Apparatus, method and computer readable recording medium for displaying status of electronic device

A method for displaying a status of an electronic device having a cover attached thereto. The cover has a screen window formed on a part of the cover. The method includes determining whether the cover is open or closed; checking an operation of a status indicator while the cover is closed; and displaying information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator in at least a part of a screen area that is exposed through the screen window.

The present application is related to and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Aug. 29, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0103098, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, method, and computer-readable recording medium for displaying status information in an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Various electronic devices being used recently have been developed to have various functionalities, such as radio communication, camera, music play, video play, multimedia play, gaming etc. The electronic devices have display units arranged on their front to efficiently use such various functions. For example, for modern smartphones, touch-sensitive displays (e.g., touch screens) are arranged on the front.

To protect electronic devices, especially portable electronic devices against scratches or external shocks while being carried or used, or to provide an aesthetic effect, many different phone cases or covers are provided.

Among the various covers, a cover, such as a flip cover that is closed over the display unit, the user needs to open the cover whenever to check or use the display unit. To supplement this shortcoming, a cover with a transparent or translucent screen window has been designed and used. With the cover having such screen window, the user may perform simple operations (e.g., receiving calls, checking out messages, etc.) or check simple information without opening the cover.

However, the remaining part of the display cannot be seen while the cover is closed over the display unit because the other part of the cover than the transparent or translucent screen window is formed of an opaque material. While the cover is closed over the electronic device, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator which is typically located in a front corner of the electronic device is hidden by the cover. Accordingly, the user cannot check the LED indicator while the cover is closed over the electronic device. Furthermore, despite that the LED indicator cannot be checked by the user while the cover is closed, the LED indicator continues to operate, thus leading to unnecessary power consumption.

SUMMARY

To address the above-discussed deficiencies, the present disclosure may provide an apparatus, method, and computer-readable recording medium for displaying a status of an electronic device by displaying information corresponding to the operation of a status indicator through a screen window formed on a cover attached to the electronic device while the cover is closed.

The present disclosure may provide an apparatus, method, and computer-readable recording medium for displaying a status of an electronic device by controlling information corresponding to the operation of a status indicator to be persistently or periodically displayed through a screen window formed on a cover attached to the electronic device and controlling the status indicator to be turned off.

The present disclosure may also provide an apparatus, method, and computer-readable recording medium for displaying a status of an electronic device by periodically displaying information corresponding to the operation of a status indicator through a screen window formed on a cover attached to the electronic device even if the screen displayed through the screen window is turned off.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a method for displaying a status of an electronic device having a cover attached thereto, wherein the cover has a screen window formed on a part of the cover, the method including: determining whether the cover is open or closed; checking an operation of a status indicator while the cover is closed; and displaying information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator in at least a part of a screen area that is exposed through the screen window.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a method for displaying a status of an electronic device having a cover attached thereto, wherein the cover has a screen window formed on a part of the cover, the method including: determining whether the cover is open or closed; checking status information of the electronic device while the cover is closed; and displaying information corresponding to the status information of the electronic device in a lighting color, lighting pattern, or a combination of the lighting color and lighting pattern in at least a part of a screen area of the display unit, the screen area being exposed through the screen window.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an apparatus for displaying a status of an electronic device, the apparatus including: a display unit that displays a screen; a status indicator that performs a predetermined operation depending on a status of the electronic device; and a controller that determines whether a cover having a screen window formed in a part of the cover is open or closed; and controls information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator to be displayed in at least a part of a screen area of the display unit, the screen area being exposed through the screen window.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an apparatus for displaying a status of an electronic device, the apparatus including: a display unit that displays a screen; and a controller that determines whether the cover is open or closed; checks status information of the electronic device while the cover is closed; and displays information corresponding to the status information of the electronic device in a lighting color, lighting pattern, or a combination of the lighting color and lighting pattern in at least a part of a screen area of the display unit, the screen area being exposed through the screen window Information about the method for displaying a status of an electronic device may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium includes any kind of recording medium having a computer-readable program and data embodied thereon. The computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Compact Disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Descriptions shall be understood as to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items when the items are described by using the conjunctive term “˜and/or˜,” or the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus, method, and computer-readable recording medium for displaying a status of an electronic device by displaying information corresponding to the operation of a status indicator through a screen window formed on a cover attached to the electronic device while the cover is closed.

If the status indicator of the electronic device may be hidden behind the cover while the cover is closed, the status indicator may be controlled not to be activated but to be in an off state, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, with the cover closed, status information of the electronic device that may be indicated by the status indicator may be provided in various forms within a particular display area that may be seen through the transparent screen window.

Meanwhile, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied not only to electronic devices that have the status indicator but also to electronic devices not equipped with the status indicator. For example, even without the status indicator, the electronic device may provide various status information through a screen window formed on a cover attached to the electronic device while the cover is closed.

In addition, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the status information of an electronic device may be persistently or periodically provided through the screen window formed on a cover attached to the electronic device while the cover is closed. Accordingly, for example, when a cover attached to an electronic device is closed, after predetermined information (e.g., time, weather, running application, etc.) has been displayed through a screen window formed on the cover for a predetermined time and is then turned off, status information (e.g., information about battery charging, unread messages or unanswered calls, voice recording status, etc.) corresponding to operations of the status indicator may be displayed periodically or persistently in various forms (e.g., in various colors or text, flickering patterns, etc.) through the screen window.

In the following description, the term ‘status indicator’ refers to a means equipped in the electronic device separately from the display unit that displays various screens on the front surface of the electronic device, for displaying status information of the electronic device in a predetermined way by means of different lighting colors, patterns, or combinations thereof. For example, in an electronic device, such as a smartphone, the status indicator may be, but not exclusively, termed as a “Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator”. Any means included separately from a main display unit of the electronic device, for displaying the status of the electronic device may be referred to as the status indicator.

Also, in the following description, the term ‘screen window’ refers to a transparent or translucent window formed on a cover (or a case having the cover) attached to the electronic device, through which at least a part of the display unit of the electronic device is exposed. The screen window may be implemented by forming an opening in the cover or implemented with a transparent or translucent material.

