Abstract:
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.

Description:
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&#39;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 
     Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention in an open state. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a rear surface of the portable terminal of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the portable terminal of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the portable terminal of  FIG. 1  in a closed state. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along line ‘V-V’ in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the portable terminal of  FIG. 1  in the open state. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portable terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a portable terminal according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9 to 13  are operational views of the portable terminal according to various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of the portable terminal according to various embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a portable terminal  100  is implemented as a bar-type terminal body and includes terminal body  100   a  (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 terminal  100  is formed by a front case  111  and a rear case  112 . Various electronic components are mounted within a space formed by the front case  111  and the rear case  112 . One or more intermediate cases may be provided between the front case  111  and the rear case  112 . 
     The front and rear cases  111  and  112  may 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 unit  113 , a first audio output unit  114 , or a first image input unit  115  may be disposed on the front case  111 . The display unit  113  may 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 unit  113  may also be configured as a touch screen including a touch pad for allowing information to be input by a user&#39;s touch. 
     The first audio output unit  114  may be implemented as a speaker or a receiver. The first image input unit  115  may be implemented as a camera module configured to capture a user&#39;s still images or moving images. 
     An interface unit  116  may be disposed on at least one of the front case  111  or the rear case  112 . The interface unit  116  may be implemented to couple the portable terminal  100  with external devices. The interface unit  116  may 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 unit  116  may 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 body  100   a  may 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 case  111  or the rear case  112 . The broadcast signal receiving antenna may be configured to retract into the terminal body  100   a.    
     The terminal body  100   a  includes a first part  110 , which includes the display unit  113 , and a second part  120 . The terminal body  100   a  is configured such that the first part  110  and the second part  120  are longitudinally aligned with ends of the first and second parts positioned adjacent each other. 
     The display unit  113  displays first image information  401  ( FIG. 9 ) on a window  113   a  ( FIG. 3 ). The display unit  113  may occupy a majority of a first, top surface of the first part  110 . 
     The second part  120  (also referred to herein as a projector mounting portion) may extend from the first part  110  in 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 unit  121  (e.g., a projector) for outwardly projecting second image information  402  ( FIG. 9 ) is provided at the second part  120 . The projected second image information  402  is 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 unit  121 . 
     A projection manipulation unit  122  for performing manipulations relevant to the operation of the projection unit  121  (also referred to herein as a projector) is positioned at the second part. The manipulations relevant to the operation of the projection unit  121  may include starting/ending of the operation of the projection unit  121 , focusing/zooming of the second image information  402 , as well as other manipulations known in the art. The projection manipulation unit  122  may be arranged parallel to a surface in which the window  113   a  is disposed. 
     A cover  130  (also referred to herein as a housing) is coupled to the terminal body  100   a  in a movable relationship to permit relative motion between the cover and some or all of the terminal body. The cover  130  is formed so as to expose and cover the second part  120  by performing a relative motion, such as sliding over or away from portions of the second part  120 . The appearance of the cover  130  is determined by a front cover portion  131  and a rear cover portion  132  of the cover  130 . 
     A first user input unit  133  is positioned on the cover  130 . The first user input unit  133  may be used to input information via manipulations. The first user input unit  133  may be arranged parallel to the surface on which the window  113   a  is disposed. The first user input unit  133  receives commands to control the operation of the portable terminal  100 . 
     The first user input unit  133  and/or the projection manipulation unit  122  may be implemented as dome switches for receiving commands or information by a user&#39;s push, or may be implemented as a jog wheel or a joystick. The first user input unit  133  and/or the projection manipulation unit  122  may also be configured as a touch screen including a touch pad that allows information to be input by a user&#39;s touch. In this manner, the first user input unit  133  and/or the projection manipulation unit  122  may display various patterns that change in accordance to a user&#39;s touch. For instance, a screen of the first user input unit  133  or the projection manipulation unit  122  may be changed into various shapes such as an arrow and a check pattern according to motion of a user&#39;s finger. 
