Mobile terminal and electronic device comprising the same

The present disclosure provides a device having a mobile terminal and a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled. The device comprises the mobile terminal includes: a terminal body coupled to the case; and a first display coupled to the case. The case includes: a first body formed to accommodate part of the terminal body; a second body having a second display; and a wiring portion for electrically connecting the first and second bodies to each other, and through which data received from the mobile terminal is transferred to the second display. And a controller of the mobile terminal provides a signal indicating a usable state of the second display to a relevant application, and supplies an operation power to the second display based on a request signal from the relevant application, if a coupled state of the terminal body to the first body is sensed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date and the right of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0106074, filed on Aug. 28, 2019, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal, an electronic device having a case to which the mobile terminal has been coupled, and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Terminals may be divided into mobile/portable devices and stationary devices according to mobility. Also, the mobile terminals may be classified into handheld types and vehicle mount types according to whether or not a user can directly carry.

Functions of mobile terminals have been diversified. Examples of such functions include data and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Some mobile terminals include additional functionality which supports electronic game playing, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players. Specifically, in recent time, mobile terminals can receive broadcast and multicast signals to allow viewing of video or television programs.

As it becomes multifunctional, a mobile terminal can be allowed to capture still images or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as an integrated multimedia player.

Recently, a mobile terminal and an external device interworked with the mobile terminal are implemented together for extension of the usability of the mobile terminal, in order to utilize such various functions more efficiently. In this case, a multi-screen device may be implemented.

Further, a service provision to additionally connect another screen device, or to consecutively view a current screen on another multi-screen device is being extended.

In case of additionally connecting an HDMI screen while one device is used as a multi-screen device, if a plurality of display ports are not provided, the HDMI screen and the multi-screen device cannot be immediately connected to each other.

Further, in case of attempting a mirror-cast connection while one device is used as a multi-screen device, there is a limitation that a virtual display cannot be used together. Accordingly, there was an inconvenience to restrict a connection between the multi-screen device and the mirror cast.

SUMMARY

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide an electronic device having a mobile terminal and a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled, the electronic device capable of performing a screen consecutive viewing through a connection of another display device, without a physical connection release, in a coupled state between the mobile terminal having a display and the case having an additional display and interworked with the mobile terminal.

Further, another aspect of the detailed description is to provide an electronic device having a mobile terminal and a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled, the electronic device capable of generating and removing an external display object in a separated manner, without depending on a hardware coupling of the device or a mirror-cast connection.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided an electronic device having a mobile terminal and a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled, wherein the mobile terminal includes: a terminal body coupled to the case; and a first display coupled to the case, wherein the case includes: a first body formed to accommodate at least part of the terminal body therein; a second body having a second display; and a wiring portion for electrically connecting the first and second bodies to each other, and through which data received from the mobile terminal is transferred to the second display, and wherein a controller of the mobile terminal provides a signal indicating a usable state of the second display to a relevant application when a coupled state of the terminal body to the first body is sensed, and supplies an operation power to the second display based on a request signal from the relevant application.

In an embodiment, the controller of the mobile terminal controls an external display object with respect to the second display to be generated, if the operation power is supplied to the second display and the second display is converted into an activated state.

In an embodiment, if a connection request is received from a third display device in the activated state of the second display, the controller of the mobile terminal may receive a request signal for changing the activated state of the second display into an inactivated state from the relevant application, and may interrupt the supply of the operation power to the second display if the second display is converted into the inactivated state from the activated state based on the request signal.

In an embodiment, the controller of the mobile terminal may remove the external display object with respect to the second display based on a connection release request from the relevant application, in a state that the supply of the operation power to the to the second display is interrupted, and in a state that the coupling of the terminal body is maintained.

In an embodiment, in the state that the coupling of the terminal body is maintained, the controller of the mobile terminal may provide a signal indicating a usable state of the third display to the relevant application, and may generate an external display object with respect to the third display based on a connection request from the relevant application.

In an embodiment, the controller of the mobile terminal may remove the external display object with respect to the second display, if a coupling released state of the terminal body from the first body is sensed.

In an embodiment, if a coupling of the terminal body to the first body is sensed, the controller of the mobile terminal may transfer a callback signal indicating a connected state of the second display to the relevant application, instead of generating an external display object with respect to the second display.

In the electronic device having a mobile terminal and a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled, a screen consecutive viewing may be performed through a connection of another display device, without a physical connection release, in a coupled state between the mobile terminal having a display and the case having a second display. Further, generating and removing an external display object is performed by a software control, without depending on a hardware coupling or connection of the device. Thus, additional configurations or components such as a plurality of DP ports are not required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In describing the present disclosure, if a detailed explanation for a related known function or construction is considered to unnecessarily divert the gist of the present disclosure, such explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected with” another element, the element can be connected with the another element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bare conceptual views for explaining an electronic device according to the present disclosure.

Referring to the drawings, a mobile terminal100is coupled to a case200, and the mobile terminal100and the case200coupled to each other form a single electronic device300.

In this case, the mobile terminal may be one of a portable phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer (laptop computer), a digital broadcasting terminal, personal digital assistants (PDAs), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation, a slate PC, a tablet PC, an ultrabook, and a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, a smart glass and a head mounted display (HMD)). A detailed description of the mobile terminal will be explained later with reference toFIGS. 3A to 3C.

The case200may be a pouch to protect the appearance of the mobile terminal100, or to cover or accommodate at least one surface of the mobile terminal100as an accessory of the mobile terminal100. The case200may be coupled to the mobile terminal, and may be configured to extend the function of the mobile terminal100.

In the present disclosure, information outputted from the mobile terminal may be processed in relation to the structure or the function of the case200. As an example, referring toFIG. 1A, the case200may be provided with a display (hereinafter will be referred to as a ‘second display’250) interworked with a display (hereinafter will be referred to as a ‘first display’151) of the mobile terminal.

The case is provided with a first body210and a second body220connected to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to each other, and the second display250may be arranged on one of the first and second bodies210,220.

For instance, the first body210may be formed to accommodate therein at least part of the terminal body. As the rear side of the mobile terminal is accommodated in the first body210, the first display151arranged on the front side of the mobile terminal is exposed to the outside.

In this case, the mobile terminal100may be detachably coupled to the first body210. And the mobile terminal may be formed to sense its coupled state to the first body210. For the sensing, the first body210may be provided with a magnet245on one surface thereof which faces the mobile terminal100. And in an instance that the terminal body is coupled to the first body, a hall sensor143configured to sense a magnetic field corresponding to the magnet245may be provided on the rear side of the mobile terminal. Once the hall sensor senses the magnetic field, the mobile terminal may recognize its coupled state to the case, and may perform a preset control.

For instance, if a magnetic field is sensed by the hall sensor143, a controller180of the mobile terminal100may control a power supply unit190to supply an operation current to the second display250provided at the second body220.

That is, the second display250provided at the second body220may be configured to operate based on a power source supplied from the mobile terminal100.

The second display250may be arranged at the second body220, and may perform a function to extend a display region of the first display151, or may be driven independently from the first display151. For instance, contents related to information outputted to the first display151may be mirrored to thus be outputted to the second display250.

