Abstract:
A method for displaying icons on a mobile terminal having a front side and an opposing rear side includes displaying a plurality of icons on a display located on the front side of the mobile terminal, receiving user input responsive to user-driven rotation of a rotatable wheel located on the rear side of the mobile terminal, and selectively highlighting individual icons of the plurality of icons responsive to the user-driven rotation of the wheel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    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. 10-2007-0004212, filed on Jan. 15, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a rotating input device to operate the terminal. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0003]    The related art mobile terminal has a rotating input device on a front surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal. It is not easy for a user to operate the rotating input device with only one hand while holding the mobile terminal. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for displaying icons on a mobile terminal having a front side and an opposing rear side. The method includes displaying a plurality of icons on a display located on the front side of the mobile terminal, receiving user input responsive to user-driven rotation of a rotatable wheel located on the rear side of the mobile terminal, and selectively highlighting individual icons of the plurality of icons responsive to the user-driven rotation of the wheel, allowing a user to easily operate the mobile terminal with one hand. 
         [0005]    Preferably, the plurality of icons is displayed in a generally circular arrangement. More preferably, one of a plurality of indicators is displayed within a substantially central region defined by the generally circular arrangement of the plurality of icons, wherein each of the plurality of indicators is uniquely associated with one of the plurality of icons. Also preferably, each of the plurality of indicators is an enlarged version of the associated icon. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of present invention is to provide a method for displaying icons on a mobile terminal having a front side and an opposing rear side, the method including displaying a plurality of icons on a display in a generally circular arrangement, receiving user input responsive to user-driven rotation of a rotatable wheel located on a side of the mobile terminal which is opposite to a side on which the display is located, and selectively displaying, responsive to the user input, one of a plurality of indicators within a central region defined by the generally circular arrangement of the plurality of icons, wherein each of the plurality of indicators is uniquely associated with one of the plurality of icons. 
         [0007]    Preferably, each of the plurality of indicators is an enlarged version of the associated icon. The method may initiate one of a plurality of modes associated with the selectively displayed indicator in response to sensory touching of the selectively displayed indicator. The plurality of modes includes at least one of a camera mode, a music mode, a video mode, a calendar mode, an email mode, a calendar mode, and a contact list mode. 
         [0008]    Yet another aspect of present invention is to provide a method for operating a mobile terminal having a front side and an opposing rear side, the method including displaying a plurality of icons on a display located on the front side of the mobile terminal, receiving user input responsive to user-driven rotation of a rotatable wheel located on the rear side of the mobile terminal, and indicating one of the plurality of icons responsive to the user-driven rotation of the wheel. 
         [0009]    The method may also include selecting a menu mode in response to pressing a key button or the wheel in order to display the plurality of icons corresponding to a plurality of menu items. Alternatively, the method may include selecting the indicated icon in response to pressing a switch located on the rear side of the mobile terminal. The method may also include selecting the indicated icon in response to pushing the wheel. The method may further include selecting the indicated icon in response to sensory touching of the icon. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the plurality of icons is displayed in a circular arrangement. More preferably, the indicated one of the plurality of icons is displayed within a central region defined by the circular arrangement of the plurality of icons. Also preferably, the indicated one of the plurality of icons is an enlarged version of the associated icon displayed in the circular arrangement. 
         [0011]    The method may further include rotating the wheel to move to a next icon among the plurality of icons and displaying a control indicator for adjusting one of volume and zooming. The method may also include rotating the wheel to adjust the volume or the zooming. Preferably, one of the plurality of icons corresponds to a camera mode for operating a camera. 
         [0012]    Yet another aspect of present invention is to provide a mobile terminal including a display located on the front side of the mobile terminal and displaying a plurality of icons, an input unit located on the rear side of the mobile terminal and comprising a rotatable wheel, the input unit receiving user input responsive to user-driven rotation of the rotatable wheel, and a control unit selectively highlighting individual icons of the plurality of icons in response to rotation of the wheel. 