     The first user input unit  133  and/or the projection manipulation unit  122  may be configured to generate various tactile effects when being touched. The first user input unit  133  and/or the projection manipulation unit  122  may 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 unit  133  or the projection manipulation unit  122 , but also with the portable terminal. 
     A second user input unit  117  may be arranged on at least one of the front case  111  and the rear case  112 , such as on the side of at least one of the front case and the rear case. 
     The first user input unit  133  may be used to input commands such as START, END, SCROLL, or other input commands known in the art, and the second user input unit  117  may serve as hot keys for performing specific functions such as activation of the first image input unit  115 . The display unit  113  may be configured to display numbers, characters, symbols, or the like. 
     An audio input unit  134  for inputting a user&#39;s voice or various sounds may be disposed at the cover  130 . The audio input unit  134  may be implemented as a microphone. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a second image input unit  141  may be mounted to a rear surface of the rear case  112 . The second image input unit  141  faces a direction which is opposite to a direction faced by the first image input unit  115  ( FIG. 1 ), and may have a pixel density that is the same or different from that of the first image input unit  115 . 
     For example, the first image input unit  115  may operate with a relatively lower pixel density (lower resolution). Thus, the first image input unit  115  may 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 unit  141  may 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 flash  142  and a mirror  143  may also be disposed adjacent to the second image input unit  141 . When capturing an object by using the second image input unit  143 , the flash  142  provides light to the object. The mirror  143  can cooperate with the second image unit  141  to allow a user to photograph himself or herself in a self-portrait mode. 
     A power supply unit  119  may be disposed at the rear case  112  to provide power to one or more components of the portable terminal  100 . The power supply unit  119  may be a rechargeable battery, for example, that is attachable/detachable for charging. 
     The second part  120  may include ventilation holes  123  that communicate with the outside of the portable terminal  100  to emit heat produced by the projection unit  121 . An advantage of this feature is that holes  123  may be protectively covered with the housing or second part  120  is in the closed position. Alternatively, or additionally, the ventilation holes  123  may be formed at the rear case  112 . An optical source device  121   a  ( FIG. 3 ) for emitting light is provided at the projection unit  121 . The optical source device  121   a  emits light by converting electric energy into optical energy. While emitting light, the optical source device  121   a  has an increased temperature. As the temperature of the optical source device  121   a  increases, the brightness of light emitted from the optical source device  121   a  decreases. The ventilation holes  123  communicate between the inside and the outside of the second part  120 , thereby lowering the temperature of peripheral air of the optical source device  121   a . This increases the brightness of light emitted from the optical source device  121   a . When the projection unit  121  is not in use, the through holes  123  disposed on the second part  120  are covered by the cover  130 , thereby preventing foreign material from being introduced into the terminal body  100   a.    
     A third image input unit  124  may also be disposed at the second part  120 . The third image input unit  124  may be arranged in a direction opposite to a projection direction from the projection unit  121 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an audio hole  114   a  and an image window  115   a  may be positioned on one surface of the front case  111  of the first part  110 . The audio hole  114   a  and the image window  115   a  correspond to the first audio output unit  114  and the first image input unit  115  ( FIG. 1 ), respectively. The image window  115   a  is made of a material capable of transmitting light. 
     The window  113   a  is coupled to one surface of the front case  111  of the first part  110 . The window  113   a  is made of a material capable of transmitting light, e.g., a transmissive synthetic resin, reinforcing glass, etc. Alternatively, portions of the window  113   a  may be formed of a material that cannot transmit light, or which may be surface-processed such that light can not pass therethrough. 
     A window hole  113   b  is disposed at the front case  111  in correspondence to the window  113   a . A display module  113   c  is disposed at the rear case  112  in correspondence to the window hole  113   b , such that visual information output from the display module  113   c  can be recognized from outside. The window  113   a  may have an area corresponding to the display module  113   c . A touch pad  113   d  for touch input may be mounted relative to one surface of the window  113   a . The window  113   a  and the display module  113   c  form the display unit  113  ( FIG. 1 ). The display unit  113  may be implemented as a touch screen including the touch pad  113   d  and configured for touch input. 
