Abstract:
A case of a mobile terminal includes a user input unit, a controller for manipulating an input signal, an interface for transmitting the manipulated input signal and protects a mobile terminal. As the case of the mobile terminal provides an additional user input, this allows a user to control each function of the mobile terminal with user friendly manner, or to input data efficiently, and to improve a design quality of the mobile terminal.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present invention relates to subject matter contained in priority Korean Application No. 10-2006-0102555, filed on Oct. 20, 2006, and Korean Application No. 10-2006-0112736, filed on Nov. 15, 2006 which is herein expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     RELATED ART OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a case, and more particularly, to a case for a mobile terminal has a user input unit (manipulating unit) for data input and/or an operation control. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Generally, a mobile terminal is a portable device having one or more functions among a call function, a video call function, an information input/output function, and a data storage function. As the mobile terminal has various functions, complicated functions such as a function for capturing a still image or a moving image, a function for reproducing a music file or a moving image, a game function, and a function for receiving broadcasting data may also be provided at the mobile terminal. As such, the mobile terminal has been implemented as a multimedia player. 
     According to the conventional mobile terminal, various researches have been performed in a hardware or software aspect so as to implement complicated functions, stable configurations, and easy operation and/or to enhance a user&#39;s convenience. For instance, a user&#39;s interface for allowing a user to easily and conveniently search or select a function has been developed and provided. Also, as the mobile terminal is considered as a personal belonging to represent a user&#39;s characteristic or personality, various designs of the mobile terminal have been provided to the user. 
     Accordingly, a research for facilitating an application (or an implementation) of a displaying means according to the mobile terminal is required. Also, a research for conveniently applying inputting/outputting means for implementing various functions of the mobile terminal is required. Furthermore, a research for implementing a simple structure even if the mobile terminal has various functions is required. A research for facilitating an operation of the mobile terminal that becomes smaller in size is required. 
     Generally, an appearance of the mobile terminal is exposed to an external environment without being protected. Furthermore, since a user input unit (i.e., keypad) or output unit (i.e. screen) of the mobile terminal is exposed to the external environment without being protected, a research for protecting these units and the appearance of the mobile terminal is also required. 
     As the mobile terminal becomes small in size, it is difficult to design a user input unit (or manipulating unit) for controlling each function of the mobile terminal or inputting data to have a sufficient size and space. Accordingly, a research to solve the problems is required. 
     Since the mobile terminal becomes small in size, it is difficult to design the mobile terminal to have a displaying unit large enough to conveniently implement various functions. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the present invention involves the recognition by the present inventors of the drawbacks in the related art, as explained above. Based upon such recognition, the following features have been conceived. 
     One aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of sufficiently obtaining a region or space of a user input unit (or manipulating unit) for inputting data and/or controlling an operation of the mobile terminal, and a region or size of a displaying unit. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of protecting an appearance of the mobile terminal and a user input unit thereof. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of arranging keys on a user input unit so that data can be conveniently inputted in various manners. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal with a smaller or slimmer size while a displaying unit and a user input unit of the mobile terminal have a wide region, respectively. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of sufficiently obtaining a usage time in various manners. 
     To achieve at least the above aspects, there is provided a mobile terminal having a case and a method for controlling the same. 
     In an embodiment of a mobile terminal, a case having a user input unit (or manipulating unit) may be detachably coupled to a body of the mobile terminal. The user input unit of the case may be configured to perform signal transmission/reception (hereinafter, will be referred to as ‘transception’) with a controller of the body. 
     The case coupled to the body of the mobile terminal may be configured to be foldable so as to cover the body for protection. A controller for processing an input signal generated by the user input unit (or manipulating unit) may be further provided at the case. The case and the body may be respectively provided with an interface to transmit/receive (hereinafter, will be referred to as ‘transceiver’) a signal with each other. Power may be supplied to the case through the first interface for signal transception or a contacting unit. A sensing unit may be further provided at the case. The manipulating unit provided at the case may be implemented in a qwerty manner. The manipulating unit may be further provided with a light emitting device. 
     In another embodiment of a mobile terminal, a body having a second interface and a controller is detachably coupled to a case having a controller for converting a signal generated by a manipulating unit and an interface for transmitting a converted signal. Accordingly, the body may be operated according to a signal generated by the manipulating unit of the case, or may control output information. 
     A sensing unit for controlling on/off of the interface may be further provided. A power supplying unit may be further provided at the case. 
     In still another embodiment of a mobile terminal, a body having an interface and a controller is detachably coupled to a case having a controller for converting a signal generated by a manipulating unit and an interface for transmitting a converted signal. Accordingly, the body may be operated according to a signal generated by the manipulating unit of the case, or the converted signal may control output information. Power may be supplied from a power supplying unit of the body and/or the case. 
     The power that provided to the body and case may be supplied or controlled by one of controllers of the body or case. The power supplying unit of the body may be charged by the power supplying unit of the case. 
     According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a mobile terminal may comprise activating a manipulating unit (or user input unit) provided at a case for data input; transmitting an input signal generated by the manipulating unit to a controller provided at a body; controlling an operation and/or an output of the mobile terminal by the transmitted signal; and non-activating the manipulating unit. 
