Portable device and method for controlling the same

A method for controlling a portable device including first and second display units at opposing surfaces of the portable device. The method includes detecting one of a first unlock command for switching a state of the first display unit to an active state and maintaining a state of the second display unit in a locked state or a second unlock command for switching the state of the first display unit to the active state and switching the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state; switching the state of the first display unit to the active state and switching the state of the second display unit to the ready-to-activate state when the second unlock command is detected; detecting an unlock trigger for switching the second display unit, which is in the ready-to-activate state, to the active state; and switching the second display unit, which is in the ready-to-activate state, to the active state according to the detected unlock trigger.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2012/005136, filed on Jun. 28, 2012, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Patent Application No. 10-2012-0051093, filed in the Republic of Korea on May 14, 2012, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable device, and more particularly, to a portable device including double-sided displays and a method for controlling the same.

BACKGROUND ART

As the use of portable devices has increased, users can now use various services such as web surfing and electronic financial transactions as well as communication between individuals and music listening using portable devices. Services, which have been provided through computers, are now also provided through portable devices to allow users to use such services regardless of time and place.

However, since the portable device provides a limited-size display in order to increase portability, there is inconvenience in using various services. Thus, a double-sided-display portable device includes a display unit at the front side and a display unit at the rear side to increase user convenience compared to the conventional portable device. Since the double-sided-display portable device includes two display units, there is a need to provide a method for unlocking a plurality of display units.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a method for controlling a portable device including first and second display units at opposing surfaces of the portable device may include detecting, via a controller of the portable device, one of a first unlock command for switching a state of the first display unit to an active state and maintaining a state of the second display unit in a locked state or a second unlock command for switching the state of the first display unit to the active state and switching the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state, switching, via the controller, the state of the first display unit to the active state and switching the state of the second display unit to the ready-to-activate state when the second unlock command is detected, detecting, via the controller, an unlock trigger for switching the second display unit, which is in the ready-to-activate state, to the active state, and switching, via the controller, the second display unit, which is in the ready-to-activate state, to the active state according to the detected unlock trigger.

In the method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the unlock trigger for the second display unit is generated as the portable device is rotated such that the second display unit faces a user or is generated upon execution of an application that operates in conjunction with the second display unit.

In the method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the portable device is rotated, the switching of the second display unit to the active state includes activating a light emitting element of the second display unit when the portable device has been rotated by a first threshold angle and activating a touch sensor of the second display unit when the portable device has been rotated by a second threshold angle that is equal to or greater than the first threshold angle.

The method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment may further include deactivating at least one of a light emitting element and a touch sensor of the first display unit when the portable device rotates.

In the method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the application that operates in conjunction with the second display unit is executed, the switching of the second display unit to the active state includes activating at least one of a light emitting element and a touch sensor of the second display unit according to control of the application.

In the method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment the first display unit faces a user and the second display unit faces the opposite direction of the first display unit.

In the method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the unlock trigger may be detected through at least one of a touch sensor, a gravity sensor, a motion sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, and a brightness sensor.

In the method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second unlock command is detected simultaneously by a touch sensor of the first display unit and a touch sensor of the second display unit.

In the method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first unlock command and the second unlock command are determined based on touch region detected by a touch sensor of the first display unit.

The method for controlling the portable device according to an embodiment may further include displaying content on the first display unit and displaying detailed content on the second display unit associated with the content displayed on the first display unit, when the unlock trigger for the second display unit is detected.

In another aspect of the present invention, a portable device may include a first and a second display units at opposing surfaces of the portable device configured to display content and a controller configured to detect one of a first unlock command for switching a state of the first display unit to an active state and maintaining a state of the second display unit in a locked state or a second unlock command for switching the state of the first display unit to the active state and switching the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state, switch the state of the first display unit to the active state and switch the state of the second display unit to the ready-to-activate state when the second unlock command is detected, detect an unlock trigger for switching the second display unit, which is in the ready-to-activate state, to the active state, and switch the second display unit, which is in the ready-to-activate state, to the active state according to the detected unlock trigger.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the unlock trigger for the second display unit is generated as the portable device is rotated such that the second display unit faces a user or is generated upon execution of an application that operates in conjunction with the second display unit.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein, when the portable device is rotated, the switching of the second display unit to the active state includes the controller activating a light emitting element of the second display unit when the portable device has been rotated by a first threshold angle and activating a touch sensor of the second display unit when the portable device has been rotated by a second threshold angle that is equal to or greater than the first threshold angle.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first display unit includes at least one of a light emitting element and a touch sensor, and the controller is further configured to deactivate said at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit when the portable device rotates.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein, when the application that operates in conjunction with the second display unit is executed, the switching of the second display unit to the active state includes the controller activating at least one of a light emitting element and a touch sensor of the second display unit according to control of the application.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first display unit faces a user and the second display unit faces the opposite direction of the first display unit.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the unlock trigger is detected through at least one of a touch sensor, a gravity sensor, a motion sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, and a brightness sensor.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is further configured to detect the second unlock command by a simultaneously touching of a touch sensor of the first display unit and a touch sensor of the second display unit.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first unlock command and the second unlock command are determined based on touch region detected by a touch sensor of the first display unit.