And execution screens of different applications may be output to the first and second displays151,250. As another example, an execution screen of one application may be output to the first and second displays151,250, in a dividing manner.

The first and second displays151,250are exposed to the outside together in an open state, and the open state may be defined with reference toFIG. 1B.

Further, the mobile terminal100is configured to control screen information outputted to the second display250. For this, at least one of a wired communication link and a wireless communication link may be set between the mobile terminal100and the second display250.

Also, the mobile terminal100is configured to supply an operation current to the second display250, and an operation current may be supplied to the second display250from the mobile terminal100through wirings provided at the case200.

Referring toFIG. 1B, the first and second bodies210,220of the case200may relatively rotate with respect to each other, between a closed state and a completely open state.

The closed state, a state of (a) shown inFIG. 1B, is a state that the first body210of the case200covers the first display151of the mobile terminal100, and thereby the first display151is blocked by the first body210. That is, a state that the first display151is covered by the second display250may be the closed state. In the closed state, the mobile terminal100and the case200are overlapped with each other in a thickness direction of the mobile terminal, with a form of a diary. This enhances a user's portability.

In this case, front surfaces of the first and second displays151,250face each other. The front surfaces may be external surfaces where visual information is displayed and a touch input is received.

In the closed state, the second body220rotates on the basis of the first body210. As a result, the closed state is converted into an open state. The open state is a state that the first display151is not blocked by the second display250. And a state that an angle formed by the first and second displays151,250has a specific value other than 0° may be defined as the open state.

FIG. 1B(b) shows a state that the first and second displays151,250form 180° with each other, among an open state. The aforementionedFIG. 1Ashows a state that the first and second displays151,250form 180° with each other. In the open state, the first and second bodies210,220may be fixed at a specific angle. For this, a fixing means may be provided at the case220.

As shown inFIG. 1B(b), the first and second bodies210,220may perform a relative rotation more in a direction of ‘A’. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 1B(c), the first and second bodies210,220may perform a relative rotation by 360° to the maximum. This may be defined as a ‘complete open state’ among the open state.

Further, if the first and second bodies210,220perform a relative rotation by more than 180° but less than 360°, this may be defined as a ‘bent state’. The ‘bent state’ of the first body210towards a rear surface of the case may be sensed by a connection portion for connecting the first and second bodies210,220to each other, or by a sensor additionally provided at the connection portion.

In this case, the first and second bodies210,220are overlapped with each other, and the first and second displays151,250are arranged to be towards the outside, respectively. That is, the first and second displays151,250face directions opposite to each other.

The mobile terminal may be formed to sense the closed state and the open state. For instance, the mobile terminal may include an illumination sensor for sensing a peripheral illumination, and the controller180of the mobile terminal100may sense one of the closed state and the open state according to an illumination sensed by the illumination sensor.

Further, the controller180may additionally sense a complete open state among the open state.

The electronic device300of the present disclosure may perform an operation to control the first and second displays151,250in association with the open state and the closed state. For instance, the first and second displays151,250may be driven in an inactivated state in the closed state, and at least one of the first and second displays151,250may be activated if the closed state is converted into the open state.

For instance, if the closed state is converted into the open state, both of the first and second displays151,250may be converted into an activated state. Here, different home screen pages may be output to the first and second displays151,250, or the same home screen page may be output to the first and second displays151,250. Alternatively, various information may be output to the first and second displays151,250according to a situation.

As another example, if the closed state is converted into the open state, the first display151may be converted into an activated state, and the second display250may maintain an inactivated state.

The second display250may include a touch sensor for sensing a touch (input) applied thereto.

The second display250may be configured to sense a touch even in the inactivated state.

In relation to a touch sensing by the touch sensor, if a touch applied to the second display250is a preset type of touch, the second display250may be driven in an activated state in the open state.

If a touch is applied to the second display250, the second display250may transmit a touch signal corresponding to the touch to the mobile terminal100. And if the touch according to the received touch signal is a preset type of touch, the mobile terminal100may transmit, to the second display250, a signal corresponding to a control command to activate the second display250.

Then, the second display250may be activated by the signal received from the mobile terminal100.

In order to implement the operation of the aforementioned electronic device, the case may be provided with a new structure. Hereinafter, the structure of the case will be explained in more detail.

FIGS. 2A to 2Care conceptual views for explaining a main structure of an electronic device according to the present disclosure.

The first body210of the case200is provided with an accommodation space211for accommodating a rear surface of the terminal body. The first body accommodates therein at least part of the mobile terminal through the accommodation space211, and the rear surface of the mobile terminal is arranged on a bottom surface of the accommodation space211. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For instance, the first body may be formed as a plate coupled to the rear surface of the mobile terminal, or may be configured to be coupled to a side surface of the mobile terminal.

The second body220where the second display250is arranged is rotatably coupled to the first body by a connection portion230. That is, the connection portion230is arranged between the first and second bodies210,220, thereby coupling the first and second bodies210,220to each other for a relative rotation.

Referring to the drawings, the second body220may be provided with a first cover221, a second cover222and the second display250. An accommodation groove221afor accommodating at least a part of the connection portion230may be formed at the first cover221. The second cover222may be coupled to the first cover221, and may serve as a frame where various types of electronic components are mounted. For example, a second printed circuit board to be explained later may be mounted to the second cover222.

The second cover222may be rotatably coupled to the connection portion230. A groove222amay be formed at the second cover222at a position corresponding to the accommodation groove221aof the first cover221. And the connection portion230may be arranged at the groove222a. In this case, the second display250may be mounted to the second cover222.

The connection portion230may be provided with a first hinge231and a second hinge232arranged along a side surface of the first body210in a spaced state from each other. The first and second hinges231,232may be provided with a hinge body233and a hinge shaft234, respectively.

A hinge groove (not shown) is formed at the hinge body233, and the hinge shaft234is inserted into the hinge groove to thus enable a relative rotation of the first and second bodies210,220. The hinge shaft234may be provided in plurality in number, and a coupling portion235coupled to the first and second bodies210,220, respectively may be arranged at one side of the hinge shaft234.

Here, the case200includes a wireless communication portion283and a wiring portion242. This may allow the mobile terminal100to control the second display250.

The wireless communication portion283is arranged at the first body210, and performs a short-distance wireless communication with the mobile terminal. A wireless communication portion (hereinafter, will be referred to as a ‘first wireless communication portion’) which performs a short-distance wireless communication with a wireless communication portion of the case200(hereinafter, will be referred to as a ‘second wireless communication portion’) may be arranged at the mobile terminal100.

The first wireless communication portion116(refer toFIG. 3C) transmits a wireless signal to the rear side of the mobile terminal100, and the second wireless communication portion283is arranged at the first body210so as to face the first wireless communication portion116to thus receive the wireless signal. The first wireless communication portion116and the second wireless communication portion283may be provided Keyssa chips which transceive (transmit and receive) wireless data, for instance. And the Keyssa chips may be arranged at a position where a separation distance is within many (a few) centimeters in a thickness direction of the mobile terminal. Accordingly, the first wireless communication portion116and the second wireless communication portion283communicate with each other by a short-distance communication method having a transmission distance of about many centimeters.