     The manipulating unit may be activated or non-activated by each sensing unit provided at the case and the body. 
     The input signal may be transmitted to the mobile terminal through interfaces provided at the case and the body. The input signal generated by the manipulating unit may be transmitted to the mobile terminal by a controller provided at the case. An operation or an output of the mobile terminal may be controlled by the controller of the body. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view showing a mobile terminal having a displaying unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view showing the mobile terminal of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view showing a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view showing a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view showing a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a perspective view showing a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2E  is a perspective view showing a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a view showing a first interface provided at the case according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a view showing a first interface provided at another position of the case according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view showing a case having a power supplying unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view showing a case having a power supplying unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view showing a case having a power supplying unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view showing a mobile terminal having a displaying unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a rear perspective view showing the mobile terminal of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view showing a state that the mobile terminal of a first embodiment is mounted at the case of a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view showing a state that the mobile terminal of a first embodiment is mounted at the case of a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 7A  is a view showing a section of a manipulating unit provided at the case according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a view showing a section of a manipulating unit provided at the case according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view showing an electric connection state between a first body and a second body of the case according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  is a rear perspective view showing a state that the mobile terminal of a first embodiment is mounted at the case of a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9B  is a rear perspective view showing a state that the mobile terminal of a first embodiment is mounted at the case of a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 10A  is a block diagram showing a mobile terminal having the case according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  is a block diagram showing a mobile terminal having the case according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10C  is a block diagram showing a mobile terminal having the case according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The same components of each embodiment of the present invention were provided with the same reference numerals or extended numerals for convenience. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  respectively show a bar-type mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be explained based upon a configuration that the bar-type mobile terminal is coupled to a case, and a signal generated by a manipulating unit is transceived. However, it can be understood that various types of mobile terminal may be implemented according to the present invention. Examples may include a folder type, a sliding type, etc. A configuration of the mobile terminal  100  will be explained. 
     The mobile terminal  100  may be operated in a waiting mode (or standby mode) before being manipulated or controlled by a user. The waiting mode may be released by the user&#39;s manual operation. The mobile terminal  100  is mainly in an operation mode for a data input (or a bi-directional communication or a data input for performing each function mounted therein, etc.). The operation mode of the mobile terminal may be changed into a waiting mode by a user&#39;s manual operation or by a lapse of time. 
     Each component for performing an operation by software or a mechanical operation may be mounted in a body  110  of the mobile terminal  100 . The body  110  may include a front case and a rear case. The body may additionally include one or more middle cases between the front case and the rear case. The cases may be injection-molded by using a synthetic resin, or may be formed of a metallic material such as stainless steel, titanium, etc. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a displaying unit  111  may be provided at one side of the body  110 . The displaying unit  111  may be implemented by using various types of displays. Examples may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) module, an organic light emitting diodes (OLED) module, an organic electro-luminescence (EL) module, a light emitting diode (LED) module, plasma display screens, etc, so as to visually output information (data). The displaying unit  111  may be configured so as to perform a data input as well as a data output. 
     The data input includes a data search, a menu search, a signal generation for a function control, a data input for communication, etc. The displaying unit  111  may be implemented as a touch screen so as to perform the data input. The displaying unit  111  may be implemented as a means to generate a signal by a user&#39;s touch (or a press) or a stylus. 
     The mobile terminal  100  may be provided with a manipulating unit (or user input unit) at one or more bodies. The manipulating unit may be implemented as a plurality of manipulating units  112  and  116 . In the preferred embodiment, first manipulating units  112  and second manipulating units  116  are provided as for illustration purpose only. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the first manipulating units  112  may be provided at a front surface of the body  110 , and the second manipulating units  116  may be provided at a side surface of the body  110 . 
     The manipulating units  112  and  116  may be configured so as to input numbers, letters, characters, etc. Some of the manipulating units  112  and  116  may be operated to input a starting command, an ending command and a scroll, or may be operated as hot-keys to perform a specific function. Some of the manipulating units  112  and  116  may be implemented as a touch pad or a dome switch that can receive information inputted by a user&#39;s manual operation. Also, a part of the manipulating units  112  and  116  may be implemented as a key rotating wheel, or may be implemented by combining a jog method and a handling method for a joy stick to each other. 
     The body  110  may further include a sound outputting unit  114 . The sound outputting unit  114  may be implemented as a receiver or a speaker. 
     The body  110  may further include a sound inputting unit  113 . As one example, the sound inputting unit  113  may be implemented as a microphone for inputting a user&#39;s voice or other sound. 
     A power supplying unit  121  for supplying power to the mobile terminal  100  may be provided at another side of the body  110  where the first manipulating units are not disposed. As one example, the power supplying unit  121  may be implemented as a detachable battery for charging. Here, various types of battery can be used as well. 
     The body  110  may further include a first image inputting unit  115 . The first image inputting unit  115  may be implemented as a camera module for capturing a user&#39;s image or a moving image. Here, a flash may be further provided at a position near the first image inputting unit  115 . 
     Second interfaces  117  and  118  may be further provided at the body  110  (e.g., positions near the second manipulating units). The second interfaces  117  and  118  may be implemented as passages for enabling the mobile terminal  100  to perform a data exchange (e.g., a communication) with an external device. As one example, the second interfaces  117  and  118  may be configured so as to perform a data exchange by wire or wireless. 