         [0013]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal having a front side and an opposing rear side, the mobile terminal including a display for displaying a plurality of icons in a generally circular arrangement, an input unit comprising a rotatable wheel located on a side of the mobile terminal which is opposite to a side on which the display is located, the input unit receiving user input responsive to rotation of the rotatable wheel, and a control unit controlling the display to selectively display, responsive to the user input, one of a plurality of indicators within a central region defined by the generally circular arrangement of the plurality of icons, each of the plurality of indicators being uniquely associated with one of the plurality of icons. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a schematic sectional view of a mobile terminal having a rotating input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a part of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of a rotatable wheel of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the rotatable wheel of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the rotatable wheel of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device with a first elastic member according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a lens opening and closing unit of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the lens opening and closing unit of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a frame of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a view of the rotatable wheel and a Hall sensor of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIGS. 11 to 16  illustrate operations of the mobile terminal having the rotating input device according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    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. 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a mobile terminal having a rotating input device includes a display  100 , a rotatable wheel  200 , a lens opening and closing unit  300 , a frame  400 , a camera  500 , and a support plate  600 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the display  100  is provided on a front surface of the mobile terminal. The rotatable wheel  200  is provided on a rear surface of the mobile terminal. The rotatable wheel  200  is rotatably mounted on the frame  400 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the camera  500  is installed at an inner side of the frame  400 . A front portion of the camera  500  is insertedly positioned in a through hole formed at the central portion of the frame  400 . 
         [0029]    With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the support plate  600  having a circular shape is provided at a lower side of the camera  500  in order to support the camera. A pressing protrusion  610  is formed in a circumferential shape on a lower surface of the support plate  600 . 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , the terminal includes a PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  900 . The PCB  900  includes a fixed signal terminal  912  formed in a circumferential shape at an interval corresponding to an interval of the pressing protrusion  610 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a Flexible PCB (FPCB)  800  is connected with the PCB  900  by circuitry. 
         [0031]    With further reference to  FIG. 1 , a dome switch  920  is mounted at an upper side of the fixed signal terminal  912 . The dome switch  920  is formed at the upper side of each fixed signal terminal  912  and includes a variable signal terminal  922  formed on an inner surface thereof. When the dome switch  920  is pressed, the variable signal terminal  922  makes contact with the fixed signal terminal  912 . 
         [0032]    With further reference to  FIG. 1 , the support plate  600  is mounted at an upper side of the dome switch  920 . Because the pressing protrusion  610  of the support plate  600  is positioned at the upper side of the dome switch  920 , the dome switch  920  is pressed toward the fixed signal terminal  912  through the pressing protrusion  610  when the rotatable wheel  200  is pressed down, 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , a motor  700  is provided at a side of the camera  500 . The motor  700  includes a lead screw that is movable up and down when the motor is rotated. A vertical movement protrusion  720  is connected to the lead screw. The vertical movement protrusion  720  includes sloped faces which slidably contact slope faces of a rotary protrusion  322  (see  FIG. 8 ) according to vertical movement of the lead screw. When the vertical movement protrusion  720  moves up according to rotation of the motor  700 , it contacts the rotary protrusion  322  to provide a rotational force to the rotary protrusion, thereby rotating the rotary plate  320  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0034]    With further reference to  FIG. 2 , the FPCB  800  is connected to the camera  500 . A Hall sensor  810  is mounted on the FPCB  800 , in which a signal terminal for operating the Hall sensor and a signal terminal for operating the motor  700  are patterned. A foreign material infiltration preventing window made of a transparent material  460  is provided at the through hole formed at a central portion of the frame  400 . The foreign material infiltration preventing window  460  prevents infiltration of a foreign material, such as debris, into a lens of the camera  500  from the exterior. 
         [0035]    When the rotatable wheel  200  is mounted on the frame  400 , a fixing washer  480  is fastened to a lower end surface of the circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel. Fastening recesses  482  corresponding to fastening protrusions  230  (see  FIG. 4 ) formed on a lower end surface of the circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200  are formed on the fixing washer  480 . An outer portion of an upper surface of the fixing washer  480  contacts the lower end surface of the circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200 , and an inner portion of the upper surface of the fixing washer  480  contacts a stopping protrusion  412  of the frame body  410  (see  FIG. 9 ) Since the fixing washer  480  is fastened to the lower end surface of the circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200  and caught by the stopping protrusion  412  of the frame body  410 , the rotatable wheel  200  is prevented from being released from the frame  400 . 