In addition, the term ‘cover’ refers to a unit attached to the electronic device for covering at least a part of the electronic device, which may be implemented to be integrated in the electronic device or may be implemented to be detachably attached to the electronic device. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover is implemented to cover the whole or a part of the display unit of the electronic device, and may enable a part of the display unit to be displayed through the screen window formed on the cover.

The term ‘cover’ may be interchangeably used with the ‘case’ or may refer to a part of the case. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular form of the cover, but may be applied to any types of covers.

The electronic device may be any device that includes a display unit and may be also referred to as a camera, a portable terminal, a communication terminal, a portable communication terminal, a portable mobile terminal, etc. For example, the electronic device may be a digital camera, a smartphone, a cell phone, a game console, a television, a display device, a head unit for vehicle, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a Personal Media Player (PMP), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a GPS, a bank Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), a shop Point of Sale (POS), etc. The electronic device may also be a flexible device or a flexible display device.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may be illustrated as a portable device such as a cell phone, smartphone, etc., and some components of the electronic device as will be described below may be omitted or replaced, as necessary. Referring toFIGS. 1A and 1B, a detailed structure of the electronic device that various embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable will be described first.

FIG. 1Aillustrates a schematic block diagram of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1A, the electronic device100may include one or more of a controller110, a communication module120, a multimedia module140, a camera module150, an input/output module160, a sensor module170, a status indicator171, a storage175, a power supply180, a touch screen190, and the touch screen controller195.

More specifically, the electronic device100may be connected to an external electronic device (not shown) by using at least one of the communication module120, a connector165, and a headset jack167. The electronic device100may also be connected to one of any other portable devices or electronic devices, such as cell phones, smartphones, tablet Personal Computers (PCs), desktop PCs and servers, wirelessly or via cable.

The communication module120may include a mobile communication module121, a sub-communication module130, and a broadcast communication module141. The sub-communication module130may include at least one of a Wideband Local Area Network (WLAN) module131and a short-range communication module132. The multimedia module140may include at least one of an audio play module142, or a video play module143. The camera module150may include at least one of a first camera151or a second camera152. The camera module150may further include a flash153, a motor unit154, and a lens barrel155. The input/output module160may include at least one of a plurality of buttons161, a microphone162, a speaker163, a vibration device164, the connector165, and a keypad166.

The controller110may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU)111, a Read Only Memory (ROM)112for storing a control program to control the electronic device100, and a Random Access Memory (RAM)113for storing signals or data input from an outside or for being used as a memory space for working results in the electronic device100. The CPU111may include a single core, dual cores, triple cores, or quad cores. The CPU111, ROM112, and RAM113may be interconnected via an internal bus.

The controller110may control at least one of the communication module120, the multimedia module140, the camera module150, the input/output module160, the sensor module170, the status indicator171, the storage175, the power supply180, the touch screen190, and the touch screen controller195.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller110may control operations of the status indicator171. For example, the controller110collects status information of the electronic device100, and may control the status indicator171to be operated in a predetermined form in response to the collected status information. For example, the controller110may control the status indicator171to be turned on for a predetermined period of time in a predetermined color (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.) in response to a status, such as battery charging status, incoming message or calls, voice recording status, etc.

The controller110may also determine whether a cover of the electronic device100is open or closed. If the controller110attempts to activate the status indicator171while the cover is closed, in an embodiment, the controller110may display information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171on the display unit, e.g., the touch screen190. In another embodiment, the controller110may control the status indicator171to be deactivated or turned off. Related detailed description will be discussed later.

The controller110may also detect an input unit168approaching the touch screen190or any other user input event, such as a hovering event that occurs when the user is hovering near the touch screen190. The controller110may also detect various user inputs received not only through the touch screen190but also through the camera module150, the input/output module160, the sensor module170, and the like. The user input may include different forms of information entered into the electronic device100, such as touches, user gestures, voice, pupil movements, iris recognition, vital signs, etc. The controller110may control predetermined operations or functions to be performed in the electronic device100in response to the user inputs. The controller110may send control signals to the input unit168or the vibration unit164. The control signals may include information about vibrating patterns and the input unit168or the vibration unit164vibrates according to the vibrating patterns.

The electronic device100may include at least one of the mobile communication module121, the WLAN module131and the short range communication module132depending on the device's capability.

The mobile communication module121may connect the electronic device100to an external electronic device through mobile communication using at least one—one or more—antennas (not shown) under control of the controller110. The mobile communication module121may transmit/receive wireless signals for voice calls, video conference calls, Short Message Service (SMS) messages, or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages to/from a cell phone (not shown), a smart phone (not shown), a tablet PC (not shown), or another device not shown), the phones having phone numbers entered into the electronic device100.

The sub-communication module130may include at least one of the WLAN module131and the short-range communication module132. For example, the sub-communication module130may include either the WLAN module131or the-short range communication module132, or both.

The WLAN module131may be connected to the Internet in a place where there is a wireless Access Point (AP), under control of the controller110. The WLAN module131may support Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers' (IEEE's) WLAN standard IEEE802.11x. The short range communication module132may conduct short range communication between the electronic device100and an external electronic device under control of the controller110. The short-range communication may include Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), WiFi-Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.

The broadcast communication module141may receive broadcast signals (e.g., television broadcast signals, radio broadcast signals, or data broadcast signals) and additional broadcast information (e.g., Electric Program Guide (EPG) or Electric Service Guide (ESG)) transmitted from a broadcasting station through a broadcast communication antenna (not shown), under control of the controller110.

The multimedia module140may include the audio play module142, or the video play module143. The audio play module142may play digital audio files (e.g., files having extensions, such as mp3, wma, ogg, or way) stored in the storage175or received under control of the controller110. The video play module143may play digital video files (e.g., files having extensions, such as mpeg, mpg, mp4, avi, move, or mkv) stored or received under control of the controller110. The multimedia module140may or may not be incorporated in the controller110.

