Mobile terminal, electronic device having mobile terminal and method for controlling electronic device

An embodiment relates to an electronic device which comprises a case and a mobile terminal comprising a terminal body. A connection port provided on one side of the terminal body, a controller and a first display part the electronic device comprising: a second display part for displaying a game executed in the mobile terminal; and a wiring part for electrically connecting a first body and a second body. Wherein the controller controls the first display part and second display part, such that an integrated display part comprising the first display part and second display part is formed, and divides a first image such that the first image displayed on the first display part is displayed on the integrated display part in a divided manner, the first image comprises a first sub-image and a second sub-image, and the first image and second sub-image comprise images overlapping each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2019/011127, filed on Aug. 30, 2019, the contents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal, an electronic device having a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled, and a method of controlling the electronic device.

BACKGROUND ART

Terminals may be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals according to their mobility. Furthermore, mobile terminals may be divided into handheld terminals and vehicle mounted terminals according to whether or not it can be directly carried by a user.

The functions of mobile terminals have been diversified. For example, the functions may include data and voice communication, photographing and video shooting through a camera, voice recording, playing a music file through a speaker system, and displaying an image or video on a display. Some terminals further include an electronic game play function or perform a multimedia player function. In particular, in recent years, mobile terminals may receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcast, video or television programs.

As it becomes multifunctional, for example, such a terminal is 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. Meanwhile, in recent years, there is a trend to further expand the usability of a mobile terminal together with an external device interworking with the mobile terminal.

These terminals are operated by adopting the Android Operating System, but there is a problem in that a technology for integrating multiple displays is not supported by the Android OS, and only two displays with the same resolution can be integrated into a screen by a terminal manufacturer.

In addition, when two screens are integrated, there is a problem in that a combined screen thereof is clipped due to a physical distance between two displays.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile terminal capable of extending a display area of a mobile terminal through a case having an additional display interworking with the mobile terminal, and an electronic device having a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled.

Furthermore, an embodiment is to provide an electronic device and a control method capable of controlling a display provided in a case through wired communication to allow compatibility with various models and eliminate the need for a separate chip for communication.

In addition, an embodiment is to provide an electronic device and a control method thereof capable of outputting one application through a plurality of screens using an extended display area interworking through wired communication.

Moreover, an embodiment provides an electronic device and a control method thereof capable of integrating two displays having different hardware specifications to display them on a single display.

Besides, an embodiment is to overcome a clipping phenomenon that occurs due to a physical distance between the two displays when the screens are integrated.

Solution to Problem

According to an embodiment, there is provided an electronic device including a mobile terminal and a case, wherein the mobile terminal of the electronic device includes a terminal body coupled to the case, a connection port provided on one side of the terminal body, a controller, and a first display, the case includes a first body accommodating the terminal body, a connector protruding toward an inner side of the first body to be inserted into the connection port, a second display displaying a game executed in the mobile terminal, and a wiring portion configured to electrically connect the first body and the second body, the controller controls the first display and the second display to define an integrated display comprising the first display and the second display, and divides a first image displayed on the first display to display the first image on the integrated display, and the divided first image includes a first sub-image and a second sub-image, and the first sub-image and the second sub-image comprises an overlapping area, and the overlapping area is part of the first sub-image.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, causing the controller to divide the first image may be causing the controller to set a predetermined dividing line on the first image, to set part of the first sub-image area as the overlapping area based on the dividing line, and to divide the first image such that the overlapping area is included in both the first sub-image and the second sub-image.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, the controller may further set part of the first sub-image area as the overlapping area in a first direction based on the dividing line, and divide the first image such that the overlapping area is included in both the first sub-image and the second sub-image.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, the first image may be an image corresponding to an application executed on the first display, and when the application supports the integrated display, the controller may further display an integration dot in a predetermined area of the first display, and define the integrated display according to a first touch corresponding to the integration dot.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, the controller may further add a width of the first display and a width of the second display to calculate a width of the integrated display, and to calculate a smaller one between the width of the first display and the width of the second display as a height of the integrated display so as to calculate a size of the integrated display.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, the controller may further control the integrated display to display the first sub-image and the second sub-image in response to a layout of the application, and the layout may be changed according to the calculated size of the integrated display.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, causing the controller to control the first display and the second display so as to define the integrated display may be causing the controller to change the size of the first display according to the calculated size of the integrated display and to change the size of the second display such that the size of the first display is the same as that of the second display.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, causing the controller to change the size of the second display such that the size of the first display is the same as that of the second display may be causing the controller to change a flag of the second display to be the same as that of the first display.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, the controller may further display the first image on the integrated display, and then end the defined integrated display according to a second touch corresponding to the integration dot.

Furthermore, in the electronic device according to an embodiment, the first touch and the second touch may be either one of a swipe or a touch and drag in a direction toward the second display.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling an electronic device including a mobile terminal and a case, the mobile terminal including a terminal body coupled to the case, a connection port provided on one side of the terminal body, a controller, and a first display, the case including a first body accommodating the terminal body, a connector protruding toward an inside of the first body to be inserted into the connection port, a second display displaying a game executed in the mobile terminal, and a wiring portion configured to electrically connect the first body and the second body, wherein the method includes controlling, by the controller, the first display and the second display to define an integrated display comprising the first display and the second display; and dividing a first image displayed on the first display to display the first image on the integrated display, and the divided first image includes a first sub-image and a second sub-image, and the first sub-image and the second sub-image include an overlapping area, and the overlapping area is part of the first sub-image.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dividing, by the controller, a first image displayed on the first display to display the first image on the integrated display may include setting, by the controller, a predetermined dividing line on the first image and setting part of the first sub-image area as the overlapping area based on the dividing line; and dividing, by the controller, the first image such that the overlapping area is included in both the first sub-image and the second sub-image.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the setting, by the controller, a predetermined dividing line on the first image and setting part of the first sub-image area as the overlapping area based on the dividing line may be setting, by the controller, part of the first sub-image area as the overlapping area in a first direction based on the dividing line.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first image may be an image corresponding to an application executed on the first display, wherein the control method of the electronic device further includes displaying, by the controller, an integration dot on a predetermined area of the first display when the application supports the integrated display; and defining, by the controller, the integrated display according to a first touch corresponding to the integration dot.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include adding a width of the first display and a width of the second display to calculate a width of the integrated display, and to calculate a smaller one between the width of the first display and the width of the second display as a height of the integrated display so as to calculate a size of the integrated display.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include controlling the integrated display such that the first sub-image and the second sub-image are displayed in response to a layout of the application, wherein the layout is changed according to the calculated size of the integrated display.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the controlling, by the controller, the first display and the second display to define the integrated display may include changing, by the controller, a size of the first display according to the calculated size of the integrated display; and changing a size of the second display such that the size of the first display is the same as that of the second display.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the changing, by the controller, a size of the second display such that the size of the first display may be the same as that of the second display is changing, by the controller, a flag of the second display to be the same as that of the first display.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include displaying the first image on the integrated display, and then ending the defined integrated display according to a second touch corresponding to the integration dot.

Furthermore, in the control method of the electronic device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first touch and the second touch may be either one of a swipe or a touch and drag in a direction toward the second display.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, according to a mobile terminal and an electronic device having the mobile terminal according to the present disclosure, there is an effect that two displays having different hardware specifications can be integrated and displayed on a single display.

In addition, according to a mobile terminal and an electronic device having the mobile terminal according to the present disclosure, there is an effect of overcoming a clipping phenomenon that occurs due to a physical distance between the two displays when screens thereof are integrated.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Hereinafter,FIGS.1A and1Bare 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 case200are coupled to constitute one electronic device300.

The case200may be a pouch that protects outer surfaces of the mobile terminal100or covers or accommodates at least one surface of the mobile terminal100as an accessory of the mobile terminal100. The case200may be configured to expand a function of the mobile terminal100in combination with the mobile terminal100.

Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, information output from the mobile terminal may be processed in association with a structure or a function of the case200. For example, referring toFIG.1A, the case200may include a display (hereinafter, referred to a “second display250”) interworking with a display (hereinafter, a “first display151”) of the mobile terminal.

The case may include first and second bodies220that are rotatably connected to each other, and the display250may be disposed on any one of the first and second bodies210,220.

For example, the first body210may be disposed to accommodate at least a portion of the mobile terminal body. As a rear side of the mobile terminal is accommodated in the first body210, and the first display151disposed on a front side of the mobile terminal is exposed outside.

In addition, there may be provided at least one hole on one side of the first body210, so that at least a part of components of the mobile terminal exposed outside the case performs a function when the mobile terminal100is coupled to the first body210.