         [0036]    With further reference to  FIG. 2 , the rotatable wheel  200  includes an upper surface, a slope portion extending downwardly from the upper surface, and a circumferential portion extending downwardly from the slope portion. A through hole is formed on the upper surface of the rotatable wheel  200  to expose the lens of the camera  500 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , icons indicating modes of the terminal are marked on the upper surface of the rotatable wheel  200 . 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  9 , a thrust washer  470  is mounted on the upper surface of the frame body  410 . The thrust washer  470  is positioned at an outer side of the support protrusion  420  and includes two fixing recesses  472  insertedly fixed to the two movement protrusions  430 . The thrust washer  470  is mounted to support a hindrance protrusion  220  of the rotatable wheel  200  when the rotatable wheel is mounted on the frame  400 , and has a thickness that corresponds to a height difference between the support protrusion  210  and the hindrance protrusion of the rotatable wheel. The thrust washer  470  reduces frictional contact when the rotatable wheel  200  and the frame  400  are rotated, allowing them to rotate smoothly. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a support protrusion  210  is formed on a rear surface of the rotatable wheel  200 . The support protrusion  210  is formed in a circular arc shape and its outer surface is integrally formed with an inner surface of a circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200 . The hindrance protrusion  220  is protrusively formed on the rear surface of the rotatable wheel  200 . The hindrance protrusion  220  is formed in a circular arc shape and its outer surface is integrally formed with an inner surface of the support protrusion  210 . The hindrance protrusion  220  is formed such that both ends of the hindrance protrusion and both ends of the support protrusion  210  form an angle slightly greater than 45° clockwise and counterclockwise with respect to the center of the rotatable wheel  200 . In addition, the hindrance protrusion  220  has height lower than the height of the support protrusion  210 . One or more fastening protrusions  230  are protrusively formed on a lower end portion of the circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200 . 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a torsion spring  240  is mounted on the rear surface of the rotatable wheel  200 . The torsion spring  240  includes protruded end portions which are formed to protrude from both ends thereof in a direction perpendicular to a circumferential direction. The torsion spring  240  is fixed at a certain portion of both protruded end portions that contact both ends of the support protrusion  210 . Also, the torsion spring  240  is mounted such that a certain portion of its wound part contacts with an inner surface of the hindrance protrusion  220 . 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the lens opening and closing unit  300  that opens and closes the lens of the camera  500  is mounted on the frame  400 , and includes a fixed plate  310 , a rotary plate  320 , and a lens cover  330 . An outer edge of the fixed plate  310  includes two circular arc portions connected by two linear portions. One circular arc portion faces the other circular arc portion and one linear portion faces the other linear portion. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , the two circular arc portions are mounted at the mounting protrusion  422  and each circular arc portion includes a stopping recess  312  caught by the stopping protrusion  424  of the frame  400  in order to prevent rotation of the fixed plate  310 . A through hole is formed at a central portion of the fixed plate  310  to expose the lens of the camera  500 . 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , a lens cover  330  is provided at an upper side of the fixed plate  310 . The lens cover  330  includes first and second portions. 
         [0043]    Certain sections of the first and second portions of the lens cover  330  are rotated centering around hinge shafts  332  on the upper surface of the fixed plate  310 , thereby contacting each other and being separated from each other when opening and closing the through hole formed at the fixed plate  310 . In addition, one end of each of the first and second portions of the lens cover  330  is fixedly connected to the rotary plate  320 , respectively, such that when the rotary plate is rotated in one direction, the first and second portions of the lens cover  330  are rotated centering around the hinge shafts  332  to open the through hole formed at the fixed plate  310 . Guiding protrusions  314  are formed on the upper surface of the fixed plate  310  in order to guide the first and second portions of the lens cover  330  when the first and second portions of the lens cover are rotated. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , the rotary plate  320  is provided at a lower side of the fixed plate  310 . A through hole is formed at a central portion of the rotary plate  320  to expose the lens of the camera  500  positioned at a lower side of the rotary plate  320 . 