As shown, the first body210may be provided with a first printed circuit board (PCB)243where the second wireless communication portion283is arranged, and the second body220may be provided with a second printed circuit board (PCB)244disposed at a lower side of the second display250and electrically connected to the first printed circuit board243by the wiring portion242. The second printed circuit board244may transmit a control signal received from the mobile terminal100to the second display250, by being connected to the second display250.

That is, the second printed circuit board244may transmit data transceived (transmitted and received) between the first wireless communication portion116and the second wireless communication portion283, to the second display250.

The wiring portion242is a part for electrically connecting the first and second bodies210,220to each other through the connection portion230. And wireless signals (or data) received via the short-distance wireless communication with the mobile terminal100may be transmitted to the second display250through the wiring portion242. For such a connection, a connection passage along which the wiring portion242passes may be formed at the connection portion230.

For example, an accommodation space for accommodating at least a part of the wiring portion242is formed at one of the first and second hinges231,232. More specifically, the first hinge231may be positioned to be more adjacent to the upper side of the mobile terminal100than the second hinge232, and the second hinge232may be positioned to be more adjacent to the lower side of the mobile terminal100than the first hinge231. The second PCB244is arranged to be adjacent to the lower side end of the case200. Accordingly, the first wireless communication portion116and the second wireless communication portion283are arranged at the lower sides of the case200and the mobile terminal100, respectively.

Under the structure, the accommodation space may be formed at the second hinge232. The second hinge232is provided with an extension portion236extended from the hinge body233, and cables246extended to the first and second bodies210,220, respectively may be provided at the extension portion236. The accommodation space is formed at the extension portion236, and the cables246are accommodated in the accommodation space. A first flexible PCB247and a second flexible PCB248are arranged at two ends of the cables246, and the first and second flexible PCBs247,248are electrically connected to the first and second PCBs243,244. Under the structure, a signal to control the second display250may be wirelessly transmitted to the first body210of the mobile terminal, and may be transmitted to the second body220by wire.

Referring to the drawings, a power terminal (e.g., a pogo-pin249) contacting a power supplying terminal (not shown) of the mobile terminal may be arranged at the first PCB243, so as to receive a power source from the mobile terminal. The power terminal249is electrically connected to the wiring portion242in order to supply a power source to the second display250. Under the structure, the power source to be supplied to the second display250may be transmitted by a wired path in the mobile terminal.

Under the aforementioned structure, the electronic device performs a control operation by interworking the first and second displays151,250by using a short-distance wireless communication and a wired power supplying path. Hereinafter, the structure and the function of the mobile terminal will be firstly explained in more detail, and then the control operation will be explained.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3Care conceptual views illustrating an example of a mobile terminal related to the present disclosure. The mobile terminal100according to the present disclosure may be coupled on the case of the electronic device described above.

Referring toFIGS. 3A to 3C,FIG. 3Ais a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIGS. 3B and 3Care conceptual views illustrating one example of a mobile terminal, viewed from different directions.

In more detail, the wireless communication unit110may typically include one or more modules which permit communications such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal100and another mobile terminal, or communications between the mobile terminal100and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit110may typically include one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal100to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit110may include one or more of a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a short-range communication module114, and a location information module115.

The input unit120may include a camera121or an image input unit for obtaining images or video, a microphone122, which is one type of audio input device for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit123(for example, a touch key, a mechanical key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, and the like) may be obtained by the input unit120and may be analyzed and processed according to user commands.

The output unit150may typically be configured to output various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. The output unit150may be shown having at least one of a display151, an audio output module152, a haptic module153, and an optical output module154. The display151may have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to implement a touch screen. The touch screen may function as the user input unit123which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100and the user and simultaneously provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100and a user.

Also, the controller180may control at least some of the components illustrated inFIG. 1A, to execute an application program that have been stored in the memory170. In addition, the controller180may control at least two of those components included in the mobile terminal100to activate the application program.

At least part of the components may cooperatively operate to implement an operation, a control or a control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments disclosed herein. Also, the operation, the control or the control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by an activation of at least one application program stored in the memory170.

Hereinafter, description will be given in more detail of the aforementioned components with reference toFIG. 1A, prior to describing various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal100.

First, regarding the wireless communication unit110, the broadcast receiving module111is typically configured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcast receiving modules may be utilized to facilitate simultaneous reception of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switching among broadcast channels.

The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text/multimedia message transmission/reception.

The wireless Internet module113refers to a module for wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal100. The wireless Internet module113may transmit and/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according to wireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A) and the like. The wireless Internet module113may transmit/receive data according to one or more of such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologies as well.

The microphone122processes an external audio signal into electric audio (sound) data. The processed audio data can be processed in various manners according to a function being executed in the mobile terminal100. If desired, the microphone122may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The sensing unit140is generally configured to sense one or more of internal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like, and generate a corresponding sensing signal. The controller180generally cooperates with the sending unit140to control operations of the mobile terminal100or execute data processing, a function or an operation associated with an application program installed in the mobile terminal based on the sensing signal. The sensing unit140may be implemented using any of a variety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor141refers to a sensor to sense presence or absence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near a surface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the like without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor141may be arranged at an inner area of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen, or near the touch screen.

When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, the proximity sensor141can sense proximity of a pointer relative to the touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which is responsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, the proximity sensor141can sense proximity of a pointer relative to the touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which is responsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximity sensor.

A touch sensor senses a touch (or a touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display151) using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples of such touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implemented individually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Such touches include a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

The camera121, which has been depicted as a component of the input unit120, typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD, CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera121with a laser sensor may allow detection of a touch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the display device. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of the physical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, the photo sensor may include photo diodes and transistors (TRs) at rows and columns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electrical signal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical object according to variation of light to thus obtain location information of the physical object.

The display151is generally configured to output information processed in the mobile terminal100. For example, the display151may display execution screen information of an application program executing at the mobile terminal100or user interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screen information.

Also, the display151may be implemented as a stereoscopic display for displaying stereoscopic images.

A typical stereoscopic display may employ a stereoscopic display scheme such as a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or the like.

The audio output module152may receive audio data from the wireless communication unit110or output audio data stored in the memory170during modes such as a signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The audio output module152can provide audible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal100. The audio output module152may also be implemented as a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

The memory170may include one or more types of storage mediums including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk (SSD) type, a silicon disk drive (SDD) type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like. The mobile terminal100may also be operated in relation to a network storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170over a network, such as the Internet.

The power supply unit190receives external power or provides internal power and supply the appropriate power required for operating respective elements and components included in the wearable device100under the control of the controller180. The power supply unit190may include a battery, which is typically rechargeable or be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

Referring toFIGS. 3B and 3C, the disclosed mobile terminal100includes a bar-like terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of different configurations. Examples of such configurations include watch type, clip-type, glasses-type, or a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type, swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combined with each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinations thereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type of mobile terminal. However, such teachings with regard to a particular type of mobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminals as well.

Here, considering the mobile terminal100as at least one assembly, the terminal body may be understood as a conception referring to the assembly.

The mobile terminal100will generally include a case (for example, frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of the terminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case101and a rear case102. Various electronic components are interposed into a space formed between the front case101and the rear case102. At least one middle case may be additionally positioned between the front case101and the rear case102.