Here, the mobile terminal100may be detachably coupled to the first body210. In addition, the mobile terminal may be configured to detect whether the mobile terminal is coupled to the first body210. For the detection, the first body210may include a magnet245on one side thereof facing the mobile terminal100, and the mobile terminal may include a hall sensor143at the rear side thereof which is configured to sense a magnetic field corresponding to the magnet245when the mobile terminal is coupled to the first body. When the magnetic field is sensed by the hall sensor, the mobile terminal may recognize that it is coupled to the case, and then perform predetermined control.

For example, when a magnetic field is sensed by the hall sensor143, a controller180of the mobile terminal100may supply an operating current to the second display250provided on the second body220or perform a process to prepare a state in which a signal can be transmitted to the second display250. That is, the predetermined control may refer to an operation related to the preparation process.

Here, the ‘preparation process’ denotes a standby state in which the controller of the mobile terminal100can immediately perform a next process when an operating current is supplied to the second display250. Therefore, even if the magnetic field is sensed by the hall sensor143, a current is not immediately supplied to the second display250.

Meanwhile, when it is detected that a connector provided on one side of the first body210, for example, at a lower end of the first body210and a connection port provided at a lower end of the mobile terminal accommodated in the first body210are mutually coupled, the controller180of the mobile terminal may supply an operating current to the second display250provided on the second body220.

Specifically, an operating current may be supplied from a power supply unit of the mobile terminal100to a circuit board on the second display250through a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected by the connector and a wiring portion (e.g., a coaxial cable) provided in a connection portion230of the case200.

To this end, the controller180of the mobile terminal may be configured to recognize resistances Ra, Rd in the first body210through a specific contact pin of the connector provided in the first body210, detect a coupling of the connector and the connection port, and accordingly supply an operating current. This will be described in more detail below.

The second display250provided on the second body220may be configured to operate based on power supplied from the mobile terminal100.

The second display250may be disposed on the second body220to extend a display area of the first display151or may be operated independently of the first display151. For example, contents related to information displayed on the first display151may be mirrored to be displayed on the second display250.

In addition, execution screens of different applications may be displayed on the first display151and the second display250, respectively. As another example, an execution screen of one application may be divided and displayed on the first display151and the second display250. Also, screens corresponding to different execution steps or different tasks of one application may be displayed on the first display151and the second display250.

Furthermore, the mobile terminal100is configured to control screen information displayed on the second display250, and for this purpose, a communication link for wired communication (e.g., a USB 2.0 communication link) may be established between the mobile terminal100and the second display250.

Meanwhile, both the first display151and the second display250are exposed outside in open state, and the open state may be defined with reference toFIG.1B.

Referring toFIG.1B, the first and second bodies210,220of the case200may be relatively rotated between closed state in (a) ofFIG.1Band flipped state in (c) ofFIG.1B.

The closed state is the state in (a) ofFIG.1B, wherein the first body210of the case200is covering the first display151of the mobile terminal100. Here, the first display151is covered by the first body210. That is, the closed state may be a state in which the first display151is covered by the second display250. In the closed state, the mobile terminal100and the case200overlap each other in a thickness direction of the mobile terminal, and thus form a diary-like shape, thereby improving user portability.

In the closed state, a body of the mobile terminal100accommodated in the first body210may not be exposed outside. In addition, in the closed state, a sub-display250ato display notification information corresponding to a specific event occurring in the mobile terminal100may be exposed from one side of a front surface of the second body220including the second display250.

In the closed state, the second body220is rotated relative to the first body210to be changed to the open state.

The open state is a state in which the first display is not covered by the second display250, and between the first display151and the second display250forms a specific angle other than 0 degrees.

Specifically, the open state may be one of a ‘first state’ in which the first display151and the second display250form about 60 degrees (a), a ‘second state’ in which the first display151and the second display250form about 120 degrees (b), a ‘third state’ in which the first display151and the second display250form about 180 degrees (c), and a ‘fourth state’ in which the first display151and the second display250form about 270 degrees (d), as illustrated in (b) ofFIG.1B.

In the open state, the first and second bodies210,220may be fixed at a specific angle to become any one of the first to fourth states, and a fixing member to fix the bodies at a specific angle may be provided in the second body220.

The controller180of the mobile terminal may control the mobile terminal to perform different operation modes in any one of the first to fourth states. For example, in the first state, the mobile terminal may operate in a ‘privacy protection mode’, and in the second state, the mobile terminal may operate in a ‘laptop mode’. In addition, in the third state, the mobile terminal may operate in a ‘display extension mode’, and in the fourth state, may operate in a ‘multi-display mode’.

A state in which the first display151and the second display250are exposed outside is defined as the ‘open state’. In the ‘open state’, the first display151is not covered by the second display250. Accordingly, a state in which the first display151is covered by the second display250is defined as the ‘closed state’. The open state and the closed state may be distinguished by a sensing value of an illuminance sensor provided on a front surface of the first display151.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in (c) ofFIG.1B, a state in which the first display151and the second display250relatively rotate to form 360 degrees, so that a rear surface of the first body210on which the first display151is disposed is completely covered by the a rear surface of the second body220on which the second display250is disposed may be defined as the ‘flipped state’ in the open state. In the ‘flipped state’, the first display151and the second display250are exposed outside to face opposite directions to each other.

In the flip state, components provided on the rear surface of the mobile terminal100coupled to the first body210, for example, the rear camera121b, the optical output module154, and the flash124, the user input unit123amay be detected by recognizing a state covered by the rear surface of the second body220.

In addition, the first state to the fourth state, and the flipped state may be detected by a separate sensor provided in the connection portion230that couples the first and second bodies210,220to be relatively rotatable or separate sensors provided on rear surfaces of the first and second bodies210,220.

The electronic device300of the present disclosure may perform an operation of controlling the first display151and the second display250in cooperation with the open state and closed state. As an example, when the first display151and the second display250are operated in inactive state in the closed state and are changed from the closed state to the open state, at least one of the first display151and the second display250may be activated.

As an example, when changed to the open state, both the first display151and the second display250may be changed to active state. Here, different home screen pages may be displayed on the first display151and the second display250, respectively, or identical home screen pages may be displayed on the first display151and the second display250. In addition, various information may be displayed on the first display151and the second display250according to circumstances.

As another example, when changed to the open state, the first display151is switched to active state, and the second display250may be maintained in the inactive state.

The second display250may include a touch sensor configured to sense a touch applied to the second display250. Also, the second display250may be configured to sense a touch even in the inactive state.

In relation to the touch sensed by the touch sensor, the second display250may be operated in active state when a predetermined type of touch is applied to the second display250in the open state. Alternatively, the second display250may be operated in active state based on a touch applied to the first display151in the open state.

Meanwhile, when a touch is applied to the second display250, the second display250may transmit a touch signal corresponding to the touch to the mobile terminal100. Then, when the touch according to the received touch signal corresponds to a predetermined type of touch, the mobile terminal100may transmit a signal corresponding to a control command to activate the second display250to the second display250side.

Then, the second display250and the controller of the second display250may be activated based on the signal received from the mobile terminal100.

The transmission and reception of the signal may be performed by a wired communication method combining the connector provided on one side of the first body210and the connection port provided on the mobile terminal100.

Meanwhile, a structure of the case to implement the operation of the electronic device described above will be described in more detail below.

Referring toFIG.2A, the first body210of the case200includes an accommodating space211configured to accommodate a rear surface of the body of the mobile terminal. The first body accommodates at least a portion of the mobile terminal in the accommodating space211, and the rear surface of the mobile terminal is disposed on a bottom surface of the accommodating space211.

The second body220on which the second display250is disposed is rotatably coupled to the first body by the connection portion230. That is, the connection portion230is disposed between the first and second bodies210,220to couple the first and second bodies210,220so that the first and second bodies210,220are relatively rotatable.

The sub-display250ato display predetermined information, for example, time information or event notification, may be provided on a front side of the second body220. In this case, a simple event notification can be immediately checked through the sub-display250ain the closed state without switching the electronic device300to the open state.

Referring toFIGS.2A to2D, the second body220may include a first cover221, a second cover222, and the second display250. A receiving groove221athat accommodates at least a part of the connection portion230may be disposed in the first cover221. In addition, the second cover222is coupled to the first cover221, and may be a frame in which various electronic components are mounted. As such an example, a circuit board248on the second display250side, which will be described later, may be mounted on the second cover222.

The second cover222may be rotatably coupled to the connection portion230, and a groove may be disposed at a position corresponding to the receiving groove221aof the first cover221on the second cover222, and the connection portion230may be disposed in the groove222a. In this case, the second display250may be mounted on the second cover222.

In addition, a signal transmitted from the controller of the mobile terminal is transmitted to the second display250side through a wiring portion242, for example, a coaxial cable, provided on an inner side of the connection portion230and connected to a flexible printed circuit board247provided on a rear side of the first body210. Hereinafter, the flexible printed circuit board provided on the rear side of the first body210and combined with the wiring portion242of the connection portion230will be referred to as a ‘first flexible printed circuit board’247. In addition, a flexible printed circuit board provided on a rear side of the second body220and combined with the wiring portion242of the connection portion230is referred to as a ‘second flexible printed circuit board’248.