The camera module150may include at least one of the first and second cameras151and152for capturing still images, video footages, or panorama photos under control of the controller110. The camera module150may include at least one of the lens barrel155for zooming in/out to capture an object, the motor unit154for controlling the movement of the lens barrel155, the flash153for providing auxiliary light used in capturing an object. The first camera151may be placed on the front of the electronic device100and the second camera152may be placed on the back of the electronic device100.

The input/output module160may include at least one button161, the microphone162, the speaker163, the vibration unit164, the connector165, the keypad166, the headset jack167, and the input unit168. However, the input/output module160are not limited to the aforementioned elements, but may also include a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, or a cursor control such as cursor direction keys to control the movement of the cursor on the touch screen190.

The button161may be arranged on the front, side, or back of the housing (or the case) of the electronic device100, and may include at least one of power/lock button, volume button, menu button, home button, back button, and search button. The microphone162may generate electric signals from voice or sound received, under control of the controller110. The speaker163may output a sound corresponding to various signals or data (e.g., wireless data, broadcasting data, digital audio data, digital video data, etc.) to the outside under control of the controller110. The speaker163may output sounds (e.g., button-press sounds, ringback tones, the other party's voice, etc.) originated from functions performed by the electronic device100. There may be one or multiple speakers163arranged in a proper position or proper positions of the housing of the electronic device100.

The vibration unit164may convert an electric signal to a mechanical vibration under control of the controller110. For example, the electronic device100in a vibrating mode operates the vibration unit164when receiving a voice or video call from another device (not shown). There may be one or more vibration units164inside the housing of the electronic device100. The vibration unit164may operate in response to user inputs through the touch screen190.

The connector165may be used as an interface for connecting the electronic device100to an external electronic device or a power source (not shown). The controller110may transmit or receive data stored in the storage175of the electronic device100to or from the external electronic device via a cable connected to the connector165. The electronic device100may be powered from the power source via a cable connected to the connector165or may charge the battery using the power source.

The keypad166may receive key inputs from the user to control the electronic device100. The keypad166may include a physical keypad (not shown) formed in the electronic device100, or a virtual keypad (not shown) displayed on the touchscreen190. The mechanical keypad formed in the electronic device100may be omitted depending on the performance or structure of the electronic device100. A headset may be connected to the electronic device100by being plugged in the headset jack167.

The input unit168may be inserted and kept in the electronic device100and be drawn out and detached from the electronic device100. An attachment/detachment recognition switch169is equipped in somewhere of the electronic device100to which the input unit168is inserted. The attachment/detachment recognition switch169operates according to attachment or detachment of the input unit168and sends the resulting signal to the controller110. The attachment/detachment recognition switch169may be configured to make a direct or indirect contact with the input unit168when the input unit168is attached. Based on whether the attachment/detachment recognition switch169contacts the input unit168, the attachment/detachment switch169may generate a signal corresponding to attachment or detachment of the input unit168, i.e., a signal notifying whether the input unit168is attached or detached, and send the signal to the controller110.

The sensor module170includes at least one sensor for detecting a status of the electronic device100. For example, the sensor module170may include at least one of a proximity sensor for detecting proximity of a user to the electronic device100; an illumination sensor for detecting an amount of ambient light of the electronic device100; a motion sensor for detecting the motion of the electronic device100(e.g., rotation of the electronic device100, acceleration or vibration applied to the electronic device100); a geomagnetic sensor for detecting a direction using the geomagnetic field; a gravity sensor for detecting a direction of gravity action; an altimeter for detecting an altitude by measuring atmospheric pressure; a Global Positioning System (GPS) module157, etc.

The GPS module157receives radio signals from a plurality of GPS satellites in Earth's orbit, and may calculate the position of the electronic device100by using time of arrival from the GPS satellites to the electronic device100.

The storage175may store signals or data input/output according to operations of the communication module120, the multimedia module140, the camera module150, the input/output module160, the sensor module170, or the touchscreen190under control of the controller110. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, various status information of the electronic device100may be stored. Operation information of the status indicator171which corresponds to status information of the electronic device100may also be stored. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the cover is closed, information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171, which is instead displayed in an area of the display unit, e.g., the touch screen190which is exposed through the screen window formed on the cover, may be stored.

The storage175may store applications and control programs for controlling the electronic device100or the controller110. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the applications or the control programs checks whether the cover is closed or open, and may control information corresponding to operations of the status indicator171to be displayed on at least a part of the touch screen190when it is determined that the cover is closed.

The term “storage” refers not only to the storage175, but also any other data storage, such as the ROM112, RAM113in the controller110, or a memory card (e.g., a Secure Digital (SD) card, a memory stick) installed in the electronic device100. The storage175may also include a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, a Hard Disc Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD).

The storage175may store many different functional applications, such as navigation systems, games, time-base alarming applications, and the like, images for graphical user interface (GUI) associated with the applications, databases related to user information, documents, methods for handling touch inputs, background images (e.g., menu screen, standby screen, etc.) used in operating the electronic device100, operating programs, images captured by the camera module150, or the like.

The storage175is a machine-readable (or computer-readable) medium, which may be defined as a medium for providing data for a machine to perform a particular function. The storage175may include non-volatile and volatile media. These media should be all tangible for a mechanical device to read out instructions embodied on the media.

The machine-readable media includes, but not exclusively, at least one of floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disc, magnetic tapes, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), optical discs, punch cards, paper tapes, random access memories (RAM), programmable read-only memories (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash-EPROMs, embedded multimedia cards (eMMCs).

The power supply180may supply power to one or more batteries placed inside the housing of the electronic device100, under control of the controller110. The one or more batteries power the electronic device100. The power supply180may supply the electronic device100with power input from the external power source via a cable connected to the connector165. The power supply180may also provide the electronic device100with wireless power from an external power source using a wireless charging technology.

The electronic device100may have the at least one touch screen190to provide the user with GUIs for various services (e.g., call, data communication, broadcasting, photography and the like). The touch screen190may send an analog signal corresponding to at least one user input to a GUI to the touchscreen controller195.

