Patent ID: 7948475

Claim:
A key control apparatus for a portable terminal comprising a first housing with first and second display units and a second housing with first and second key input units, the key control apparatus comprising: the first key input unit comprising a plurality of touch-sensitive touch keys for implementing given functions, one or more mechanical keys, and a plurality of sensors for sensing the touching of the touch keys and implementing a scroll function; the second key input unit comprising a plurality of mechanical keys that are not touch-sensitive for implementing given functions and functions corresponding to the keys arranged on the first key input unit; and a control unit performing control in such a manner that when a touch key in the first key input unit is touched, a function given to the touch key is implemented, wherein if touching is sensed through a sensor among the sensors of the first key input unit within a predetermined length of time after touching is sensed through another sensor, the control unit performs control in such a manner that a scroll function is performed in a corresponding direction, and when the second housing is rotated, the control unit performs control in such a manner that predetermined keys among the mechanical keys of the second key input unit implement the functions corresponding to the touch keys, including the given functions and the scroll function.