In the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein when the controller detects the unlock trigger for the second display unit, the controller is further configured to display detailed content on the second display unit associated with the content displayed on the first display unit.

According to the present invention, the portable device can prevent unnecessary power consumption or erroneous operation caused by unintended touch input.

According to the present invention, even when the user has not performed an individual unlock operation for each of the plurality of display units, the portable device can unlock each display unit or to simultaneously unlock the plurality of display units corresponding to user's intention.

According to the present invention, the portable device can prevent erroneous operation caused by unintended touch when the user rotates the portable device in order to use the rear display unit of the portable device.

According to the present invention, the portable device can prevent unnecessary power consumption by switching at least one of the display units to a ready-to-activate state.

According to the present invention, the portable device can display content and detailed content simultaneously on first and second display units at opposing surfaces of the portable device, and therefore the portable device can provide the user with the detailed content associated with the content displayed on the first display unit while allowing the user to continuously use the content displayed on the first display unit.

According to the present invention, the portable device can display the same content on display units at opposing surfaces of the portable device and therefore it is possible to share the content with another user who is located opposite the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Although embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and information written on the drawings, the present invention is not limited or restricted by the embodiments.

Although most terms of elements in the present invention have been selected from general ones widely used in the art taking into consideration functions thereof in the invention, the terms may be changed depending on the intention or convention of those skilled in the art or the introduction of new technology. Some terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant and their meanings are explained in detail in the following description as needed. Thus, the definitions of the terms used in the invention should be determined based on the overall content of this specification together with the intended meanings of the terms rather than their simple names or meanings.

A display unit included in the portable device displays content, an application, or the like to the user. The portable device of the present invention may include display units respectively on the front and rear surfaces of the portable device. A display unit located at the user side may be referred to as a first display unit and a display unit located at the opposite side may be referred to as a second display unit, regardless of whether the display unit is provided on the front or rear surface of the portable device. In other words, the portable device including the first display unit and the second display unit at opposing surfaces of the portable device, the first display unit faces a user and the second display unit faces the opposite direction of the first display unit. The portable device of the present invention may include a flexible display unit and may also include a flexible display unit that is folded to be provided on both surfaces of the portable device. In this case, a portion of the folded flexible display that is provided at the user side may be referred to as a first display unit and a portion thereof provided at the opposite side may be referred to as a second display unit.

The portable device of the present invention may switch states of each display unit through an unlock command or an unlock trigger and the state of the display unit may be switched from one of the three states, a locked state, a ready-to-activate state, and an active state, to another state.

The term “locked state” refers to a state in which the display unit is inactive and at least one of a light emitting element and a touch sensor of the display unit is inactive. When the display unit is in a locked state, the portable device cannot provide an application or content to the user through the display unit. However, the portable device may partially activate the touch sensor or the light emitting element of the display unit in order to detect an unlock command input by the user or to inform the user of how to input an unlock command.

The term “ready-to-activate state” refers to a standby state before the display unit switches to an active state. When the portable device has detected an unlock command, the portable device may not switch the display unit directly to an active state but may instead switch the display unit to a ready-to-activate state and then switch the display unit from the ready-to-activate state to an active state when the portable device has additionally detected an unlock trigger. That is, when the display unit is in the ready-to-activate state, the portable device may switch the display unit to an active state through an unlock trigger alone even when an unlock command has not been given, unlike when the display unit is in the locked state.

When the display unit is in the ready-to-activate state, at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the display unit is inactive. In the ready-to-activate state, the portable device is in a state before providing an application or content to the user through the display unit, similar to the locked state. However, the portable device may partially activate the touch sensor or the light emitting element of the display unit in order to detect an unlock trigger input by the user or to inform the user of how to input an unlock trigger.

The term “active state” refers to a state in which the display unit is active. When the display unit is switched to the active state, the portable device may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the display unit. The term “light emitting element” may refer to a device for emitting light which can change luminance of the display unit. For example, the light emitting element may include a self-emissive diode included in a display unit such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED). In addition, when the light emitting element is not a self-emissive display, the light emitting element may include a backlight provided in the display unit.

The portable device may sense user touch, display content, or execute an application using at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor which has been activated.

FIG. 1illustrates state switching of the portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1, circular nodes represent a locked state1, a ready-to-activate state3, and an active state5of the display unit. Each arrow above the nodes indicates state switching of the first display unit and each arrow below the nodes indicates state switching of the second display unit which is located at the opposite side to the first display unit.

In the portable device of the present invention, the second display unit may be located at the opposite side of the portable device to the user such that the second display unit may not be exposed to the eyes of the user. Thus, the second display unit may be unnecessarily activated, causing unnecessary power consumption. In addition, when the portable device is gripped by the user, activation of a touch sensor of the second display unit may cause erroneous operation by unintended touch. Accordingly, when an unlock command is detected, the portable device of the present invention may switch the state of the second display unit to the ready-to-activate state rather than immediately switching the same to the active state. Thereafter, when an unlock trigger for the second display unit is detected, the portable device may switch the state of the second display unit to the active state.