The connection portion230may include a first hinge231and a second hinge232spaced apart along a side surface of the first body210. The first hinge231and the second hinge232may each include a hinge body233and a hinge shaft234.

A hinge groove (not shown) is disposed in the hinge body233, and the hinge shaft234is inserted into the hinge groove so that the first and second bodies210,220can rotate relative to each other. The hinge shaft234may be provided in plural, and coupling portions235coupled to the first and second bodies210,220, respectively, may be disposed on one side of the hinge shaft234.

In addition, the wiring portion242, for example, a coaxial cable, to be connected to a first flexible printed circuit board247and a second flexible printed circuit board248is provided on the inner side of the connection portion230.

A connector243aprotruded toward the accommodating space211accommodating the mobile terminal and inserted into the connection port provided on one side of the mobile terminal body may be disposed on one side of the first body210. To this end, at least one hole H through which at least a portion of a connector module including the connector243apenetrates may be disposed on one side of the first body210, for example, a side surface of a lower end.

Although not all illustrated, the connector243amay be disposed to be rotatable 180 degrees toward the outside of the case, or may be disposed to be drawn in or out of the case by external force. In this case, even if there exists the connector243, the mobile terminal body can be easily accommodated in the first body210.

Alternatively, in one example, the first body210may be detachable in a vertical direction or at least an upper portion of the first body210may be made of a flexible material so that the mobile terminal body can be easily accommodated in the first body210.

The connector module in which the connector243ais installed may be mounted on one side of the first body210, for example, at a center of a lower end. The connector243amay be installed at one end of the connector module, and a charging port having a female pogo pin to be coupled to an external male pin may be installed at another end.

The connector243amay be connected to a circuit board244to control the second display250through the first flexible printed circuit board247, the second flexible printed circuit board248, and the wiring portion242. In addition, the connector243amay be connected to the circuit board244through coupling with the connection port of the mobile terminal body. Here, the connection port provided in the mobile terminal body may denote, for example, a USB port.

A side of the second display250performs wired communication with the mobile terminal100through the first and second flexible circuit boards247,248, the wiring portion242, and the circuit board244coupled through the connector243. Furthermore, the mobile terminal100performs wired communication with the second display250through a connection port connected to the connector243. In this regard, the connection port of the mobile terminal100may be referred to as a ‘first wired communication unit’, and the connector243of the case may be referred to as a ‘second wired communication unit’.

A first wired communication unit161and a second wired communication unit243may perform USB communication. The first wired communication unit161may perform USB I/O communication to transmit a signal to the case side through the second wired communication unit243.

In addition, the second wired communication unit243may perform USB I/O communication to transmit a signal to the mobile terminal through the first wired communication unit161. Here, the USB I/O communication may refer to USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 communication.

A USB (Universal Serial Bus), which is a common connector, is defined as an interface standard that enables connection of various peripheral devices. In the USB (Universal Serial Bus), a host necessarily exists, and communication is performed by a control through the host.

Referring toFIG.2B, the connector243provided at the lower end of the first body210of the case and connected to the connection port of the mobile terminal may be mounted on the connector module. One end of the connector243is joined to a supporting member of the connector module, and another end of the connector243may define a protrusion243c. The connector243is connected to the connection port of the mobile terminal as the protrusion243cis inserted in a direction from the outside to inside of the mobile terminal.

A plurality of contact pins (e.g., male pins) may be provided inside the connector, and each of the plurality of contact pins may be set to perform a specific function when connected to pins of the connection port of the mobile terminal (e.g., female pins). This will be described in more detail below.

Meanwhile, according toFIG.2A, the first body210is provided with the first flexible circuit board247connected to the connector243. The first flexible circuit board247may be connected to the second flexible printed circuit board248and the circuit board244at a side of the second display250through the wiring portion242, for example, a coaxial cable, inside the connection portion230.

In this way, the first body210does not have a separate circuit board for wireless communication or the like other than the first flexible printed circuit board247, so that the first body210becomes thinner, and the mobile terminal also does not need to have a separate circuit board for wireless communication. Accordingly, a compatibility of the mobile terminal mountable in the case is further improved, and an overall thickness of the electronic device can be fabricated thinner.

According to the drawing, the first and second bodies210,220are coupled to the circuit board244via the wiring portion242coupled to the first and the second flexible printed circuit boards247,248, and they are electrically connected to each other. The circuit board244may be connected to the second display250to transmit a signal received from the mobile terminal100to the second display250.

That is, the circuit board244may transmit data transmitted and received from the mobile terminal through the first wired communication unit161and the second wired communication unit243to the second display250.

The wiring portion242electrically connects the first and second bodies210,220through the connection portion230. For this connection, a connection passage through which the wiring portion242passes may be disposed in the connection portion230.

As an example of this, the first hinge231and the second hinge232have an accommodating space accommodating at least a part of the wiring portion242. For example, the wiring portion242connected to the first flexible printed circuit board247that is coupled with the second wired communication unit243may be accommodated in the second hinge232. In addition, the first hinge231and the second hinge232may be defined in a mutually symmetrical structure or shape.

The first and second wired communication units161,243may be disposed at a lower side of the case200and the mobile terminal100. In this case, the first flexible printed circuit board247connected to the wiring portion242may also be formed to be connected to one of the first hinge231and the second hinge232from the lower side.

In addition, the second hinge232may include an extending portion236extending from the hinge body233, and the extending portion236may include cables246extended to the first body210and the second body220, respectively. The accommodating space is disposed in the extending portion236, and the cables246are accommodated in the accommodating space. The first flexible printed circuit board and second flexible printed circuit boards247,248are disposed at both ends of the cables246, and the first and second flexible printed circuit boards247,248are electrically connected to the circuit board244. According to the structure, a signal controlling the second display250is transmitted from the mobile terminal to the first body210and the second body220through the first wired communication unit161and the second wired communication unit243.

Meanwhile, referring to the drawings, at the lower end of the first body210of the case, there may be disposed the connector243aconnected to the connection portion of the mobile terminal so that the second display250and the circuit board244receive power from the mobile terminal. The connector243asupplies power of the mobile terminal to the circuit board244through the first flexible printed circuit board247, the wiring portion242, and the second flexible printed circuit board248, and the circuit board244provides the power to the second display250.

According to the structure, power supplied to the second display250and a signal transmitted to the second display250may be transmitted through a wired path in the mobile terminal.

According to the above-described structure, the electronic device performs an operation of controlling the first display151and the second display250to interwork with each other using wired communication and a wired power supply path. Hereinafter, the structure and the function of the mobile terminal will be described first, and then the control operation will be described.

FIGS.3A,3B and3Care conceptual views for explaining an example of a mobile terminal related to the present disclosure. The mobile terminal100according to the present disclosure may be coupled to a case of the electronic device described above.

Referring toFIGS.3A through3C,FIG.3Ais a block diagram for explaining a mobile terminal associated with the present disclosure, andFIGS.3B and3Care conceptual views illustrating an example in which the mobile terminal associated with the present disclosure is seen from different directions.

The mobile terminal100may include components, such as a wireless communication unit110, an input unit120, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, an interface unit160, a memory170, a controller180, a power supply unit190and the like. The components shown inFIG.1Aare not essential for implementing a mobile terminal, and thus the mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

In more detail, the wireless communication unit110of those components may typically include one or more modules which permit wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal100and another mobile terminal100, or between the mobile terminal100and an external server. In addition, the wireless communication unit110may include one or more modules that connect the mobile terminal100to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit110may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless Internet module113, a short-range communication module114, a location information module115and the like.

The input unit120may include a camera121for inputting an image signal, a microphone122or an audio input module for inputting an audio signal, or a user input unit123(for example, a touch key, a push key (or a mechanical key), etc.) for causing a user to input information. Audio data or image data collected by the input unit120may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.

The sensing unit140may include at least one sensor which senses at least one of internal information of the mobile terminal, a surrounding environment of the mobile terminal and user information. For example, the sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor141, an illumination sensor142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, refer to the camera121), a microphone122, a power supply unit gauge (battery gauge), an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermal sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). On the other hand, the mobile terminal disclosed herein may utilize information in such a manner of combining information sensed by at least two sensors of those sensors.

The output unit150may be configured to output an audio signal, a video signal or a tactile signal. The output unit150may include a display151, an audio output module152, a haptic module153, an optical output module154and the like. The display151may have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. The touch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100and a user, as well as functioning as the user input unit123which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100and the user.