As illustrated, when the rear cover103is coupled to the rear case102, a side surface of the rear case102may partially be exposed. In some cases, upon the coupling, the rear case102may also be completely shielded by the rear cover103. Meanwhile, the rear cover103may include an opening for externally exposing a camera121bor an audio output module152b.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form an inner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal100may be configured such that one case forms the inner space. In this case, a mobile terminal100having a uni-body is formed in such a manner that synthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

The mobile terminal100may include a display151, first and second audio output module152aand152b, a proximity sensor141, an illumination sensor142, an optical output module154, first and second cameras121aand121b, first and second manipulation units123aand123b, a microphone122, an interface unit160, and the like.

Hereinafter, as illustrated inFIGS. 3B and 3C, description will be given of the exemplary mobile terminal100in which the front surface of the terminal body is shown having the display151, the first audio output module152a, the proximity sensor141, the illumination sensor142, the optical output module154, the first camera121a, and the first manipulation unit123a, the side surface of the terminal body is shown having the second manipulation unit123b, the microphone122, and the interface unit160, and the rear surface of the terminal body is shown having the second audio output module152band the second camera121b.

However, those components may not be limited to the arrangement. Some components may be omitted or rearranged or located on different surfaces. For example, the first manipulation unit123amay be located on another surface of the terminal body, and the second audio output module152bmay be located on the side surface of the terminal body other than the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display151is generally configured to output information processed in the mobile terminal100. For example, the display151may display execution screen information of an application program executing at the mobile terminal100or user interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screen information.

The display module151may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-LCD (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a three-dimensional (3D) display and an e-ink display.

The display151may be implemented using two display devices, according to the configuration type thereof. For instance, a plurality of the displays151may be arranged on one side, either spaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, or these devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display151may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display151so as to receive a control command in a touch manner. Accordingly, when a touch is applied to the display151, the touch sensor may sense the touch, and a controller180may generate a control command corresponding to the touch. Contents input in the touch manner may be characters, numbers, instructions in various modes, or a menu item that can be specified.

On the other hand, the touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touch pattern and disposed between a window151aand a display (not illustrated) on a rear surface of the window, or may be a metal wire directly patterned on the rear surface of the window. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display, or may be provided inside the display.

In this way, the display151may form a touch screen together with the touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may function as the user input unit (123, seeFIG. 3A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some of functions of a first manipulation unit123a.

The first audio output module152amay be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the second audio output module152bmay be implemented as a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia reproduction request sounds.

The window151aof the display151may include a sound hole for emitting sounds generated from the first audio output module152a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sounds may be released along an assembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap between the window151aand the front case101). In this case, a hole independently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or may otherwise be hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying the appearance of the mobile terminal100.

The optical output module154may be configured to output light for indicating an event generation. Examples of such events may include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule alarm, an email reception, information reception through an application, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event, the controller180may control the optical output module154to stop the light output.

The first and second manipulation units123aand123bare examples of the user input unit123, which may be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobile terminal100. The first and second manipulation units123aand123bmay also be commonly referred to as a manipulating portion. The first and second manipulation units123aand123bmay employ any method if it is a tactile manner allowing the user to perform manipulation with a tactile feeling such as touch, push, scroll or the like. The first and second manipulation units123aand123bmay also be manipulated through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, and the like, without a user's tactile feeling.

The drawings are illustrated on the basis that the first manipulation unit123ais a touch key, but the present disclosure may not be necessarily limited to this. For example, the first manipulation unit123amay be configured with a mechanical key, or a combination of a touch key and a push key.

The content received by the first and second manipulation units123aand123bmay be set in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit123amay be used by the user to input a command such as menu, home key, cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit123bmay be used by the user to input a command, such as controlling a volume level being output from the first or second audio output module152aor152b, switching into a touch recognition mode of the display151, or the like.

On the other hand, as another example of the user input unit123, a rear input unit (not shown) may be disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rear input unit may be manipulated by a user to input a command for controlling an operation of the mobile terminal100. The content input may be set in various ways. For example, the rear input unit may be used by the user to input a command, such as power on/off, start, end, scroll or the like, controlling a volume level being output from the first or second audio output module152aor152b, switching into a touch recognition mode of the display151, or the like. The rear input unit may be implemented into a form allowing a touch input, a push input or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the display151of the front surface in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As one example, the rear input unit may be disposed on an upper end portion of the rear surface of the terminal body such that a user can easily manipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal body with one hand. However, the present disclosure may not be limited to this, and the position of the rear input unit may be changeable.

When the rear input unit is disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new user interface may be implemented using the rear input unit. Also, the aforementioned touch screen or the rear input unit may substitute for at least part of functions of the first manipulation unit123alocated on the front surface of the terminal body. Accordingly, when the first manipulation unit123ais not disposed on the front surface of the terminal body, the display151may be implemented to have a larger screen.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal100may include a finger scan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller may use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor as an authentication means. The finger scan sensor may be installed in the display151or the user input unit123.

The microphone122may be configured to receive the user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone122may be provided at a plurality of places, and configured to receive stereo sounds.

The second camera121bmay be further mounted to the rear surface of the terminal body. The second camera121bmay have an image capturing direction, which is substantially opposite to the direction of the first camera unit121a.

The second camera121bmay include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix form. The cameras may be referred to as an ‘array camera.’ When the second camera121bis implemented as the array camera, images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lenses and images with better qualities may be obtained.

The flash124may be disposed adjacent to the second camera121b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera121b, the flash124may illuminate the subject.

The second audio output module152bmay further be disposed on the terminal body. The second audio output module152bmay implement stereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio output module152a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone mode for call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be disposed on the terminal body. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or formed in the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part of the broadcast receiving module111(seeFIG. 3A) may be retractable into the terminal body. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed in a form of film to be attached onto an inner surface of the rear cover103or a case including a conductive material may serve as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit190(seeFIG. 3A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal100. The power supply unit190may include a batter191which is mounted in the terminal body or detachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body.

The battery191may receive power via a power cable connected to the interface unit160. Also, the battery191may be (re)chargeable in a wireless manner using a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by magnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

On the other hand, the drawing illustrates that the rear cover103is coupled to the rear case102for shielding the battery191, so as to prevent separation of the battery191and protect the battery191from an external impact or foreign materials. When the battery191is detachable from the terminal body, the rear case103may be detachably coupled to the rear case102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending the functions of the mobile terminal100may further be provided on the mobile terminal100. As one example of the accessory, a cover or pouch for covering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the display151to extend the function of the mobile terminal100. Another example of the accessory may be a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input onto a touch screen.

As aforementioned, in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure, the first wireless communication portion116(refer toFIG. 3C) provided at the rear side of the mobile terminal, and the second wireless communication portion283provided at the first body210of the case200are configured to perform a data communication with each other. Hereinafter, a data communication method between the first and second wireless communication portions116,283will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.FIG. 4is a conceptual view for explaining a control method between the mobile terminal and the display provided at the case, in the electronic device according to the present disclosure.

The mobile terminal100according to the present disclosure may be coupled to the first body210. In the case that the mobile terminal is coupled to the first body210, the first and second wireless communication portions116,283face each other.