The portable device of the present invention can discriminate and detect a plurality of unlock commands and may perform state switching of the display unit differently according to each unlock command. The following is a description of state switching of the display units according to each unlock command.

FIG. 1aillustrates state switching of the display units associated with an unlock command when the state of the first display unit is switched from the locked state1to the active state5and the state of the second display unit is maintained in the locked state1. The first display unit may be switched from the locked state1to the active state5and at least one of a light emitting element and a touch sensor of the first display unit may be activated. The second display unit may be maintained in the locked state1and a light emitting element and a touch sensor of the second display unit may be maintained in the current states. Accordingly, forFIG. 1a, the portable device may display and provide content to the user and execute and provide an application to the user using the first display unit.

FIG. 1billustrates state switching of the display units associated with an unlock command when the states of the first display unit and the second display unit are switched from the locked state1to the active state5.

The first display unit and the second display unit may be switched from the locked state1to the active state5and at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of each of the first display unit and the second display unit may be activated. Accordingly, the portable device may display and provide content to the user and execute and provide an application to the user using the first display unit and the second display unit. However, the first and second display units cannot be simultaneously exposed to the eyes of the user since the first and second display units are directed in opposite directions. Accordingly, when both the first and second display units are activated through one unlock command, one of the first and second display units, which is not exposed to the eyes of the user, may unnecessarily consume power or may cause erroneous operation by unintended touch.

FIG. 1cillustrates state switching of the display units associated with an unlock command when the state of the first display unit is switched from the locked state1to the active state5and the state of the second display unit is switched from the locked state1to the ready-to-activate state3.

The first display unit may be switched from the locked state1to the active state5and at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit may be activated. As described above, the portable device may display and provide content to the user and execute and provide an application to the user using the first display unit. At least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit which has been switched to the ready-to-activate state3is in an inactive state. Here, similar to the locked state, the portable device is in a state before providing an application or content to the user through the second display unit. However, unlike the locked state, the portable device is in a state in which the portable device can be switched to an active state when an unlock command is detected. The portable device may partially activate the light emitting element or the touch sensor of the second display unit in order to detect an unlock trigger or to inform the user of how to input an unlock trigger.

FIG. 2illustrates an unlock command of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 2aillustrates a situation in which a command to unlock the first display unit, which is in a locked state, is input through one slide bar located at the first display unit. The portable device10can discriminate a plurality of unlock commands based on a region where a user touch input is detected. That is, the portable device10may identify and detect one of the three unlock commands described above with reference toFIG. 1.

In the following, an unlock command which is to switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and to maintain the state of the second display unit in a locked state is defined as a first unlock command. In addition, an unlock command which is to switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and to switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state is defined as a second unlock command. Further, an unlock command which is to switch the states of the first and second display units to an active state is defined as a third unlock command.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable device can determine whether the unlock command is the first unlock command, the second unlock command, or the third unlock command according to a region where touch input is detected. The following is a description of an embodiment associated with the first and second unlock commands. Of course, the following embodiment can be extended to the third unlock command.

When an unlock tab12located in a dotted portion inFIG. 2ais moved only to the center of the slide bar through touch input (as denoted by “14” inFIG. 2a), the portable device may determine that the input command is the first unlock command and may then switch the state of the first display unit to an active state. The portable device10may provide an application using the first display unit which is in an active state and the second display unit may be maintained in a locked state.

When the unlock tab12located in a dotted portion inFIG. 2ais moved to near a right boundary of the slide bar through touch input (as denoted by “16” inFIG. 2a), the portable device may determine that the input command is the second unlock command and may then switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state. This allows the portable device10to switch the state of the second display unit to an active state upon detection of an unlock trigger while providing an application and content through the first display unit.

FIG. 2billustrates a method for detecting an unlock command using two slides located on the first display unit. When an unlock tab12-1located in a dotted portion of the upper slide bar is slid through touch input (as denoted by “14”), the portable device may determine that the input command is the first unlock command and may then switch the state of the first display unit to an active state. The portable device10may provide an application using the first display unit that is in an active state. Here, the second display unit may be maintained in a locked state.

When the unlock tab12-2located in a dotted portion of the lower slide bar inFIG. 2bis slid through touch input (as denoted by “16” inFIG. 2b), the portable device10may determine that the input command is the second unlock command and may then switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state. This allows the portable device10to switch the state of the second display unit to an active state upon detection of an unlock trigger while providing an application and content through the first display unit. The unlock trigger will be described later in detail with reference toFIG. 5.

Next,FIG. 3illustrates an unlock command of a portable device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The portable device10according to an embodiment of the present invention may identify and detect the position and direction of a touch input from the user and may execute an unlock command corresponding to the detected position and direction. The portable device10may display a position-variable unlock tab adaptively according to a touch input of the user. In more detail, when the user touches a left region of the slide bar as shown inFIG. 3a, the portable device may generate an unlock tab18-1in the left region of the slide bar. When the unlock tab18-1is slid to the right region through touch input, the portable device may identify this as the first unlock command and may switch the state of the first display unit to an active state. The portable device may provide content, an application, or the like using the first display unit. Here, the second display unit may be maintained in a locked state.

