Portable terminal having a projection unit

A terminal includes a display, a body comprising a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, wherein the body is sized to receive the display, the display being positioned to be viewable from the front side of the body, and a projector mounting portion located at an end of the body, the projector mounting portion comprising a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side. The terminal also includes a housing sized to slidably receive the projector mounting portion, wherein the housing is positionable between open and closed positions by providing relative linear motion between the housing and the body, wherein the open position relates to increasing the relative distance between the housing and the display, and the closed position relates to decreasing the relative distance between the housing and the display. The terminal also has a projector located within the projector mounting portion and is operable to project an image on an external surface when the housing is at least partially positioned in the open position, wherein the projector is located to project the image from one of the left or right sides of the projector mounting portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2008-0076184, filed on Aug. 4, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a portable terminal, and in particular, to a portable terminal having a projector configured to outwardly project an image.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

In general, a portable terminal is a device that can be carried around and has one or more functions such as to perform voice and video call communications, inputting and outputting information, storing data, and the like. As such functions become more diversified, the portable terminal can support more complicated functions such as capturing images or video, reproducing music or video files, playing games, receiving broadcast signals, and the like. By comprehensively and collectively implementing such functions, the portable terminal may be embodied in the form of a multimedia player or device.

Various attempts have been made to implement complicated functions in such a multimedia device by means of hardware or software. For instance, a user interface environment is provided in a portable terminal to enable a user to easily and conveniently search for or select a desired function among available functions. As the portable terminal is regarded as a personal item to express a user's personality, various designs have been required. Additionally, methods for enlarging a size of an image implemented by the portable terminal have been proposed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, a terminal include a display; a body comprising a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, wherein the body is sized to receive the display, the display being positioned to be viewable from the front side of the body; and a projector mounting portion located at an end of the body, the projector mounting portion comprising a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side. The terminal also includes a housing sized to slidably receive the projector mounting portion, wherein the housing is positionable between open and closed positions by providing relative linear motion between the housing and the body, wherein the open position relates to increasing the relative distance between the housing and the display, and the closed position relates to decreasing the relative distance between the housing and the display, and a projector located within the projector mounting portion and being operable to project an image on an external surface when the housing is at least partially positioned in the open position, wherein the projector is located to project the image from one of the left or right sides of the projector mounting portion.

In accordance with another embodiment, a terminal includes a display; a body comprising a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, wherein the body is sized to receive the display, the display being positioned to be viewable from the front side of the body; and a projector mounting portion fixedly coupled to the body, the projector mounting portion comprising a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, wherein the projector mounting portion further comprises a first width along the front and rear sides and a first height along the left and right sides, and the body further comprises a second width along the front and rear sides and a second height along the left and right sides, wherein the first width is smaller than the second width and the first height is smaller than the second height. The terminal also includes a housing sized to define a cavity to slidably receive the projector mounting portion, wherein the housing is positionable between open and closed positions by providing relative linear motion between the housing and the body, wherein the open position relates to increasing the relative distance between the housing and the display, and the closed position relates to decreasing the relative distance between the housing and the display; and a projector located within the projector mounting portion and being operable to project an image on an external surface when the housing is at least partially positioned in the open position, wherein the projector is located to project the image from one of the left or right sides of the projector mounting portion, wherein the housing is positionable along a first axis and the projector is configured to project the image along a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. If desired, the projector mounting portion is structured to define a plurality of apertures located proximate to the projector, each of the plurality of apertures being sized to permit air flow into an interior region of the projector mounting portion to facilitate cooling during operation of the projector, and the projector and the plurality of apertures are protectively covered by the housing when the housing is in the closed position.

These and other embodiments will also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, a portable terminal100is implemented as a bar-type terminal body and includes terminal body100a(hereinafter, will be referred to as ‘terminal body’). However, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to such a bar-type body and such teachings may be applied to various other types such as a slide-type, a folder-type, a swing-type, or a swivel-type portable terminal.

The appearance of the portable terminal100is formed by a front case111and a rear case112. Various electronic components are mounted within a space formed by the front case111and the rear case112. One or more intermediate cases may be provided between the front case111and the rear case112.

