b positioned in the menu or list 113a is a rotary wheel. It can be moved by the rotation operation of 141. Here, the joy stick 150 may be pressed to execute a corresponding function of a menu or list where the cursor or pointer 113b is located or move to a lower menu or list 113a thereof.

As shown in FIG. 5B, an image having a size larger than that of the output area may be output to the first display unit 113, and as an example, a map 113c illustrated in this drawing may be output.

The user may manipulate the joy stick 150 in a plurality of directions, such as the direction of the arrow, and may select a portion output to the first display unit 113. For example, if a user wants to output a portion of the entire region of the map 113c that is not output to the first display unit 113 to the first display unit 113, the joy stick 150 may be opposite to the corresponding portion. You can print this by moving). That is, when the map information located on the right side of the output area is to be output, the joystick 150 may be manipulated to the left side to output the map information to the first display unit 113.

5C illustrates web browsing using the mobile terminal 100. A web page 113d and a pointer 113e are output to the first display unit 113. As shown in FIG.

Here, the pointer 113e may be configured to move on the output screen in the same direction as the operation direction of the joy stick 150, and by clicking on the joy stick 150, click information (menu, list, etc.) on the web page is operated. You can click. That is, the joy stick 150 may be configured to input information in a manner similar to a mouse during web browsing.

6A to 6C are front views of the portable terminal in a folded state, and illustrate an operating state of the first operation unit in the folded state.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the second display unit 116 may output second visual information controlled by the rotation operation of the rotary wheel 141.

A selectable menu or list 116a may be output to the second display unit 116. For example, a playlist for listening to music is output to FIG. 6A. The user may rotate the exposed portion of the rotation wheel 141 to move the pointer 116b located in the list 116a of the playlist.

When the second display unit 116 is configured in the form of a touch screen, the user can play the song by touching the pointer 116b located in the list.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the second display unit 116 may display a numerical value or graphic 116c of a sound size that can be adjusted by a rotation operation of the rotation wheel 141. The user may increase or decrease the volume of the sound output from the sound output units 114 and 133 by manipulating the rotating wheel 141 when listening to a call or music, and the second display unit 116 may visually display information about the sound. Is expressed.

On the other hand, the second display unit 116 may be output an image 116d that can be adjusted in size by the rotation operation of the rotary wheel 141, Figure 6c as an example through the image input unit (115, 130) An image 116d of the input subject is output to the second display unit 116.

The user may zoom-in / out the image 116d by rotating the rotation wheel 141, and the second display unit 116 may include a mark indicating information of zoom-in / out. 116e) may be output together. An image captured by the image input units 115 and 130 and stored in the mobile terminal 100 may also be adjusted by manipulating the rotating wheel 141.

6A to 6C have been described on the basis of controlling the visual information output to the second display unit 116 by operating the rotary wheel 141 in the folding state, but the same in the unfolding state Application is possible.

In addition, the first manipulation unit 123 may not only form the rotation wheel 141 for inputting scroll information by a rotation operation, but may also be disposed in the first and second bodies 110 and 120 in a folded state. Any configuration may be used as long as it is mounted on at least one of the structures 120 and at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside in the folding state so that operation information may be input in the folding and unfolding states, respectively.

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

Referring to FIG. 7, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication module 151, an operation unit 123, 124, 125, 126, an image input unit 115, 130, an audio input unit 127, a display unit 113, 116, The sound output unit 114, 133, the sensing unit 156, the interface 128, the broadcast receiving module 155, the memory 154, the power supply unit 129, and the controller 150 are included.

The controller 150 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.

The wireless communication module 151 transmits / receives a radio signal with a mobile communication base station through an antenna. For example, under the control of the controller 150, the transmitter 143 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. 142.

The manipulation units 123, 124, 125, and 126 provide the controller 140 with key input data input by the user for controlling the operation of the terminal.

The image input units 115 and 130 process image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by an 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 display units 113 and 116 and output to the display units 113 and 116.

The image frames processed by the image input units 115 and 130 are stored in the memory 154 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication module 151 under the control of the controller 150.

The sound input unit 127 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 151 and output to the wireless communication module. In the recording mode, the processed voice data is output to be stored in the memory 154.