The interface unit160may serve as an interface with various types of external devices connected with the mobile terminal100. The interface unit160, for example, may include wired or wireless headset ports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting a device having an identification module, audio input/output (1/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, or the like. The mobile terminal100may execute an appropriate control associated with a connected external device, in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

In addition, the memory170stores data that support various functions of the mobile terminal100. The memory170is typically implemented to store data to support various functions or features of the mobile terminal100. For instance, the memory170may be configured to store application programs executed in the mobile terminal100, data or instructions for operations of the mobile terminal100, and the like. At least some of those application programs may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Some others of those application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100at the time of being shipped for basic functions of the mobile terminal100(for example, receiving a call, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, etc.). On the other hand, the application programs may be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal100, and executed by the controller180to perform an operation (or a function) of the mobile terminal100.

The controller180may typically control an overall operation of the mobile terminal100in addition to the operations associated with the application programs. The controller180may provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user in a manner of processing signals, data, information and the like, which are input or output by the aforementioned components, or activating the application programs stored in the memory170.

Furthermore, the controller180may control at least part of the components illustrated inFIG.1A, in order to drive the application programs stored in the memory170. In addition, the controller180may drive the application programs by combining at least two of the components included in the mobile terminal100for operation.

The power supply unit190may receive external power or internal power and supply appropriate power required for operating respective elements and components included in the mobile terminal100under the control of the controller180. The power supply unit190includes a power supply unit, and the power supply unit may be a built-in power supply unit or a replaceable power supply unit.

At least part of those elements and components may be combined to implement operation and control of the mobile terminal or a control method of the mobile terminal according to various exemplary embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the operation and control or the control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented in the mobile terminal in such a manner of activating at least one application program stored in the memory170.

Hereinafter, each aforementioned component will be described in more detail with reference toFIG.3A, prior to explaining various exemplary embodiments implemented by the mobile terminal100having the configuration.

First, the wireless communication unit110will be described. The broadcast receiving module111of the wireless communication unit110may 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 and/or a terrestrial channel. At least two broadcast receiving modules111may be provided in the mobile terminal100to simultaneously receive at least two broadcast channels or switch the broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module112may transmit/receive wireless signals to/from at least one of network entities, for example, a base station, an external terminal, a server, and the like, on a mobile communication network, which is constructed according to technical standards or transmission methods for mobile communications (for example, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (EV-DO), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), etc.)

Here, the wireless signals may include audio call signal, video (telephony) call signal, or various formats of data according to transmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module113refers to a module for supporting wireless Internet access, and may be built-in or externally installed on 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 may include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wireless Fidelity Direct (Wi-Fi Direct), Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wireless Internet module113may transmit/receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology within a range including even Internet technologies which are not aforementioned.

From the perspective that the wireless Internet accesses according to Wipro, HSDPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A and the like are executed via a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module113which performs the wireless Internet access via the mobile communication network may be understood as a type of the mobile communication module112.

The short-range communication module114denotes a module for short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing the short-range communications may include BLUETOOTH™, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and the like. The short-range communication module114may support wireless communications between the mobile terminal100and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal100and another mobile terminal100, or between the mobile terminal and a network where another mobile terminal100(or an external server) is located, via wireless personal area networks. The short-range communication module114denotes a module for short-range communications.

The location information module115is generally configured to detect, calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobile terminal. As an example, the location information module115includes a Global Position System (GPS) module, a WiFi module, or both. For example, when the mobile terminal uses the GPS module, a position of the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fi module, a position of the mobile terminal may be acquired based on information associated with a wireless access point (AP) which transmits or receives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module. According to the need, the location information module115may perform any function of the other modules of the wireless communication unit110to obtain data on the location of the mobile terminal. As a module used to acquire the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, the location information module115may not be necessarily limited to a module for directly calculating or acquiring the location of the mobile terminal.

Then, the input unit120is configured to provide an video information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data or an input of information entered by a user, and the mobile terminal100may include one or a plurality of cameras121to enter video information. The camera121processes an image frame, such as still picture or video, acquired by an image sensor in a video phone call or image capturing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on the display151. On the other hand, the plurality of cameras121disposed in the mobile terminal100may be arranged in a matrix configuration. By use of the cameras121having the matrix configuration, a plurality of image information having various angles or focal points may be input into the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras121may be located in a stereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images for implementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone122may process an external audio signal into electric audio data. The processed audio data may be utilized in various manners according to a function being executed in the mobile terminal100(or an application program being executed). On the other hand, the microphone122may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The user input unit123may receive information input by a user. When information is input through the user input unit123, the controller180may control an operation of the mobile terminal100to correspond to the input information. The user input unit123may include one or more of a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on a front and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or a touch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitive input may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a touch key which is located on the mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen. On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on the touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon, video, or a combination thereof.

On the other hand, the sensing unit140may sense at least one of internal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information of the mobile terminal and user information, and generate a sensing signal corresponding to it. The controller180may control an operation 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. Hereinafter, description will be given in more detail of representative sensors of various sensors which may be included in the sensing unit140.

First, a proximity sensor141refers to a sensor to sense presence or absence of an object approaching to a surface to be sensed, or an object disposed near a surface to be sensed, by using an electromagnetic field or infrared rays 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.

On the other hand, for the sake of brief explanation, a behavior in which the pointer is positioned to be proximate onto the touch screen without contact will be referred to as “proximity touch,” whereas a behavior in which the pointer substantially comes into contact with the touch screen will be referred to as “contact touch.” For the position corresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer on the touch screen, such position will correspond to a position where the pointer faces perpendicular to the touch screen upon the proximity touch of the pointer. The proximity sensor141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (e.g., distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, etc.). On the other hand, the controller180may process data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touches and the proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor141, and output visual information corresponding to the process data on the touch screen. In addition the controller180may control the mobile terminal100to execute different operations or process different data (or information) according to whether a touch with respect to the same point on the touch screen is either a proximity touch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor may sense a touch (or touch input) applied onto the touch screen (or the display151) using at least one of various types of touch methods, such as a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, a magnetic field type, and the like.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes of pressure applied to a specific part of the display151or a capacitance occurring from a specific part of the display151, into electric input signals. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area where a touch object applying a touch onto the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor, a pressure at the time of touch, a capacitance at the time of touch, and the like. Here, the touch object body may be a finger, a touch pen or stylus pen, a pointer, or the like as an object through which a touch is applied to the touch sensor.

On the other hand, the controller180may execute a different control or the same control according to a type of an object which touches the touch screen (or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen). Whether to execute the different control or the same control according to the object which gives a touch input may be decided based on a current operating state of the mobile terminal100or a currently executed application program.

Meanwhile, the touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be executed individually or in combination, to sense various types of touches, such as 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.

An ultrasonic sensor may be configured to recognize position information relating to a sensing object by using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the controller180may calculate the location of a wave generating source through information sensed from the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, a time for which the light reaches the optical sensor may be much shorter than a time for which the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generation source may be calculated using the fact. In more detail, the position of the wave generation source may be calculated by using a time difference from the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches based on the light as a reference signal.

The camera121constructing the input unit120may be a type of camera sensor. The camera sensor may include at least one of a photo sensor (or image sensor) and a laser sensor.

The camera121and the laser sensor may be combined to detect a touch of the sensing object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be laminated on the display device. The photo sensor may be configured to scan a movement of the sensing object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, the photo sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows and columns to scan content placed on the photo sensor by using an electrical signal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the sensing object according to variation of light to thus obtain position information of the sensing object.

The display151displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal100. For example, the display151may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal100or user interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screen information.

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

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

The audio output module152may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit110or stored in the memory160in a call signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. Also, the audio output module152may also provide audible output signals associated with a particular function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) carried out by the mobile terminal100. The audio output module152may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer or the like.

A haptic module153may generate various tactile effects the that user may feel. A typical example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module153may be vibration. Strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generated by the haptic module153may be controllable by a user selection or setting of the controller. For example, the haptic module153may output different vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module153may generate various other tactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to a contact skin, a spray force or suction force of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch on the skin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, etc., an effect by reproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that can absorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module153may be configured to transmit tactile effects through a user's direct contact, or a user's muscular sense using a finger or a hand. Two or more haptic modules153may be provided according to the particular configuration of the mobile terminal100.

An optical output module154may output a signal for indicating an event generation using light of a light source. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal100may include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an email reception, an information reception through an application, and the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various information for authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal100and may include a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. A device having the identification module (hereinafter, an “identification device”) may be fabricated in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identifying device may be connected with the terminal100via the interface unit160.

Furthermore, when the mobile terminal100is connected with an external cradle, the interface unit160may serve as a passage to allow power from the cradle to be supplied to the mobile terminal100therethrough or may serve as a passage to allow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to be transferred to the mobile terminal therethrough. Such various command signals or power inputted from the cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal100has accurately been mounted to the cradle.

The memory170may include at least one type of storage medium including a Flash memory, a hard disk, 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, and an optical disk. Also, the mobile terminal100may be operated in relation to a web storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170over the Internet.