The front and rear cases111and112may be made of a polymeric material, such as being formed by injection-molding synthetic resin, formed using metallic material, such as stainless steel (CRES) or titanium (Ti), or made of other materials that are known in the art.

A display unit113, a first audio output unit114, or a first image input unit115may be disposed on the front case111. The display unit113may be implemented as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) module, an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) module, or another display device known in the art. The display unit113may also be configured as a touch screen including a touch pad for allowing information to be input by a user's touch.

The first audio output unit114may be implemented as a speaker or a receiver. The first image input unit115may be implemented as a camera module configured to capture a user's still images or moving images.

An interface unit116may be disposed on at least one of the front case111or the rear case112. The interface unit116may be implemented to couple the portable terminal100with external devices. The interface unit116may be implemented as at least one of a wired/wireless connection port for connecting an earphone to the mobile terminal, a short-range communications port (e.g., an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, etc.), power supply ports for providing power to the mobile terminal, or another interface device known in the art. The interface unit116may be configured using a card socket (e.g., for coupling to a memory card, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a user identity module (UIM) card, etc.).

The terminal body100amay be provided with an antenna portion for calls, Bluetooth communications, GPS communications, or other transmissions. A broadcast signal receiving antenna as well as the antenna portion may be disposed on at least one of the front case111or the rear case112. The broadcast signal receiving antenna may be configured to retract into the terminal body100a.

The terminal body100aincludes a first part110, which includes the display unit113, and a second part120. The terminal body100ais configured such that the first part110and the second part120are longitudinally aligned with ends of the first and second parts positioned adjacent each other.

The display unit113displays first image information401(FIG. 9) on a window113a(FIG. 3). The display unit113may occupy a majority of a first, top surface of the first part110.

The second part120(also referred to herein as a projector mounting portion) may extend from the first part110in a stepped fashion with a periphery of the second part, at the junction of the first and second parts, being smaller than a periphery of the first part. A projection unit121(e.g., a projector) for outwardly projecting second image information402(FIG. 9) is provided at the second part120. The projected second image information402is displayed in an enlarged format on an external surface. The external surface may include a screen for a beam projector, a wall surface, a bulletin board, or other device that may be utilized by a user to display the projected image. The external surface is configured to block or reflect light proceeding from the projection unit121.

A projection manipulation unit122for performing manipulations relevant to the operation of the projection unit121(also referred to herein as a projector) is positioned at the second part. The manipulations relevant to the operation of the projection unit121may include starting/ending of the operation of the projection unit121, focusing/zooming of the second image information402, as well as other manipulations known in the art. The projection manipulation unit122may be arranged parallel to a surface in which the window113ais disposed.

A cover130(also referred to herein as a housing) is coupled to the terminal body100ain a movable relationship to permit relative motion between the cover and some or all of the terminal body. The cover130is formed so as to expose and cover the second part120by performing a relative motion, such as sliding over or away from portions of the second part120. The appearance of the cover130is determined by a front cover portion131and a rear cover portion132of the cover130.

A first user input unit133is positioned on the cover130. The first user input unit133may be used to input information via manipulations. The first user input unit133may be arranged parallel to the surface on which the window113ais disposed. The first user input unit133receives commands to control the operation of the portable terminal100.

The first user input unit133and/or the projection manipulation unit122may be implemented as dome switches for receiving commands or information by a user's push, or may be implemented as a jog wheel or a joystick. The first user input unit133and/or the projection manipulation unit122may also be configured as a touch screen including a touch pad that allows information to be input by a user's touch. In this manner, the first user input unit133and/or the projection manipulation unit122may display various patterns that change in accordance to a user's touch. For instance, a screen of the first user input unit133or the projection manipulation unit122may be changed into various shapes such as an arrow and a check pattern according to motion of a user's finger.

The first user input unit133and/or the projection manipulation unit122may be configured to generate various tactile effects when being touched. The first user input unit133and/or the projection manipulation unit122may be implemented as a haptic module. A representative tactile effect generated by the haptic module includes vibration. The haptic module may be configured to interact not only with the first user input unit133or the projection manipulation unit122, but also with the portable terminal.