         [0045]    The rotary plate  320  is formed in an annular shape. A recess is formed at an outer circumferential surface of the rotary plate  320 , in which a coil spring  340  is mounted. One side of the coil spring is connected with the fixed plate  310  and the other side of the coil spring is connected with the rotary plate  320 . 
         [0046]    With further reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the coil spring  340  is mounted to provide an elastic restoration force to cause the rotary plate  320  and the lens cover  330  to return to their original position when the first and second portions of the lens cover  330  are opened by rotation of the rotary plate  320 . 
         [0047]    A rotary protrusion  322  is formed on a lower surface of the rotary plate  320 . The rotary protrusion  322  includes sloped faces formed to slope in a vertical direction in order to change vertical movement to horizontal movement. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , the frame  400  includes a frame body  410 . A through hole is vertically formed at a central portion of the frame body  410  and an outer wall is externally protruded from an upper end root portion of the frame body to reach an upper end in order to form a stopping protrusion  412 . 
         [0049]    The protruded outer wall of the upper end of the frame body  410  has a circumferential shape and diameter which is a slightly smaller than the circumferential shape and diameter of an inner surface of a circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200  such that the protruded outer wall does not contact an inner surface of the circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200  when the rotatable wheel is mounted on the frame  400 . With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the height of the protruded outer wall of the upper end of the frame body  410  corresponds to a height difference between a lower end of the circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200  and a lower end of the support protrusion  210 . 
         [0050]    With further reference to  FIG. 9 , a support protrusion  420  is formed on an upper surface of the frame body  410 . The support protrusion  420  is formed in a circular arc shape at an inner side with a certain distance from an edge of the upper surface of the frame body  410 . 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the diameter of an outer surface of the support protrusion  420  is smaller than the diameter of the wound part of a torsion spring  240  such that when the rotatable wheel  200  is mounted on the frame  400 , it is positioned at an inner side of the wound part of the torsion spring  240 . A mounting protrusion  422  is formed along a circumferential direction on the inner surface of the support protrusion  420  in order to allow a circular plate to be mounted thereon. Stopping protrusions  424  are formed upwardly at certain portions of the mounting protrusion  422 . 
         [0052]    With further reference to  FIG. 9 , two movement protrusions  430  are formed on the upper surface of the frame body  410  at an outer side of the support protrusions  420 . With further reference to  FIG. 6 , the movement protrusions  430  contact protruded end portions of the torsion spring  240  when the rotatable wheel  200  is mounted on the frame  400  such that when the rotatable wheel is rotated in either direction, the movement protrusions  430  press the torsion spring  240 . 
         [0053]    The movement protrusions  430  are respectively formed at positions where they selectively contact one of the ends of the hindrance protrusion  220  of the rotatable wheel  200  in order to hinder rotation of the rotatable wheel when the rotatable wheel is rotated in either direction. In addition, the movement protrusions  430  have sufficient length in a circumferential direction to selectively contact one of the ends of the hindrance protrusion  220  of the rotatable wheel  200  when the rotatable wheel is rotated by 45° in either direction. Accordingly, when the rotatable wheel  200  is mounted on the frame  400 , the movement protrusions  430  are positioned at an outer side of the wound part of the torsion spring  240 . 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , two magnets  812  are mounted on an inner surface of the circumferential portion of the rotatable wheel  200 . One magnet has N pole and the other has S pole. The Hall sensor  810  senses a change in a magnetic field of the magnets  812  mounted on the rotatable wheel  200  according to rotation of the rotatable wheel, thereby sensing a rotational direction of the rotatable wheel. The FPCB  800  is mounted in an initial set state such that the Hall sensor  810  is positioned at a central portion between the two magnets  812 . 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , multiple icons  110  corresponding to various modes of the terminal are displayed on the display  100  for selection according to a particular mode of the terminal. An indicator  120  is also displayed to indicate the icon  110  corresponding to the selected particular mode when the rotatable wheel  200  or a key button is clicked. 