     The second interfaces  117  and  118  may be implemented as at least one of a connecting port to be connected with an ear phone, a port for a near-distance communication (e.g., an IrDA port), a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, or power supply ports for supplying power to the mobile terminal  100 . The second interfaces  117  and  118  may be also implemented as a subscriber identification module (SIM), a user identity module (UIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) or a card socket for receiving an external card such as a memory card for storing information. 
     The body  110  may be further provided with a second image inputting unit  122 . The second image inputting unit  122  may have an opposite image-capturing direction to the first image inputting unit  115 . The second image inputting unit  122  may be implemented as a camera having a different pixel from the first image inputting unit  115 . For instance, one of the first image inputting unit  115  and the second image inputting unit  122  may be configured to capture an object with a low pixel so that a user&#39;s face captured during a video call can be directly transmitted to another party. Another of the first image inputting unit  115  and the second image inputting unit  122  may be configured to capture an object with a high pixel so that a captured image is not to be directly transmitted to another party. 
     When the second image inputting unit  122  is provided at the body  120 , a flash  123  and a mirror  124  may be provided at positions adjacent to the second image inputting unit  122 . When the second image inputting unit  122  is to capture an object, the flash  123  provides light to the object. When a user is to capture his or her own image by using the second image inputting unit  122 , the user reflects himself or herself onto the mirror  124 . 
     A sound outputting unit  125  may be further provided at the body  110 . The sound outputting unit  125  may perform a stereo function together with the sound outputting unit  114  provided at the body  110 . 
     Not only an antenna for performing a calling, but also an antenna for receiving a broadcasting signal  160  may be further provided at the body  110 . The antenna for receiving a broadcasting signal  160  may be mounted in the body  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A through 2E , the body  110  may be detachably coupled to the case  200 . In order to detachably couple the body  110  to the case  200 , a first body  210  of the case  200  may include a first fixing portion  211  and a second fixing portion  212 . The first and second fixing portions  211  and  212  may be provided at upper and lower ends of the first body  210  of the case  200  so that upper and lower ends of the body  110  can be fixed. Here, the first body  210  is formed of an elastic material so that both ends of the body  110  can be firmly or tightly coupled to the first and second fixing portions  211  and  212 . 
     The first fixing portion  211  may have a hole  213  through which the sound outputting unit  114  of the body  110  is exposed out. 
     When the body  110  is provided with the second image inputting unit  122 , an opening  214  may be formed at the first body  210  so as to expose out the second image inputting unit  122  for capturing an image. 
     The case  200  may include a first body  210  to which the body  110  is coupled, and a second body  220  for covering one surface (e.g., a front surface) of the body  110 . A manipulating unit  240  may be formed at one side of the case  200 . A first interface  250  for controlling an operation of the mobile terminal  100  by the manipulating unit  240  by transceiving a signal with the body  110  may be provided at the case  200 . 
     The first interface  250  is disposed at the case  200  in correspondence to the second interface  118  disposed at the body  110 . The first and second interfaces  118  and  250  enable a signal transmission between the body  110  and the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200 . The first and second interfaces  118  and  250  may be implemented as connectors serving as connecting means. The first and second interfaces  118  and  250  may be also configured so as to implement an optical communication (e.g., infrared rays communication) or near distance communication (e.g., Bluetooth). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the first interface  250  is supported by a supporting unit  251 . The first interface  250  may be configured so as to implement an optical communication, which will be explained with reference to  FIG. 3A . 
     A circuit board  241  on which the manipulating unit  240  is arranged is disposed in the case  200 . The first interface  250  may be disposed at one side of the circuit board  241 , or may be connected to the circuit board  241 . The first interface  250  may include a sensing unit  253  having a light emitting device  253   a  and a light receiving device  253   b . The light emitting device  253   a  and the light receiving device  253   b  may be directly communicated with the second interface  118  provided at the body  110 . For instance, the light emitting device  253   a  and the light receiving device  253   b  may be provided at the supporting unit  251 . 
     A signal transmitting unit (e.g., a reflector, an optical fiber, etc.) is provide at the supporting unit  251  thus to be indirectly communicated with the second interface  118  provided at the body  110 . 
     The second interface  118  of the body  110  may perform an optical communication (e.g., an infrared ray communication) with the first interface  250  provided at the case  200 . The second interface  118  of the body  110  has the same configuration as the first interface  250  of the case  200 , or may be configured so as to implement an optical communication of the mobile terminal  100 . Accordingly, a detailed explanation of the second interface  118  will be omitted. 
     The sensing unit  253  having the light emitting device  253   a  and the light receiving device  253   b  may be connected to a signal processing module  255  by signal lines  256   a  and  256   b . The signal processing module  255  may be provided at the circuit board  241  having the manipulating unit  240 , or may be connected to the circuit board  241 . A signal generated by the manipulating unit  240  is converted by the signal processing module  255 , and then is transmitted to the second interface  118  provided at the body  110  through the sensing unit  253 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the first interface  250  provided at the case  200  may be disposed at one side of the first fixing portion  211  without having the supporting unit  251 . Here, a signal transmitting unit  257  may be further provided at one surface (an inner surface in drawing) of the first fixing portion  211 . 