A second user input unit117may be arranged on at least one of the front case111and the rear case112, such as on the side of at least one of the front case and the rear case.

The first user input unit133may be used to input commands such as START, END, SCROLL, or other input commands known in the art, and the second user input unit117may serve as hot keys for performing specific functions such as activation of the first image input unit115. The display unit113may be configured to display numbers, characters, symbols, or the like.

An audio input unit134for inputting a user's voice or various sounds may be disposed at the cover130. The audio input unit134may be implemented as a microphone.

Referring toFIG. 2, a second image input unit141may be mounted to a rear surface of the rear case112. The second image input unit141faces a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by the first image input unit115(FIG. 1), and may have a pixel density that is the same or different from that of the first image input unit115.

For example, the first image input unit115may operate with a relatively lower pixel density (lower resolution). Thus, the first image input unit115may be useful when a user can capture an image of their face and send it to a calling party in a video call mode or the like. On the other hand, the second image input unit141may operate with a relatively higher pixel density (higher resolution) such that it can be useful for a user to obtain higher quality pictures for later use.

A flash142and a mirror143may also be disposed adjacent to the second image input unit141. When capturing an object by using the second image input unit143, the flash142provides light to the object. The mirror143can cooperate with the second image unit141to allow a user to photograph himself or herself in a self-portrait mode.

A power supply unit119may be disposed at the rear case112to provide power to one or more components of the portable terminal100. The power supply unit119may be a rechargeable battery, for example, that is attachable/detachable for charging.

The second part120may include ventilation holes123that communicate with the outside of the portable terminal100to emit heat produced by the projection unit121. An advantage of this feature is that holes123may be protectively covered with the housing or second part120is in the closed position. Alternatively, or additionally, the ventilation holes123may be formed at the rear case112. An optical source device121a(FIG. 3) for emitting light is provided at the projection unit121. The optical source device121aemits light by converting electric energy into optical energy. While emitting light, the optical source device121ahas an increased temperature. As the temperature of the optical source device121aincreases, the brightness of light emitted from the optical source device121adecreases. The ventilation holes123communicate between the inside and the outside of the second part120, thereby lowering the temperature of peripheral air of the optical source device121a. This increases the brightness of light emitted from the optical source device121a. When the projection unit121is not in use, the through holes123disposed on the second part120are covered by the cover130, thereby preventing foreign material from being introduced into the terminal body100a.

A third image input unit124may also be disposed at the second part120. The third image input unit124may be arranged in a direction opposite to a projection direction from the projection unit121.

Referring toFIG. 3, an audio hole114aand an image window115amay be positioned on one surface of the front case111of the first part110. The audio hole114aand the image window115acorrespond to the first audio output unit114and the first image input unit115(FIG. 1), respectively. The image window115ais made of a material capable of transmitting light.

The window113ais coupled to one surface of the front case111of the first part110. The window113ais made of a material capable of transmitting light, e.g., a transmissive synthetic resin, reinforcing glass, etc. Alternatively, portions of the window113amay be formed of a material that cannot transmit light, or which may be surface-processed such that light can not pass therethrough.

A window hole113bis disposed at the front case111in correspondence to the window113a. A display module113cis disposed at the rear case112in correspondence to the window hole113b, such that visual information output from the display module113ccan be recognized from outside. The window113amay have an area corresponding to the display module113c. A touch pad113dfor touch input may be mounted relative to one surface of the window113a. The window113aand the display module113cform the display unit113(FIG. 1). The display unit113may be implemented as a touch screen including the touch pad113dand configured for touch input.

A first circuit board118, a speaker module114b, a camera module115b, and other components may be disposed at the rear case112of the first part110. The first circuit board118may be configured as, for example, a controller180(FIG. 14) for operating the functions of the portable terminal100. As shown, the display module113c, the speaker module114b, the camera module115b, and other components may be mounted to the first circuit board118.

