PORTABLE TERMINAL HAVING INPUT UNIT AND METHOD OF DRIVING THE INPUT UNIT

Disclosed is a portable terminal including an input unit, which includes a first sensor configured to input a signal to the portable terminal, a second sensor configured to sense an activation signal of the input unit, and an actuator configured to drive the input unit when the activation signal is sensed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same elements will be designated by the same reference numerals although they are shown in different drawings. Herein, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

Although ordinal numbers, such as first and second, are used in the present invention to differentiate the objects with the same name from each other, the order of the objects may be arbitrarily determined and a preceding description may be applied to a postfix element.

The input unit of the present invention is configured in such a manner that, in a portable terminal receiving input through a touch panel of a screen, inputting is implemented through a side surface or a rear surface of the portable terminal beyond the inputting through the touch panel of the portable terminal. In other words, the inventive input unit (for example, a “button”) may be provided on any surface beyond the touch panel for executing inputting. That is, a button-inputting may be conducted without an error using an input unit provided on a side surface or a rear surface, and various forms of visual and haptic information, i.e. button icons, button operating feelings and a button touch feeling may be provided to the user.

For the sake of convenience, the following description will be based on when an input unit is provided on a side surface to easily conduct a button-inputting without error. However, the present invention can be equally applied to situations such as when the input unit is provided on another surface.

FIG. 1illustrates a structure of a portable terminal provided with an input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1, the portable terminal10is configured to receive button-input through a touch panel (hereinafter a screen), which is provided on the front surface of the terminal10, to execute a first inputting, in which the screen11is displayed with button icons for such a button-inputting. That is, the portable terminal10provides button icons as visual information to the user through the screen11. Along each side surface of the portable terminal10, an input unit100is provided for inputting, such as controlling a volume key, turning power ON/OFF, or executing multimedia, which is different from the first inputting through the screen11(hereinafter a second inputting).

The input unit100should be firstly activated in order to execute the second inputting through the input unit100, and an input signal of a contact pressure, such as pushing, should be secondarily input to the input unit100. In this regard, the input unit100forms a surface that is coplanar with a surface of the portable terminal10, and is provided as depressed into the portable terminal10with reference to the surface of the portable terminal10. When the surface of the input unit100is provided to be coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal10, the input unit100is in the inactivated condition that does not allow inputting. When a touch or proximity occurs in relation to the inactivated input unit100, the input unit100is turned ON for allowing the second inputting, i.e. allowing a signal to be input through the input unit100, but not allowing the second inputting.

FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate a structure of an input unit and a state of an actuator in a portable terminal having the input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the input unit100provided on a side surface of the portable terminal10includes a button member110(hereinafter, a button111and a button driver112may be generally referred to as the button member), a first sensor120, a second sensor140, and an actuator130. The second sensor140, which is capable of sensing proximity or touch in relation to the button111, is disposed on the surface of the input unit100, in particular between the button111and the button driver112. On the bottom side of the input unit100, in particular under the button driver112, an actuator130is installed to provide a haptic feedback to the button111and the button driver112, or to cause the button111and the button driver112to protrude from the side surface of the portable terminal10.

The button member110includes the button111and the button driver112. The button111provides a surface that is coplanar with that of the portable terminal10, and is configured to allow the user to visually or haptically confirm the position of the input unit100. If the input unit100is configured to provide only a haptic feedback on the surface of the portable terminal10, the button111may be formed integrally with the surface of the portable terminal10. In such a case, the button111may further include a configuration that is differentiated from the surface of the portable terminal10, and allows the user to recognize the position of the button111. For example, protuberances, such as embossing, may be formed on the button111to allow the user to visually and haptically recognize the position of the button111. In addition, the button111and the surface of the portable terminal10may have different colors or may be formed from different materials, so that the position of the button111can be visually confirmed.

When input unit100is configured to protrude or to be depressed with reference to the surface of the portable terminal10, the button111may be depressed into an opening10ain the portable terminal10to form the surface of the surface of the opening10a,and may protrude from the surface of the portable terminal10as the button driver112(to be described later herein) is moved vertically by the actuator130. The button driver112is configured to be disposed between the bottom111a of the button111and the top130aof the actuator130(to be described later herein), and to be driven by the actuator130. In addition, the bottom surface112aof the button driver112is configured to react with the first sensor120to sense the application of an input signal from the activated input unit100.