When the user touches a right region of the slide bar as shown inFIG. 3b, an unlock tab18-2may be generated in the right region of the slide bar. When the unlock tab18-2is slid to the left region through touch input, the portable device may identify this as the second unlock command and may switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state. The first display unit which is in an active state may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit. The leftward and rightward unlock directions of the position-variable unlock tabs described above may be reversed and the rightward and leftward sliding directions of the position-variable unlock tab, which define the first and second unlock commands, may also be reversed according to an embodiment. That is, the portable device may detect an unlock command as the second unlock command when the unlock command is input in a rightward direction as shown inFIG. 3aand may detect an unlock command as the first unlock command when the unlock command is input in a leftward direction as shown inFIG. 3b.

Accordingly, the portable device10of the present invention may identify and detect the direction of a touch input of the user and may switch only the first display unit to an active state or may switch the first display unit to an active state and switch the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state according to the detected direction.

In addition, in the example ofFIGS. 3aand 3b, when the portable device10simultaneously detects a touch input on the unlock tab18-1displayed on the first display unit and a touch input on a corresponding region of the second display unit which is located at the opposite side to the unlock tab18-1and then detects that the unlock tab18-1is slid to the right region through the touch input as described above, the portable device may identify this as the second unlock command regardless of the sliding direction of the unlock touch input. For example, this corresponds to when the user performs an unlock touch input on each of the first display unit and the second display unit using a thumb and an index finger with the same hand form as shown inFIGS. 3aand3b.

That is, the portable device10may detect an unlock touch input as the first unlock command when the unlock touch input is detected only on the first display unit and may detect an unlock touch input as the second unlock command when the unlock touch input is simultaneously detected on the first and second display units, regardless of the sliding direction of the unlock touch input.

FIG. 4illustrates a locked state, a ready-to-activate state, and an active state of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 4aillustrates when a touch sensor of a first display unit21of a portable device10senses an unlock command such that the state of the first display unit21is switched to an active state and the state of the second display unit22is maintained in a locked state or a ready-to-activate state. That is, this is when the first unlock command or the second unlock command described above with reference toFIG. 2is detected. The light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit21may be activated to sense user touch or to display content and execute an application.

The portable device10may maintain at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit22, which is in a locked state or a ready-to-activate state, in an inactive state. That is, the portable device10may activate only the light emitting element of the second display unit while maintaining the touch sensor in an inactive state or may activate only the touch sensor while maintaining the light emitting element in an inactive state. The portable device10may also maintain both the light emitting element and the touch sensor in an inactive state.

Accordingly, the portable device10can reduce power consumed by the second display unit22, thereby achieving power saving effects. The portable device10can also prevent detection of an unintended touch input by the touch sensor of the second display unit22.

FIG. 4billustrates when the states of the first and second display units21and22are switched to an active state. When the portable device10has detected an unlock trigger after detecting the second unlock command or has detected the third unlock command, the state of each of the first and second display units21and22is switched to an active state. Unlock trigger types will be described later in detail with reference toFIG. 5.

When the first and second display units21and22are in an active state, icons of applications may be arranged on the first and second display units21and22and each of the display units may sense user touch or display content and may execute an application. According to an embodiment of the present invention, different icons may be displayed and arranged on the first and second display units21and22at positions preset by the user.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the same icons may be displayed on the first and second display units. Accordingly, when the front and rear surfaces of the portable device10are identical such that it is difficult to discriminate between the front and rear surfaces, the portable device10can provide the same user environment, regardless of whether the user uses the first display unit or the second display unit.

Next,FIG. 5illustrates an unlock trigger according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, when the second unlock command is detected, the portable device of the present invention may switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state and may then switch the state of the second display unit to an active state when an unlock trigger for the second display unit is detected. Here, the unlock trigger may be a trigger for switching a display unit, which is in a ready-to-activate state, to an active state.

In an example ofFIG. 5a, the portable device10may detect rotation, movement, overturning, or the like and may identify such rotation, movement, or overturning as an unlock trigger. When the portable device10is rotated, moved, or overturned such that the second display unit faces the user, the portable device10may detect such rotation, movement, or overturning as an unlock trigger and may then switch the state of the second display unit to an active state. Detection of the unlock trigger may be performed using at least one of a touch sensor, a gravity sensor, a motion sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, and a brightness sensor. Switching of a display unit to an active state may include activating at least one of a light emitting element and a touch sensor of the display unit.

However, while the portable device10detects rotation, the portable device10may deactivate at least one of a light emitting element and a touch sensor of each of the first and second display units. In this instance, even when an unlock trigger is detected, the portable device may temporarily deactivate each touch sensor to prevent detection of a touch input unintended by the user while the portable device is rotating. Here, the portable device10may deactivate the touch sensors of the first and second display units at different times.