The touch screen190may receive at least one user input of the user's body part (e.g., digit including thumb) or the input unit168(e.g., a stylus pen, an electronic pen, etc.). The touch screen190may be implemented in e.g., a resistive way, capacitive way, infrared way, acoustic wave way, or a combination thereof.

The touch screen190may also include at least two touch panels each detecting proximity or touches of a digit or the input unit168to receive inputs of the digit or the input unit168, respectively. The at least two touchscreen panels provide different output values to the touch screen controller195, and the touch screen controller195may distinguish inputs made by the digit from inputs made by the input unit through the touch screen190by differently recognizing the values input from the at least two touch screen panels.

The touches are not limited to physical touches by physical contacts of the user or contacts with the touchable input means, but may also include touchless (e.g., keeping a detectable distance less than 1 mm between the touch screen190and the user's body or touchable input means). The detectable distance from the touch screen190may vary depending on the performance or structure of the electronic device100.

The touch screen controller195converts an analog signal input from the touch screen190to a digital signal and sends the digital signal to the controller110. The controller110may control the touch screen190by using the digital signal received from the touch screen controller195. The touch screen controller195may determine not only where the user input is made but also a hovering distance by detecting a value (e.g., a current value) output through the touch screen190, convert the determined distance to a digital signal (e.g., in Z coordinate), and provide the digital signal to the controller110. Furthermore, the touch screen controller195may detect pressure of the user input means on the touch screen190by detecting a value (e.g., a current value) output through the touch screen190, convert the detected pressure to a digital signal, and provide the digital signal to the controller110.

FIG. 1Billustrates a frontal view of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1B, the touch screen190, an example of a display unit of the electronic device100is arranged on the center of the front face100aof the electronic device100. The touch screen190may also be formed to take up a major portion of the front face100aof the electronic device100.FIG. 1Billustrates a main home screen being displayed on the touch screen190. The main home screen is a first screen to be displayed on the touch screen190when the electronic device100is powered on. If the electronic device100has several pages of different home screens, the main home screen may be the first of the several pages of home screens. In the main home screen, shortcut icons191-1,191-2,191-3for running frequently-used applications, a main menu key (also referred to as App key)191-4, a time indicator, a weather indicator, etc. may be displayed. If the user selects the main menu key191-4, a menu screen is displayed on the touch screen190. In an upper part of the touch screen190, there may be a status bar192for displaying statuses of the electronic device100, such as a battery charging state, intensity of received signals, current time, etc.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the status indicator171may be arranged on a particular location (e.g., on the top) of the front face100aof the electronic device100. The status indicator171may be implemented in various forms. For example, the status indicator171may be implemented with an LED that flickers in a predetermined color for a predetermined period of time, to indicate a particular status (e.g., a battery charging state, a notification state that there is an unread message or unanswered call, a notification state that voice recording is underway, etc.).

In a lower part of the touch screen190, there may be a home button161a, a menu button161b, and a back button161carranged. The home button161ais to display the main home screen on the touch screen190. For example, if the home button161ais selected while any home screen other than the main home screen or a menu screen is displayed in the touch screen190, the main home screen may be displayed on the touch screen190. Furthermore, while applications are running on the touch screen190, if the home button161ais selected, the main home screen, as shown inFIG. 2, may be displayed on the touch screen190. The home button161amay also be used to display recently used applications or a task manager on the touch screen190.

The menu button161bprovides a link menu that may be displayed on the touch screen190. The link menu may include a widget addition menu, background change menu, search menu, edit menu, environment setting menu, etc.

The back button161cmay be used to display a screen that was displayed right before a current screen or stop a most recently used application.

On the edge of the front face100aof the electronic device100, the first image sensor151, the illumination sensor170a, and the proximity sensor170bmay be arranged. On the back of the electronic device100, the second camera152, the flash153, and the speaker163may be placed.

On the side100bof the electronic device100, e.g., a power/reset button161d, a volume button161ethat consists of a volume up button161fand a volume down button161g, a terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) antenna141afor broadcast reception, one or more microphones162, etc. may be placed. The DMB antenna141amay be fixed to the electronic device100, or be removably arranged.

On the lower side of the electronic device100, the connector165is formed. The connector165has a number of electrodes and may connect the electronic device100to an external device via a cable. On the upper side of the electronic device100, the headset jack167may be formed. The headset jack167may receive a headset.

The input unit168may be equipped on the lower side of the electronic device100. The input unit168may be inserted and kept in the electronic device100and be drawn out and detached from the electronic device100.

Thus far, configuration of the electronic device100was described in detail as an example of an electronic device to which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

Various embodiments of the structure of a cover attached to the electronic device100will be described below with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

FIGS. 2A to 2Dillustrate a cover having a screen window formed in a central upper part of the cover,FIGS. 3A to 3Cillustrate a cover having a screen window formed on the left or right side of the cover, andFIGS. 4A to 4Cillustrate a cover having a screen window that takes up almost all of the cover. The present disclosure may be applied to a cover having a screen window formed in any shape, location, and size.

FIGS. 2A to 2Dschematically illustrate an electronic device with a cover having a screen window formed thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;FIGS. 3A to 3Cschematically illustrate an electronic device with a cover with a screen window formed thereon, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; andFIGS. 4A to 4Cschematically illustrate an electronic device with a cover with a screen window formed thereon, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. First, referring toFIGS. 2A to 2D, an embodiment of an electronic device with a cover having a screen window formed thereon will be described, elements and their reference numerals of which will be applied, mutatis mutandis, to other embodiments. The electronic device100may be equipped with any of covers200a,200b,200cas will be described below.

FIG. 2Aschematically illustrates the electronic device100equipped with a cover having a screen window formed thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2A, the electronic device100may be protected by a cover200a(or a case) having a screen window201a. The cover200amay include a front cover210aand a back cover220a, or may only include a front cover.