The actuator130is configured to lift the button driver112or to provide a haptic feedback in response to sensing the activation signal of the input unit100or an input signal. As the actuator130is driven, the button driver112and the button111are lifted from the surface of the portable terminal10, or the haptic feedback produced from the actuator130is transmitted to the button111through the button driver112.

The button111provided on the top side of the button driver112is pushed by the button driver112to protrude from the surface of the portable terminal10. The button111and the button driver112are configured to be lifted by the actuator130and to protrude from the surface of the portable terminal10by way of an example. However, the button111and the button driver112are not limited to this configuration. For example, if the button111forms a surface that is coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal10, and the button driver112is configured to transmit the vibration produced in the actuator130, the activated input unit100may still be configured in such a manner that the user can be provided with a haptic feedback produced by the actuator due to a contact pressure applied to the input unit100, which provides a surface coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal10and is activated, and inputting can be executed.

The first sensor120and the second sensor140are configured to sense an input signal and an activation signal of the input unit100, respectively. That is, the first sensor120is provided below the button driver112to react with the activated input unit100, specifically with a touch with or the occurrence of a contact pressure on the bottom surface of the button driver112by a contact pressure applied to the button111in the activated condition, thereby sensing an application of an input signal. The second sensor140is configured to sense proximity or contact in relation to the input unit100, thereby sensing the activation signal of the input unit100, and is provided between the button111and the button driver112below the button111.

In particular, the second sensor140is configured to sense whether the activation signal is applied by sensing the proximity or contact in relation to the button111. The term, “activation” is used to indicate when the input unit100is turned ON for the second inputting. That is, when an object, such as a user's finger, approaches or touches the input unit100for the second inputting to the portable terminal10through the input unit100, the second sensor140disposed adjacent to the surface of the input unit100recognizes this, and the actuator130is driven according to the sensing result of the second sensor140. The input unit100is then completely prepared for the second inputting.

The second sensor140senses when proximity or contact in relation to the input unit100occurs. That is, the second sensor140senses that the activation signal is applied to the input unit100, and the value sensed by the second sensor140is transmitted to the controller150, so that the input unit100is controlled to be in the activated condition. No input signal is executed unless a further signal is sensed in the activated input unit100in this condition. When a contact pressure is applied to the input unit100, for example when the activated input unit100is pushed or touched, the second sensor140senses that an input signal is produced in the activated input unit100, and a sensed value controls the controller150in such a manner that an inputting is executed according to the input signal of the input unit100. The second sensor140is configured by a touch sensor or a proximity sensor to sense proximity or touch for activating the input unit100.

When the activation signal is sensed by the second sensor140, the sensed value is applied to the controller150(seeFIG. 8), and the controller150controls the input unit100to be turned ON, i.e. to be in the activated condition for the second inputting. The controller150controls the driving of the actuator130in such a manner that the button111and the button driver112are caused to protrude by the actuator130. In addition, the actuator130may be operated to cause the input unit100to protrude to indicate the activated condition, or to cause a haptic feedback, such as various patterns of vibration or sound to be provided to the input unit100.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate an input unit and an actuator in a portable terminal having the input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention when the input unit is in an inactivated condition and voltage is applied to the actuator. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, the actuator130is configured to inform the user that the input unit100is in a state in which the second inputting can be conducted, and when a contact pressure is applied to the input unit100, to provide a haptic feedback to the user. Accordingly, when an activation signal is sensed by the second sensor140, the actuator130may provide a haptic feedback, for example, vibration or sounds visually and haptically, or produce a physical deformation.

For example, the actuator130outputs an operating feeling or a touch feeling corresponding to the second inputting or the protrusion or depression of the input unit100as haptic information through vibration. The actuator130causes the input unit100, which is in the depressed condition with reference to the surface of the portable terminal10, to protrude to the outside of the surface of the portable terminal10. The input unit100caused to protrude is in the activated condition, and if the user applies a contact pressure by pushing the input unit100when the input unit100is caused to protrude from the surface of portable terminal10, the second inputting is conducted to the portable terminal10. Although it is described that the actuator130or230is an EAP (Electro-Active Polymer) actuator130or a piezo-actuator230by way of an example (seeFIGS. 2 to 7), the present invention is not limited to this actuator type. If the actuator130or230is configured to be capable of activating the input unit100for the user's second inputting, or to be capable of providing an operating feeling or a touch feeling of the input unit100, the actuator130or230may be changed or modified in any operable manner.