In addition, when the portable device rotates, the portable device may deactivate a display unit that is not exposed to the eyes of the user. That is, inFIG. 5a, the portable device may deactivate the first display unit21to achieve power saving effects since the first display unit21is not exposed to the eyes of the user due to rotation of the portable device. When the portable device rotates, the light emitting element of the second display unit22may be activated to provide corresponding information to the user. That is, upon detecting rotation of the portable device, the portable device may activate the light emitting element of the second display unit to provide corresponding information to the user. The portable device may activate the touch sensor of the second display unit after the portable device completes rotation.

FIG. 5billustrates a method for detecting a touch input performed for a first display unit as an unlock trigger. The portable device10may display an unlock interface30for switching the state of the second display unit to an active state on a specific region of the first display unit21. A touch input performed on the unlock interface30may be detected as an unlock trigger for switching the state of the second display unit to an active state. When a touch input performed on the unlock interface30is detected, the portable device10may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit to switch the state of the second display unit to an active state.

When the state of the second display unit has been switched to an active state, the displayed unlock interface30may be used as a lock interface. When a touch input performed on the unlock interface30is detected after the second display unit is activated, the portable device10may switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state. Accordingly, the portable device10may deactivate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit.

Next,FIG. 6illustrates a method for performing unlocking according to rotation of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above with reference toFIG. 5a, the portable device10may detect rotation, movement, overturning, or the like and may identify such rotation, movement, or overturning as an unlock trigger. In the example ofFIG. 6, when the portable device10has detected a second unlock command before the portable device10rotates, the portable device10may switch the state of the first display unit21to an active state and may switch the state of the second display unit22to a ready-to-activate state. When rotation is detected, the portable device10may identify the detected rotation as an unlock trigger for the second display unit22and may then switch the state of the second display unit22to an active state.

The portable device10may sequentially perform state switching of the second display unit22according to the rotated angle. Specifically, the portable device10may activate the light emitting element of the second display unit22when the rotated angle is a first threshold angle and may activate the touch sensor of the second display unit22when the rotated angle is a second threshold angle. Here, the second threshold angle may be equal to or greater than the first threshold angle.

If the first threshold angle is stored as 45 degrees and the second threshold angle is stored as 180 degrees in the portable device10, the light emitting element of the second display unit22may be activated when the portable device has been rotated by 45 degrees and the touch sensor of the second display unit22may be activated when the portable device has been rotated by 180 degrees. In this manner, the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit22may be activated at different times.

Through such operations, the portable device10can preferentially activate the light emitting element of the second display unit22to continuously provide content to the user and can thereafter activate the touch sensor of the second display unit22to prevent erroneous operation caused by unintended touch input. Since the first display unit21is hidden from the eyes of user as the portable device10rotates, the first display unit21may switch the state of the first display unit21to a ready-to-activate state.

The portable device10may deactivate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit21according to the rotated angle. The light emitting element of the first display unit21may be deactivated to reduce power consumption and the touch sensor may be deactivated to prevent erroneous operation caused by unintended touch input.

The portable device10may sequentially perform state switching of the first display unit21to a ready-to-activate state according to the rotated angle. That is, the touch sensor of the first display unit21may be deactivated when the rotated angle is a third threshold angle and the light emitting element of the first display unit21may be deactivated when the rotated angle is a fourth threshold angle. Here, the fourth threshold angle may be equal to or greater than the third threshold angle.

Through such operations, the portable device10can preferentially deactivate the touch sensor of the first display unit21to prevent erroneous operation caused by unintended touch input. In addition, the first display unit21may be deactivated to reduce power consumption, thereby achieving power saving effects. Switching of the first display unit21to a ready-to-activate state may be optional and may not be applied to the portable device according to an implementation method thereof.

FIG. 7illustrates an unlock trigger according to another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 7aillustrates a method for detecting touch input sensed by the touch sensor of the second display unit as an unlock trigger.

In order to use a touch input performed on the second display unit as an unlock trigger, the portable device10may activate the touch sensor of the second display unit which is in a ready-to-activate state. Accordingly, the touch sensor of the second display unit may be activated to detect a touch input performed on the second display unit as an unlock trigger.

The portable device10may activate the touch sensor only on a specific portion of the second display unit taking into consideration the grip form of the user and may sense a touch input performed on the specific portion through the touch sensor and detect the touch input as an unlock trigger. A touch input identified as an unlock trigger may include a specific pattern such that the state of the second display unit may be switched to an active state only when the identified touch input pattern matches a specific pattern stored in the portable device.

The portable device10may activate the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit when the state of the second display unit has been switched to an active state. The portable device may activate the touch sensor on an entire area of the second display unit including the specific portion described above.

FIG. 7billustrates a method for detecting a command to execute an application as an unlock trigger. The portable device10may detect a command to execute an application as an unlock trigger. An application31included in the portable device10may use double-sided display units. That is, when the application31is executed, the portable device10may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit in conjunction with the first display unit. The portable device10may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit according to control of the application. An embodiment of this method will be described below with reference toFIG. 8.

When the application is terminated, the portable device10may deactivate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit which have been activated. That is, the state of the second display unit may be switched to a ready-to-activate state. Through this method, it is possible to selectively switch the second display unit to an active state or to a ready-to-activate state as the application is executed and terminated.

