Abstract:
Disclosed is a multi-function portable device having a portable home theater for outputting an MPEG layer 3 (MP3) file, photographing video data, performing a remocon function, receiving television (TV) video data, transmitting and receiving data to and from, respectively, a mobile terminal and a personal computer (PC), performing an alarm function, performing an Frequency modulation (FM) transmission/reception function for transmitting data of the portable home theater to an external device and for receiving data from the external device, being provided with power from a cradle of the portable home theater, and transmitting data to the cradle of the portable home theater. The cradle of the portable home theater provides power to the portable home theater and outputs data received from the portable home theater.

Description:
PRIORITY  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C §119(a) to an application entitled “Multi-Function Device and Method for Controlling The Device” filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 27, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 2004-37829, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a multi-function device and a method for controlling the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-function device having various functions and a method for controlling the device.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Recently, mobile terminals have been developed to have a high-speed data transmission function in addition to a voice communication function. That is, IMT-2000 mobile communication network services enable mobile terminals to perform high-speed data communication as well as voice communication. The mobile terminals performing the data communication may process packet data and video data. Also, mobile terminals equipped with a camera or a TV receiver can display moving pictures. A mobile terminal with an embedded camera can photograph images, display them as moving or still pictures, and also send the images to another mobile terminal.  
         [0006]     As described above, a mobile terminal equipped with a camera has a function for photographing moving and still pictures, and a mobile terminal equipped with a TV receiver has a function for receiving TV video data and enabling the user to view TV programs. Also, a mobile terminal with an MP3 function has a function capable of outputting an MP3 file.  
         [0007]     However, a mobile terminal having such additional functions as described above is very expensive; however, it is inevitable that users will buy such an expensive mobile terminal, instead of the conventional mobile terminal having only the communication function, in order to use the above-mentioned additional functions.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function device having various functions and a method for controlling the multi-function device.  
         [0009]     To accomplish this object, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-function portable device comprising: a portable home theater having speakers or earphones for outputting an MPEG layer 3 (MP3) file, a camera for photographing and processing still and video data, a remote control unit for performing a remote control (hereinafter “remocon”) function, a television reception unit for receiving television (TV) video data, a transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving data to and from, respectively, a mobile terminal and a personal computer (PC), a control unit for performing an alarm function, frequency modulation (FM) transmission and reception units for performing FM transmission and reception functions for transmitting and receiving data for the portable home theater to and from an external device. The portable home theater is capable of being provided with power from a cradle of the portable home theater, and transmitting data to the cradle of the portable home theater; and outputting data received from the portable home theater.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for performing multiple functions in a multi-function device which includes a portable home theater and a cradle of the portable home theater, the method comprising the steps of displaying the kinds of functions of the portable home theater when a menu is selected in the portable home theater; performing an MP3 function when the MP3 function of the functions is selected; performing a camera function when the camera function is selected from the kinds of functions; performing a remocon function for controlling an external device when the remocon function of the functions is selected; performing a TV video data reception function when the TV reception function of the functions is selected; and performing an alarm function when the alarm function of the functions is selected. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a view illustrating a multi-function device comprising a portable home theater and a cradle for the portable home theater according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary construction of the portable home theater shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary construction of the cradle of the portable home theater shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing multiple functions in the portable home theater according to an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing power and data output through the cradle of the portable home theater according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0017]     Throughout the drawings, it should be understood that like reference numerals refer to like features, structures and elements.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0018]     An embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a view illustrating a multi-function device comprising a portable home theater and a cradle for the portable home theater according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]     The multi-function device  100  comprises a portable home theater (PHT)  200  and a cradle  300  into which the PHT  200  is inserted for charging and for performing other functions. The PHT  200  has various functions such as an MP3 function, a camera function, a remocon function and a TV receiving function. The cradle  300  is connected with an external power source and provides the PHT  200  with the power of the external power source when the PHT  200  is inserted into the cradle  300 . When the PHT  200  receives audio data while being inserted into the cradle  300  to be charged, the received audio data is output through a speaker of the cradle  300 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a construction of the PHT  200 . The construction of the PHT  200  will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 2 . An MP3 function unit  225  comprises a decoder and a D/A converter. Under the control of a control unit  210 , the decoder decodes an MP3 file stored in a hard disk drive (HDD)  245  and an external memory  272 , and the D/A converter converts an MP3 file of a digital audio signal type decoded by the decoder into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal.  