     The first interface  250  provided at the case  200 , and the second interface  118  provided at the body  110  are implemented as connectors to transmit signals. Since the connector has a general configuration, its detailed explanation will be omitted. The interfaces  118  and  250  may be implemented by using a configuration of an antenna for the near distance communication. Since the interfaces  118  and  250  may be implemented to have a configuration of a general antenna, its detailed explanation will be omitted. 
       FIG. 2B  shows a state that a contacting unit  215  is provided at the first body  210  of the case  200 . Here, the first interface  250  may be disposed at the first fixing portion  211  as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     Power is supplied from the power supplying unit  121  of the mobile terminal  100  to the case  200  through the contacting unit  215  so as to operate the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200 . The contacting unit  215  may be connected to the circuit board  241  having the manipulating unit  240 . The contacting unit  215  may be connected to the power supplying unit  121  of the mobile terminal  100 , or may be connected to the body  110 . When a charging port  121   a  is provided at the power supplying unit  121 , the contacting unit  215  may be connected to the port  121   a  of the power supplying unit  121 . On the contrary, when a charging port is not provided at the power supplying unit  121 , the contacting unit  215  of the case  200  may be connected to a contacting unit of the power supplying unit  121  or the body  110 . 
     Power supplied from the power supplying unit  121  of the body  110  to the case  200  serves to process a signal generated by the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200 , and/or serves to perform a signal transmission between the interfaces  118  and  250 . Since the contacting unit  215  may be implemented by using a configuration of a general connector or a connecting port, its detailed explanation will be omitted. 
     When the interfaces  118  and  250  are implemented as connectors serving as a power supplier, power is supplied to the mobile terminal  100  through the interfaces  118  and  250  without the contacting unit  215 . 
     As aforementioned, the second body  220  may be provided at one end of the first body  210  so as to be foldable by a contacting unit  221 . The manipulating unit  240  may be provided at the second body  220 . The manipulating unit  240  may be configured so as to input numbers, letters, and/or characters like the manipulating unit  112  or  116  of the body  110 . A part of the manipulating unit  240  may be configured to be operated as a hot-key for inputting a command such as a starting key, an ending key, and a scroll key, or for performing a specific function. A part of the manipulating unit  240  may be configured as a touch pad or a dome switch that can receive a command or information inputted by a stylus or by a user&#39;s push or touch. The manipulating unit  240  may be configured as a key-rotating wheel, or may be implemented by combining a jog method and a handling method for a joy stick to each other. 
     The manipulating unit  240  may be configured so that input keys for inputting data are arranged in a qwerty manner. 
     The manipulating unit  240  may have a configuration shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . The manipulating unit  240  is formed of a key pad using a general dome-switch. A circuit board  241  that a plurality of switches  243  are disposed by an insulating sheet  242  may be disposed on one surface of the second body  220 . 
     One or more light emitting devices  246  electrically connected to the circuit board  241  may be further provided at a position adjacent to the switch  243 . A button portion  244  for manipulating each of the switches  243  is provided above the switches  243 . The button portion  244  may be configured as one sheet as shown in  FIG. 7A . As shown in  FIG. 7B , the button portion  244  may be configured to have each individual region corresponding to each switch  243  by having dividing portions  244   a.    
     Characters such as numbers or letters may be displayed on one surface of the button portion  244  exposed to outside. When the case  200  is closed, the button portion  244  contacts a front surface of the body  110  received in the first body  210 . In order to prevent a scratch or an interference caused by a friction, the button portion  244  may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The button portion  244  may be formed of a plastic material having a thin thickness and a damping force. 
     The manipulating unit  240  was explained based on a pressure switch method. However, the manipulating unit  240  may be configured to be a variable resistance type or a capacitance type, or as a touch pad. 
     A locking member  223  for maintaining a closed state of the second body  220  with respect to the first body  210  may be further provided at one end of the second body  220 . The locking member  223  may have a general locking structure (e.g., a locking structure provided at a handbag, etc.). The locking member  223  shown in  FIG. 2A  includes a body extending from an end of the second body  220  and contacting one end of the first body  210 , and a coupling member  223   a  disposed at an end of the body. The coupling member  223   a  may be formed of a magnetic member, or may have various configurations such as a button or a Velcro. Another coupling member interacting with the coupling member  223   a  may be further provided at the first body  210  according to a configuration of the locking member  223 . 
     When the body  110  is received in the case  200 , the two bodies  210  and  220  of the case  200  maintain a closed state. 
     A sensing unit  222  may be further provided at the second body  220  of the case  200 . The sensing unit  222  serves to sense an opened state of the two bodies  210  and  220  of the case  200 . 
     A transceived state of a signal between the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200  and the body  110  can be controlled by sensing an opened state of the two bodies  210  and  220  of the case  200 . For instance, the sensing unit  222  may convert each function of interfaces  118  and  250  for transmitting a signal between the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200  and the body  110  into an initializing function (or an activating function). 
     A sensing unit  150  interacting with the sensing unit  222  provided at the second body  220  of the case  200  may be further provided at the body  110 . A transceived state of a signal between the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200  and the body  110  can be controlled by detecting an opened state of the two bodies  210  and  220  of the case  200  by an interaction between the sensing units  150  and  222 . 