     A first circuit board  118 , a speaker module  114   b , a camera module  115   b , and other components may be disposed at the rear case  112  of the first part  110 . The first circuit board  118  may be configured as, for example, a controller  180  ( FIG. 14 ) for operating the functions of the portable terminal  100 . As shown, the display module  113   c , the speaker module  114   b , the camera module  115   b , and other components may be mounted to the first circuit board  118 . 
     The speaker module  114   b  may be disposed at the first circuit board  118  to align with the audio hole  114   a , and the camera module  115   b  may be disposed at the first circuit board  118  to align with the image window  115   a.    
     The camera module  124   b , a second circuit board  128 , and other components may be mounted to the rear case  112  of the second part  120  ( FIG. 1 ). The camera module  124   b  forms part of third image input unit  124  ( FIG. 1 ), and may be provided with through holes. 
     One or more switches  122   a  are mounted to the second circuit board  128  in correspondence to manipulation pads  122   b  positioned on the second part  120 . As the manipulation pads  122   b  are pressed, information is input. The switches  122   a  and the manipulation pads  122   b  may form the projection manipulation unit  122  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     The optical source device  121   a  for emitting light may be mounted in the second part  120 . The optical source device  121   a  may 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 unit  121  may include one optical source device  121   a  or multiple optical source devices  121   a.    
     An image forming module  121   b  is arranged so as to be positioned adjacent to the optical source device  121   a . The image forming module  121   b  forms the second image information  402  by using light emitted from the optical source device  121   a.    
     The image forming module  121   b  may 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 device  121   a  is 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 devices  121   a  for 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 lens  121   c  is disposed adjacent to the image forming module  121   b . The lens  121   c  projects the enlarged second image information  402 . The optical source device  121   a , the image forming module  121   b , and the lens  121   c  may constitute the projection unit  121  ( FIG. 1 ), and may be formed in a unitary module. 
     The lens  121   c  is arranged to align with projection holes  121   d . The projection holes  121   d  are formed at the second part  120 , and allow the second image information  402  to pass therethrough. The projection holes  121   d  may be formed as semi-circular grooves formed at the front case  111  and the rear case  112 . When the front case  111  and the rear case  112  are coupled to each other, the semi-circular grooves are positioned adjacent each other, thereby forming the projection holes  121   d . The projection holes  121   d  of the front case  111  are formed on another surface of the terminal body  100   a  intersecting with one surface of the terminal body  100   a  where the window  113   a  is disposed. The projection holes  121   d  may alternatively be formed on a side surface of the second part  120 . The projection holes  121   d  are disposed at the second part  120 , and may be covered by the cover  130  ( FIG. 1 ) when the projection unit  121  is not in use, thereby preventing foreign materials from being introduced into the terminal body  100   a  when the projection unit  121  is not in use. 
     The front cover  131  and the rear cover  132  are movably mounted to the front case  111  and the rear case  112 , respectively. The cover  130  is formed by the front cover  131  and the rear cover  132  being coupled to each other. 
     A third circuit board  138  may be mounted to the rear cover  132 . A microphone  134   b  for inputting audio may be mounted to the third circuit board  138 . One or more switches  133   a  may be mounted to the third circuit board  138  to correspond and align with manipulation pads  133   b , thereby forming the first user input unit  133  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , when the second part  120  is in a closed configuration, the first part  110  and the cover  130  come in contact with each other on the same plane. In this manner, the second part  120  is not exposed to the outside, and operations of the portable terminal  100 , such as voice calls, may be executed. 