The first wireless communication portion116provided at the mobile terminal100may be included in the wireless communication unit110aforementioned with reference toFIG. 3A. The wireless communication unit110of the mobile terminal100may be formed of a plurality of wireless communication portions, and the plurality of wireless communication portions may be arranged at different positions on the mobile terminal100. Especially, in the mobile terminal100according to the present disclosure, the first wireless communication portion116may be provided at the rear side of the mobile terminal100. Accordingly, in the case that the mobile terminal100is coupled to the first body210, the first wireless communication portion116may perform a data communication with the second wireless communication portion283provided at the first body210.

The first and second wireless communication portions116,283according to the present disclosure may be configured as contactless connectors for data communication. The contactless connectors are electromagnetic connectors which form electromagnetic communication links. As the contactless connectors are arranged on different devices, electromagnetic communication links may be set.

The first and second wireless communication portions116,283may be configured as transceivers for converting electric signals into electromagnetic (EM) signals. A transceiver of one of the first and second wireless communication portions116,283may convert electric signals into EM signals. The EM signals are received by another transceiver, and said another transceiver converts the EM signals into electric signals.

The term of “transceiver” used in the present disclosure may indicate a device such as an integrated circuit (IC) including a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx) to transmit and receive information (data). Generally, the transceiver can operate at a half-duplex mode (transmission and reception are alternately performed), or a full-duplex mode (transmission and reception are simultaneously performed). The transceiver may be configured as one of a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver may include additional integrated circuits for a transmission function and a reception function. The terms of “contactless”, “coupled-pair” and “proximity coupling” indicate an electromagnetic (EM) connection and a signal transmission, rather than an electric (wired) connection between the first and second wireless communication portions116,283, as used in the present specification.

As used in the present specification, the term of “contactless” may indicate a carrier-assisted dielectric coupling system which can have an optimum range within a range of 0˜5 cm. A connection may be verified by proximity of one of the first and second wireless communication portions116,283to another. A plurality of contactless transmitters and receivers may occupy a small space. An electromagnetically (EM)-set contactless link may be a point-to-point link, unlike a wireless link which generally broadcasts to some points.

The first and second wireless communication portions116,283may be connected to each other by wire in order to transmit data from one position to another position, or may form a point-to-point contactless communication link requiring no physical wired connection or a coupled-pair. The transceivers may be extremely high frequency (EHF) transceivers.

For instance, in the case that the mobile terminal100is coupled to the first body210, the first wireless communication portion116of the mobile terminal100and the second wireless communication portion283of the first body210are configured to face each other and to be positioned within a preset distance. Accordingly, a contactless communication link may be formed between the first and second wireless communication portions116,283.

Data transmission may be performed between the mobile terminal100and the second display250, through the EHF transceivers included in the first and second wireless communication portions116,283.

The second wireless communication portion283which transceives data to/from the second display250, i.e., the EHF transceiver may be provided at the first body210, as aforementioned with reference toFIGS. 2A to 2C.

The second wireless communication portion283provided at the first body210is configured to transceive (transmit and receive) data to/from the second display250by wire, through the wiring portion242included in the connection portion230.

As aforementioned, as the mobile terminal100is coupled to the first body210, the EHF transceivers included in the first and second wireless communication portions116,283may be coupled to each other in a proximity manner.

The pair coupling of the EHF transceivers included in the first and second wireless communication portions116,283may provide a non-contact data path (passage or channel). In some embodiments, the data passages may be formed in one direction (e.g., a data flow from the mobile terminal100to the second display250through a specific passage), or in two directions (e.g., a bi-directional data flow between the mobile terminal100and the second display250through a specific passage).

The first and second wireless communication portions116,283according to the present disclosure may be configured to transceive various types of data. For instance, the data may be one of graphic data, audio data, video data, touch event data and a combination thereof.

That is, the second display250provided at the second body220may be configured to operate based on a power source supplied from the mobile terminal100.

Here, as aforementioned, the power source may be transferred to the second display250through the first PCB243electrically connected to the mobile terminal100, the wiring portion242provided at the connection portion230, and an electric connection passage of the second PCB provided at the second body220.

That is, as shown inFIG. 4, the battery191of the mobile terminal100is configured to supply an operation current (or a power source) to a battery291of the second display250, through the first PCB243, the wiring portion242provided at the connection portion230, and an electric connection passage of the second PCB provided at the second body220.

As aforementioned, the mobile terminal100may be detachably coupled to the first body210. And the mobile terminal may be formed to sense its coupled state with the first body210. For the sensing, the first body210may include a magnet245on one surface thereof which faces the mobile terminal100. And the mobile terminal may include a hall sensor143at a rear side thereof, the hall sensor for sensing a magnetic field corresponding to the magnet245when the terminal body is coupled to the first body. If the hall sensor senses the magnetic field, the mobile terminal may recognize its coupled state with the case, and may perform a preset control.

For instance, if a magnetic field is sensed by the hall sensor143, the controller180of the mobile terminal100may control the power supply unit190to supply an operation current to the second display250provided at the second body220.

That is, the second display250provided at the second body220may be configured to operate based on a power source supplied from the mobile terminal100.

If the operation current is supplied to the second display250, a system of the second display250may undergo a booting and initialization process, thereby being in an operable standby state.

Here, the second display250is in one of an activated state and an inactivated state. Even in an inactivated state of the second display250, a touch sensor (or a touch panel252) provided at the second display250may be driven in an activated state to sense a touch applied to the second display250.

If the second display250is activated, the mobile terminal100transmits screen information (or a digital video signal) to be output to a display251provided at the second display250, to the second wireless communication portion283, through the first wireless communication portion116. Here, as aforementioned, the digital video signal may be wirelessly transmitted through a wireless connector, as a signal of a frequency band of 60 GHz.

As aforementioned, the second display250may receive data (e.g., a digital video signal, etc.) from the first wireless communication portion116, through the second wireless communication portion283and the second PCB244. Here, the digital video signal may be converted into data which can be output from the second display250, by a data converter282. For instance, the second display250may be configured as an LCD panel. Here, a digital video signal of a DP format, received from the mobile terminal100may be converted into a data form (an MIPI format) which can be received by the LCD panel by the data converter282, and then may be transferred to be output to the display251.

A type of data transceived through the first and second wireless communication portions116,283may be preset. For instance, only data corresponding to a video signal may be transceived through the first and second wireless communication portions116,283.

Here, signals required to be transmitted between the mobile terminal100and the second display250, such as a communication control signal, a touch signal and a brightness control signal, except for a video signal, can be transceived via first and second signal processors181,281through a multi-input channel, and then by passing through the first PCB243and the power terminal (e.g., the pogo-pin249). An initialization of the second display250, etc. may be controlled by a controller included in the second display250.

Hereinafter, a screen control method between the first display provided at the mobile terminal and the second display provided at the case, in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5H.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the first display151provided at the mobile terminal100is in an activated state, and the second display250provided at the case200is in an inactivated state.

In an embodiment, if the electronic device300is converted into an open state from a closed state, the first display151may be in an activated state, and a home screen510may be output, for instance.