The power supply unit190may receive external or internal power to provide power required by various components under the control of the controller180. The power supply unit190may include a power supply unit, which is typically rechargeable built-in power supply unit or may be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging or the like.

Furthermore, the power supply unit190may include a connection port. The connection port may be configured as one example of the interface unit160to which an external (re)charger for supplying power to recharge the power supply unit is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit190may be configured to recharge the power supply unit in a wireless manner without use of the connection port. Here, the power supply unit190may receive power, transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at least one of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic induction or a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based on electromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable or its similar medium using, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring now toFIGS.3B and3C, the mobile terminal100is described with reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the present disclosure may not be necessarily limited to this, and may be also applicable to various structures such as a watch type, a clip type, a glasses type, a folder type in which two or more bodies are coupled to each other in a relatively movable manner, a slide type, a swing type, a swivel type, and the like. The present disclosure relates to a specific type of mobile terminal, but the description of a specific type of mobile terminal may be also applicable to another type of mobile terminal in general.

Here, the terminal body may be understood as a conception which indicates the mobile terminal100as at least one assembly.

The mobile terminal100may include a case (for example, a frame, a housing, a cover, etc.) constituting the appearance thereof. In this embodiment, the case may be divided into a front case101and a rear case102. Various electronic components may be incorporated into a space disposed between the front case101and the rear case102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case101and the rear case102

The display151may be disposed on a front surface of the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, a window151aof the display151may be mounted to the front case101so as to define the front surface of the terminal body together with the front case101.

In some cases, electronic components may also be mounted to the rear case102. Examples of those electronic components mounted to the rear case102may include a detachable power supply unit, an identification module, a memory card and the like. Here, a back cover103for covering the electronic components mounted may be detachably coupled to the rear case102. Therefore, when the back cover103is separated from the rear case102, the electronic components mounted to the rear case102may be externally exposed.

As illustrated, when the back cover103is coupled to the rear case102, a side surface of the rear case102may be partially exposed. In some cases, upon the coupling, the rear case102may also be completely shielded by the rear cover103. Meanwhile, the rear cover103may be provided with an opening portion for exposing the camera121b, the optical output module154, the flash124, the rear input unit123a, and the like to the outside.

Unlike the example which the plurality of cases form an inner space for accommodating such various components, the mobile terminal100may be configured such that one case forms the inner space. In this case, the mobile terminal100with a unibody in which synthetic resin or metal is extended from a lateral surface to a rear surface may be implemented.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal100may include a waterproofing unit (not shown) for preventing an introduction of water into the terminal body. For example, the waterproof portion may include a waterproof member provided between the window151aand the front case101, between the front case101and the rear case102, or between the rear case102and the back cover103, to hermetically seal an inner space when those cases are coupled to each other.

The mobile terminal100may include a display151, first and second audio output modules152aand152b, a proximity sensor141, an illumination sensor152, an optical output module154, first and second cameras121aand121b, first and second manipulation units123aand123b, a microphone122, an interface unit160and the like.

Hereinafter, as illustrated inFIGS.1B and1C, the mobile terminal100will be described as an example in which the display151, the first audio output module152a, the proximity sensor141, the illumination sensor142, and the first camera121aare disposed on a front surface of the terminal body, the second manipulation unit123b, the second audio output module152b, the microphone122, and the interface unit160are disposed on a side surface of the terminal body, and the optical output module154, the manipulation unit123a, the second camera121b, and the flash124are disposed on a rear surface of the terminal body.

However, the foregoing configuration may not be necessarily limited to the arrangement. The foregoing configuration may be excluded, substituted or disposed on another surface if necessary. For example, the manipulation unit may not be disposed on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second audio output module152bmay be disposed on the rear surface other than the side surface of the terminal body.

The display151displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal100. For example, the display151may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal100or user interface (UI) and graphic user interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screen information.

The display151may be implemented in two or more in number according to a configured aspect of the mobile terminal100. For instance, a plurality of the displays151may be arranged on one surface to be spaced apart from or integrated with each other, or may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display151may include a touch sensor which senses a touch onto the display so as to receive a control command in a touching manner. When a touch is input to the display151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touch and the controller180may generate a control command corresponding to the touch. The content which is input in the touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu item which can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The display151may define a touch screen together with the touch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123(seeFIG.3A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some of the functions of the user manipulation unit.

The first audio output module152amay be implemented in the form of a receiver for transferring voice sounds to the user's ear or a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia reproduction sounds.

The window151aof the display151may include a sound hole for emitting sounds generated from the first audio output module152a. Here, the present disclosure may not be limited to this. It may also be configured such that the sounds are 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 disposed to output audio sounds may not be seen or is otherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying the appearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal100.

The optical output module154may output light for indicating an event generation. Examples of the event may include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an email reception, information reception through an application, and the like. When a user's event check is sensed, the controller180may control the optical output module154to end the output of light.

The first camera121amay process video frames such as still or moving images acquired by the image sensor in a video call mode or a capture mode. The processed video frames may be displayed on the display151or stored in the memory170.

The manipulation units123aand123bare examples of the user input unit123, which may be manipulated by a user to input a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal100. The manipulation units123aand123bmay employ any method if it is a tactile manner causing the user to perform manipulation with a tactile feeling such as touch, push, scroll or the like. In addition, the manipulation units123aand123bmay also employ a method of causing the user to perform manipulation without a tactile feeling through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, or the like.

The manipulation unit123amay be configured with a mechanical key, or a combination of a touch key and a push key. In addition, the manipulation unit123amay be configured in a layered form with a fingerprint sensor.

The content input by the manipulation units123aand123bmay be set in various ways. For example, the first and the second manipulation units may receive a command such as menu, home key, cancel, search, or the like, and may receive 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 units are manipulated to enter a communication for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal100, and the content being entered 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 causing a touch input, a push input or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap with 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 fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing a user's fingerprint, and the controller180may use fingerprint information sensed through the finger recognition sensor as an authentication means. The finger recognition sensor may be integrated into the display151or the user input unit123.

The microphone122may be configured to enter the user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone122may be provided at a plurality of positions 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 also be arranged in a matrix configuration. 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.

A 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 installed in the terminal body or disposed on 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 disposed 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.

A power supply unit190(seeFIG.3A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal100may be disposed on the terminal body. The power supply unit190may include the power supply unit191which is mounted in the terminal body or detachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body.

The power supply unit191may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interface unit160. Furthermore, the power supply unit191may 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 power supply unit191, so as to prevent separation of the power supply unit191and protect the power supply unit191from an external impact or foreign materials. When the power supply unit191is detachable from the terminal body, the rear case103may be detachably coupled to the rear case102.

Meanwhile, the electronic device according to the present disclosure is configured in such a manner that the connection port of the interface unit160provided on one side (e.g., lower end of side surface) of the mobile terminal, that is, the first wired communication unit161and the connector provided on one side of the first body210of the case200, i.e., the second wired communication unit243are combined together to supply power and to perform wired communication for transmission and reception of various signals.

Here, it has been described that the wired communication is performed using a USB I/O interface standard. However, it is not limited thereto, and it should be noted that other interface standards for wired communication may be applied.

Hereinafter, a method for performing wired communication between the first wired communication unit161and the second wired communication unit243will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG.4is a conceptual view for explaining a control method between a mobile terminal and a display provided in a case in an electronic device according to present disclosure.

The mobile terminal100according to the present disclosure may be coupled to the first body210, and when the mobile terminal100is coupled to the first body210, the connector243provided in the first body210is inserted into the connection port provided in the mobile terminal100, and wired communication may be performed through the first and second wired communication units161,243.

At this time, the first body210on the case side becomes a host device of the mobile terminal, and may perform wired communication, for example, USB communication, with the mobile terminal100.

The first wired communication unit161provided in the mobile terminal100may be included in the interface unit160described with reference toFIG.3A. The interface unit160includes a plurality of contact pins, and is configured to identify a host device connected to the contact pins by the controller180of the mobile terminal.

The first wired communication unit161may be provided on a side surface of the lower end of the mobile terminal100. In addition, the second wired communication unit243may be provided to correspond to a position in contact with the first wired communication unit161when the mobile terminal100is accommodated in the first body210of the case. That is, the second wired communication unit243may be provided on a side surface of the lower end of the first body210.

In the present disclosure, when the mobile terminal100is accommodated in the first body210, and the connector pin of the second wired communication unit243provided in the first body210is inserted into the port of the first wired communication unit161of the mobile terminal, wired communication, for example, USB I/O communication, may be performed through the first wired communication unit161and the second wired communication unit243.

Accordingly, the mobile terminal100may supply an operating current to the second display250through the USB I/O interface, and transmit a control signal or an image signal. Also, in the second display250, a touch signal may be transmitted to the mobile terminal100through the USB I/O interface to process the touch signal corresponding to the touch input applied to the second display250.