The sound input unit 127 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The display units 113 and 116 display and output information processed by the mobile terminal. For example, when the mobile terminal is in a call mode, the control unit 150 displays and outputs a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal is in the video call mode or the photographing mode, the mobile terminal displays and outputs the captured image, UI, or GUI under the control of the controller 150. When the display units 113 and 116 include a touch screen, the display units 113 and 116 are used as input devices in addition to output devices.

The sound output units 114 and 133 may receive sound data or memory 154 received from the wireless communication module 151 under the control of the control unit 150 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The stored sound data is converted and output to the outside.

In addition, the sound output units 114 and 133 output sound signals related to functions (eg, call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the portable terminal.

The sensing unit 156 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 so as to output a sensing result to the controller 150 to control the operation of the terminal. In addition, the power supply unit 129 is responsible for the sensing function associated with whether or not the power supply, the interface 128 is coupled to the external device.

The interface 128 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 128 receives data from an external device or receives power and transfers the data to each component inside the portable terminal or transmits data within the portable terminal to the external device.

The memory 154 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 150, 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.

The memory 154 also stores a program for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal according to the present invention.

This memory 154 includes concepts such as hard disks, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), flash memory, RAM, ROM, and the like, which are generally known.

The broadcast receiving module 155 receives a broadcast signal transmitted through a satellite or terrestrial wave, converts the broadcast signal into a broadcast data format that can be output to the sound output units 114 and 133 and the display units 113 and 116, and outputs it to the controller 150. In addition, the broadcast receiving module 155 receives additional data related to the broadcast (for example, an EPG (electric program guide), a channel list, etc.). The broadcast data and additional data converted by the broadcast receiving module 155 may be stored in the memory 144.

The power supply unit 129 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 150 to supply power for operation of each component.

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

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

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

3 is a front perspective view in a folding state of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a cross-sectional view of the first operation unit along the IV-IV line of FIG.

5A to 5C are front views in an unfolding state of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6A to 6C are front views in a folding state of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (15)

First and second bodies that are foldable or unfoldable; And An operation unit for inputting operation information and mounted to at least one of the first and second bodies so as to be positioned between the first and second bodies in a folded state; And the manipulation unit is disposed such that at least a portion of the manipulation unit is exposed to the outside in a folding state so that operation information can be input in a folding and an unfolding state, respectively. The method of claim 1, The first and second bodies are rotatably coupled by first and second hinge connectors disposed at both ends, respectively. And the operation part is disposed between the first and second hinge connecting parts. The method of claim 2, And the operation unit includes a rotary wheel mounted on the surface of the second body so as to be horizontally rotated. The method of claim 3, And an exposed area at an end portion of the first body to expose a portion of the rotating wheel in a folded state. The method of claim 3, The operation unit further comprises a first switch disposed at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction of the rotary wheel and operated by pressing the rotary wheel. The method of claim 3, wherein the first body, A first display mounted on a surface facing the second body in a folded state; And And a second display mounted on an opposite surface of the mounting surface of the first display. The method of claim 6, The first display outputs first visual information controlled by a rotation operation of the rotating wheel in an unfolding state, The second display is a portable terminal, characterized in that for outputting second visual information controlled by the rotation operation of the rotating wheel in the folding state. The method of claim 7, wherein The first and second visual information includes a selectable menu or list, And the rotating wheel is configured to move a cursor or a pointer located in the menu or list by a rotating operation. The method of claim 7, wherein And the first and second visual information include an image which can be adjusted in size by a rotation operation of the rotary wheel. The method of claim 7, wherein And the first and second visual information include a numerical value or a graphic of a loudness of sound which can be adjusted by a rotation operation of the rotary wheel. The method of claim 6, A through hole is formed in the rotating wheel, and the operation unit And a joy stick having one end supported in the through hole and the other end configured to be movable in a plurality of directions. The method of claim 11, The operation unit further comprises a second switch disposed corresponding to one end of the joystick and operated by pressing the joystick. The method of claim 11, The first display includes third visual information that is movable and The joystick is configured to move at least one region of the third visual information. The method of claim 13, The third visual information includes a cursor or a pointer moved to select a menu or a list output on the first display. And the joystick is configured to move the cursor or pointer in the same direction as the operation direction. The method of claim 13, The third visual information includes an image having a size larger than an output area of visual information of the first display. And the joystick is configured to select a portion of the image to be output to the output area by manipulation.

Images