         [0056]    When the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated in either direction, the indicator  120  displayed on the display  100  selectively indicates the next icon  110  positioned to the left or right. The indicator  120  continuously indicates the next icon  110  whenever a certain time lapses since the rotatable wheel  200  has rotated by 45°. 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a preview image is selectively zoomed in or out by the camera according to rotation of the rotatable wheel  200  when the rotatable wheel is rotated in either direction after the rotatable wheel or a key button is clicked to select a camera mode. As illustrated, the function of zooming in or out is continuously performed whenever a certain time lapses when the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated by 45°. An indicator  130  is displayed with the preview image on the display  100  to indicate the degree to which the camera is zoomed in or out when the camera mode is selected. 
         [0058]    Although not shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a video or a still image stored in the terminal may be displayed on the display  100  by clicking the rotatable wheel  200  or a key button and the video or the still image may also be zoomed in or out by rotating the rotatable wheel. When the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated by 45°, the video or the still image is zoomed in or out continuously whenever a certain time lapses. Also, the indicator is displayed to indicate the degree to which the video or the still image stored in the terminal is zoomed in or out. 
         [0059]    Although not shown in the  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a video or the still image stored in the terminal may be displayed on the display  100  by clicking the rotatable wheel  200  or a key button and the video or the still image can be selectively scrolled left or right by rotating the rotatable wheel in either direction. When the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated by 45°, the video or the still image may be continuously scrolled left and right whenever a certain time lapses. Also, an indicator is displayed to indicate a degree of scrolling with respect to the video and the still images stored in the terminal. 
         [0060]    Sounds may also be generated. The volume of the sounds may be increased or decreased by rotating the rotatable wheel  200  in either direction. When the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated by 45°, the volume can be continuously increased or decreased whenever a certain time lapses. Also, an indicator for indicating the volume of the generated sound may be displayed on the display  100 . 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , a selectable menu is displayed on the display  100  when a menu select mode is selected by clicking the rotatable wheel  220  or a key button, In the menu select mode, a touch region  160  for selecting a particular mode is displayed at a central portion of the display  100 . The touch region  160  is formed in a circular shape and selectable menu icons  162  are displayed in a circumferential area of the touch region or at an outer side of the touch region. 
         [0062]    A pointing indicator  164  is also displayed in the menu select mode to indicate one of the icons  162  corresponding to a mode to be selected by clicking the rotatable wheel  200  or a key button. The pointing indicator  164  is displayed in a particular shape, such as an arrow, at a position where the icon  162  was displayed, thereby replacing the icon with the particular shape of the pointing indicator. The icon  162  replaced by the pointing indicator  164  is displayed at the touch region  160 , preferably as an enlarged version of the icon. When the touch region  160  is touched, a mode corresponding to the displayed icon  162  displayed at the touch region is selected. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the pointing indicator  164  displayed on the display  100  selectively indicates the next icon  162  positioned clockwise or counterclockwise as the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated in either direction in the menu select mode. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a calendar indicating a schedule mode is displayed at the touch region  160  when the pointing indicator  164  indicates an icon for the schedule mode. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated to indicate an icon representing a camera mode by the pointing indicator  164 . 
         [0064]    As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a camera icon representing the camera mode is displayed at the touch region  160  when the pointing indicator  164  indicates the icon representing the camera mode. When the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated by 45°, the pointing indicator  164  may indicate the next icon  162  continuously whenever a certain time lapses. 