Meanwhile, supply of the above-described operating current and transmission of the control signal and the image signal may be performed through different wired communication paths. To this end, the first and second wired communication units161,243may include a plurality of connector pins, and may be set to use different contact pins according to the type of the transmitted signal.

Since the second wired communication unit243is inserted into the first wired communication unit161and coupled to the case, a plurality of contact pins molded in the second wired communication unit243is exposed to the outside. In the present disclosure, a structure in which the plurality of contact pins includes, for example, 12 pins has been described as an example.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the first and second wired communication units161,243may have a waterproof member (not shown) molded together with the plurality of contact pins to prevent fluid from outside or to prevent fluid from moving inside. In addition, the waterproof member may be replaced with an O-ring having an elastic force.

The second wired communication unit243provided in the first body210is configured to transmit and receive wired data from the mobile terminal to the second display250through the wiring portion242included in the connection portion230. In addition, the second wired communication unit243may communicate with the first wired communication unit161to perform unidirectional communication (data flow from the mobile terminal100to the second display250) or bidirectional communication (bidirectional data flow between the mobile terminal100and the second display250).

The first and second wired communication units161,243according to the present disclosure may include a contact-type connector method. For example, the contact-type connector method may include a USB-C type connector or a lightning cable method.

In addition, the first and second wired communication units161,243may be configured to transmit and receive various types of data in a wired communication method. For example, it may be one of graphic data, audio data, video data, touch event data, data related to control, and a combination thereof.

Meanwhile, the second display250provided in the second body220may be configured to operate based on power supplied from the power supply unit191of the mobile terminal100.

Here, the power may be transmitted to the second display250and the circuit board244provided on the second body220, through the connector243connected to the connection port of the mobile terminal100, the wiring portion242coupled to the first flexible printed circuit board247and provided in the connection portion230, and the second flexible printed circuit board248as described above.

The power supply unit191of the mobile terminal100is configured to supply an operating current (or power) to a power supply unit291of the second display250through an electric connection path of the first wired communication unit161connected to the connection port, the first flexible printed circuit board247, the wiring portion242provided in the connection portion230, and the second flexible printed circuit board248provided in the second body220. Here, the operating current is supplied to the second display250through a specific contact pin provided in the first wired communication unit161, for example, a ‘CC1’ pin of a USB C-type.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal100may be detachably coupled to the first body210. In addition, the mobile terminal may be configured to detect whether the mobile terminal is coupled to the first body210. For the detection, the first body210may include a magnet245on one side thereof facing the mobile terminal100, and the mobile terminal may include a hall sensor143at the rear side thereof which is configured to sense a magnetic field corresponding to the magnet245when the mobile terminal is coupled to the first body. When the magnetic field is sensed by the hall sensor, the mobile terminal may recognize that it is coupled to the case, and then perform predetermined control.

Here, the predetermined control does not denote supplying an operating current as described above.

When the first and second wired communication units161,243are connected to enable mutual communication, the mobile terminal100may recognize a plurality of resistances Ra, Rd disposed in the first body210by specific contact pins (e.g., CC1, CC2) among a plurality of contact pins included in the first wired communication unit161provided in the first body210. When the plurality of resistances are recognized as described above, an operating current is supplied to the second display250by supplying the power, for example, Vconn to CC1.

When an operating current is supplied to the second display250, a system of the second display250is booted and initialized, and becomes an operable standby state.

Here, the second display250is either in active state or in inactive state, and even when the second display250is inactive, a touch sensor (or a touch panel252) provided in the second display250is operated in an active state to sense a touch applied to the second display250.

On the other hand, when the second display250is activated, the controller of the mobile terminal100transmits an image signal corresponding to screen information to be displayed on the display251provided on the second display250to the second wired communication unit243side through the first wired communication unit161. Here, a wired communication path of the image signal is different from the wired communication path for supplying power.

For example, the power may be supplied to the second display250through a wired communication path through the CC1 pin provided in the second wired communication unit243, and the image signal may be transmitted to the second display250through a wired communication path through the USB SS1 and SS2 pins.

Data may be received from the first wired communication unit161to the second display250through the second wired communication unit243and the circuit board244. Here, a digital image signal may convert the data into a form that can be displayed on the second display250through a data converter282. For example, the second display250may be configured as an LCD panel. And here, the digital image signal of a DP format received from the mobile terminal100may be converted into a data format (MIPI format) that can be received on the LCD panel through the data converter282to be transferred and displayed on the display251.

Meanwhile, data transmitted and received through the first wired communication unit161and the second wired communication unit243may be transmitted and received using different contact pins in the USB I/O interface according to a type of the data.

Specifically, for example, the image signal may be transmitted and received from the mobile terminal100to the second display250through a USB SSPHY pin, and may be converted into a format that can be displayed on the second display250(e.g., MIPI format) through the data converter282. In addition, for example, a control signal related to the operation of the second display250may be transmitted and received to the second display250through an external display port (EDP) AUX pin.

Signals that need to be transmitted between the mobile terminal100and the display250, such as communication control signals, touch signals, and brightness control signals, can be transmitted and received through a first and a second signal processor181,281using a second USB human interface device (HID) communication.

Here, in the mobile terminal100in an initial state, the first signal processor181transmits and receives signals through the first USB communication by using A6 and A7 pins on an A side, and B6 and B7 pins on a B side of the connector. Meanwhile, the first and second wired communication units161,234are connected to enable mutual communication and when a plurality of resistances Ra, Rd is recognized through the CC1 pin, they are switched by switches and the A side pins and B side pins used in the initial state are separated to transmit and receive signals by using the second USB communication only using B6 and B7 pins on the B side.

As described above, when switches are switched to process signals by using the second USB communication, the first and second signal processors181,281may perform 12 c conversion by USB human interface device (HID) communication to perform an operation corresponding to a touch applied to the second display250, for example, transmission of a touch signal corresponding to the touch. Also, the first and second signal processors181,281may support hot plug detect (HPD) communication between the controller280and the data converter282through the second USB communication.

Meanwhile, initialization of the second display250may be controlled by the controller280included in the second display250.

As aforementioned, the mobile terminal according to the present disclosure may control information displayed on the display250provided in the case200. That is, the operation of the second display250may be controlled by the mobile terminal100. To this end, the case200to which the mobile terminal is coupled may be identified when the connection port of the mobile terminal and the connector provided in the case200are connected and a plurality of resistances are recognized. Therefore, since there is no need to provide a separate chip for communication between the mobile terminal and the case200in the present disclosure, the case200is compatible with various models of mobile terminals, cost can be saved, and a thickness of the case200can be thinner.

Hereinafter, a control method between the mobile terminal and the display provided in the case will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on the above descriptions.FIG.5is a representative flowchart for explaining a control method between a mobile terminal and a display provided in a case in an electronic device according to the present disclosure.

As described above, in an electronic device300according to the present disclosure, when the mobile terminal100is coupled to the case200, the mobile terminal100can sense a resistance corresponding to the second display250(510).

Specifically, when the connection port of the mobile terminal100is connected to the connector provided on one side of the case200, the mobile terminal100may recognize a plurality of resistances provided with the connector to determine whether to supply an operating current to the second display250.

When the plurality of resistances is recognized, an operating current is supplied from the mobile terminal100to the second display250through the connector, and the second display250can maintain an operation in the inactive state (520).

Specifically, when the plurality of resistances is recognized, the mobile terminal100operates in a host mode to supply the operating current to the connector in a downstream manner. That is, the connection port of the mobile terminal100is switched to be a downstream facing port (DFP) to supply an operating current to the contact pin. For example, an operating current is supplied in a form of Vconn power through the CC1 pin among the contact pins of the connector.

In this case, the second display250on the case200side operates in a device mode to receive the operating current in an upstream manner. That is, the connector of the case200is operated as an upstream facing port (UFP).

As described above, the operating current supplied through the CC1 pin of the connector is supplied to the circuit board244or the likes of the second display250through the wiring portion242coupled to the first and second flexible printed circuit boards247,248as described above. In addition, an operating current is also supplied to the power supply unit291of the second display250.

Meanwhile, as described above, the electronic device300may be either in an open state and a closed state, and when a transition from the closed state to the open state is detected, the first display151provided in the mobile terminal may maintain the operation in the active state (530). At this time, the transition from the closed state to the open state may be detected by recognizing a sensing value of the illuminance sensor provided on the front side of the mobile terminal100, for example.

Alternatively, even when the connection port of the mobile terminal100is connected to the connector provided on one side of the case200, and an input is applied to the first display151or the user input unit123in a state where the electronic device300is in the open state, the first display151may maintain the operation in the active state.

As described above, when a predetermined touch input is applied to the first display151while the second display250is maintained in the inactive state, the mobile terminal detects such a touch (540) and determines a touch signal corresponding to the detected touch (550).

When the touch signal is for switching the second display250into active state as a result of the determination, the controller of the mobile terminal may output a control signal for switching the second display250into the active state (560).