         [0022]     A camera function unit  230  comprises a camera module, a video processing unit and a flash LED. The camera module comprises a camera sensor and a signal processing section. The camera sensor photographs an image and converts a light signal obtained by taking the photograph into an electric signal. The signal processing section converts an analog video signal obtained through the camera sensor into digital data. Herein, it is assumed that the camera sensor is preferably a CCD sensor, and the signal processing section can preferably be realized by a digital signal processor (DSP). Also, the camera sensor and the signal processing section may be integrally or separately constructed. The video processing unit  215  performs the function of generating screen data for displaying a video signal output from the camera module. The video processing unit  215  processes a video signal, which is output from the camera module, in frame units, and outputs the frame video data according to the size and the property of a display unit  220 . Also, the video processing unit  215  comprises a video CODEC so as to perform the function of compressing frame video data displayed on the display unit  220  by using a predetermined scheme and the function of reproducing original frame video data from compressed frame video data. Herein, the video CODEC may be one of a JPEG CODEC, an MPEG4 CODEC, a Wavelet CODEC, or the like. It is assumed that the video processing unit has an On Screen Display (OSD) function and can output OSD data according to the size of a display screen under the control of a control unit  210 . Also, the camera function unit  230  may output video data, which have been obtained by photographing, to an external device through an FM transmission unit  235 .  
         [0023]     A remocon function unit  240  functions to control an external device through a wireless communication module included in the PHT  200 . Embodiments of the present invention are described on the assumption that the wireless communication module included in the PHT  200  is an IrDA unit.  
         [0024]     A TV reception unit  250  comprises a tuner, a decoder and a video processing section. The tuner functions to receive a television video signal of a channel selected according to the control of the control unit  210  and to change the frequency of the received television video signal. The decoder functions to demodulate and decode a television video signal output from the tuner. The decoder decodes the television video signal to output color signals (R, G and B) and synchronizing signals (a horizontal synchronizing signal and a vertical synchronizing signal). The video processing section performs data communication with the control unit  210 , and performs a signal processing function for displaying a television video signal output from the decoder under the control of the control unit  210 . That is, the video processing section functions to process a video signal output from the decoder and to output the video signal to a corresponding region in the display unit  220 . Also, the tuner can receive not only a television video signal of a channel (which is selected under the control of the control unit  210 ) through an antenna, but also a television video signal through an RF terminal  254  connected to an external device. In addition, the tuner may receive a television video signal from the external device through the FM reception unit  255 .  
         [0025]     An FM transmission unit  235  frequency-converts a video signal and an audio signal into a specific frequency channel (a frequency channel which is not employed by any public broadcasting from among frequency channels of 88.1 to 108 MHz) set by the user and outputs the converted signals. Herein, in order to view a video signal and a television signal output through the FM transmission unit  235  with an external device, it must be premised that the FM radio frequency of the external device has been preset as the same frequency as the specific frequency of the FM transmission unit  235  set by the user.  
         [0026]     A FM reception unit  255  receives a video signal and an audio signal, which are frequency-converted into a specific frequency channel (a frequency channel which is not employed by any public broadcasting from among frequency channels of 88.1 to 108 MHz) set by the user, from an external device. Herein, in order to view a video signal and an audio signal received through the FM reception unit  255  with the PHT  200 , it must be premised that the FM radio frequency of the PHT  200  has been preset as the same frequency as a specific frequency of the external device set by a user.  
         [0027]     A Universal Serial Bus (USB) unit  285  is connected to a mobile terminal and/or a PC. When the USB unit  285  is connected to the mobile terminal and the PC, the PHT  200  can transmit and receive data to and from, respectively, the mobile terminal and the PC through the USB unit  285 . Also, when the USB unit  285  is connected to the mobile terminal and the PC, the PHT  200  may function as a master device while the mobile terminal and the PC function as slave devices. In addition, the PHT  200  can transmit and receive data to and from the mobile terminal by wireless communication means, such as the remocon function unit or IrDA unit.  
         [0028]     A first connector  265  contacts with a second connector of the cradle  300  when the PHT  200  is inserted into the cradle  300 . While the first connector  265  contacts with the second connector of the cradle  300 , the first connector  265  receives power provided through the cradle  300  and outputs the received power to a power supply unit  260 . Also, the first connector  265  transmits data, which is received under the control of the control unit  210 , to the cradle  300 .  
