KR20090073901A - Handheld terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a transparent display unit, and includes a display unit formed in a transparent form so that objects on the opposite side can be seen, and a transparency adjusting unit disposed on the display unit and adjusting the transparency of the display unit. The transparency control unit adjusts the light generated from the display unit or transmitted through the display unit so that other persons on the other side can not see or selectively view the visual information output from the display unit.

Description

Mobile terminal {PORTABLE TERMINAL}

The present invention relates to a portable terminal having a transparent display unit.

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, the mobile terminal has complicated functions such as taking a picture or a video, playing a music or a video file, playing a game, receiving a broadcast, and the like. It also implements.

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 the portable terminal is regarded as a personal portable product for expressing one's personality, the development of a portable terminal capable of providing various designs is also required.

While the traditional display unit mounted on the portable terminal is viewed only in one direction, a transparent form is also being developed to be seen in both directions according to the development of technology.

However, when a transparent display unit is provided, the information output through the display unit can be viewed by others, so that in some cases, there is a need for only the user to see it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to enable the transparency of the display unit to be adjusted in order to protect the privacy of a user in a portable terminal having a transparent display unit.

In order to solve the above, the mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a display unit formed in a transparent form so that objects on the opposite side can be seen, and a transparency adjusting unit disposed on the display unit and adjusting the transparency of the display unit. do. The transparency control unit adjusts the light generated from the display unit or transmitted through the display unit so that other persons on the other side can not see or selectively view the visual information output from the display unit.

The display unit may be configured such that the outputted information is output in reverse in the opposite direction. In this case, since the information output from one display unit can be viewed from both sides, the display unit can be made thin. As an example related to the present invention, the display unit may be implemented by an e-paper, a transparent OLED, or a transparent transistor.

As an example related to the present invention, the transparency adjusting unit may be configured to adjust transparency by an electrical signal. In this case, the transparency control unit may be implemented by a glass plate manufactured by electrochromism, and may be formed in a stacked form on the display unit.

The transparency adjusting unit may be configured to operate by manipulation of the manipulation unit. That is, by pressing a specific key button, the display can be immediately opaque or vice versa. The transparency control unit may be configured to adjust the transparency step by step.

As an example related to the present invention, the transparency adjusting unit may be configured to switch to an opaque state when a message is received, when a message is written, or when a video is played. If the privacy of the user is to be strongly protected, it is possible to save the trouble of manually operating by setting the display unit to automatically switch the transparency of the display unit at the same time as entering the mode.

The transparency controller may be configured to opaquely adjust only a predetermined area on the display unit. For example, this is a case where only a block of private information such as a text message or a memo or a phone book is opaque so that it cannot be viewed from the other side. In addition, as another example, the transparency adjusting unit may be configured to be opaquely switched along the input portion when inputting letters or numbers.

The present invention also includes a first body provided with a keypad and a second body foldably connected to the first body, wherein the second body has a display unit formed in a transparent form so that objects on the opposite side can be seen; Disclosed is a portable terminal disposed on a display unit and including a transparency control unit for adjusting transparency of the display unit.

In this case, the display unit may be configured to be opaque when the second body is folded to the first body and closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the keypad or unnecessary parts of the first body from being seen.

As an example related to the present invention, the display unit may be configured to convert information outputted when the second body is folded and closed or opened on the first body to be reversed.

According to the portable terminal configured as described above, since the visual information can be viewed from both sides through the transparent display unit, the convenience is increased and the transparency of the display unit is adjusted by the transparency control unit, thereby minimizing the leakage of private information. It works.

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 embodiment of a mobile terminal related to the present invention;

The portable terminal 1 includes a terminal body 10 forming an appearance, and the terminal body 10 is formed by a front case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) 11 and a rear case 12. Various electronic components are built in the space formed by the front case 11 and the rear case 12. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the front case 11 and the rear case 12. 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 front case 11 may include a first manipulator 15, a display 14, a sound output unit 13, an image input unit 23, a sound input unit 16, and the like.

The first manipulation unit 15 receives a command for controlling the operation of the portable terminal 1 according to the example of the present invention.

The display unit 14 outputs visual information in various modes of the portable terminal 1. Such visual information includes contents (text, pictures, videos, etc.) generated, stored, or transmitted by communication, or a user interface related to various functions or menu operations.

The display unit 14 is formed in a transparent shape so that objects on the opposite side can be seen. Accordingly, not only the object on the opposite side can be seen through the display unit 14, but visual information output from the display unit 14 can be viewed from the opposite side of the portable terminal 1.

The sound output unit 13 may be implemented in the form of a receiver for outputting a voice of the other party during a call or a speaker for outputting notification sounds or playback sounds of various systems.