Referring toFIG. 2B, when the electronic device100is attached to the cover200a, part of the touch screen190may be exposed through the screen window201a. The screen window201amay be formed of a transparent or translucent material, or as an opening. Thus, when the part of the touch screen190is exposed through the screen window201a, at least a part of a screen displayed on the touch screen190may be shown through the screen window201a.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the screen window201amay be formed in an area of the cover200awhich corresponds to an upper part of the electronic device100. However, the area where the screen window201ais formed is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the screen window201amay be formed anywhere on the cover200a.

The front cover210amay include an attachment202a, and even the back cover220amay include an attachment203a. The controller110may detect the opening/closing of the cover200aby determining whether the attachment202aof the front cover210amoves away from the attachment203aof the back cover220a. However, a mechanism to detect the opening/closing of the cover200bis not limited thereto, but there may be various other mechanisms for detecting the opening/closing of the cover200bin other embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 2A, the status indicator171may be equipped on a particular position of the electronic device100to indicate a status of the electronic device100in various ways.

For example, the status indicator171may come in various forms as shown in Table 1, depending on various statuses of the electronic device100.

Referring to Table 1, the status indicator171may be lighted in red, for example, during charging of the electronic device100. The red lighting state may remain until a charging cable is detached from the electronic device100, charging is complete, a charging error occurs, or any other different event (e.g., unread message, unanswered call, etc.) occurs.

If the electronic device100has been charged completely, the status indicator171may be lighted in green. The green lighting state may remain until a charging cable is detached from the electronic device100, a charging error occurs, or any other different event (e.g., unread message, unanswered call, etc.) occurs.

If the battery equipped in the electronic device100falls below a predetermined voltage level, e.g., 15% of the total level, the status indicator171may be periodically lighted in red to indicate the low battery state. For example, operations of turning off for 5,000 ms and on for 500 ms in red may be repeated. When the status indicator171flickers red, the user may recognize that the electronic device100needs to be charged. The red flickering state may remain until charging begins with a charging cable being connected to the electronic device100, or any other different event (e.g., unread message, unanswered call, etc.) occurs.

If a charging error occurs in the electronic device100, the status indicator171may flicker red. For example, operations of turning off for 500 ms and on for 500 ms in red may be repeated. The duration of red lighting in the charging error event may be shorter than the duration of red lighting in the low battery state, as shown in Table 1, and thus the status indicator171flickers more frequently, enabling the user to recognize that a charging error occurs. The red flickering state may remain until the charging state returns to normal.

If any other different event (e.g., unread message, unanswered call, etc.) occurs in the electronic device100, the status indicator171may be periodically lighted in blue. For example, operations of turning off for 5,000 ms and on for 500 ms in blue may be repeated. The blue flickering state may remain until the event may be checked up by the user (e.g., until an unread message is checked up by the user).

If voice recording is underway in the electronic device100, the status indicator171may be periodically lighted in blue. For example, operations of turning off for 500 ms and on for 500 ms in blue may be repeated. The blue flickering state may remain until the voice recording event ends.

As such, the status indicator171may indicate various statuses of the electronic device in various lighting colors, various flickering patterns, or various combinations thereof. Status indication is not limited to what are discussed above, but there may be a variety of modifications to the status indication. While a total of six types of events are listed in Table 1, which is classified by the status of the electronic device100, the number, type, classification of possible events may vary.

Referring toFIG. 2B, when the cover200ais closed, the status indicator171of the electronic device100is hidden behind the cover200a. In this case, on the contrary to the conventional implementation that disables the user to periodically or persistently check from the status indicator171what event occurs, various embodiments of the present disclosure enable indication regarding the status information to be displayed on a particular position of the touch screen190that may be exposed through the screen window201a.

While the indication is displayed on the touch screen190in the same lighting color and interval as that of the status indicator171, as shown inFIG. 2B, displaying the indication regarding the status information may be implemented in various other ways. For example, in addition to the way as shown inFIG. 2B, the indication regarding the status information may be displayed as illustrated inFIGS. 10A to 10E, which will be discussed later in detail.

FIG. 2Cschematically illustrates a cover for an electronic device. Referring toFIG. 2C, the back cover220amay be formed to be a battery cover. For example, the back cover200amay be installed to cover a battery120equipped on the back of the electronic device100. As described above, the cover200amay include the screen window201, through which at least a part of the entire touch screen190may be exposed. The screen window201acovers the corresponding part of the front face of the touch screen190and allows the user to visually check what is displayed on the touch screen190. For example, the screen window201amay be formed of a transparent or translucent material, or as an opening.

Again, the cover200amay include the attachment202aformed on the front cover210aand the attachment203aformed on the back cover220a. A connector terminal204amay be formed on the cover200ato connect the cover200aelectrically to the electronic device100. As will be described below, the electronic device100may include a connector terminal electrically matched to the connector terminal204aof the cover200a. The controller110may determine from the connector terminal of the electronic device100whether the attachment202aof the front cover210amoves away from the attachment203aof the back cover220a. More specifically, the attachments may be formed of magnets. Thus, a change in electrical signals may be made when the attachment202aof the front cover210amoves away from the attachment203aof the back cover220a. Upon reception of the change in electrical signals through the connector terminal204aof the cover200aand the connector terminal of the electronic device100, the controller110may determine that the attachment202aof the front cover210amoves away the attachment203aof the back cover220a.

Alternatively, an attachment may be formed within the electronic device100. In this case, the attachment formed within the electronic device100may be made of a material that magnetically draws the attachment of the front cover210a, such as a magnet or iron. The attachment formed within the electric device100may be arranged in the back of the touch screen190or in bezels of the electronic device100. A change in electrical signals may be made when the attachment of the front cover210amoves away from the attachment formed in the electronic device100. Upon reception of the change in electrical signals through the connector terminal204aof the cover200aand the connector terminal of the electronic device100, the controller110may determine that the attachment202aof the front cover210amoves away from the attachment formed in the electronic device100.

In this manner, the electronic device100may determine whether the cover200ais open or closed. However, this is just an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, by way of an example only, a particular sensor, such as proximity sensor, light sensor, etc., which is mounted on the front face of the electronic device100may be used to determine whether the cover200ais open or closed.