As another example, when a transition of the electronic device300from the closed state to the open state is detected and accordingly the first display151provided in the mobile terminal is operated in active state, the second display250may be operated in a state switched from inactive state to active state after a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 second to 1 second) has elapsed. That is, a screen of the second display250may be turned on. after a predetermined time has elapsed after a screen of the first display151was turned on.

In this case, the above-described steps540and550are omitted, a step of detecting whether the electronic device300is switched from the closed state to the open state may be added before performing the step of operating the first display151in active state (530).

Meanwhile, as another example, although not illustrated, when a preset touch input is applied to the second display250while the second display250is operating in inactive state, a control signal to switch the second display250to active state may be transmitted from the mobile terminal100.

In this case, signal processing corresponding to the touch signal sensed by the second display250may be performed by the first and second signal processors181,281as described above.

Specifically, the mobile terminal100performs wired communication in an initial state by using the first USB communication, then when the mobile terminal100is connected to the connector of the case200and recognizes the plurality of resistances Ra, Rd corresponding to the second display250, the mobile terminal100controls the operation corresponding to the touch by using the second USB communication connected only with the B side contact pins (e.g., B6 and B7).

Even when the second display250is deactivated, the touch sensor (or touch panel252) provided in the second display250is operated in active state to sense a touch applied to the second display250.

The sensed touch may be I2C converted through the first and second signal processors181,281. In addition, the sensed touch is transferred from the second display250to the mobile terminal100via the circuit board244provided on the second body of the case, the wiring portion242coupled with the first and second flexible printed circuit boards247,248, and the connector, that is, the second wired communication unit243.

Then, the mobile terminal100determines the touch signal transmitted from the second display250as described above, and determines whether the touch signal corresponds to a preset touch input. Here, the preset touch input may refer to, for example, applying a plurality of tabs on the second display250in inactive state.

When the touch signal is determined to correspond to the preset touch input, the mobile terminal100may perform the process of step560described above. That is, a control signal to switch the second display250to active state is output by the controller of the mobile terminal100and may be transmitted to the second display250.

Thereafter, the mobile terminal100may transmit an image signal corresponding to a screen to be displayed on the second display250via USB communication (570).

To this end, the first and second wired communication units161,243transmit, for example, the DP type image signal through a USB SS PHY pin. Specifically, the DP type image signal passes through the wiring portion242coupled with the first and second flexible printed circuit boards247,248after passing through the first wired communication unit161and the second wired communication unit243interconnected to each other, is converted to MIPI format by the data converter282of the second display250, and is transferred to the second display250.

Next, the second display250may display a screen corresponding to the received signal, that is, an image signal converted to MIPI format (580). Here, a type of the screen displayed on the second display250is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a home screen page different from a home screen page displayed on the first display151or an execution screen of a preset application.

Hereinafter, a flow process of an operation according to the present disclosure as described above will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.6A to6Din connection with the allocation of a memory stack.

Firstly,FIG.6Aillustrates a state in which the connection port of the mobile terminal is connected to the connector of the case, the first display151maintains the active state while the electronic device300is open, and the second display250on the case200side is in inactive state in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure.

When the connection port of the mobile terminal is connected to the connector of the case to sense a plurality of resistances corresponding to the second display250, an operating current is supplied to the second display250and the circuit board244of the case through the first wired communication unit161, the second wired communication unit243, and the wiring portion242.

First screen information may be displayed on the activated first display151. Here, a type of the first screen information is not limited. For example, the first screen information may be a first home screen page601as illustrated inFIG.6A, and in other examples, the first screen information may be changed in various ways such as an execution screen of a specific application, a web page, a setting screen, etc. according to a setting or a selection of a user.

With respect to the first home screen page601being displayed on the first display151in active state, a main home stack610for the first display151may be allocated in a memory600of the mobile terminal100, as illustrated in (a) ofFIG.6D. In addition, tasks related to the displaying of the first home screen page601may be stacked on the allocated main home stack610.

Here, the stacking may be one of structures that stacks (PoP) data. A structure of stacking data may be of a stack type and a queue type. The stack has a data structure of first-in last-out, and the queue has a data structure of first-in first-out.

In the present disclosure, stacks for the first display151and the second display250are separately allocated and removed depending on whether they are activated.

In the open state, the second display250in inactive state may be switched to active state when a predetermined time has elapsed after the first display151is operated in active state as illustrated in (a) ofFIG.6B, or when a predetermined touch input is applied to the first display151, for example, to a specific icon as illustrated in (b) ofFIG.6B. Alternatively, although not illustrated, when a touch input is applied to the second display250, the second display250may also be switched to active state.

First, referring to (a) ofFIG.6B, when the electronic device300is detected to be switched from the closed state to the open state while an operating current is supplied to the second display250according to sensing of a resistance related to the second display250, and the first display151is operated in active state, a control signal to switch the second display250to active state may be transmitted to the second display250. At this time, the control signal is generated by the mobile terminal100, and transmitted to the circuit board244coupled with the second display250via the first and second wired communication units161,243, and the wiring portion242.

In addition, the image signal corresponding to the screen to be displayed on the second display250is also transmitted to the circuit board244coupled with the second display250via the first and second wired communication units161,243, and the wiring portion242, together with the control signal or sequentially after the transmission of the control signal. Here, the image signal is transmitted in DP format, converted into MIPI format that can be displayed on the second display250by the data converter282, and provided to the second display250.

Meanwhile, a condition of the open state for operating the first display151in active state and a condition of the open state for operating the second display250in active state may be different. For example, the open state in which the second display250is operated in active state may be limited to a state in which an angle between the first and second bodies210,220is greater than that in the case of the first display151.

For example, the first display151may be switched to active state when the electronic device300is detected to be in open state, and the second display250may be switched to active state when rear surfaces of the first and second bodies210,220are relatively rotated to be closer to each other after the first display151is switched to active state.

Here, in the open state, the angle between the first display151and the second display250to switch the second display250to active state may be preset or changed by a user.

In addition, a setting of whether to switch the second display250to active state sequentially after the first display151is switched to active state may be on/off based on user input.

Next, referring to (b) ofFIG.6B, when a preset touch input (e.g., touch input applied to a predetermined icon603or multi-finger touch gesture) is applied to the first display151while an operating current is supplied to the second display250, an action corresponding to the touch input, that is, a control signal to switch the second display to the active state may be transmitted to the mobile terminal100via USB HID communication.

At this time, since the control signal is a signal related to the touch, the control signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal100through the first and second signal processors181,281using USB HID communication.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG.6C, when a preset touch input (e.g., touch input applied to the predetermined icon603or multi-finger touch gesture) is again applied to the first display151while the second display250is operated in active state, the second display250is switched to inactive state.

To this end, a control signal corresponding to the touch signal of the preset touch input and to switch the second display250into inactive state is transmitted from the mobile terminal to the display250using USB communication. Accordingly, the second display250is switched back to the inactive state, and the transmission of the image signal from the mobile terminal is stopped.

Meanwhile, as another example, when a preset touch input (e.g., double tap) is applied to the second display while an operating current is supplied to the second display250, a touch signal corresponding to the preset touch input is transmitted to the mobile terminal100via the circuit board244connected to the touch panel, the wiring portion242coupled with the first and second flexible printed circuit boards247,248, and the first and second signal processors181,281using USB HID communication.

Then, the controller180of the mobile terminal100transmits a control signal to activate the second display250to the circuit board coupled with the second screen251and the second display250via the connector connected with the connection port of the mobile terminal, based on the transmitted touch signal. At this time, since the control signal is a signal related to the touch, the control signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal100through the first and second signal processors181,281using USB HID communication.

Here, the signal related to the touch is initially transmitted and received through USB 2.0 communication (hereinafter, referred to as ‘first USB communication’), then transmitted and received through the switched USB HID communication (hereinafter, referred to as ‘second USB communication’) when the mobile terminal100is operated in the host mode (i.e., when resistances Ra, Rd are sensed).

In addition, the control signal is transmitted to the second display250through the first wired communication unit161, the second wired communication unit243, and the wiring unit240in AUX format. The control signal in the AUX format is transmitted to the second display250via the second data converter282.

As described above, when the second display250is switched to active state, second screen information, for example, a second home screen page may be displayed on the second display250.

To this end, the image signal corresponding to the screen to be displayed on the second display250is transmitted to the circuit board244coupled with the second display250via the first and second wired communication units161,243, and the wiring portion242. Here, the image signal is transmitted in DP format, converted into MIPI format that can be displayed on the second display250by the data converter282, and provided to the second display250.

Meanwhile, a control signal to switch the second display250to active state and the image signal corresponding to the screen to be displayed on the second display250are transmitted through different contact pins in the first and second wired communication units161,243.

With respect to the first home screen page601being displayed on the active first display151, referring to (b) ofFIG.6D, a sub home stack620for the second display250in addition to the main home stack610for the first display151is allocated in the memory600.

