Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of prior application Ser. No. 14/154,587, filed on Jan. 14, 2014, which claimed the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Mar. 14, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0027232, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to an electronic device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a protective case and an operating method thereof. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In recent, as multimedia technology advances, electronic devices having various functions are emerging. Such electronic devices mostly include a convergence function for fulfilling one or more functions in combination. 
         [0004]    Further, a mobile terminal, that may be referred to as smart phone, is dominant among the electronic devices. Particularly, the mobile terminal includes a large-screen touch display module and a high-resolution camera module in addition to including a basic communication function for communicating with other terminals, and thus, the mobile terminal may capture a still image and a moving picture. Also, the mobile terminal can play multimedia contents, such as music and video, and may surf the web, i.e. may access the internet, by accessing a network. As such, the mobile terminal including a high-performance processor may perform various convergence functions more rapidly such that the major communication function with the other terminal is regarded as the additional function. 
         [0005]    Users who purchase the electronic device, such as the smart phone, may cover the electronic device with a separate protective case in order to protect an exterior of the electronic device in use and to optimize a grip of the electronic device. The protective case may be formed of a material of excellent texture. A folder-type protective case exposes a display module, e.g., a touch screen, of the electronic device by uncovering the protective case. When not in use, the electronic device is protected by covering the display module. However, such a protective case often is designed for the electronic device protection and does not serve other functions. 
         [0006]    The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a protective case for providing various functions and an operating method thereof. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a protective case for obtaining status information of the electronic device even when it is covered, and an operating method thereof. 
         [0009]    Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a protective case for controlling the electronic device even when it is covered, and an operating method thereof. 
         [0010]    In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a connector detachable from part of an electronic device including a display, and a cover connected to the connector, wherein the cover is capable of covering at least part of the display of the electronic device, and wherein the cover includes a window configured to expose the at least part of the display when the cover covers at least part of the display. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an external housing including a display, a connector detachably connected to part of the housing, and a cover coupled to the connector, wherein the cover is configured to close or open with respect to the display, and wherein the cover includes a window configured to expose at least part of the display when the cover covers the display. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a body including a display, and a processor embedded in the body, wherein the processor is configured to provide a user interface only in part of the display when an object outside the body approaches or covers at least part of the display. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an electronic device body including a display, a rear cover detachable from the body, a front cover capable of folding with the rear cover and configured to cover at least part of the display, a linking part configured to interconnect the front cover and the rear cover, and a window in the front cover, wherein the front cover includes an inner layer configured to form a face for contacting the display, and a plate interposed between the inner layer and an outer layer. 
         [0014]    Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic device including a protective case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a protective case of  FIG. 1  with a front cover closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a protective case of  FIG. 1  with an electronic device removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded perspective view of a protective case of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is an exploded perspective view of a protective case of  FIG. 1  viewed from a different angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another side of a reinforcement plate of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another side of a coupler of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a connected protective case of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are diagrams of opening and closing of a front cover of a protective case according to a position of a magnet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 9A .  9 B,  9 C, and  9 D are diagrams of various linking parts of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a diagram of a reinforcement plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E  are diagrams of various covers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a processor of  FIG. 12  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart of a method for operating a cover touch of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0032]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  are graphs of sensitivity compared between a direct touch mode and a cover touch mode of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0033]    Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
         [0035]    The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0036]    It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
         [0037]    By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
         [0038]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device including a touch screen for performing an input operation through an input device and a display operation through a display part on a single physical touch screen. Herein, the term “display part” may be replaced by the term “display”. Although the display part and the input device are separated in the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display part may include the input device or the input device may be referred to as the display part. In addition, the display part can be referred to as a touch screen and/or a touch screen device. 
         [0039]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the electronic device including the touch screen but are applicable to various electronic devices. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to the electronic device which physically separates or divides the display part and the input device. 