     The sensing units  150  and  222  may be implemented as well-known various sensing means such as a hole sensor and a proximity sensor. 
     The case  200  may be formed of a soft leather or a flexible plastic. The case  200  may be configured to protect the appearance of the body  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , the case  200  may include fixing units  211  and  212 , and a locking member  223 . The fixing units  211  and  212  may be disposed at both ends of the first body  210  in a longitudinal direction. The fixing units  211  and  212  may be provided with bending portions  211   a  and  212   a  at each one end, thereby inserting the body  110  in one direction and fixing the body  110 . Accordingly, the body  110  can be more stably protected by an external impact or deformation by the case  200 . Under the configuration, the body  110  and the case  200  can be more conveniently coupled to or separated from each other. 
     The first interface  250  may be disposed at one of the fixing units  211  and  212  in correspondence to the second interface  118  of the body  110 . Here, the first interface  250  can be integrally formed with one of the fixing units  211  and  212 , thereby requiring no additional supporting unit. 
     The coupling members  223   a  and  223   b  shown in  FIG. 2C  may be disposed at each corner of the bodies  210  and  220  of the case  200 . The coupling members  223   a  and  223   b  may have a general locking structure. The coupling member  223   a  may be implemented as the sensing unit  222 , or may be provided with an additional sensing unit. 
     Unexplained components of the case  200  in  FIG. 2C  have the same configuration as those in the aforementioned embodiment, and thus their detailed explanation will be omitted. 
     As another modification example of the case  200 , fixing units  211  and  212  may be provided as shown in  FIG. 2D . The first fixing unit  211  may be disposed at a corner of one end of the first body  210 , and the second fixing unit  212  may be disposed at a central portion of another end of the first body  210 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the first body  210  may be formed of an elastic material that can be deformed, and both ends of the body  110  may be fitted into the fixing units  211  and  212 . 
     The coupling members  223   a  and  223   b  may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2C , or may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2A . Therefore, a detailed explanation of the locking members will be omitted. 
     As still another modification example of the case  200 , as shown in  FIG. 2E , the second body  220  may be disposed in a horizontal direction of the first body  210 . Here, the manipulating unit  240  of the second body  220  may be configured in a qwerty manner. The fixing units  211  and  212  of  FIG. 2E  may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2C , and the locking member  223  of  FIG. 2E  may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2A . Other components of  FIG. 2E  may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2A , and thus their detailed explanation will be omitted. 
     The terminal  110  may be detachably mounted at the case  200  as the first body  210  is formed to have a size corresponding to a size of the body  110 . The body  110  may be fixed to the case  200  as only one end of the body  110  is received in the case  200 , and another one end of the body  110  is fixed by an elastic band, etc. 
     As yet still another modification of the case  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4C , a power supplying unit  260  may be further provided. The power supplying unit  260  may be provided at the first body  210  where the body  110  is mounted. Here, the power supplying unit  260  may be disposed at a rear surface of the first body  210 , that is, an opposite surface to the surface where the body  110  is mounted. A contacting unit  215  for supplying power to the body  110  from the power supplying unit  260  may be provided at the first body  210  of the case  200 . 
     One end of the contacting unit  215  may be connected to the power supplying unit  260  mounted at a rear surface of the first body  210 . Another end of the contacting unit  215  may be configured to be exposed to a front surface of the first body  210  thus to be connected to the body  110 . The contacting unit  215  may be configured so that a signal can be transmitted between the case  200  and the terminal  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2E , the case  200  of  FIG. 4A  may be configured so that the second body  220  can be disposed in a horizontal direction of the first body  210 . Here, the manipulating unit  240  of the second body  220  may be configured in a qwerty manner. 
     The fixing units  211  and  212  of  FIG. 4A  may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2C , or the locking member  223  of  FIG. 4A  may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2A . Other components of  FIG. 4A  may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2A , and thus their detailed explanation will be omitted. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2E , the case  200  of  FIG. 4B  may be configured so that the second body  220  can be disposed in a horizontal direction of the first body  210 . The fixing units  211  and  212  may be configured so that the first fixing unit  211  can be disposed at a central portion of one end (e.g., an upper end), and the second fixing unit  212  can be disposed at a corner of another end (e.g., a lower end). As shown in  FIG. 2A , the first body  210  may be formed of an elastic material that can be deformed, and both ends of the body  110  may be fitted into the fixing units  211  and  212 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , the case  200  of  FIG. 4C  may be configured so that the second body  220  can be extended in a longitudinal direction of the first body  210 . The fixing units  211  and  212  may have the configuration shown in  FIG. 2C  so as to insert the body  110  in one direction. Other components of  FIG. 4C  may have a configuration shown in  FIG. 2A , and thus their detailed explanation will be omitted. 