The speaker module114bmay be disposed at the first circuit board118to align with the audio hole114a, and the camera module115bmay be disposed at the first circuit board118to align with the image window115a.

The camera module124b, a second circuit board128, and other components may be mounted to the rear case112of the second part120(FIG. 1). The camera module124bforms part of third image input unit124(FIG. 1), and may be provided with through holes.

One or more switches122aare mounted to the second circuit board128in correspondence to manipulation pads122bpositioned on the second part120. As the manipulation pads122bare pressed, information is input. The switches122aand the manipulation pads122bmay form the projection manipulation unit122(FIG. 1).

The optical source device121afor emitting light may be mounted in the second part120. The optical source device121amay be implemented as an LED, a laser emitting device, or other component known in the art for use as an optical source device. The projection unit121may include one optical source device121aor multiple optical source devices121a.

An image forming module121bis arranged so as to be positioned adjacent to the optical source device121a. The image forming module121bforms the second image information402by using light emitted from the optical source device121a.

The image forming module121bmay operate in the same manner as a module for implementing image information by a digital light processing (DLP) projector. In this manner, light emitted from the optical source device121ais sequentially separated into red, green, and blue. The separated three colors go through a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) to implement image information. A non-color separation method using three optical source devices121afor emitting R, G and B colors may also be utilized. The image information implementing method is not limited to the above methods, but may include various methods such as a line scan method, or other methods known in the art.

A lens121cis disposed adjacent to the image forming module121b. The lens121cprojects the enlarged second image information402. The optical source device121a, the image forming module121b, and the lens121cmay constitute the projection unit121(FIG. 1), and may be formed in a unitary module.

The lens121cis arranged to align with projection holes121d. The projection holes121dare formed at the second part120, and allow the second image information402to pass therethrough. The projection holes121dmay be formed as semi-circular grooves formed at the front case111and the rear case112. When the front case111and the rear case112are coupled to each other, the semi-circular grooves are positioned adjacent each other, thereby forming the projection holes121d. The projection holes121dof the front case111are formed on another surface of the terminal body100aintersecting with one surface of the terminal body100awhere the window113ais disposed. The projection holes121dmay alternatively be formed on a side surface of the second part120. The projection holes121dare disposed at the second part120, and may be covered by the cover130(FIG. 1) when the projection unit121is not in use, thereby preventing foreign materials from being introduced into the terminal body100awhen the projection unit121is not in use.

The front cover131and the rear cover132are movably mounted to the front case111and the rear case112, respectively. The cover130is formed by the front cover131and the rear cover132being coupled to each other.

A third circuit board138may be mounted to the rear cover132. A microphone134bfor inputting audio may be mounted to the third circuit board138. One or more switches133amay be mounted to the third circuit board138to correspond and align with manipulation pads133b, thereby forming the first user input unit133(FIG. 1).

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, when the second part120is in a closed configuration, the first part110and the cover130come in contact with each other on the same plane. In this manner, the second part120is not exposed to the outside, and operations of the portable terminal100, such as voice calls, may be executed.

The inside of each of the first and second parts110and120is shielded from each other by a shielding plate150. The shielding plate150may be made of protrusions extending from each of the front case111and the rear case112, toward the inside of the portable terminal100. In this manner, electronic devices arranged in the first part110are not electromagnetically or thermally influenced by electronic devices arranged in the second part120.

The cover130forms a recess having an opening on one surface thereof. The cover130may accommodate the second part120through the opening in a first state by a sliding motion.

Referring toFIG. 6, the cover130is in a second state to form an empty space135, which is different from the first state. An end125of the second part120, on an end opposite to which the first part110is coupled, is formed to communicate with the empty space135.