The sound input unit 16 may be implemented in the form of a microphone, for example, to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

One side of the first manipulation unit 15 may be provided with a second manipulation unit 17. The second manipulator 17 includes a wheel 19 rotatably installed in both forward and reverse directions about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction of the terminal body 10. However, the arrangement of the wheels 19 is not limited thereto, and the wheels 19 may be rotatably installed so that the rotation axis thereof is arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the terminal body 10.

A pair of push keys 18 and 20 are provided on both sides of the wheel 19 to be pushed. Furthermore, the wheel 19 may be formed to be input by a pressing operation by itself, and a part thereof may be arranged to be locked from the surface of the terminal body 10. Both sides of the push keys 18 and 20 may include an anti-pressing means or a shape of the push keys 18 and 20 so as to prevent erroneous input due to unintentional pressing.

The wheel 19 is rotated in a forward or reverse direction with a finger or the like to move the pointer or cursor in various modes, or to provide a friction force to easily adjust various adjustable amounts, for example, volume, screen brightness, and the like. It may be formed in the form of a cylindrical body in which regular valleys are formed in the circumferential direction. The forward and reverse rotations and pushkeys of the wheel 19 may mean a four-way indication to the cursor or pointer. When selecting any one item by the combination of the rotation of the wheel 19 and the click of the push keys 18 and 20, move the cursor or pointer to the item and press the wheel 19 to select the item or function. Is executed.

An antenna 23 for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed on one side of the rear case 12 in addition to an antenna for a call or the like. The antenna 23 may be installed in the rear case 12 to be pulled out.

In addition, a third manipulation unit 22 and an external interface 21 may be installed on the side of the rear case 12. In addition to the first and second manipulators 17, the third manipulator 22 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion, and in addition to those shown in the drawings, the third manipulator 22 may be operated in a tactile manner. Either way may be employed. For example, the operation unit may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch screen that can receive a command or information by a user's push or touch operation, a touch pad, a wheel that rotates keys, a jog method, or a method such as a joystick. It can also be implemented as.

In addition, the second operation unit 17 may operate as a hot key for performing a special function such as activation of the image input unit 24 described later in addition to the scroll function.

The external interface 21 serves as a passage for allowing the portable terminal 1 to exchange data with an external device. For example, the external interface 21 may be wired or wireless, and a connection terminal for connecting with 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), or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal. The external interface 21 may be a card socket or receptacle that houses an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or user identity module (UIM), a memory card for storing information.

2 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal according to the present invention; As shown in FIG. 2, the image input unit 24 and the power supply unit 25 may be disposed on the rear surface of the portable terminal 1.

The image input unit 24 may be implemented in the form of a camera module for capturing an image or a video of a user. The camera module may be additionally installed on the front of the terminal body 10 for a video call, and may be rotatably installed with respect to the terminal body 10 so that the front and rear subjects can be photographed by one camera module. It is possible.

The power supply unit 25 may be detachably coupled for charging as a rechargeable battery. The power supply unit 25 supplies power to the internal parts of the portable terminal 1 and the display unit 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, the visual information output from the transparent display unit 14 is shown as an inverted image on the opposite side. That is, when the information output from the display unit 14 of the portable terminal 1 in the standby mode is the current time, the reversed time can be seen from the opposite side.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the portable terminal of FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a through hole 10a is formed in the terminal body 10 so that the display unit 14 can be seen from both sides.

The through hole 10a is provided with the transparent display unit 14 described above, and a transparency adjusting unit 40 disposed on the display unit 14 to adjust the transparency of the display unit 14.

The display unit 14 may be formed in a transparent form so that the output visual information can be seen from both front and rear sides, and may be implemented by an e-paper, a transparent OLED, or a transparent transistor. . Therefore, compared to the case of using two displays for the output of both front and rear it can be made thinner. The display unit 14 may further include a touch screen to enable input by a user's touch.

The transparency control unit 30 adjusts the light generated by the display unit 14 or transmitted through the display unit 14, so that other people on the other side and the like cannot see the visual information output from the display unit 14. Make it optional.

The transparency control unit 30 may be configured to adjust the transparency by the electrical signal. The transparency control unit 30 may be implemented by a glass plate manufactured by electrochromism, and may be formed in a form laminated on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the transparency control unit 30 uses a technique of changing the color of the glass plate by electrically controlling the glass plate in which the ink dispersed by dispersing the pigment into nanoparticles is colored. For example, when the pigment is Prussian blue, various colors can be obtained by substituting the iron component of Prussian blue with another transition metal.

The transparency control unit 30 may adjust the transparency of the display unit 14 by changing the contrast as well as the color, and may be formed to control the transparency of the display unit 14 through the change of reflectance. Can be. In addition, the transparency control unit 30 may be configured to adjust the transparency in stages can give a variety of choice opportunities.