FIG. 2Dschematically illustrates the back face of the electronic device100with the cover200a. Referring toFIG. 2D, the electronic device100may include at least one connector terminal130. The connector terminal130may be electrically connected to the connector terminal204aof the cover200a, as described above. The controller110may determine from the connector terminal130of the electronic device100whether the attachment202aof the front cover210amoves away from the attachment203aof the back cover220a. The back cover220amay be formed as a battery cover that covers the battery120of the electronic device, as shown inFIG. 2D.

While in the embodiment ofFIGS. 2B to 2D, the front cover210ahas the screen window201aformed on the upper part of the front cover210a, the screen window201amay be formed in other various locations in other embodiments. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3A to 3C, a screen window201bmay be formed at an edge of a front cover210b. More specifically, the screen window201bmay be formed at the right edge of the front cover210b. Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 4A to 4C, a screen window201cmay be formed to take up almost all of a front cover210c. Detailed description of the elements shown inFIGS. 3A to 3C, and 4A-4Cwill be omitted because corresponding elements was described with reference toFIGS. 2A-D. The electronic device100may be equipped with any of the covers200a,200b, and200c.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the electronic device100may be protected by the cover200b(or a case) having the screen window201aformed thereon. The cover200bmay include a front cover210band a back cover220b, or may only include a front cover.

Referring toFIG. 3B, when the electronic device100is attached to the cover200b, part of the touch screen190may be exposed through the screen window201bformed at the left edge of the cover200bwhile the cover is closed. The screen window201bmay be formed of a transparent or translucent material, or as an opening. Thus, when the part of the touch screen190is exposed through the screen window201b, at least a part of a screen displayed on the touch screen190may be shown through the screen window201b.

The front cover210amay include an attachment202b, and even the back cover220bmay include an attachment203b. Similarly to the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the controller110may detect the opening/closing of the cover200bby determining whether the attachment202bof the front cover210bmoves away from the attachment203bof the back cover220b. However, a mechanism to detect the opening/closing of the cover200his not limited thereto, but there may be various other mechanisms for detecting the opening/closing of the cover200bin other embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 3C, as described in connection withFIG. 2C, the cover200bhas a connector terminal204bformed on the cover200b, which may be electrically connected to the electronic device100. As will be described below, the electronic device100may include a connector terminal electrically matched to the connector terminal204bof the cover200b. The controller110may determine from the connector terminal of the electronic device100whether the attachment202bof the front cover210bmoves away from the attachment203bof the back cover220b. More specifically, the attachments202band203bmay be formed of magnets. A change in electrical signals may be made when the attachment202bof the front cover210bmoves away from the attachment203bof the back cover220b. Upon reception of the change in electrical signals through the connector terminal204bof the cover200band the connector terminal of the electronic device100, the controller110may determine that the attachment202bof the front cover210bmoves away from the attachment203bof the back cover220b. Accordingly, the controller110may detect whether the cover200bis open or closed.

Referring toFIG. 3B, when the cover200bis closed, the status indicator171of the electronic device100is hidden behind the cover200b. In this case, on the contrary to the conventional implementation that disables the user to periodically or persistently check from the status indicator171what event occurs, various embodiments of the present disclosure enable indication regarding the status information to be displayed on a particular area of the touch screen190that may be exposed through the screen window201b.

While the indication is displayed on the touch screen190in the same lighting color and interval as that of the status indicator171, as shown inFIG. 3B, displaying the indication regarding the status information may be implemented in various other ways. For example, in addition to the way as shown inFIG. 3B, the indication regarding the status information may be displayed as illustrated inFIGS. 10A to 10E, which will be discussed later in detail.

Referring toFIG. 4A to 4C, the electronic device100may be protected by the cover200c(or a case) having the screen window201cformed thereon. The cover200cmay include a front cover210cand a back cover220c, or may only include a front cover.

Referring toFIG. 4B, when the electronic device100is attached to the cover200c, part of the touch screen190may be exposed through the screen window201cformed to take up almost all of the front cover210c. The screen window201cmay be formed of a transparent or translucent material, or as an opening. Thus, when the part of the touch screen190is exposed through the screen window201c, at least a part of a screen displayed on the touch screen190may be shown through the screen window201c.

The front cover210cmay include an attachment202c, and even the back cover220cmay include an attachment203c. Similarly to the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the controller110may detect the opening/closing of the cover200cby determining whether the attachment202cof the front cover210cmoves away the attachment203cof the back cover220c. However, a mechanism to detect the opening/closing of the cover200bis not limited thereto, but there may be various other mechanisms for detecting the opening/closing of the cover200bin other embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 4C, as described in connection withFIGS. 2C and 3C, the cover200chas a connector terminal204cformed on the cover200c, which may be electrically connected to the electronic device100. As will be described below, the electronic device100may include a connector terminal electrically matched to the connector terminal204cof the cover200c. The controller110may determine from the connector terminal of the electronic device100whether the attachment202cof the front cover210cmoves away from the attachment203cof the back cover220c. More specifically, the attachments202cand203cmay be formed of magnets. A change in electrical signals may be made when the attachment202cof the front cover210cmoves away from the attachment203cof the back cover220c. Upon reception of the change in electrical signals through the connector terminal204cof the cover200cand the connector terminal of the electronic device100, the controller110may determine that the attachment202cof the front cover210cmoves away from the attachment203cof the back cover220c. Accordingly, the controller110may detect whether the cover200cis open or closed.

As shown inFIG. 4B, when the cover200cis closed, the status indicator171of the electronic device100is hidden behind the cover200c. In this case, on the contrary to the conventional implementation that disables the user to periodically or persistently check from the status indicator171what event occurs, various embodiments of the present disclosure enable indication regarding the status information to be displayed on a particular position of the touch screen190that may be exposed through the screen window201c.

While the indication is displayed on the touch screen190in the same lighting color and period as of the status indicator171, as shown inFIG. 4B, displaying the indication regarding the status information may be implemented in various other ways. For example, in addition to the way as shown inFIG. 4B, the indication regarding the status information may be displayed as illustrated inFIGS. 10A to 10E, which will be discussed later in detail.