     The inside of each of the first and second parts  110  and  120  is shielded from each other by a shielding plate  150 . The shielding plate  150  may be made of protrusions extending from each of the front case  111  and the rear case  112 , toward the inside of the portable terminal  100 . In this manner, electronic devices arranged in the first part  110  are not electromagnetically or thermally influenced by electronic devices arranged in the second part  120 . 
     The cover  130  forms a recess having an opening on one surface thereof. The cover  130  may accommodate the second part  120  through the opening in a first state by a sliding motion. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the cover  130  is in a second state to form an empty space  135 , which is different from the first state. An end  125  of the second part  120 , on an end opposite to which the first part  110  is coupled, is formed to communicate with the empty space  135 . 
     The interior of the second part  120  communicates with the empty space  135  and the ventilation holes  123  ( FIG. 2 ) positioned in the second part  120 . In this manner, pressure in the empty space  135  is lower than an external pressure when the empty space  135  is formed through the sliding motion of the cover  130  in a direction away from the first part  110 . As a result, external air is introduced into the empty space  135  through the ventilation holes  123 . The introduced external air serves to lower a temperature of peripheral air of the optical source device  121   a  ( FIG. 3 ) more than when the empty space  135  is not formed. Also, the introduced external air causes air flow around the optical source device  121   a , which accelerates heat transfer between the air and the optical source device  121   a . This enhances optical performance of the optical source device  121   a . 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 space  135  lowers the temperature increase rate of the optical source device  121   a  due to heat emission. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a recessed, stepped-down portion  260  is positioned on a rear surface of a rear case  212  of a first part  210 . A second image input unit  241  may be mounted to the recessed portion  260 . The cover  230  extends such that a part, or all, thereof can cover the second image input unit  241 . A part extending from the cover  230  extends to the recessed portion  260 , and a power supply unit  219  is positioned at the cover  230 . Alternatively, the cover  230  may extend to cover the second image input unit  241  without the recessed portion  260 , and the power supply unit  219  may be positioned at the first part  210 . 
     The second image input unit  241  is positioned to be opened and closed by motion of the cover  230 . Accordingly, the second image input unit  241  and the projection unit  121  may be configured so as to be simultaneously used or not used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a second part  320  is formed so as to perform a relative motion with respect to a first part  310 . One side of the second part  320  is hinge-coupled to the first part  310  by a hinge coupling unit  370 . The second part  320  rotates with respect to the first part  310  based on the hinge coupling unit  370 . The portable terminal  300  is disposed in a state that the first part  310  comes into contact with another object. Here, a projection direction of the projection unit  321  may be controlled by rotation of the second part  320 . The second part  320  is rotated around a shaft depicted in  FIG. 8 . The shaft is oriented in a longitudinal direction of the portable terminal  300 , and is positioned toward one side in a width direction. This allows the second part  320  to be rotated in a state that the first part  310  comes in contact with another object. 
       FIGS. 9 to 13  depict portable terminals  400  to  800  in use. The first image information  401  ( FIG. 9 ) is displayed on the display unit  113 . The projection unit  121  ( FIG. 1 ) outwardly projects second image information  402 ,  502 ,  702  and  802 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the first and second image information  401  and  402  may be implemented as the same image information. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the second image information  502  may be implemented as external image information  503  input through the third image input unit  124  ( FIG. 2 ). Referring to  FIG. 11 , the display unit  113  displays a menu for selecting a projection operation of the projection unit  121 . The menu is displayed on the display unit  113  when the cover  130  ( FIG. 1 ) is moved away from the first part  110  so that the second part  120  can 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 to  FIG. 12 , the display unit  113  is configured to reduce power consumption by being deactivated when the projection unit  121  performs a projection operation. This feature may be implemented through a user&#39;s selection. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the display unit  113  may be implemented as a touch screen for touch input, and the second image information  802  may further include information  804  indicating a touch point on the display unit  113 . In  FIG. 13 , an end of a feather-shaped icon is implemented as the information  804  indicating a touch point on the display unit  113 . For instance, a controller  180  having sensed touch of the display unit  113  may control output of the second image information  802  so that a pre-stored icon can be displayed on a user&#39;s touch point. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a portable terminal includes a wireless communications module  191 , a user input unit  117 , a projection manipulation unit  122 , image input unit  115  an audio input unit  134 , a broadcasting receiving module  195 , a memory  194 , a power supply unit  119 , and a controller  180 . User input unit  133  may be configured in a manner similar to user input unit  117 , and image input units  124  and  141  may each be configured in a manner similar to image input unit  115 . 