The interior of the second part120communicates with the empty space135and the ventilation holes123(FIG. 2) positioned in the second part120. In this manner, pressure in the empty space135is lower than an external pressure when the empty space135is formed through the sliding motion of the cover130in a direction away from the first part110. As a result, external air is introduced into the empty space135through the ventilation holes123. The introduced external air serves to lower a temperature of peripheral air of the optical source device121a(FIG. 3) more than when the empty space135is not formed. Also, the introduced external air causes air flow around the optical source device121a, which accelerates heat transfer between the air and the optical source device121a. This enhances optical performance of the optical source device121a. Generally, a heat emitting body disposed in a small area has a temperature increase rate that is greater than that of a heat emitting body disposed in a large area. Accordingly, the empty space135lowers the temperature increase rate of the optical source device121adue to heat emission.

Referring toFIG. 7, a recessed, stepped-down portion260is positioned on a rear surface of a rear case212of a first part210. A second image input unit241may be mounted to the recessed portion260. The cover230extends such that a part, or all, thereof can cover the second image input unit241. A part extending from the cover230extends to the recessed portion260, and a power supply unit219is positioned at the cover230. Alternatively, the cover230may extend to cover the second image input unit241without the recessed portion260, and the power supply unit219may be positioned at the first part210.

The second image input unit241is positioned to be opened and closed by motion of the cover230. Accordingly, the second image input unit241and the projection unit121may be configured so as to be simultaneously used or not used.

Referring toFIG. 8, a second part320is formed so as to perform a relative motion with respect to a first part310. One side of the second part320is hinge-coupled to the first part310by a hinge coupling unit370. The second part320rotates with respect to the first part310based on the hinge coupling unit370. The portable terminal300is disposed in a state that the first part310comes into contact with another object. Here, a projection direction of the projection unit321may be controlled by rotation of the second part320. The second part320is rotated around a shaft depicted inFIG. 8. The shaft is oriented in a longitudinal direction of the portable terminal300, and is positioned toward one side in a width direction. This allows the second part320to be rotated in a state that the first part310comes in contact with another object.

FIGS. 9 to 13depict portable terminals400to800in use. The first image information401(FIG. 9) is displayed on the display unit113. The projection unit121(FIG. 1) outwardly projects second image information402,502,702and802.

Referring toFIG. 9, the first and second image information401and402may be implemented as the same image information. Referring toFIG. 10, the second image information502may be implemented as external image information503input through the third image input unit124(FIG. 2). Referring toFIG. 11, the display unit113displays a menu for selecting a projection operation of the projection unit121. The menu is displayed on the display unit113when the cover130(FIG. 1) is moved away from the first part110so that the second part120can be opened, or exposed. The menu may be displayed for about 2˜5 seconds, and may then disappear when no item on the menu is selected by a user. Referring toFIG. 12, the display unit113is configured to reduce power consumption by being deactivated when the projection unit121performs a projection operation. This feature may be implemented through a user's selection.

Referring toFIG. 13, the display unit113may be implemented as a touch screen for touch input, and the second image information802may further include information804indicating a touch point on the display unit113. InFIG. 13, an end of a feather-shaped icon is implemented as the information804indicating a touch point on the display unit113. For instance, a controller180having sensed touch of the display unit113may control output of the second image information802so that a pre-stored icon can be displayed on a user's touch point.

Referring toFIG. 14, a portable terminal includes a wireless communications module191, a user input unit117, a projection manipulation unit122, image input unit115an audio input unit134, a broadcasting receiving module195, a memory194, a power supply unit119, and a controller180. User input unit133may be configured in a manner similar to user input unit117, and image input units124and141may each be configured in a manner similar to image input unit115.

The controller180typically controls the overall operations of the portable terminal. For instance, the controller180performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, and video calls.

The wireless communications module191transmits or receives wireless signals to/from a base station through an antenna. For instance, the wireless communications module191transmits or receives voice data, text data, video data, and control data under control of the controller180. The wireless communications module191includes a transmitting portion192for transmitting a signal through a modulation process, and a receiving unit193for demodulating a received signal.

As shown inFIG. 1, the user input unit117and133provides, to the controller180, key input data input by a user for controlling the operation of the portable terminal. The user input units117and133are implemented as a dome switch, a touch pad, a jog wheel, a jog switch, or other input devices known in the art.