FIGS. 2 to 5describe when an EAP actuator is provided as the actuator130. The EAP actuator130is provided in a donut shape under the input unit100, specifically around the bottom side of the button driver112. One side of the EAP actuator130is connected to a board131that applies a voltage to the EAP actuator130, and the board131is connected to a main circuit board12. When a voltage is applied to the EAP actuator130, the EAP actuator130is expanded or contracted and activates the input unit100to be in a state in which the second inputting is enabled. If the expansion and contraction of the EAP actuator130are repeated, a haptic feedback, such as vibration, is applied to the input unit100. If the expanded condition is maintained, the EAP actuator130lifts the input unit100to be maintained in the protrusion condition.

If the inputting situation for the input unit100is removed, the voltage applied to the EAP actuator130is released. Accordingly, the EAP actuator130is returned to its original condition. That is, if the contraction and expansion of the EAP actuator130are adapted to be repeated to provide the haptic feedback, the haptic feedback will be stopped, and if the EAP actuator is adapted to be expanded to cause the input unit100to protrude, the EAP actuator130will be contracted to cause the input unit100to be depressed into the inside of the portable terminal10to form a surface that is coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal10. As a result, the input unit100is inactivated.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate an actuator in an activated condition and in an inactivated condition in a portable terminal having an input unit according to another embodiment of the present invention, respectively.FIGS. 6 and 7describe when a piezo-actuator is employed as the actuator230. The piezo-actuator230is disposed on the bottom side of the input unit100in such a manner that when no voltage is applied thereto, the input unit100is maintained to be coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal10surrounding the input unit100.

When the second sensor140senses a proximity or contact in relation to the input unit100, a sensed value is recognized by the controller150, and the controller150controls the piezo-actuator230to be driven. As the piezo-actuator230is driven, the piezo-actuator activates the input unit100for button inputting, and pushes the input unit100upward to protrude to the outside of the surface of the portable terminal10. In addition, the proximity or contact in relation to the input unit100is removed, and the piezo-actuator230returns to its original condition, thereby causing the input unit100to return to its original position. Accordingly, the input unit100is moved to provide a surface that is coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal10, and input unit100is returned to the inactivated condition.

A first sensor140is further provided on a printed circuit board131below the input unit100, as shown in FIG.4,and is configured to sense a second inputting when the input unit100is touched or a contact pressure is applied to the input unit100(seeFIGS. 2,4,6and7). That is, when the input unit100is activated and a contact pressure is applied to the input unit100, the bottom surface of the input unit100, in particular the bottom surface112aof the button driver112is contacted with the first sensor120, and the first sensor140senses the variation of the contact pressure applied to the button111and the button driver112, thereby transmitting a signal for the second inputting. The first sensor140includes a resistance sensor.

Accordingly, the button driver112is normally depressed into the side surface of the portable terminal10, and the button111forms a surface that is coplanar with the inner surface of the portable terminal10. In this state, when a touch or proximity is made in relation to the button111, the second sensor140senses that an activation signal is provided to the input unit100. When the activation is sensed by the second sensor140, a sensed value is applied to the controller150. The controller150controls the actuator130or230to be driven, thereby producing a haptic feedback or a physical deformation, such as protrusion, and activating the input unit100. As a result, the user can recognize that the input unit100is activated to when the second inputting can be conducted.

When a user's finger is contacted with the activated input unit100or a contact pressure is applied to and pushes the activated input unit100, the first sensor140disposed in the bottom side of the input unit100senses an input signal input in this regard, during which time the controller150controls the portable terminal10to be operated according to the input signal. That is, as the second inputting is conducted through the contact pressure in relation to the activated input unit100, the portable terminal10is enabled to execute various functions.

For example, when a user's finger (or the like) approaches or touches the input unit100when a camera photographing mode is activated, the input unit100is caused to protrude from the surface of the portable terminal10or produces a vibration thereon while forming its surface to be coplanar with the surface surrounding the input unit100, so that the user can recognize that the input unit100is activated. If the user applies a contact pressure to the input unit100, the input unit100reacts with the first sensor140disposed below the input unit100to allow photographing to be conducted.

Accordingly, when a contact or proximity in relation to the input unit100occurs, the input unit100is maintained in the activated condition rather than directly executing a function according to the second inputting. As a result, the second inputting is prevented from being erroneously executed by an erroneous touch or erroneous proximity in relation to the input unit100. In addition, because a haptic feedback or a physical deformation is produced in the input unit100, the user is visually and haptically informed that the second inputting can be conducted.