     When the power supplying unit  260  is provided at the case  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the mobile terminal  100  may not be provided with the power supplying unit  121 . Here, the mobile terminal  100  may be further provided with a contacting unit  121   b  that can be electrically connected to the contacting unit  215  of the case  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the case  200  that may have various configurations may include a signal connection member  247  for allowing the signal transception between the first interface  250  of the first body  210  and a manipulating unit  245  of the second body  220 . One end of the signal connecting member  247  may be connected to the circuit board  241  having the manipulating unit  240 , and another end thereof may be connected to the first interface  250 . The signal connection member  247  may transmit a signal generated by the manipulating unit  240  to the first interface  250 , thereby performing signal transception between the second interface  118  of the body  110  and the first interface  250  of the case  200 . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a state that the mobile terminal  100  has been mounted at the case  200  according to the present invention. A light emitting device  224  that emits light according to whether a call has been received may be mounted on an outer surface of the case  200 . As shown, the light emitting device  224  is mounted on an outer surface of the case  200  that is in a closed state. 
     The light emitting device  224  is connected to the circuit board  241  disposed on an inner surface of the case  200 . Here, the light emitting device  224  may be connected to the circuit board  241  by an additional connecting member, or by the signal connection member  247 . When the case  200  is not provided with a controller  230 , and when the manipulating unit  240  and the first interface  250  are controlled by a controller  171  of the body  110 , the light emitting device  224  may be connected to the mobile terminal  100  so as to be controlled by the controller  171  of the body  110 . 
     When a call is received, the controller  171  generates a signal and the light emitting device  224  emits light by the signal. Accordingly, when a user is spaced from the mobile terminal  100  enough not to detect a bell sound or vibration, the user can certify whether or not a call has been received through the light emitting device  224 . 
       FIGS. 10A to 10C  are block diagrams showing the mobile terminal  100  and the case  200  according to the present invention. The mobile terminal  100  may have following configurations according to its structure or its function mounted therein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10A , the mobile terminal  100  may include the controller  171  for controlling each function of components. The manipulating units  112  and  116 , the image inputting units  115  and  122 , the sound inputting unit  113 , the sound outputting unit  114 , the displaying unit  111 , the second interfaces  117  and  118 , the sensing unit  150 , and/or the power supplying unit  121  may be connected to the controller  171 . A wireless communication module  160 , a broadcasting signal receiving module  173 , and/or a memory  172  may be further connected to the controller  171 . 
     The controller  171  controls an entire operation of the mobile terminal  100 . For instance, the controller  171  performs an operation for a voice call, a data communication, a video call, etc. The controller  171  may control an operation mode of the mobile terminal  100  to be automatically converted according to an opened state of the case  200  based on a signal detected by the sensing unit  150 . The controller  171  may control information regarding a converted operation mode to be outputted on the displaying unit  111 . The controller  171  may control information to be outputted to the displaying unit  111  in a horizontal direction or in a vertical direction according to an opened state of the case  200  or an operation mode. 
     The controller  171  may control an operation mode for communication or for data input/output according to a signal generated by the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200 . For instance, a communication function, information input through the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200 , and information output through the displaying unit  111  may be performed. As another example, a communication function may be performed through the manipulating unit  112  of the body  110  and the displaying unit  111 , and information input through the manipulating unit  116  of the body  110  and information output through the displaying unit  111  may be performed. 
     The controller  171  may control information input through one of the manipulating units  112  and  240  and/or the displaying unit  111  not to be allowed, and information input through the manipulating unit  116  to be allowed according to an opened state of the case  200 . 
     When the controller  230  is further provided at the case  200 , the controller  171  may control the controller  230 , the sensing units  150  and  222 , and/or the interfaces  118  and  250  to be inter-worked with one another. 
     The wireless communication module  160  wirelessly transceives a signal with a base station through an antenna. The wireless communication module  160  transceives voice data, text data, image data and control data under the control of the controller  171 . The wireless communication module  160  includes a transceiving unit  162  for transmitting a signal by modulation, and a receiving unit  161  for demodulating a received signal. 
     The manipulating units  112  and  116  may be disposed as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , and provide data inputted by a user for controlling an operation of the terminal to the controller  171 . 
     The image inputting units  115  and  122  transmit information relating to an image to the controller  171  so that a frame of a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video calling mode or an image capturing mode can be processed. Then, the image frame processed by the controller  171  is converted into image data thus to be outputted to the displaying unit  111 . The converted data may be stored in the memory  172 , or may be transmitted outwardly through the transceiving unit  162 . 
     The sound inputting unit  113  receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a calling mode, a recording mode, or a voice recognizing mode, and processes the received signal into electric voice data by the controller  171 . In a calling mode, the voice data having been processed is controlled by the controller  171  so as to be converted into a format to be transmitted to a base station through the wireless communication module  160  and then to be outputted to the wireless communication module  160 . In a recording mode, the voice data having been processed may be controlled to be stored in the memory  172 . The sound inputting unit  113  may be further provided with various noise removing algorithms for removing noise occurred when an external sound signal is inputted. 
     The sound outputting unit  114  may outwardly output sound data received from the wireless communication module  160  by the controller  171  in a call signal receiving mode, a calling mode, a recording mode, a voice recognizing mode, a broadcasting signal receiving mode, etc., or sound data stored in the memory  172  after a converting process. The sound outputting unit  114  may output a sound signal relating to a function of the mobile terminal (e.g., sound relating to a call signal reception, sound relating to a message reception, etc.). The sound outputting unit  114  may include a speaker, a receiver, a buzzer, etc. 