In the case that the electronic device300is converted into an open state from a closed state, the second display250may maintain the inactivated state until an input is applied, even if an operation current is supplied to the second display250. Here, the input is an input for waking-up the second display250, and may be a touch input applied to the second display250(e.g., a tap/a double tap, hereinafter, a ‘knock knock function’), for instance.

If a touch input is applied to the second display250, a touch signal corresponding to the touch input is transmitted to the first wireless communication portion116, through the second wireless communication portion283(refer to FIG.4). Then, the controller180of the mobile terminal determines whether the touch signal received through the first wireless communication portion116corresponds to a preset type of touch. If the touch signal is the preset type of touch (e.g., a tap/a double tap) as a result of the determination, the controller180generates a control signal for converting the second display250into an activated state, and transmits the control signal to the second display250through the first and second wireless communication portions116,283.

In another embodiment, if the electronic device300is converted into an open state from a closed state, both of the first and second displays151,250may be in an activated state. In this case, a first home screen may be output to the first display151, and a second home screen different from the first home screen, or a preset screen may be output to the second display250, for instance.

An icon520indicating the existence of hidden menus related to a control of the second display250may be displayed on one region of the home screen510output to the first display151, e.g., an edge region. The icon520may have a position change or may have its displayed state on the first display151hidden, by a drag touch input.

The controller of the mobile terminal100may display hidden menus on the first display151, based on a touch input applied to the displayed icon520. An image (→) which guides a drag direction of a touch input for displaying hidden menus may be displayed on the icon520.

For instance, as shown inFIG. 5B, in a state that the home screen510has been output to the first display151, and an execution screen530of a web application has been output to the second display250, if a touch input applied to the icon520of the home screen510is dragged from an edge region towards a central region of the first display151, hidden menus are displayed.

The displayed menus provide various functions to control the first and second displays151,250in an interworked manner, based on an input applied to the first display151. For instance, as shown inFIG. 5B, there may be provided a screen conversion menu521, a screen sending menu522, a screen importing menu523, a main screen saving menu524, and a dual screen off menu525. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, but a larger number of different menus may be displayed.

FIGS. 5C to 5Fshow, in detail, various functions to control the first and second displays151,250in an interworked manner, based on a touch input applied to menus displayed on the first display151.

Hereinafter,FIG. 5Cshows an operation corresponding to a function to convert a screen displayed on the first display151and a screen displayed on the second display250to each other.

Referring toFIG. 5C, first screen information (e.g., the home screen510) may be output to the first display151, and second screen information (e.g., an execution screen530of a web application) may be output to the second display250.

In the state that different pieces of screen information have been output to the first and second displays151,250, if a touch input is applied to the screen conversion menu521among the menus displayed on the first display151, the home screen510being output to the first display151is moved to the second display250. And the execution screen530being output to the second display250is moved to the first display151.

For this, the controller of the mobile terminal100moves a task corresponding to the home screen510being output to the first display151, to a memory stack allocated for the second display250. And the controller of the mobile terminal100moves a task corresponding to the execution screen530being output to the second display250, to a memory stack for the first display151.

After the first and second displays151,250undergo a mutual screen conversion, if the screen conversion menu521is selected by an input for displaying hidden menus, the original screen is restored.

For this, the controller of the mobile terminal100moves a most recently inputted task from the memory stack allocated for the second display250, to the memory stack for the first display151. At the same time, the controller of the mobile terminal100moves a most recently inputted task from the memory stack for the first display151, to the memory stack allocated for the second display250.

Although not shown, if the screen sending menu522is selected from the first display151, only a screen being output to the first display151is moved to the second display250.

For this, the controller of the mobile terminal100moves a task corresponding to the screen being output to the first display151, to the memory stack allocated for the second display250. Here, a screen corresponding to a next task of the memory stack for the first display151is output to the first display151. If there is no next task, a home screen may be output.

The screen importing menu523on the first display151is activated when the second display250is in an activated state and at least the screen sending menu522has been executed.

If the screen importing menu523is selected when the above conditions are satisfied, a screen being output to the first display151displayed on the second display250is re-displayed on the first display151. And a screen being output to the second display250before the screen of the first display151is imported is re-output to the second display250.

For this, the controller of the mobile terminal100moves a task corresponding to the screen being output to the second display250, to the memory stack for the first display151.

Hereinafter,FIG. 5Dshows an operation corresponding to a function to convert only a screen displayed on the first display151, to a saving mode.

If a touch input is applied to the main screen saving menu524among the menus displayed on the first display151, a control signal corresponding to a touch signal corresponding to the menu is generated for execution of a saving mode with respect to the first display151.

Here, since only the first display151is in a saving mode, a video signal corresponding to screen information being output to the second display250is continuously transmitted to the second display250from the mobile terminal100, through the first and second wireless communication portions116,283.

As the saving mode with respect to the first display151is executed, as shown inFIG. 5D, the brightness of the home screen510of the first display151is controlled to be dark. On the other hand, the brightness of the execution screen530of the second display250is maintained as it is.

Hereinafter,FIGS. 5E and 5Fshow an operation corresponding to a function to control on/off of the second display250by using a touch input applied to the first display151.

Firstly, referring toFIG. 5E, if the dual screen off menu525displayed on the first display151is selected, the controller180of the mobile terminal transmits a control signal for converting the second display250to an inactivated state, to the second display250, through the first and second wireless communication portions116,283. As a result, as shown in the lower drawing ofFIG. 5E, the second display250is converted to an inactivated state.

And an icon indicating the existence of hidden menus displayed on the first display151(hereinafter, ‘a first icon’)520is converted into an icon indicating a locked state (hereinafter, ‘a second icon’)520′.

As the second display250is converted into an inactivated state based on an input to the first display151, an operation current being supplied to the second display250from the mobile terminal100through wirings provided at the case200may be interrupted.

However, if a memory stack with respect to the screen information being output to the second display250is allocated to the mobile terminal100, the mobile terminal100may recognize a task corresponding to the screen information being output to the second display250.

After the dual screen off menu525is selected, as shown inFIG. 5F, if a touch input applied to the second icon520′ is dragged in a predetermined direction, e.g., from an edge region of the first display151to a central region, only a dual screen on menu525′ is displayed.

If a touch input is applied to the dual screen on menu525′, the controller180of the mobile terminal transmits a control signal for converting the second display250to an activated state, to the second display250, through the first and second wireless communication portions116,283. And the operation current is re-supplied to the second display250from the mobile terminal100.

Here, the screen information530which was being output before the second display250is converted into an inactivated state may be re-output to the second display250. For this, the controller180of the mobile terminal may control tasks of the memory stack allocated for the second display250, to maintain their states. As another example, unlikeFIG. 5F, a home screen may be output to the second display250converted to an activated state.

Once the second display250is in an ‘on’ state, the second icon520′ displayed on the first display151is converted into the first icon520indicating the existence of hidden menus.

A first screen displayed on the first display151may be transmitted to the second display250, or a second screen displayed on the second display250may be transmitted to the first display151, by using a preset touch gesture, without using the icon520. Here, the preset touch gesture may be a multi-finger touch gesture.