         [0029]     The power supply unit  260  stores power provided through the first connector  265  and supplies power required to perform all of the operations of the PHT  200 .  
         [0030]     The hard disk drive (HDD)  245  stores data for the PHT  200 , such as an MP3 file, television video data, still picture, moving picture, or other data.  
         [0031]     A memory  270  comprises an internal memory  271  and an external memory  272 . The internal memory  272  preferably comprises a program memory and a data memory. The program memory may store programs for controlling the general operation of the PHT  200 . The data memory temporarily stores data generated while the programs are being executed. The external memory  272  has a structure which can be accommodated in or withdrawn from the PHT  200 . The external memory  272  may store the various content (such as, a video game, an MP file, or the like) to be provided to the PHT  200 . Also, the external memory  272  (which can be accommodated in or withdrawn from the PHT  200 ) enables data of the PHT  200  to be provided to the mobile terminal and the PC and enables data stored in a mobile terminal and or a PC to be provided to the PHT  200 .  
         [0032]     The control unit  210  controls all of the operations of the PHT  200 . The control unit  210  controls an MP3 function to be performed in an MP3 function mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, the control unit  210  controls an external device according to operations of the key input unit  280  in a remocon function mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, the control unit  210  controls the performance of the camera function in a camera function mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, the control unit  210  controls the reception of television video data in a TV reception mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, under the control of the control unit  210 , data of the PHT  200  are transmitted to an external device or data from the external device is received by the PHT  200  in an FM transmission/reception mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0033]     The display unit  220  can employ an LCD. When the LCD is employed, the display unit  220  can include an LCD controller, a memory for storing video data, an LCD display element, and other well-known LCD support components. Herein, when the LCD is realized in a touch screen scheme, the display unit  220  may operate as an input section. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit  220  displays a video signal output from the camera function unit  230  on its screen. Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit  220  displays a television video signal output from the TV reception unit  250  on its screen.  
         [0034]     A key input unit  280  comprises function keys used for setting functions contained in the PHT  200  and keys used for performing functions in the set function modes.  
         [0035]     An audio processing unit  290  comprises an audio codec for processing audio signals such as voice. The audio processing unit  290  receives an audio signal (which is output from the control unit  210 ) either to be reproduced through first and second speakers  293  and  295  after being amplified by first and second amplifiers  292  and  294  or to be reproduced through an earphone  350  connected with an ear jack  291 . In addition, the audio processing unit  290  functions to transmit an audio signal, which is generated from a microphone  296 , to the control unit  210 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary construction of the cradle  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the cradle  300  will now be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 3 . The second connector  310  contacts the first connector  265  of the PHT  200  when the PHT  200  is inserted into the cradle  300 . When the second connector  310  contacts the first connector  265  of the PHT  200 , the second connector  310  provides power (which is input through an external power jack) to the PHT  200  through the first connector  265 . When the cradle  300  receives audio data through the second connector  310  from the PHT  200 , the cradle  300  amplifies the received audio data using third and fourth amplifiers  330  and  340  and then reproduces the amplified audio data through third and fourth speakers  335  and  345 . The external power jack  320  is connected to an external power supply to supply power to the PHT  200  when inserted into the cradle  300 .  
         [0037]     Hereinafter, the operations for performing the various additional functions of the multi-function device  100  comprising the above-mentioned PHT  200  and cradle  300  will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for performing multiple functions in the PHT according to an embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for power provision and data output through the cradle of the PHT according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0039]     Hereinafter, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  will now be described with reference to FIGS.  1  to  3 .  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , when the user turns on a power key (not shown) in or on the key input unit  280  of the PHT  200 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  401  and powers on the PHT  200  in step  402 . In step  402  in which the PHT  200  is powered on, state information (such as, date and time information, battery information, and other state information) of the PHT  200  may be displayed on the display unit  220 . When the user presses a menu key (not shown) in of on the key input unit  280 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  403  and controls the display unit  220  to display the kinds of functions included in the PHT  200 . When an MP3 function is selected from among the multiple kinds of functions performed by the PHT  200 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  404  and proceeds to step  405  for performing the MP3 function. In step  405 , when the user selects an MP3 file (which the user desires to hear or access), the control unit  210  outputs the selected MP3 file from the hard disk drive  245  or the external memory  272 . In this case, the control unit  210  controls the MP3 function unit  225  so that the MP3 file output from the hard disk drive  245  or the external memory  272  is decoded and converted to an analog signal. The MP3 file converted into the analog signal is output through the audio processing unit  290  to the first and second speakers  293  and  295  under the control of the control unit  210 , thereby being reproduced. When the earphone  350  is connected with the ear jack  291 , the MP3 file converted into the analog signal is output via the ear jack  291  and reproduced through the earphone  350 .  