In the following, a procedure of displaying the status of an electronic device will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5is flowchart illustrating a procedure of displaying the status of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 5, in step502, it is determined whether the cover (or the case) of the electronic device is open or closed over the electronic device. If in step504, the cover is open, in step506, a status indicator equipped in the electronic device operates in a predetermined way. If the electronic device is not equipped with a status indicator separately from the display unit (e.g., touch screen), step506may be omitted.

If in step504, the cover is closed, in step510, information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator may be displayed on the screen of the display unit. The information may be displayed on a display position that may be exposed through a screen window formed on the cover, thus allowing the user to check the information even while the cover is closed over the electronic device.

Alternatively, if the cover is closed in step504, the status indicator is controlled not to be activated or turned off, in order to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

When an event that may activate the status indicator occurs, the process returns to step502to determine whether the cover is open or closed, and if the cover is closed in step504, information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator for the event may be displayed on a position of the screen of the display unit, which is exposed to the screen window. Otherwise, if it is determined that the cover is open, the status indicator operates again as described above.

While the opening/closing of the cover is detected when an event that activates the status indicator occurs in this embodiment, detecting the opening/closing of the cover may be periodically or persistently performed in other embodiments, in which case while the cover is closed, a predetermined indication corresponding to the operation of the status indicator may be displayed on the screen without need to determine whether the cover is open or closed.

FIG. 6is flowchart illustrating a procedure of displaying a status of an electronic device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 6, in step602, it is determined whether the cover (or the case) of the electronic device is open or closed. If in step604, the cover is open, in step606, a status indicator equipped in the electronic device operates in a predetermined way. If the electronic device is not equipped with a status indicator separately from the display unit (e.g., touch screen), step606may be omitted.

If in step604, the cover is closed, in step610, it is determined whether the current screen display mode of the electronic device is in low power mode. If it is not in the low power mode, in step614, information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator may be displayed on the screen of the display unit. Otherwise, if it is in the low power mode, in step612, the information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator is displayed on the screen of the display unit in a predetermined way for the low power mode.

For example, as shown in Table 1, when the cover is closed while charging the electronic device100is underway and the status indicator171is lighted in red, in the embodiment ofFIG. 5, a red indication corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171may be displayed on the touch screen190. On the contrary, in the embodiment ofFIG. 6, when the cover is closed in low power mode, the indication corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171may be implemented in a different way tailored to the low power mode. For example, brightness of the indication may be toned down or lighting color of the indication is changed to black and white, to reduce the power consumption for the low power mode.

Determining whether the cover is open or closed, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, may be performed in various other ways. For example, as described in connection withFIGS. 2 to 4, when the cover200ais open, a change in electrical signals that is made when the front cover210amoves away from the back cover220amay be used to determine whether the cover is open or closed. In another example, the controller110may use a lighting sensor or proximity sensor equipped in the electronic device100to detect whether the cover is open or closed. Alternatively, for detection of the opening/closing of the cover, the controller110may use a folding detection sensor formed between the front cover and the back cover.

Methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in program instructions which are executable by various computing means and recorded in computer-readable media. The computer-readable media may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., separately or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable media may be designed and configured specially for the present disclosure, or may be well-known to people having ordinary skill in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), Compact Disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Examples of the program instructions include not only machine language codes but also high-level language codes which are executable by various computing means using an interpreter. The aforementioned hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to carry out exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

Various embodiments of displaying a screen in an electronic device having a cover attached thereto will be described in connection withFIGS. 7A to 9C.

FIGS. 7A to 7Cillustrate displaying a screen in an electronic device having a cover attached thereto, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 7A, with the front cover210aclosed, the status indicator171is hidden behind the front cover210a, and then status information320acorresponding to the operation of the status indicator171may be displayed on a predetermined position of the touch screen190that is exposed through the screen window201aformed on the cover200a. The status information320aherein may be displayed in the same or similar way that the actual status indicator171operates.

For example, with the cover200aclosed, the status information320amay be implemented to be periodically or persistently displayed. Thus, the status information corresponding to each event of Table 1 may be implemented in the same color, lighting pattern, or combination thereof as the status indicator171operates, or may be implemented in different ways.

If a particular event (e.g., message reception, incoming call, etc.) occurs while the status information320ais displayed periodically or persistently with the cover200aclosed over the electronic device100, an indication that the event has occurred may be displayed as shown inFIG. 7B.

For example, as shown inFIG. 7B, when a particular event occurs, the controller110may display information regarding the event together with information indicating the current state of the electronic device100. In displaying the information indicating the current state of the electronic device100, the controller110may control the information to be displayed at a position of the touch screen190exposed through the screen window of the cover.

For example, as shown inFIG. 7B, a screen including hour302, weather310, notification312and314, or title or artist316of an audio being played may be displayed to be exposed through the window screen.

If the user opens the cover200afrom the closing state, various information may be displayed on the entire touch screen190. With the cover200aopen, the status indicator171is exposed again to the user and may display various information about the status of the electronic device100(e.g., status information as shown in Table 1).

If the cover200ais closed again from the opening state ofFIG. 7C, display mode may be returned to what is shown inFIG. 7A, where the status information320acorresponding to the operation of the status indicator171may be displayed in the predetermined position that is exposed through the screen window201a.

Alternatively, if the cover200ais closed again from the opening state ofFIG. 7C, display mode may be returned to what is shown inFIG. 7B, where various information predetermined based on a predetermined screen mode may be displayed within a predetermined screen area that is exposed through the screen window201a.

If there has been no user input for a certain period of time, the screen, as displayed inFIG. 7B, is turned off to reduce power consumption. Alternatively, if there has been no user input for a certain period of time, the screen ofFIG. 7Bmay be switched to what is shown inFIG. 7A, where the status information320acorresponding to the operation of the status indicator171is displayed.