         [0065]    The operation of the above-described embodiment of the invention will now be described. In the present invention, the rotatable wheel  200  is positioned on the rear surface of the terminal and an upper portion of the rotatable wheel  200  protrudes from the rear surface of the terminal. This configuration of the rotatable wheel  200  allows a user to easily rotate or click the rotatable wheel with their index finger of one hand while holding the terminal for easy manipulation of the terminal. Since the rotatable wheel  200  that operates the terminal is positioned on the rear surface of the terminal, the entire front surface of the terminal may be used as the display  100 , thereby providing a larger display area. 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , a rotational direction of the rotatable wheel  200  can be sensed since the magnets  812  mounted on the rotatable wheel are rotated together when the rotatable wheel is rotated, thereby causing a change in a magnetic field at the Hall sensor  810  formed at the FPCB  800 . 
         [0067]    With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 9 , one of the movement protrusions  430  formed on the frame  400  is caught by one end of the hindrance protrusion  220  formed on the inner surface of the rotatable wheel  200  when the rotatable wheel  200  is rotated by 45° clockwise or counterclockwise. This hinders rotation of the rotatable wheel  200 . 
         [0068]    With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the protruding end portions of the torsion spring  240  are caught and compressed by the movement protrusions  430  formed on the frame  400  when the rotatable wheel  220  is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Therefore, the rotatable wheel  200  will return to its initial set position in response to the restoration force of the torsion spring  240  when the rotational force is removed. 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , a direct frictional contact between the rotatable wheel  200  and the frame  400  is prevented because the thrust washer  470  is mounted on the frame  400  and contacts the hindrance protrusion of the rotatable wheel  200 , thereby allowing smooth rotation of the rotatable wheel. With reference to  FIG. 2 , the rotatable wheel  200  and the frame  400  can be easily combined by fastening the fixing washer  480  to the lower end portion of the rotatable wheel from the lower side when the rotatable wheel is mounted on the frame  400 . 
         [0070]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , elastic force is applied to the coil spring  340  when the lens cover  330  is closed. Therefore, the lens cover  300  will not open if a user attempts to forcibly open the lens cover unless the corresponding force is stronger than the elastic force. 
         [0071]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , the vertical movement protrusion  720  moves up to slidably contact the rotary protrusion  322  as the motor  700  rotates. The vertical movement protrusion  720  slidably contacts the sloped faces of the rotary protrusion  322 , thereby generating a horizontal force over the rotary plate  320  and causing the rotary plate to rotate according to the horizontal force. 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the two lens covers  330  are rotated centering around the hinge shafts and separated from each other in order to open the through hole formed at the fixed plate  310  as the rotary plate  320  rotates. The lens of the camera  500  is exposed when the through hole of the fixed plate  320  is opened. 
         [0073]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , the coil spring  340  is constricted and stores elastic energy when the rotary plate  320  is rotated. The rotary plate  320  is rotated in the reverse direction by the elastic energy stored in the coil spring  340  when the vertical movement protrusion  720  moves down due to the motor  700  rotating in a reverse direction, thereby causing the lens cover  330  close the through hole formed at the fixed plate  310 . 
         [0074]    In the embodiment of the invention described above, the rotatable wheel  200  is provided on the rear surface of a bar type terminal. The display  100  may either be provided on a main body or on an inner surface of the folder of the terminal, such that the display is exposed when the folder is opened, or may be provided on an outer surface of the folder, such that the display is exposed even when the folder is closed. 
         [0075]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a user can easily rotate the rotatable wheel  200  with their index finger of one hand while holding the terminal because the rotatable wheel is positioned on the rear surface of the terminal and the upper end portion of the rotatable wheel is protrusively formed on the rear surface of the terminal. For example, a user engaged in communication using the terminal can easily rotate the rotatable wheel  200  in either direction with the index finger of the same hand hat holds the terminal in order to selectively increase or decrease the sound volume. In addition, the user can rotate the rotatable wheel  200  to manipulate the terminal while watching images displayed on the display  100  without interrupting the view because the display is positioned on the front surface of the terminal. 
         [0076]    In the terminal of the present invention, the touch region for selecting a particular mode is formed at the central region of the display in the menu select mode, selectable menu icons are displayed in a circumferential shape centering around the touch region, and an icon indicated by the indicator is displayed at the touch region. 
         [0077]    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.