FIG. 8illustrates a portable terminal provided with an input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 9illustrates a method of driving an input unit of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, button information for the button icons used for a button-inputting by touching the screen11of the portable terminal10and button information for the input unit100implemented on a side surface of the portable terminal10are set in step S10. The user touches the button111with a finger or positions the finger proximately to the button111in order to execute an inputting through the input unit100provided on a side surface of the portable terminal10. The second sensor140provided below the button111senses an activation signal produced by the touch or proximity in step S100. When the activation signal is sensed by the second sensor140, a sensed value is applied to the controller150, and the controller150controls the actuator130or230to be driven according to the sensed value. A voltage is applied to the actuator130or230provided below the button driver112, and the actuator130or230applies a force to the button driver112to the outside of the side surface of portable terminal10, thereby causing the button111to protrude from the side surface of the portable terminal10. The input unit100is in the activated condition in which an inputting is enabled in step S200.

When the button111and the button driver112do not protrude from the side surface of the portable terminal10, that is, the button111forms a surface that is coplanar with the side surface of the portable terminal10even when the input unit100is activated, the actuator130or230may provide a haptic process, such as vibration, to the user so that the user can recognize that the input unit100is in the activated condition.

When the user pushes or touches the activated input unit100, in particular the button111protruding from the side surface of the portable terminal10to apply a contact pressure, the first sensor140senses the contact pressure applied to the input unit100, and then the second inputting may be executed in step S300. That is, the input signal value sensed by the first sensor120is applied to the controller150, which in turn controls the actuator130or230and hence the execution of the portable terminal10according to the input signal. The actuator130or230provides vibration or sounds to provide the user with a haptic feedback, and the second inputting according to a button-inputting is executed in the portable terminal10.

Specifically, if the input unit100is in the protrusion condition by the actuator130or230, the input unit100is pushed by the user's contact pressure, and the bottom surface of the input unit100is caused to contact the first sensor140. Due to this, for example, a multimedia function preset in the portable terminal10is executed according to the second inputting by the input unit100based on the value sensed by the first sensor140. In addition, if a haptic feedback is adapted to be provided by the actuator130or230when the input unit100is depressed into the portable terminal10, the first sensor140senses the contact pressure applied to the input unit100, and a function by the second inputting is executed based on the value sensed by the first sensor140. It is also possible for the actuator130or230to be driven to provide various types of haptic feedback, such as sounds or vibration.

In addition, when no button-inputting, such as a touch or proximity in relation to the input unit100, is executed within a period of time, the activated input unit100becomes inactivated. That is, the voltage applied to the actuator130or230is released, and then the input unit100protruding from the surface of the portable terminal10by the actuator130or230returns to its original position. Specifically, when the input unit is configured to protrude from the surface of the portable terminal10, the input unit100is depressed to form a surface that is coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal10surrounding the input unit100. In addition, when the input unit100forms a surface that is coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal10and provides a haptic feedback, the voltage applied to the actuator130or230is released so that the input unit100becomes inactivated.

Accordingly, because the input unit in the embodiments described above forms a surface that is coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal, the input unit allows the portable terminal to be elegantly designed and prevents malfunction of the portable terminal. In addition, the input unit can provide various types of haptic feedback when being activated.

In accordance with the present invention, because an input unit for conducting an inputting different from an inputting conducted through a touch panel of a screen is provided to form a surface that is coplanar with a side surface of a portable terminal, in particular to the surface of the portable terminal surrounding the input unit, the input unit is prevented from being erroneously operated by being erroneously pushed according to an external environment. In addition, because the activation of the input unit is determined according to a proximity or touch in relation to the input unit, and an input signal is provided when the input unit is activated and then pushed or touched, the input signal is not directly produced only by touching or pressing the input unit, whereby it is possible to prevent malfunction of the input unit.

In addition, when the input unit is activated, the actuator protrudes with reference to the surface of the portable terminal or provide a haptic feedback, whereby the activation of the input unit is recognized by the user and various types of haptic feedback are provided to the user.

Furthermore, because the input unit may be disposed inside a side surface of the portable terminal or another surface of the portable terminal, for example rear surface (not shown), (although the input unit is not disposed on the side surface of the portable terminal, it can be disposed on another surface of the terminal which is attaching the touch panel, e.g., the rear surface) and the input unit may implement a surface that is coplanar with the surface of the portable terminal prior to using the button in the input unit, damage by an external force to the input unit is prevented, and design the portable terminal is made attractive.