The portable device10may detect user gesture or voice as well as the unlock trigger described above as an unlock trigger or may detect clicking on a hardware button or a touch input performed by a stylus as an unlock trigger.

FIG. 8illustrates a method for detecting a command to execute a camera application as an unlock trigger according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the camera application included in the portable device10is executed, the portable device10may detect execution of the camera application as an unlock trigger and switch the state of the second display unit to an active state. Accordingly, at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit may be activated.

The portable device may display a subject33on the first display unit21which faces a user32which is a photographer to allow the user32to check a preview image of a photograph of the subject in real time. The portable device10may also display the subject33on the second display unit22whose light emitting element has been activated to allow the subject33to check a preview image of their own figure through the second display unit22. Accordingly, both the person32which takes a photograph and the subject33whose photograph is to be taken can simultaneously check the preview image to allow them to take a photograph having a desired composition. The portable device10may activate the touch sensor of the second display unit22that has been activated to allow the subject33to take their own photograph through touch input. That is, the subject33may check their own figure through the second display unit22and touch the second display unit22to take a photograph at a desired composition and timing.

Next,FIG. 9illustrates content that is displayed through an unlock trigger according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example ofFIG. 9a, when the state of the second display unit22has been switched to an active state through an unlock trigger, the portable device10may display the same content as that displayed on the first display unit21on the second display unit22. For example, upon detecting an unlock trigger while a text message is displayed on the first display unit21, the portable device10may display the same text message on the second display unit22.

This operation may be used when a user, who is using content through the first display unit21, desires to share the content with another user at the opposite side. That is, the portable device10may display the same content on the first and second display units21and22to provide the same content to a plurality of users. Accordingly, the portable device10can continuously provide content to a user who is using content through the first display unit21while simultaneously providing the content to another user, with whom the user desires to share the content, through the second display unit22.

In an example ofFIG. 9b, when the second display unit22has been activated through an unlock trigger, the portable device10may display detailed content linked with content displayed on the first display unit21on the second display unit22.

For example, this operation is performed when the user has selected specific content40, which is linked with detailed content, on a webpage displayed on the first display unit21. When the user has selected the specific content40, the portable device10may display the detailed content linked with the specific content40. When an unlock trigger is detected after the detailed content is displayed on the first display unit21, the portable device10may display the detailed content on the second display unit22. When the detailed content is moved to and displayed on the second display unit22, the portable device10may again display the webpage, which was being displayed before the detailed content, on the first display unit21.

If the second display unit22is in an active state when the user selects the specific content40, the portable device10may directly display the detailed content linked with the specific content40on the second display unit22rather than displaying the detailed content on the first display unit21.

Since the portable device10displays the detailed content, which is linked with the specific content40on the webpage displayed on the first display unit21, on the second display unit22as described above, there is an advantage in that it is possible to use the detailed content through the second display unit22while allowing the webpage to be continuously used through the first display unit21.

FIG. 10illustrates content that is displayed through an unlock trigger according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the example ofFIG. 10a, when the state of the second display unit22has been switched from an active state through an unlock trigger, the portable device10may display content associated with content displayed on the first display unit21on the second display unit22.

For example, this operation is performed when the portable device10reproduces multimedia content on the first display unit21. The portable device10may download information associated with the multimedia content through a network and display the downloaded information on the second display unit22. The portable device10may extract data associated with the multimedia content that is being reproduced from data stored in the portable device10and may display the extracted data on the second display unit22. This allows the portable device10to provide additional information associated with the multimedia content to the user through the second display unit22while continuously reproducing the multimedia content through the first display unit21.

When a movie is being played on the first display unit21of the portable device10, additional information such as information regarding actors in the movie, information regarding a director, information regarding other movies of the same director, information regarding soundtrack, information regarding film series of the movie, information regarding a producer, information regarding a production company, and information regarding film locations may be displayed on the second display unit22.

When music is being played on the first display unit21of the portable device10, additional information such as information regarding a composer and a lyric writer, information regarding a singer, information regarding other albums of the singer, information regarding other content using the music, and information regarding an album that contains the music may be displayed on the second display unit22.

Since the portable device10displays content associated with multimedia content, which is being viewed by the user, on the second display unit22, there is an advantage in that it is possible to additional information to the user.

In the example ofFIG. 10b, the portable device10may control the second display unit22independently of the first display unit21when the state of the second display unit22has been switched to an active state through an unlock trigger. For example, in the example ofFIG. 10b, the portable device10may display a calendar on the first display unit21and may display a map application on the second display unit22. The portable device10may control the first display unit21and the second display unit22independently of each other. This allows the user to independently execute two applications, which low relevance with each other, on the respective display units.

When the two applications are independently executed on the respective display units, a series of processes are performed in the following manner. When the portable device10has detected a second unlock command, the portable device10may switch the state of the first display unit21to an active state and switch the state of the second display unit22to a ready-to-activate state. The portable device10may provide an application through the first display unit21. Then, when an unlock trigger is detected, the portable device10may switch the state of the second display unit22to an active state. The portable device10may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit22. Here, the portable device10may arrange application icons on the second display unit22as shown inFIG. 4band may execute a selected application on the second display unit22to provide the application to the second display unit22independently of an application executed on the first display unit21.