At this time, tasks related to the DP type image signal transmitted to the circuit board244coupled with the second display250via the first wired communication unit161, the second wired communication unit243, and the wiring portion242is stacked on the sub home stack620.

The main home stack610and the sub home stack620are independently controlled, and when a task corresponding to a specific application is executed on the second display250, a sub-app stack630is additionally allocated to the memory and the task corresponding to the specific application is stacked as illustrated in (c) ofFIG.6D.

The controller180of the mobile terminal may transmit the DP type image signal corresponding to the task stacked on the sub-app stack630to the second display250via the circuit board244coupled with the second display250via the first wired communication unit161, the second wired communication unit243, and the wiring portion242.

Here, the image signal in the DP format is converted into MIPI format by the second data converter282so that it can be displayed on the second display250, and then transmitted to the second display250. Accordingly, screen information corresponding to the task stacked on the sub-app stack630is displayed on the second display250.

As described above, in the electronic device300according to the present disclosure, a control signal transmitted to the circuit board connected to the second display250and an image signal corresponding to screen information to be displayed on the second display250are transmitted through different contact pins.

Meanwhile, as illustrated inFIG.6C, when the second display250is deactivated, the sub-stacks (e.g., sub home stack and sub-app stack) allocated to the memory are deleted from the memory.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, when the connection port of the mobile terminal and the connector of the case are disconnected so that the wired communication path of the first and second wired communication units161,243is released while the second display250is activated, supply of operation current is cut off, and the second display250is switched to inactive state.

Here, when the connection port of the mobile terminal and the connector of the case are connected again, the second display250is switched back to active state, and the screen information displayed on the second display250before the connection is cut off may be output again.

In the above, for convenience of explanation, it has been described that the sizes of the first display151and the second display250are the same, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In the electronic device300according to the present disclosure, an application (e.g., a photo application, etc.) installed in the mobile terminal may be executed. In this case, an application screen (e.g., a photo to be displayed) may be displayed by integrating the first display151and the second display250as a single display.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.7and8, a method for causing the controller180to generate an integrated display310including the first display151and the second display250according to the embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG.7is a flowchart showing a method for causing a controller to generate an integrated display according to an embodiment.

FIG.8Ais a view showing a first display and a second display prior to generating an integrated display.

FIG.8Bis a view showing an integrated display.

As described above, a predetermined application is executed in response to a touch of the first display151and/or the second display250. Referring toFIG.8A, a photo viewer application (hereinafter, referred to as an application) supporting display extension is executed.

In step S10, the controller180determines whether the application is an application supporting display extension. When the application is an application supporting display extension, the controller180may display an integration dot D on the application screen.

Specifically, referring toFIG.8A, when the application is executed, the controller180controls the first display151such that a first photo p1is displayed on the first display151and the integration dot D is displayed on the first display151. The first photo p1may be a photo desired by the user to be displayed through an extended display.

In this case, a second picture p2, which is a photo different from the first photo, may be displayed on the second display250, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a screen different from the first photo, such as an application executed before the picture viewer application is executed, may be displayed.

The user may touch the integration dot D to enter an integrated display mode. Such a touch may be a swipe or a touch and drag in a direction of the second display250, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In step S20, the controller180calculates a size of the integrated display310to define the integrated display310(seeFIG.8B) including the first display151and the second display250in the integrated display mode.

For example, when the screen resolutions of the first display151and the second display250are different from each other, the size of the integrated display310is calculated based on a display having a lower resolution between the two displays.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that a resolution of the first display151is lower than that of the second display250.

Specifically, the controller180adds a width of the first display151to a width of the second display250to calculate a width of the integrated display310.

Here, “Display 1 width” is a width of the first display151included in specifications unique to the first display151, and “Display 2 width” is a width of the second display250included in specific specifications unique to the second display250.

Furthermore, the controller180calculates a smaller one between the width of the first display151and the width of the second display250as a height of the integrated display310.

In step S30, the controller180may send a size of the integrated display310to the application being executed. The application changes a display layout (hereinafter, referred to as a layout) of the application to correspond to the size of the integrated display310.

The application includes a plurality of layouts corresponding to a plurality of resolutions, and the application may determine a layout according to a resolution corresponding to the size of the integrated display310, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In step S40, the controller180changes a size of the first display151according to the calculated size of the integrated display310.

In step S50, the controller180changes a size of the second display250based on the size of the first display151. That is, a hardware setting value of the second display250is changed to be the same as that of the first display151.

Specifically, the controller180changes a flag of the second display250to be the same as that of the first display151. The flag denotes a setting value unique to the display such as resolution, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In step S60, the controller180overlaps the first photo to display the overlapped first photo according to the size of the integrated display310.

In the present specification, overlapping denotes causing the controller180to divide the application screen, set part of the separately displayed screen as an overlapping area, and display the overlapping area on both the first display151and the second display250. Hereinafter, overlapping will be described in detail.

Referring toFIG.8B, the controller180rotates the first photo clockwise (or counterclockwise) to correspond to the width of the integrated display310and the height of the integrated display310by a first angle (for example, 90°), and then separately displays the first photo p1.

Specifically, the controller180may divide the first photo p1into two sub-photos based on a predetermined dividing line DL. The controller180may set an area of the first photo p1corresponding to a reference number of pixels (e.g., 5 pixels) from the dividing line DL in a first direction (e.g., left inFIG.8B) as an overlapping area Ov.

The controller180may divide the first photo p1into a first sub-photo p11and a second sub-photo p12such that the overlapping area Ov is included in a first sub-photo p11and a second sub-photo p11.

That is, the controller180sets part of the first sub-photo p11as the overlapping area Ov. The controller180generates the first sub-photo p11and the second sub-photo p12such that the overlapping area Ov is included in both the first sub-photo p11and the second sub-photo p12.

Accordingly, a text or photo clipping phenomenon occurring due to the connection portion230may be minimized by the overlapping area Ov.

In the above, for convenience of explanation, it has been described that the controller180sets the overlapping area Ov by using part of the first sub-photo p11, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the controller180may set an area of the first photo p1corresponding to the reference number of pixels from the dividing line DL in a second direction (e.g., right inFIG.8B) based on the dividing line DL as the overlapping area Ov.

That is, the controller180sets part of the second sub-photo p12as the overlapping area Ov. The controller180generates the first sub-photo p11and the second sub-photo p12such that the overlapping area Ov is included in both the first sub-photo p11and the second sub-photo p12.

In addition, although it has been described that the dividing line DL accurately bisects the first photo p1so that the sizes of the first sub-photo p11and the second sub-photo p12are the same, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the controller180may set the dividing line DL such that the sizes of the first sub-photo p11and the second sub-photo p12are different from each other.

The controller180controls the first display151such that the first photo p1is displayed on the integrated display310and the integration dot D is displayed on the first display151.

The user may touch the integration dot D to end the integrated display mode. Such a touch may be a swipe or a touch and drag in a direction of the second display250, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Furthermore, although it has been described that the resolutions of the first display151and the second display250are the same, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the resolutions of the first display151and the second display250may be different from each other.

In addition, although it has been described that the electronic device300includes two displays151,250, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the electronic device300may include three or more displays.

Hereinafter, a method of causing the controller180to generate the integrated display310in a landscape mode and a portrait mode according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.9A and9B.

As described with reference toFIG.8A, these landscape and portrait modes may be modes subsequent to executing an application installed in the mobile terminal and then entering the integrated display mode according to a touch to the integration dot D, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Furthermore, the landscape and portrait modes may be switched to each other according to the rotation of the electronic device300, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

FIG.9Ais a screen in a landscape mode of the integrated display according to an embodiment.

There is a difference betweenFIGS.8A and8BandFIGS.9A and9Bin that the application ofFIGS.8A and8Bis a photo viewer application that supports display extension, but the application executed inFIGS.9A and9Bis a web application that supports display extension.

Hereinafter, inFIGS.8A and8BandFIGS.9A and9B, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and their redundant description will be omitted. In addition, a detailed method of setting the overlapping area Ov is the same as that described with reference toFIG.8B, and thus will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.9A, in the landscape mode, the controller180performs overlapping on a web browser screen to generate a first sub-screen w11and a second sub-screen w12, and display them on the first display151and the second display250, respectively.

That is, the controller180may perform transverse overlapping on the web browser screen, and then display the overlapping area Ov on each of the first sub-screen w11and the second sub-screen w12.

FIG.9Bis a screen in a portrait mode in an integrated display according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.9A, in the portrait mode, the controller180performs overlapping on a web browser screen to generate a first sub-screen w11and a second sub-screen w12, and display them on the first display151and the second display250, respectively.

The controller180may perform longitudinal overlapping on the web browser screen, and then display the overlapping area Ov on each of the first sub-screen w11and the second sub-screen w12.