For instance, as shown inFIG. 5G, in a state that first screen information540has been displayed on the first display151and second screen information530has been displayed on the second display250, if a three-finger touch gesture applied to the second display250is dragged towards the first display151, the second screen information530displayed on the second display250is transmitted to the first display151. That is, the tasks of the memory stack allocated for the second display250are moved to the memory stack of the first display151.

Accordingly, an application corresponding to the first screen information540displayed on the first display151is positioned at a background, and the second screen information530is displayed on the first display151. And a screen of the application which was being executed at the background, or a home screen is displayed on the second display250.

Similarly, as shown inFIG. 5H, in a state that the first screen information540has been displayed on the first display151and the second screen information530has been displayed on the second display250, if a three-finger touch gesture applied to the first display151is dragged towards the second display250, the first screen information540displayed on the first display151is transmitted to the second display250. In this case, the tasks of the memory stack of the first display151are moved to the memory stack allocated for the second display250.

Accordingly, an application corresponding to the second screen information530displayed on the second display250is positioned at a background, and the first screen information540is displayed on the second display250. And a screen of the application which was being executed at the background, or a home screen is displayed on the first display151.

In the present disclosure, implemented was a method for consecutively-viewing a screen by connection of another display device without releasing a coupled state of a multi-screen device by hardware, in a case that said another display device requests for a connection while the multi-screen device is being used.

Here, the multi-screen device includes not only the aforementioned electronic device300having the first and second displays151,250, but also a device capable of displaying multi screens on a plurality of regions divided from each other by a screen division function on one display device.

Thus, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to not only the electronic device300having a plurality of displays, but also a display device for displaying an additional screen by dividing one display.

Generally, an external display object with respect to the multi-screen device cannot support two devices simultaneously. Accordingly, if a new display device is connected in a state that an external display object exists, a screen of the new display device is not visible. That is, an external display object is generated by depending on whether the multi-screen device has been booted/coupled. As a result, there was a problem that a coupled state of the multi-screen device should be released or the multi-screen device should be re-booted, for a connection with a new display device.

Accordingly, in order to solve such a problem, the present disclosure provides a method for consecutively-viewing a screen by connection of another display device without releasing a coupled state of a multi-screen device by hardware, in a case that said another display device requests for a connection while the multi-screen device is being used.

Firstly, referring toFIG. 6A, in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure, if the mobile terminal100is coupled to the case200, and if both of the first display151provided at the mobile terminal100and the second display250provided at the case200are in an activated state, different screens601,602may be displayed on the first and second displays151,250.

In this case, the electronic device300, a multi-screen device generates an external display object with respect to the second display250, by the controller of the mobile terminal100. Here, there is no connection request from another display device, e.g., a third display500.

As shown inFIG. 6B, in a state that the different screens601,602have been displayed on the first and second displays151,250of the electronic device300, a connection request from the third display500may be received.

In this case, in the present disclosure, while the coupled state between the mobile terminal100and the case200is maintained, a software control is performed in response to the connection request from the third display500.

More specifically, the second display250is converted into an inactivated state, based on a release request of a relevant application or a relevant service, without a hardware release of the coupled state. As a result, the screen of the second display250is turned off, and then the power supply to the second display250is interrupted.

Then, the controller of the mobile terminal100removes the external display object with respect to the second display250. And the controller informs a connectable state of the third display500to a relevant application or a relevant service, and generates an external display object with respect to the third display500, based on a connection request received therefrom.

Accordingly, as shown, the same screen602as the screen601displayed on the first display151of the electronic device300is displayed on the third display500.

The terms “coupling”, “combination” and “connection” between devices disclosed in the following descriptions mean a hardware coupling which requires generation of an external display object, which may be used together.

Hereinafter, a method for consecutively-viewing a screen by connection of another screen device in a maintained state of a hardware coupling of a multi-screen device will be explained in more detail with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 7.

Referring toFIG. 7, once the case200having the second display250is coupled to the mobile terminal100having the first display151(701), the controller of the mobile terminal may recognize a coupled state of the second display250(702).

Here, the coupling between the case200having the second display250and the mobile terminal100may include both a wireless connection and a physical wired connection.

For instance, as aforementioned, not only a wireless connection through Keyssa chips provided at the mobile terminal100and the case200, but also a wired connection through wired communication means provided at the mobile terminal100and the case200(e.g., a connector and a connection port), a short-distance wireless communication connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (BT), etc. may be included in the “coupling”.

Next, the controller of the mobile terminal outputs a signal to inform a relevant application of a usable state of the second display250(703). A detailed flow of the outputted signal will be explained in the following descriptions in more detail.

Once the usable state of the second display250is informed, the controller of the mobile terminal100supplies an operation power to the second display250. As a result, the second display250is in a power-on state (704).

That is, in the present disclosure, when the mobile terminal100is coupled to the case200, a power is not immediately supplied to the second display250from the mobile terminal100, but only the coupled state is informed to an internal hierarchical structure.

The reason is as follows.

If a driving power is immediately supplied to the second display250from the mobile terminal100by depending on the “coupling”, an external display object is also generated immediately. As a result, thereafter, it is impossible to additionally connect another display device without releasing the “coupling”.

Thus, in the present disclosure, it is configured that an external display object with respect to the second display250is not generated when the case200having the second display250is coupled to the mobile terminal100.

After the power is supplied to the second display250, a preset screen (e.g., a home screen, an execution screen of a preset application, etc.) is output to the second display250(705).

After supplying the operation power to the second display250, the controller of the mobile terminal100generates an external display object with respect to the second display250, based on a request from a relevant application or a relevant service (706).

That is, a trigger subject for generating an external display object is changed to a software control from the hardware ‘coupling’.

While different screens are being displayed in a coupled state between the mobile terminal100and the second display250and in an activated state of both of the first and second displays151,250, a connection request707from another display device, e.g., the third display500to the electronic device300may be received.

Here, the third display500may include various types of display devices (e.g., a PC device, a smart TV, etc.) connected by an HDMI port, or various means/devices mirror-casted through a mirror link.

In this case, the connection request707from the third display500may be received and recognized by the controller of the mobile terminal100(708).

In response to the connection request, the controller of the mobile terminal100requests power-off to the second display250(709). More specifically, the controller transfers a connection release request by a relevant application or a relevant service to the second display250.

Then, the second display250converts into a power-off state in response to the request (710). Here, the coupling between the mobile terminal100and the case200is maintained (711).

Only in a released state of the power supply to the second display250, the controller of the mobile terminal100removes the generated external display object with respect to the second display250, based on a release request from a relevant application or a relevant service (712).

Then, the controller of the mobile terminal100outputs a signal to inform a relevant application of a usable state of the third display500(713). A detailed flow of the outputted signal will be explained in the following descriptions in more detail.

Once the usable state of the third display500is informed while the coupling of the second display250is maintained, the controller of the mobile terminal100generates an external display object with respect to the third display500, based on a connection request from a relevant application or a relevant service (714).

And a screen corresponding to a connection state to the first display151of the mobile terminal100is output to the third display500(715).

As aforementioned, in the present disclosure, in a coupled state between the mobile terminal having the first display and the case having the second display, a consecutive screen viewing can be performed by connection of another display device, without a physical release. Further, generating and removing an external display object is performed by a software control, without depending on a hardware coupling or connection of the device.