Thus, the portable device can improve user convenience by providing two independent display units to the user in the above manner.

Next,FIG. 11is a block diagram of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 11, the portable device includes a storage unit101, a communication unit102, a sensor unit103, an audio input/output unit104, a camera unit105, a display unit106, a power unit107, a processor108, and a controller109.

The storage unit101may store various digital data such as video, audio, photographs, moving images, and applications. The storage unit101may be various digital data storage spaces such as a flash memory, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD). The portable device of the present invention may extract content associated with content displayed on the first display unit and display the extracted content on the second display unit. The storage unit101may be an optional element depending on the design of the portable device.

The communication unit102may perform communication and data transmission/reception with the outside of the portable device using various protocols. The communication unit102may connect to an external network by wire or wirelessly to transmit and/or receive digital data. The portable device of the present invention may receive content associated with content displayed on the first display unit through a network and display the received content on the second display unit. The communication unit102may be an optional element depending on the design of the portable device.

The sensor unit103may deliver an environment detected by the portable device or a user input sensed using a plurality of sensors provided on the portable device to the controller109. The sensor unit103may include a plurality of sensing means. In an embodiment, the plurality of sensing means may include sensing means such as a gravity sensor, a geo-magnetic sensor, a motion sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, a brightness sensor, an altitude sensor, a smell sensor, a temperature sensor, a depth sensor, a pressure sensor, a bending sensor, an audio sensor, a video sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, and a touch sensor. In the present invention, the sensor unit103may detect an unlock command and an unlock trigger to unlock the first display unit and the second display unit as described above with reference toFIG. 6. The sensor unit103may sense rotation of the portable device or a touch input through a display unit and may deliver the sensing result to the controller109. The sensors described above may be included as individual elements in the portable device or may be integrated into at least one element and may then be included in the portable device.

The audio input/output unit104may include an audio output means such as a speaker and an audio input unit such as a microphone and may perform audio output from the portable device and audio input to the portable device. The audio input/output unit104may be used as an audio sensor. In the portable device of the present invention, the audio input/output unit may be an optional element.

The camera unit105may perform still and moving image capture and may be optionally provided according to an embodiment. The camera unit105may be used as a visual sensor or the motion sensor described above. The portable device may detect an unlock command using the camera until105. The camera unit105may identify biometric information of the user, which may include the face, fingerprint, and iris of the user. In the portable device of the present invention, the camera unit105may be an optional element.

The display unit106may output an image to a screen. The display unit106may be used as the touch sensor described above when the display unit is a touch sensitive display. Accordingly, the display unit106may detect user input on the display unit106and may deliver the detected user input to the controller109. The display unit106may function to display an image on a display panel or to control image display. The portable device of the present invention may include a plurality of display units106. The display units106may be located at both surfaces of the portable device and may be divided into a first display unit located on the portable device at the user side and a second display unit located at the opposite side. The display units106may include a flexible display.

The power unit107may be a battery provided in the portable device or a power supply unit connected to an external power source and may supply power to the portable device. In the portable device of the present invention, the power unit may be an optional element. The processor108may execute various applications stored in the storage unit101and may process data in the portable device.

The controller109may control the units of the portable device and manage data transmission and reception between the units. The processor108and the controller109may be included in one chip110and may perform the operations described above in conjunction with each other. In this instance, the chip110may be referred to as a controller109. In the present invention, when an unlock command is detected, the controller109may switch the state of each of the first display unit and the second display unit to one of a locked state, a ready-to-activate state, and an active state according to the detected unlock command.

InFIG. 11, which is a block diagram of the portable device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the separate blocks show the elements of the portable device as logically separated elements. Thus, the elements of the portable device may be provided as one chip or a plurality of chips according to the design of the portable device.

FIG. 12illustrates a method for unlocking a display unit of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The portable device according to the present invention may detect an unlock command (S10). As described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, the portable device may identify and detect an unlock command. The portable device may detect an unlock command using the sensor unit or the camera unit and the detected unlock command may be provided to and executed by the controller. Such detection using the sensor unit may be performed using the motion sensor or the touch sensor of the display unit of the portable device. Detection using the sensor unit may be performed using a gravity sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, and a brightness sensor. Detection using the camera unit may be performed by identifying biometric information of the user through the camera unit. Here, the biometric information may include face, fingerprint, and iris information.

The portable device may determine whether the unlock command is the first unlock command, the second unlock command, or the third unlock command based on a display region where a touch input has been detected. When the second unlock command is detected, the portable device may switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state as described above with reference toFIG. 4a(S20). When the first display unit is in an active state, at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit may be activated according to an embodiment. The portable device may execute an application or provide content to the user using the first display unit that is in an active state.

The portable device may switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state. Accordingly, the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit may be maintained in an inactive state.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the portable device has detected a touch input on the second display unit as an unlock trigger, the portable device may activate the touch sensor of the second display unit which is a ready-to-activate state only for a specific portion of the second display unit as described above with reference toFIG. 7a.