     The displaying unit  111  displays information processed in the mobile terminal. For instance, in a calling mode, the displaying unit  111  outputs a UI (User Interface) or a GUI (a Graphic User Interface) relating to a call by the controller  171 . In a video calling mode or an image capturing mode, the displaying unit  111  outputs a captured image or UI or GUI by the controller  171 . The displaying unit  111  may be configured to perform data input as well as data output. Here, data inputted through the displaying unit  111  may be transmitted to the controller  171  thus to be controlled for an operation corresponding to the inputted information. The transmitted information may be displayed on the displaying unit  111 . 
     The sensing unit  150  may generate a sensing signal for controlling an operation of the mobile terminal after detecting a current situation of the mobile terminal such as an opened state of the case  200 , a position of the mobile terminal, and a user&#39;s contact. When the mobile terminal  100  is mounted at the case  200 , the sensing unit  150  senses whether the case  200  has been opened, and outputs a detected result to the controller  171  thereby to control an operation of the mobile terminal. The sensing unit  150  may further perform a function relating to whether power has been supplied from a power supplying unit  127 , or whether the interface  126  has been coupled to an external device. 
     The second interfaces  117  and  118  perform an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal such as a wire/wireless headset, an external charger, a wire/wireless data port, and a card socket (e.g., a memory card, SIM/UIM card). The second interfaces  117  and  118  may receive data from the external devices or receive power under control of the controller  171  thus to transmit to each component inside the mobile terminal. The interfaces may transmit data inside the mobile terminal to the external devices. The second interface  118  performs a communication with the first interface  250  of the case  200 . 
     The memory  172  may store a program of the controller  171 , or may temporarily store data to be inputted/outputted (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving image, etc.). The memory  172  includes a hard disc, a card type memory (e.g., an SD memory or an XD memory), a flash memory, a RAM, a ROM, etc. 
     The broadcasting signal receiving module  173  receives a broadcasting signal transmitted through a satellite wave, an earth wave, etc. Then, the broadcasting signal receiving module  173  converts the broadcasting signal into broadcasting data that can be outputted to the sound outputting unit  114  and the displaying unit  111 , thereby outputting to the controller  171 . The broadcasting signal receiving module  173  receives additional data relating to broadcasting such as an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) and a channel list. Broadcasting data and additional data converted by the broadcasting signal receiving module  173  may be stored in the memory  172 . 
     The power supplying unit  121  receives internal or external power under control of the controller  171 , and supplies the received power to each component. 
     The case  200  may further comprise the controller  230  that inter-works with the controller  171  of the mobile terminal  100 , and may further comprise the sensing unit  222 , the first interface  250 , the manipulating unit  240 , the power supplying unit  260 , and the light emitting devices  224  and  246 . 
     The controller  230  inter-works with the controller  171  of the mobile terminal  100  thus to transmit a signal generated by the manipulating unit  240 . The controller  230  controls an operation of each component of the case  200  such as the first interface  250 , the sensing unit  222 , and the light emitting devices  224  and  246 . 
     The sensing unit  222  detects whether the case  200  has been opened by inter-working with the sensing unit  150  of the case  100 , and transmits a detected signal to the controller  171  of the mobile terminal and/or the controller  230  of the case  200 . Accordingly, the sensing unit  222  controls an operation of the mobile terminal according to whether the case  200  has been opened. 
     The first interface  250  transmits a signal generated by the manipulating unit  240  to the mobile terminal by inter-working with the second interface  118  of the mobile terminal  100 . The first interface  250  may receive a control signal from the controller  171  of the mobile terminal. 
       FIG. 10B  shows the mobile terminal  100  and the case  200  that have the same configuration as those of  FIG. 10A  except that the power supplying unit  260  is not provided at the case  200 . Here, the case  200  may receive power from the mobile terminal  100 . 
       FIG. 10C  shows the mobile terminal  100  and the case  200  that have the same configuration as those of  FIG. 10A  except that the power supplying unit  121  is not provided at the mobile terminal  100 . Here, the mobile terminal  100  may receive power from the case  200 . 
     Under a state that the mobile terminal  100  is mounted at the case  200 , a signal generated by the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200  is transmitted to the mobile terminal as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     A method for controlling the mobile terminal will be explained with reference to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     Under a state that the mobile terminal  100  is mounted at the case  200 , the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200  is activated (S 1 ). 
     The manipulating unit  240  may be activated to be operated (e.g., a signal generation) by the controller  171  of the mobile terminal  100  and/or the controller  230  of the case  200 . Here, control signals may be generated by the controllers  171  and  230  according to input signals by the manipulating units  112  and  116  of the mobile terminal  100 . The control signals may be generated by the controllers  171  and  230  according to an opened state of the case  200 . That is, the controllers  171  and  230  may generate control signals based on a signal detected by an interaction between the sensing unit  150  of the mobile terminal  100  and the sensing unit  222  of the case  200 , thereby activating the manipulating unit  240 . 
     Here, the signal may be detected by the sensing units  150  and  222  based on a magnetic strength, or an operation signal of each sensor. 