The transparency control unit 30 may not only be formed to a size that can adjust the entire surface of the display unit 14 at a time, but also small pieces formed in a unit cell form a matrix to form a display unit ( In (14), it is also possible to selectively adjust only the part requiring transparency control. Controlling transparency of the display unit 14 through the transparency adjusting unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 6C.

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

Referring to FIG. 4, the portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication module 41, an operation unit 15, 17, 22, an image input unit 24, an audio input unit 16, and a display unit 14. And a sound output unit 13, an external interface 21, a broadcast receiving module 46, a memory 44, a power supply unit 25, a transparency control unit 30, and a control unit 40.

The controller 40 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 controller 40 additionally controls the operation of the mobile terminal related to the present invention in addition to the normal function control. In addition, the control unit 40 transmits a control signal to the transparency control unit 30 in a situation in which an event occurs, such as when a user's operation or a set program or command is executed.

The wireless communication module 41 transmits / receives a radio signal with a mobile communication base station through an antenna. For example, under the control of the controller 40, the transmitter 42 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. 43).

The operation units 15, 17, and 22 are configured as shown in FIG. 1 to provide the control unit 40 with key input data input by the user for controlling the operation of the terminal. The operation unit 15, 17, 22 is composed of a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

The image input unit 24 processes 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 frame is converted into image data displayable on the display unit 14 and output to the display unit 14.

The image frame processed by the image input unit 24 is stored in the memory 44 under the control of the control unit 40 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless transmission / reception unit 41.

The sound input unit 16 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. The processed voice data is converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the wireless communication module 41 and output to the wireless communication module in the call mode. In the recording mode, the processed voice data is output to be stored in the memory 44. The sound input unit 16 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The display unit 14 displays and outputs 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 40. When the display unit 14 includes a touch screen, the display unit 14 is used as an input device in addition to the output device.

The sound output unit 13 transmits to the sound data or the memory 44 received from the wireless communication module 41 under the control of the control unit 40 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 unit 13 outputs a sound signal related to a function (for example, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the portable terminal. The sound output unit 13 includes a speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, and the like.

The external interface 21 connects a wired / wireless headset, an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a card socket (for example, a memory card, a SIM / UIM card), etc., to the portable terminal in addition to the portable terminal. It serves as an interface with external devices. The external interface 21 receives data or power from an external device and transmits the data to each component inside the mobile terminal or transmits the data inside the mobile terminal to the external device.

The memory 44 may store a program for processing and controlling the control unit 40, and provides 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.

In addition, the memory 44 may store information about an electrical signal of the transparency controller 30 to be controlled through the controller 40 in a specific mode or event. Such information may be transmitted from a server or a base station by a user's input or by communication.

The memory 44 stores a program for controlling the operation of the portable terminal according to the present invention. This memory 44 includes the concepts of generally known hard disks, card type memory (eg SD or XD memory, etc.), flash memory, RAM, ROM, and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 46 receives a broadcast signal transmitted through a satellite or terrestrial wave, converts the broadcast signal into a form of broadcast data that can be output to the sound output unit 13 and the display unit 14, and outputs the broadcast signal to the controller 40. In addition, the broadcast receiving module 46 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 46 may be stored in the memory 44.

The transparency controller 30 adjusts the transparency of the display unit 14 when various modes or events are generated by the control of the controller 40. For example, the transparency control unit 30 may be used when the user operates through the operation units 15, 17, and 22, when a message is received and read from the outside, when a message is being written, or when a photo or video is viewed. In such a situation, the transparency of the display unit 14 may be darkened by the control of the controller 40 so that the other person or the like may not see the output information of the display unit 14.

The power supply unit 25 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the control unit 40 to supply power for operation of each component. In addition, the power supply unit 25 may supply power to the transparency control unit 30 to adjust the transparency of the display unit 14.

5A to 5F are front views illustrating an operating state of a portable terminal equipped with a transparency control unit related to the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a view of the person 50 on the opposite side through the transparent display unit 14. At this time, the person 50 on the other side can also see the visual information output from the display unit 14.

As an example of use, the picture or video to be photographed by the image input unit 24 may be the shape of the opposite object seen through the display unit 14.

FIG. 5B illustrates that the transparency adjuster 30 is operated in the same state as that of FIG. 5A so that the person 50 on the opposite side cannot be seen through the display unit 14. Thus, in order to opaque the display unit 14 may be achieved by pressing a key or button set in the first operation unit 15 or the second operation unit 17 or by rotating the wheel 19. In addition, the means for manipulating the transparency control unit 30 to make the display unit 14 opaque may be realized by inducing a user's intentional instructions, for example, by sound or light.