The portable device may detect an unlock trigger for the second display unit after switching the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state (S30). The ready-to-activate state may include rotation, movement, overturning, or the like of the portable device as described above with reference toFIGS. 5 to 8. These motions may be detected using at least one of the touch sensor, the gravity sensor, the motion sensor, the gyro sensor, the acceleration sensor, the inclination sensor, and the brightness sensor. A touch input on a displayed unlock interface, a touch input on a specific portion of the second display unit, execution of an application that operates in conjunction with the second display unit, or the like may be detected as an unlock trigger.

When an unlock trigger is detected, the portable device may switch the state of the second display unit to an active state (S40). The portable device may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit.

In the step of detecting an unlock trigger, when rotation of the portable device is detected as an unlock trigger, the portable device may sequentially perform activation of the second display unit according to the rotated angle. That is, the portable device may activate the light emitting element of the second display unit when the rotated angle is a first threshold angle and activate the touch sensor of the second display unit when the rotated angle is a second threshold angle. Here, the second threshold angle may be equal to or greater than the first threshold angle. The portable device may switch the state of the first display unit to a ready-to-activate state while activating the second display unit. That is, the portable device may deactivate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit. This allows the portable device to reduce unnecessary power consumption by the first display unit and erroneous operation caused by unintended touch.

In the step of detecting an unlock trigger, when execution of an application that operates in conjunction with the second display unit is detected as an unlock trigger, the portable device may switch the state of the second display unit to an active state upon execution of the application. In this case, the portable device may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit and the second display unit may be maintained in an active state while the application is executed. When the application is terminated, the portable device may switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state and deactivate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the second display unit.

As described above with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, content identical to or associated with content displayed on the first display unit may be displayed on the second display unit which is in an active state and the associated content may be extracted from the portable device or may be received through a network and may then be displayed on the second display unit. In another embodiment, the portable device may control the second display unit independently of the first display unit and may display two applications or content items, which have low relevance with each other, respectively on the first and second display units.

Since the portable device of the present invention switches the state of the second display unit to an active state according to an unlock trigger after switching the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state in response to an unlock command as described above, there is an advantage in that it is possible to achieve power saving and to prevent erroneous operation caused by unintended touch input.

FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching the state of a display unit of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The portable device of the present invention may detect an unlock command (S100). The unlock command may be detected through the sensor unit of the camera unit of the portable device when the first and second display units are in a locked state. The unlock command may be detected not only using the touch input based method described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3but may also be detected by sensing voice or gesture of the user or by sensing a motion of the portable device.

The portable device identifies the detected unlock command (S105). As described above with reference toFIG. 1, the unlock command may be one of the first unlock command which is to switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and to maintain the state of the second display unit, which is at the opposite side to the first display unit, in a locked state, the second unlock command which is to switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and to switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state, and the third unlock command which is to switch the states of the first and second display units to an active state.

When the detected unlock command is the first unlock command, the portable device may switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and maintain the state of the second display unit in a locked state (S110). The portable device may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit (S115). The portable device may provide content or execute an application using the first display unit which is an active state. In this case, the portable device does not activate the second display unit, which is in a locked state, even when an unlock trigger is detected.

When the detected unlock command is the second unlock command, the portable device may switch the state of the first display unit to an active state and switch the state of the second display unit to a ready-to-activate state (S120). The portable device may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of the first display unit (S125). When the second display unit is in a ready-to-activate state, the second display unit may be switched to an active state upon detection of an unlock trigger and cannot provide an application or content. However, the second display unit may display a guide message regarding an unlock trigger or may detect a touch input in order to detect an unlock trigger according to an embodiment.

The portable device may detect an unlock trigger for the second display unit which is in a ready-to-activate state (S130). The unlock trigger may be detected by sensing rotation, movement, or overturning of the portable device as described above with reference toFIGS. 5 to 8. The unlock trigger may also be detected by sensing a touch input on the first display unit or the second display unit and may also be detected through a command to execute an application which uses both the first and second display units.

When the unlock trigger is detected, the portable device may switch the second display unit from a ready-to-activate state to an active state (S135). The second display unit which is in an active state may display content associated with content displayed on the first display unit as described above with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10. For example, the second display unit may display the same content as that displayed on the first display unit, display detailed content linked with the content of the first display unit, or display information associated with multimedia content that is being reproduced on the first display unit.

In another embodiment, the second display unit may display content independently of the first display unit. The second display unit may arrange and display icons of applications when the second display unit is in an active state and may display an application executed by the user among the applications. In this manner, the second display unit may display content or an application independently of the first display unit.

When the detected unlock command is the third unlock command, the portable device may switch the state of each of the first display unit and the second display unit to an active state (S145). The portable device may activate at least one of the light emitting element and the touch sensor of each of the first and second display units (S150). The portable device may provide content or execute an application using the first and second display units which are in an active state.

As described above, the portable device of the present invention can identify an unlock command and may switch the state of each of the first and second display units differently according to the identified unlock command. In addition, since the state of the second display unit is sequentially switched from a locked state to a ready-to-activate state and an active state, there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption or erroneous operation caused by unintended touch input.

As described above, the present invention is totally or partially applicable to electronic devices.