FIGS. 8A to 9Ceach illustrate an electronic device attached to a cover with a screen window modified in size and position, detailed description of which will be omitted herein because they operate the same way as described in connection withFIGS. 7A to 7C.

In the meantime, screen display mode may be classified by different events as shown inFIGS. 7A to 9C, into status indicator display mode, screen window display mode, and full screen display mode, which may be represented in Table 2.

TABLE 2DisplayScreen ModeCoverDisplay AreaMethodDisplay ConditionStatus IndicatorClosedPart or EntireColor,repetitive and persistent displayDisplay ModeScreen WindowFlickeringbased on current status whilePattern, Textthe cover is closedScreen WindowClosedEntire ScreenUnlimiteddisplay for a certain period ofDisplay ModeWindowtime while the cover is closed;when a particular event occurswhile the cover is closed,display for a certain timeFull ScreenOpenEntire ScreenUnlimiteddisplay for a certain period ofDisplay Modetime while the cover is closed

Referring to Table 2, the status indicator display mode is a screen mode as shown inFIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A, where an indication corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171is displayed through a part or the entire of the screen window while the cover is closed. The status indicator display mode may save electricity the most among the three screen modes, because in the status indicator display mode, various status information of the electronic device may be indicated periodically or persistently for the user to check basic statuses of the electronic device (e.g., battery charging status, unread message, unanswered call, voice recording status, etc.) at low power. In the status indicator display mode, the status information may be displayed by means of lighting colors, lighting patterns, simple text, etc., to reduce power consumption.

The screen window display mode is a screen mode as shown inFIGS. 7B, 8B, and 9B, where predetermined information may be displayed through the screen window. For example, if the cover is open from the closing state or a predetermined event occurs while the cover is closed, the electronic device may operate in the screen window mode for a predetermined period of time. After a lapse of the predetermined period of time, the screen is turned off or switched back into the status indicator display mode in which the status information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator is displayed. In the status indicator display mode, the status information may be displayed by means of lighting colors, lighting patterns, simple text, etc. In the screen window display mode, hour302, weather310, notification312and314, title or artist316of an audio file being played, etc. may be displayed in part of the screen area that is exposed through the screen window.

The full screen display mode is a screen mode as shown inFIGS. 7C, 8C, and 8C, where various information is displayed in the full screen while the cover is open. For example, when the cover is open from the closing state or the user enters an input in the screen-off mode while the cover is open, the electronic device may operate in the full screen display mode.

Thus far, various screen modes in relation to the opening/closing of the cover attached to an electronic device have been described.

FIGS. 10A to 10Eillustrate displaying status information through a screen window, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 10A, while the cover is closed, status information1010corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171may be displayed on part of the screen that is exposed through the screen window201a. The status information1010may be displayed in the same way as the status indicator171operates, i.e., in the same color or at the same lighting intervals. If the electronic device operates in low power mode, the status information may be implemented in different ways, such as to be displayed in a different color or brightness from that of the status indicator171, or may be implemented in black and white.

Referring toFIG. 10B, while the cover is closed, status information1020corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171may be displayed at an edge of a screen area exposed through the screen window201a. That is, the status information1020may be implemented to be a line having a predetermined thickness along the edge, which is lighted in a particular color. For example, the status information1020may be indicated in the edge in the same color or lighting intervals as the status indicator171operates, but on the contrary toFIG. 10A, the status information1020is displayed as the line that is lighted along the edge of the screen area exposed through the screen window201a. With this indication, the user may recognize the status of the electronic device more intuitively.

Referring toFIG. 10C, while the cover is closed, status information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171may be displayed in the entire area of the screen, which is exposed through the screen window201a. For example, the status information may be indicated in the same color or lighting intervals as the status indicator171operates, but, on the contrary toFIG. 10A, the status information is displayed in a predetermined color or intervals in the entire area that is exposed through the screen window201a. With this indication, the user may recognize the status of the electronic device more intuitively.

Referring toFIG. 10D, while the cover is closed, status information1030corresponding to the operation of the status indicator171may be displayed in a text form in a particular screen area exposed through the screen window201a. For example, the status information1030may be displayed in a text format, indicating the operation of the status indicator171.

For example, while the electronic device is being charged, the status information is indicated as “charging”; when the charging is complete, “full”; when the battery state is low, “low battery”; or when a charging error occurs, “error”. If there is an unread message or an unanswered call, e.g., “Unread Message” or “Unanswered Call” may be displayed, and if voice recording is underway, “voice recording” may be displayed.

While in the embodiment ofFIG. 10D, the status information is indicated in text, images corresponding to respective statuses (e.g., a battery image for battery charging) may be displayed in other embodiments.

In an embodiment ofFIG. 10E, while the cover is closed, for further reduction of power consumption, only a part1050of the screen, in which status information1010is displayed remains turned on while the remaining area1040of the screen, in which the status information1010is not displayed is turned off. As such, power consumption may be minimized by selectively turning on a part from among the screen area exposed through the screen window201a.

For example, if the display unit of the electronic device is implemented with Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), light emission or light off may be controlled for each OLED element and thus, as shown inFIG. 10E, it is possible to control a part1050where the status information1010is displayed to be turned on and the other part to be turned off.

Accordingly, power consumption of the screen display mode as shown inFIG. 10Emay be minimized by turning on the part1050pixel-by-pixel or in a unit of area, in which the status information1010is displayed.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the status of an electronic device may be indicated through a screen window formed on a cover attached to the electronic device even if the cover is closed and thus a status indicator, e.g., an LED indicator is hidden behind the cover.

The embodiments of the present disclosure may also prevent unnecessary power consumption that may otherwise occur when the cover attached to an electronic device is closed and hides the status indicator.

In addition, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the status of an electronic device may be persistently indicated even at low power by repeatedly indicating an operation of the status indicator through the screen window formed on a cover attached to the electronic device while the cover is closed.

Several embodiments have been described in connection with e.g., mobile communication terminals, but a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that various modifications can be made without departing the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it will be apparent to those ordinary skilled in the art that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described, which have been provided only for illustrative purposes.