     In order to operate the controller  230  of the case  200  and/or the manipulating unit  240 , power may be supplied from the power supplying unit  121  of the mobile terminal  100  and/or the power supplying unit  260  of the case  200 . Here, power may be supplied by interacting each component for activating the manipulating unit  240 . The first and second interfaces  118  and  250  may be initialized or activated together with the activation of the manipulating unit  240 . For instance, when the first and second interfaces  118  and  250  are implemented as antennas for the near distance communication, frequency signals processed by signal processing modules of the first and second interfaces  118  and  250  may be synchronized with each other. 
     Once the manipulating unit  240  is activated, it is checked whether or not an input signal is generated by the manipulating unit  240  (S 2 ). The check may be performed by the controller  171  of the mobile terminal  100  and/or the controller  230  of the case  200 . 
     If an input signal has not been generated by the manipulating unit  240  in step S 2 , the activation of the manipulating unit is maintained so as to continue the check. On the contrary, if an input signal has been generated by the manipulating unit  240 , the input signal is transmitted to the controller  171  of the mobile terminal  100  (S 3 ). As aforementioned, the input signal is transmitted to the controller  171  of the mobile terminal  100  as the first interface  250  of the case  200  interacts with the second interface  118  of the mobile terminal  100 . 
     Once the input signal is transmitted to the controller  171 , an operation of the mobile terminal  100  is controlled or information is outputted to the displaying unit  111  based on the transmitted input signal (S 4 ). The step S 4  may be performed even when only one of the mobile terminal  100  and the case  200  has the controller. In order to operate the mobile terminal  100  and/or to output information to the displaying unit  111 , the controller  171  may process the transmitted input signal. 
     When a signal is generated by the manipulating unit  240  or the manipulating unit  240  is activated, the light emitting device  246  of the manipulating unit  240  may be controlled to emit light. As a result, the manipulating unit  240  may be operated even in a dark place. 
     Then, the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200  is non-activated (S 5 ). The step S 5  may be performed according to input signals by the manipulating units  112 ,  116  and  240  of the mobile terminal  100  and/or according to an operated state of the case  200 , which is similar to the step S 1 . On the contrary, when the manipulating units  112 ,  116  and  240  or other components of the mobile terminal  100  are not operated for a certain time, the manipulating unit  240  may be automatically non-activated. 
     Here, power more than a certain level may be supplied to the case  200  so as to operate the light emitting device  246  of the case  200 . 
     When the body  100  is received in the case  200 , a user may set an input mode by which it can be checked whether information is inputted through one of a key-inputting unit on the displaying unit  110 , the manipulating units  112  and  116  of the mobile terminal  100 , and the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200 , or through all of them. For instance, since the body  110  and the case  200  are connected to each other and a menu for setting an input mode is displayed on the displaying unit  111 , the user can set an input mode to be used. 
     Accordingly, the user can protect the mobile terminal  100  from an external impact by using the case  200 , or can certify each kind of contents through a wide entire region of the displaying unit  111  with using the manipulating unit  240  of the case  200 . 
     The present invention may provide a mobile terminal, comprising: a body; a case coupled to the body, and having a user input unit at one side thereof; a first interface positioned on the case, for transmitting the input signal generated by the user input unit; a second interface positioned on the body, for receiving the transmitted input signal from the first interface of the case; and a controller positioned on the body, for controlling an operation or output information of the mobile terminal by using the input signal from the first interface of the case, wherein the case may further comprise a first body for detachably coupling the body of the mobile terminal, a second body foldably coupled to the first body, for covering one surface of the body, a sensing unit for determining whether the case has been opened or not, the case also includes a controlling unit for controlling the first interface and/or second interface to be turned ON/OFF the case is provided with one or more power supplies generated from at least one of an external power supplying unit, a power supplying unit of the mobile terminal and its own power supplying unit at the case where the one or more provided power supplies to the case are supported or controlled by automatically or a user setting information the first and second interfaces are configured each other so that the input signal and/or a power supply can be transmitted between the body and the case, at least one or more contacting units are included in the case and/or the body for providing a power supply to the case from a power supplying unit of the mobile terminal, the user input unit of the case is at least one of a pressure switch and a touch pad, the user input unit is implemented in a qwerty manner with implementation of a light emitting device, the input signal transmitted from the first interface is converted by using the controller of the body or a controller of the case, and the case includes its own power supplying unit at the case, the power supplying unit of the case provides a power supply to a power supplying unit of the body, and the body and the case are configured to be detachable from each other. 
     It can be also said that the present invention provides a case for a mobile terminal, comprising: a user input unit disposed at least one side of the case; a controller for manipulating an input signal generated by the user input unit; and an interface for transmitting the manipulated input signal by the controller, wherein the case comprises: a first body for coupling the body of the mobile terminal; a second body foldably coupled to the first body to cover one surface of the body of the mobile terminal, and having a user input unit at a surface contacting the body of the mobile terminal, the case is provided with one or more power supplies generated from at least one of an external power supplying unit, a power supplying unit of the mobile terminal and its own power supplying unit at the case, the first and second interfaces are configured each other so that the input signal and/or a power supply can be transmitted between the body and the case, at least one or more contacting units are included in the case and/or the body for providing a power supply to the case from a power supplying unit of the mobile terminal, the case is provided with a sensing unit that determines whether the case has been opened for operating the mobile terminal, and the user input unit is implemented in a qwerty manner, and a light emitting device is further implemented with the user input unit. 
     As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.