         [0041]     Meanwhile, when the camera function is selected from among the multiple kinds of functions performed by the PHT  200 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  406  and proceeds to step  407  of performing the camera function. In step  407 , the user can photograph a still picture or a moving picture by the camera function unit  230 , and video or still data of the photographed picture can be stored in the hard disk drive  245  and/or the external memory  272 . Also, the video data obtained through the photographing can be transmitted to an external device through the FM transmission unit  235 . In step  407 , when a video data stored in the hard disk drive  245  or the external memory  272  is selected, the control unit  210  controls the camera function unit  230  so that the selected video data is displayed on the display unit  220 . Also, when the selected video data includes an audio signal, the control unit  210  controls the PHT  200  such that the audio signal is output through the audio processing unit  290  to the first and second speakers  293  and  295  for reproduction. When the earphone  350  is connected with the ear jack  291 , the audio signal is output via ear jack  291  and reproduced through the earphone  350 .  
         [0042]     Meanwhile, when a remocon function is selected from among the multiple kinds of functions performed by the PHT  200 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  408  and proceeds to step  409  of performing the remocon function. In step  409 , the user can select the kind of external device to be remotely controlled by the PHT  200  and can remotely control the selected external device preferably through the remocon function unit comprising the IrDA unit of the PHT  200 .  
         [0043]     Also, when a television reception function is selected from among the multiple kinds of functions performed by the PHT  200 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  410  and proceeds to step  411  for performing the television reception function. In step  411 , when the user selects a channel, the control unit  210  receives television video data of the selected channel through the television reception unit  250  and displays the received television video data on the display unit  220 . When the television video data includes an audio signal, the control unit  210  controls such that the television audio signal is output through the audio processing unit  290  to the first and second speakers  293  and  295  for reproduction. When the earphone  350  is connected with the ear jack  291 , the television audio signal is output via ear jack  291  and reproduced through the earphone  350 . In addition, the received television video data can be stored in the hard disk drive  245  and the stored television video data can be viewed according to the selection of the user.  
         [0044]     Meanwhile, when an alarm setting function is selected from among the multiple kinds of functions performed by the PHT  200 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  412  and proceeds to step  413  for performing the alarm setting function. In step  413 , the user can set a selected alarm to sound at a time of the user&#39;s choice. When the set time is reached, the control unit  210  signals the set alarm to sound. In addition, the PHT  200  comprises a recording function.  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , when the PHT  200  is inserted into the cradle  300 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  501  and proceeds to step  502 . In step  502 , the control unit  210  outputs control signals such that power (which is input though the external power jack  320 ) is provided to the PHT  200  through the first connector  265  of the PHT  200 , which contacts with the second connector  310  of the cradle  300 . That is, the control unit  210  outputs control signals such that the power provided through the first connector  265  is supplied to the power supply unit  260  so as to charge power supply unit  260 . In addition, in a state in which the PHT  200  is inserted into the cradle  300 , the user selects the output of an audio signal (such as an MP3 file, an audio signal of a moving picture, video and a television audio signal) of the PHT  200 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  503  and outputs the selected audio signal. In this case, when the user selects the audio signal to be output to the speakers  335  and  345  comprised in the cradle  300 , the control unit  210  detects it in step  504  and proceeds to step  505 . In step  505 , the control unit  210  controls the audio signal (which is output from the PHT  200 ) to be amplified by the third and fourth amplifiers  330  and  340  and then to be reproduced through the third and fourth speakers  335  and  345 .  
         [0046]     The PHT  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention can include not only the MP3 function unit, the camera function unit, the remocon function unit, the TV reception unit and the FM transmission/reception unit for additional functions, but also units for different additional functions, particularly an RF unit to perform a wireless communication function.  
         [0047]     As described above, embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-function device that the user can use for various additional functions just by carrying the multi-function device. In addition, the user having used the conventional mobile terminal having only a communication function can enjoy various functions by carrying the multi-function device.  
         [0048]     While the embodiments of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not to be limited by the above embodiments but by the claims and the equivalents thereof.