Hereinafter,FIGS. 8, 9A and 9Bshow processes to generate/remove an external display object based on a software control, in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure.

For this, a Kernel Layer, a Hardware Hal Layer, a Framework Layer, and an Application Layer were shown as layers of a software structure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, a structure of a larger number of layers or a smaller number of layers may be implemented.

In the following descriptions, a layer where an external display object is generated is not limited to the layers to be explained, and it should be noted that this is not the gist of the present disclosure.

[FIG. 8, at the Time of Coupling Between the Mobile Terminal and the Case]

Firstly, processes to generate an external display object based on a connection request by a relevant service/application, at the time of a hardware coupling of a multi-screen device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference toFIG. 8.

FIG. 8shows a signal flow between the mobile terminal100and the second display250when the mobile terminal100and the second display250are coupled to each other, and when the second display250is used, in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure.

Once the mobile terminal100and the second display250are coupled to each other (801), an accessory Hal of the mobile terminal100outputs a signal informing a coupled state of the second display250of the case (802).

The signal is transferred to a relevant application/relevant service, through a display power controller. That is, a usable state of the second display250is informed (803).

Next, a power on request with respect to the second display250, from the relevant application/relevant service, is transferred to the display power controller (804).

Then, the display power controller transfers the power on request to the accessory Hal (805). And the accessory Hal which has received the power on request transfers it to a hall IC driver (806).

Then, the hall IC driver applies a power to the second display250.

This is definitely distinguished from the conventional art where if the mobile terminal100and the second display250are coupled to each other (801), a power is immediately applied to the second display250through the hall IC driver of the mobile terminal100. According to the present disclosure, the relevant application and the relevant service of the present disclosure are provided with state information, after a power is supplied to the second display250and an external display object is generated.

Referring toFIG. 8back, if a power is supplied to the second display250, the screen of the second display250is turned on, and a firmware applies an HPD GPIO of a high state (808).

Then, a display port driver recognizes the high state of the HPD GPIO, and then sends a UEvent to a hardware Hal layer (809).

After an SDM receives the Uevent, an external display object is generated, and a hot plug connect callback signal is transmitted (810). A local display adapter receives the callback signal (811).

Next, the local display adapter generates a proxy of the external display object and performs a configuration, and then informs a display manager service (812).

Here, it was explained that the proxy of the external display object is generated at the framework layer, under an assumption of an HDMI connection. However, the generation may be performed at another layer. For instance, in case of a mirror-cast, the proxy of the external display object may be generated at the hardware Hal layer.

Finally, the display manager service transmits state information to a relevant application/relevant service being observed (813). This is definitely distinguished from the conventional art where only final state information is received in a state that a relevant application and a relevant service do not recognize the “coupling”.

In the present disclosure, when the mobile terminal100and the second display250are coupled to each other, an external display object is not generated, but a generable state is informed. As a result, a triggering subject is changed to a software control from a hardware coupling. Accordingly, an external display object is generated when there is a connection request from a relevant application/relevant service.

[FIGS. 9A and 9B, a Physical Release of a Coupling Between the Mobile Terminal and the Case, and a Release by Request]

Hereinafter, processes to remove an external display object when a hardware coupling of a multi-screen device is released physically or by request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B.

Firstly,FIG. 9Ashows a signal flow between the mobile terminal100and the second display250when a coupling between the mobile terminal100and the second display250is released physically, in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9A, if a coupling between the mobile terminal100and the second display250is released (901), the firmware of the second display250changes the high state of the HPD GPIO into a low state (902). This is informed to the display port driver.

The display port driver recognizes the low state of the HPD GPIO, and sends a UEvent to the SDM (903). After the SDM receives the Uevent, the external display object is removed, and a hot plug disconnect callback signal is transmitted (904).

The local display adapter receives the callback signal (905), removes a proxy of the external display object, and transfers it to the display manager service (906).

The display manager service transmits state information to a relevant application/relevant service being observed (907).

In the case that the mobile terminal100and the second display250are physically decoupled from each other, the conventional logic to remove an external display object may be applied effectively.

FIG. 9Bshows a signal flow between the mobile terminal100and the second display250when a connection release is requested in a maintained state of a coupling between the mobile terminal100and the second display250, in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure.

Such a connection release request may be performed under an assumption that the second display250is not used in a maintained state of a coupling of the second display250, or another display device is connected.

Firstly, a display off request with respect to the second display250, from a relevant application/relevant service of the mobile terminal100, is received (911).

Next, the display power controller performs a display off of the second display250, and then requests a power off of the second display250to the accessory Hal (912).

Next, the accessory Hal requests a power off to the hall IC driver (913). Then, the hall IC driver releases a power of the second display250(914).

Once the power of the second display250is turned-off, the firmware of the second display250changes the high state of the HPD GPIO into a low state (915). The state is informed to the display port driver of the mobile terminal100(915).

The display port driver recognizes the low state of the HPD GPIO, and sends a Uevent to the SDM (916).

After receiving the Uevent, the SDM removes the external display object, and transmits the hot plug disconnect callback signal (917). The local display adapter receives the callback signal (918), removes the proxy of the external display object, and sends it to the display manager service (919).

Finally, the display manager service transmits state information to a relevant application/relevant service being observed (920).

As aforementioned, in the present disclosure, an external display object may be removed for a connection to another display device in a seamless manner, if there is a connection request from a relevant application/relevant service, even if there is no physical decoupling.

FIG. 10is a modification embodiment of the electronic device according to the present disclosure, and is a conceptual view for explaining that the aforementioned embodiments are applied to an electronic device where one display is used as a multi-screen.

In case of the aforementioned game pad, a touch event generated from the game pad is applied to not only a screen of the game pad, but also another display where a game screen being played is displayed.

The present disclosure may be applied to an instance that a touch event generated from one screen is transferred to another screen, in a state that the two screens relevant to each other are being displayed on one or two displays.

Thus, as aforementioned above, the present disclosure may be applied to not only an instance that one electronic device is driven as a mobile terminal is mounted to a case having a display, but also an instance that two displays disposed on separated positions are interworked with each other through a wireless/wired connection, when different screens are displayed on a plurality of regions of one display.

Referring toFIG. 10, if different screens have been displayed on an electronic device300′ having one display, it is impossible to view a screen consecutively without an additional DP port, because an external display object is already generated.

However, in the present disclosure, even if an additional DP port is not provided, an external display object is removed by turning off one screen or by stopping a play function, through the aforementioned software control, according to a connection request from another display device.

And a connectable state of another display device is informed to a relevant application/relevant service. Next, an external display object with respect to said another display device is generated, based on a request from the relevant application/relevant service. This may allow a connection of another display device in a seamless manner, without directly turning off or re-booting one screen by a user.

In the mobile terminal and the electronic device having the mobile terminal according to the present disclosure, a screen consecutive viewing can be preformed through a connection of another display device, without a physical connection release, in a coupled state between the mobile terminal having the first display and the case having the second display. Further, generating and removing an external display object is performed by a software control, without depending on a hardware coupling or connection of the device. Thus, additional configurations or components such as a plurality of DP ports are not required.