As shown inFIG. 1, the projection manipulation unit122provides, to the controller180, key input data input by a user for controlling the operation of the projection unit121. The projection manipulation unit122is implemented as a dome switch, a touch pad, a jog wheel, a jog switch, or other manipulation devices known in the art.

The image input units115,124and141process image frames of still images or moving images captured by an image sensor in a video call mode or a capturing mode. Then, the processed image frames are converted into image data that can be displayed on the display unit113, and then are output to the display unit113.

Under control of the controller180, the image frames processed by the image input units115,124and141may be stored in the memory194, or may be outwardly transmitted through the wireless communications module191.

The audio input unit134receives external audio signals by a microphone in a call mode, or a recording mode, or a voice recognition mode, or other modes that require receiving audio input, and then processes the received audio signals into electric voice data. In the case of a call mode, the processed voice data is converted into data that can be transmitted to the base station through the wireless communications module191, and then is output to the wireless communications module191. In the case of a recording mode, the processed voice data is output so as to be stored in the memory194. The audio input unit134may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving an external audio signal.

The display unit113may display information processed in the portable terminal. For example, when the portable terminal is in a call mode, User Interface (UI) or Graphic User Interface (GUI) relating to a call is displayed under control of the controller180. When the portable terminal is in a video call mode or a capturing mode, a captured image, UI or GUI is displayed under control of the controller180. When the display unit113includes a touch screen, it serves as an input device as well as an output device.

The projection unit121outwardly projects image information processed in the portable terminal. For example, the projection unit121outwardly projects information displayed on the display unit113under control of the controller180.

In various modes, including a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode and a broadcast reception mode, the first audio output unit114converts audio data received from the wireless communications module191, or audio data stored in the memory194, to thereby outwardly output under control of the controller180. The first audio output unit114outputs audio signals relating to functions executed in the portable terminal (e.g., call signal receiving sound, message receiving sound, or other function of the portable terminal). The first audio output unit114includes a speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, or other audio outputting component known in the art.

A sensing unit196senses the current status of the portable terminal such as an open/close status of the portable terminal, an orientation of the portable terminal, and presence or absence of a user's contact with the portable terminal, thereby generating sensing signals to control the operation of the portable terminal. For example, when the portable terminal1is a slide-type portable terminal, the sensing unit196may sense whether a sliding portion of the portable terminal is opened or closed. Then, the sensing unit196outputs results of the sensing to the controller180, and thereby the operation of the portable terminal is controlled. Other examples include the sensing unit196sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply unit119, the presence or absence of coupling or other connection between the interface unit116and an external device, and so on.

The interface unit116interfaces a wire/wireless headset, an external charger, a wire/wireless data port, and a card socket (e.g., memory card, SIM/UIM card) rather than the portable terminal, with all types of external devices connected to the portable terminal. The interface unit116receives data or power from an external device, and transmits it to each component inside the portable terminal. Otherwise, the interface unit116transmits data inside the portable terminal to an external device.

The memory194may store a program to activate the controller180, or may temporarily store input/output data (e.g., phonebook, messages, still images, moving images, and so on). Furthermore, the memory194stores programs to control the operation of the portable terminal. The memory194includes the concepts of the general hard disc, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), flash memory, RAM, ROM, and so on.

The broadcasting receiving module195receives a broadcasting signal transmitted through satellite or terrestrial waves, etc., and converts the signal into broadcasting data that can be output to the first audio output unit114, the display unit113, and the projection unit121, thereby to output it to the controller180. The broadcasting receiving module195also receives broadcasting-related data (e.g., Electric Program Guide: EPG, channel list, etc.). Broadcasting data and additional data converted by the broadcasting receiving module195may be stored in the memory194.

The power supply unit119receives external or internal power under control of the controller180, and supplies the power to each component of the portable terminal.

The portable terminal can be configured to project image information to a large screen through the projection unit. As the projection unit and the image input unit are interworked, a user can project a received external image to a large screen.

Furthermore, a part in which the projection unit is disposed can be selectively opened and closed via the cover. In this manner, foreign materials are prevented from being introduced into the terminal body when the projection unit is not in use.