FIG. 5C shows the display unit 14 so that a person 50 on the other side of the portable terminal cannot be seen when the message is received or information related to private data is output through the display unit 14 in the state as shown in FIG. 5A. Shows that it has become opaque. In this case, the transparency adjusting unit 30 may be set to be automatically converted to opacity when the display unit 14 receives a message that a message has been received and outputs the contents thereof.

FIG. 5D illustrates that the display unit 14 is opaque so that the person 50 on the other side of the portable terminal cannot see when viewing a picture or video in the state as shown in FIG. 5A.

In this way, when the privacy of the user is to be strongly protected, it is possible to save the trouble of manually operating by setting the display unit 14 to automatically shift the transparency of the display unit 14 at the same time as entering the mode.

FIG. 5E illustrates a case in which an area controlled by the transparency controller 30 makes only a portion of the display 14 opaque. That is, this is the case that the other side 50 is not visible from the other side by opaque only the message block of the content, for example, a text message or a private information such as a memo or a phone book.

5F illustrates an example in which a message or a number being written is sequentially converted to opacity as the cursor moves. Transparency control unit 30 is to opaque only the area in which the message or number is written, and to make the unwritten area except the transparent.

6A is a perspective view illustrating a closed state of a foldable portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view illustrating an opaque state of a display unit of the portable terminal of FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6C is a perspective view of FIG. 6B. A perspective view showing an open state of a portable terminal.

As shown in these figures, the mobile terminal 100 includes a first body 101 provided with a keypad 115 and a second body 102 that is foldable on the first body 101. Doing.

The second body 102 includes a display unit 114 formed in a transparent form so that objects on the opposite side can be seen. On the display unit 114, as shown in FIG. 3, transparency of the display unit 114 is shown. Transparency control unit to control the included.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the keypad 115 of the first body 101 is visible when the display 114 is transparent. In this state, when input to the operation unit 122 or when the touch screen is used, when there is a touch on the display unit 114, the display unit 114 is switched to opaque and the user sees only the output information of the display unit 114. It becomes possible.

In the state of FIG. 6A or the state of FIG. 6B, when the second body 102 is rotated and opened with respect to the first body 101, the output information of the display 114 may be directed to the other person 50 on the opposite side. The output information of 114 is converted into left, right, up and down reverse phases so that the user can read it correctly (Fig. 6C). Thus, the other person 50 on the other side can see the contents of the left and right reversed visual information viewed by the user.

In the state in which the second body 102 is opened as shown in FIG. 6C, transparency control of the display unit 14 by the transparency adjuster may be implemented by the method of FIGS. 5A to 5F.

The above-described portable terminal is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments. The above 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 of an embodiment of a mobile terminal related to the present invention;

2 is a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal related to the present invention;

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the mobile terminal of FIG.

4 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to the present invention.

5A to 5F are front views illustrating an operating state of a portable terminal equipped with a transparency control unit related to the present invention.

6A is a perspective view illustrating a closed state of a folding portable terminal as an embodiment related to the present invention;

6B is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the display unit of the portable terminal of FIG. 6A is opaque.

6C is a perspective view illustrating an open state of the portable terminal of FIG. 6B.

Claims (14)

A display unit which is formed in a transparent form so that objects on the opposite side can be seen; And The mobile terminal is disposed on the display unit and includes a transparency control unit for adjusting the transparency of the display unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the display unit, And the output information is configured to be viewed in reverse from the opposite side. The method of claim 1, The display unit is a mobile terminal, characterized in that implemented by e-paper, a transparent OLED (Organic LED) or a transparent transistor. The method of claim 1, The transparency control unit is a portable terminal, characterized in that the transparency is controlled by an electrical signal. The method of claim 4, wherein The transparency control unit is a portable terminal, characterized in that the glass plate formed by electrochromism (electrochromism). The method of claim 1, The transparency control unit is a portable terminal, characterized in that formed in the form stacked on the display unit. The method of claim 1, The transparency control unit is a portable terminal, characterized in that configured to operate by the operation of the operation unit. The method of claim 1, The transparency control unit is a portable terminal, characterized in that configured to adjust the transparency step by step. The method of claim 1, The transparency adjusting unit is configured to switch to an opaque state when receiving a message, writing a message, or playing a video. The method of claim 1, The transparency control unit is a portable terminal, characterized in that configured to be opaque control only a predetermined area on the display. The method of claim 10, The transparency controller is configured to be opaquely switched along the input portion when inputting letters or numbers. A first body provided with a keypad and a second body foldably connected to the first body, wherein the second body includes: A display unit formed in a transparent shape so that objects on the opposite side can be seen; And The mobile terminal is disposed on the display unit and includes a transparency control unit for adjusting the transparency of the display unit. The method of claim 12, And the display unit is configured to be opaque when the second body is folded and closed on the first body. The method of claim 12, And the display unit is configured to convert information outputted when the second body is folded to the first body to be closed or opened in reverse.

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