     The controller  180  typically controls the overall operations of the portable terminal. For instance, the controller  180  performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, and video calls. 
     The wireless communications module  191  transmits or receives wireless signals to/from a base station through an antenna. For instance, the wireless communications module  191  transmits or receives voice data, text data, video data, and control data under control of the controller  180 . The wireless communications module  191  includes a transmitting portion  192  for transmitting a signal through a modulation process, and a receiving unit  193  for demodulating a received signal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the user input unit  117  and  133  provides, to the controller  180 , key input data input by a user for controlling the operation of the portable terminal. The user input units  117  and  133  are implemented as a dome switch, a touch pad, a jog wheel, a jog switch, or other input devices known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the projection manipulation unit  122  provides, to the controller  180 , key input data input by a user for controlling the operation of the projection unit  121 . The projection manipulation unit  122  is 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 units  115 ,  124  and  141  process 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 unit  113 , and then are output to the display unit  113 . 
     Under control of the controller  180 , the image frames processed by the image input units  115 ,  124  and  141  may be stored in the memory  194 , or may be outwardly transmitted through the wireless communications module  191 . 
     The audio input unit  134  receives 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 module  191 , and then is output to the wireless communications module  191 . In the case of a recording mode, the processed voice data is output so as to be stored in the memory  194 . The audio input unit  134  may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving an external audio signal. 
     The display unit  113  may 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 controller  180 . 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 controller  180 . When the display unit  113  includes a touch screen, it serves as an input device as well as an output device. 
     The projection unit  121  outwardly projects image information processed in the portable terminal. For example, the projection unit  121  outwardly projects information displayed on the display unit  113  under control of the controller  180 . 
     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 unit  114  converts audio data received from the wireless communications module  191 , or audio data stored in the memory  194 , to thereby outwardly output under control of the controller  180 . The first audio output unit  114  outputs 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 unit  114  includes a speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, or other audio outputting component known in the art. 
     A sensing unit  196  senses 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&#39;s contact with the portable terminal, thereby generating sensing signals to control the operation of the portable terminal. For example, when the portable terminal  1  is a slide-type portable terminal, the sensing unit  196  may sense whether a sliding portion of the portable terminal is opened or closed. Then, the sensing unit  196  outputs results of the sensing to the controller  180 , and thereby the operation of the portable terminal is controlled. Other examples include the sensing unit  196  sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply unit  119 , the presence or absence of coupling or other connection between the interface unit  116  and an external device, and so on. 
     The interface unit  116  interfaces 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 unit  116  receives data or power from an external device, and transmits it to each component inside the portable terminal. Otherwise, the interface unit  116  transmits data inside the portable terminal to an external device. 
     The memory  194  may store a program to activate the controller  180 , or may temporarily store input/output data (e.g., phonebook, messages, still images, moving images, and so on). Furthermore, the memory  194  stores programs to control the operation of the portable terminal. The memory  194  includes 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 module  195  receives 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 unit  114 , the display unit  113 , and the projection unit  121 , thereby to output it to the controller  180 . The broadcasting receiving module  195  also receives broadcasting-related data (e.g., Electric Program Guide: EPG, channel list, etc.). Broadcasting data and additional data converted by the broadcasting receiving module  195  may be stored in the memory  194 . 
     The power supply unit  119  receives external or internal power under control of the controller  180 , 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. 
     The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and processes. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.