         [0040]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide, but not limited to, the electronic device including the touch screen as the display part and employing a protective case. For example, the electronic device can employ various devices including the touch screen, that is, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a netbook, a Mobile Internet Device (MID), a Personal Computer (PC), an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), a tablet PC, a laptop PC, a navigation device, and an electronic music player, an electronic book reader, or any other similar and/or suitable type of electronic device. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic device including a protective case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 2  is a plan view of a protective case of  FIG. 1  with a front cover closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG. 3  is a plan view of a protective case of  FIG. 1  with an electronic device removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , an electronic device  100 , which is covered and/or protected by a protective case  200 , includes, but is not limited to, a touch screen  101 , a speaker module  102  disposed at the top of the touch screen  101 , a plurality of sensors  103  disposed at one side of the speaker module  102 , a camera module  104  disposed at one side of the sensors  103 , and a microphone  105  disposed at a bottom of the touch screen  101 . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device  100  can further include other components in addition to the components shown in  FIG. 1 , and the electronic device  100  can have a different arrangement of the components shown in  FIG. 1 . One or more of the components, excluding the touch screen, can be omitted. 
         [0043]    For example, the electronic device  100  is a folder type or a flip type, and the electronic device  100  can be protected by the protective case  200  that is connected and/or attached to the electronic device  100 . The protective case  200  may operate as a sliding type. The protective case  200  can include a rear cover  230  (see  FIG. 3 ) for supporting a rear side of the electronic device  100 , a front cover  210  for protecting a front side of the electronic device  100 , and a linking part  220  integrally connected to and extended from the front cover  210  and connected to the rear cover  230 . 
         [0044]    The rear cover  230  can be disposed to support the rear side of the electronic device  100 . The front cover  210  can be connected to the rear cover  230  by the linking part  220  in order to rotate the front cover  210  along an arrow of  FIG. 1 . Hence, the front cover  210  can be disposed on the front side of the touch screen  101  to protect the touch screen  101  of the electronic device  100  as shown in  FIG. 2 , or may be disposed to be used on the electronic device  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0045]    Herein, when the front cover  210  rotates based on the rear cover  230  in order to meet the touch screen  101  of the electronic device  100 , the front cover  210  may be referred to as being closed, and when the front cover  210  rotates based on the rear cover  230  in order to facilitate the direct touch on the touch screen  101  of the electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the front cover  210  may be referred to as being open. 
         [0046]    When a transparent window  2101  is disposed on the protective case  200  and the front cover  210  is closed, a user can see part of the touch screen  101  of the electronic device  100  with the naked eyes. The electronic device  100  detects the closed front cover  210  and displays status information of the electronic device  100  on a region of the touch screen  101  corresponding to the transparent window  2101 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Hence, the user can use the electronic device  100  through the transparent window  2101  even when the front cover  210  is closed. 
         [0047]    In various embodiments of the present disclosure, but not limited to, the single transparent window  2101  is disposed in the upper portion of the front cover  210 . For example, a plurality of transparent windows may be disposed at different positions of the front cover  210  in order to display the information according to an operating method of the electronic device  100 . For example, the transparent window  2101  may have an area not exceeding 50% of the entirety of the area of the front cover  210 . Alternatively, one or more transparent windows can have the area occupying about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, or any other similar and/or suitable percentage of the display area. Alternatively, the display area of the transparent window may be selected from a range, e.g., about 20˜50%, 30˜60%, 40˜80%, or any other similar and/or suitable range between two arbitrary values of the above-stated percentages as a maximum value and a minimum value. 
         [0048]    One or more button receiving grooves  2103  may be formed on a surface contacting the touch screen  101  of the front cover  210  in order to prevent a key button  106 , which protrudes from the electronic device  100 , from being arbitrarily pressed by the closed front cover  210 . A step  2135 , which may also be referred to as a physical step and/or ledge, is formed on a periphery of the face contacting the touch screen  101  of the front cover  210 . When the front cover  210  is closed, the user can easily open the front cover  210  by lifting up the step  2135  with his/her nail or any other similar and/or suitable implement. 
         [0049]    The front cover  210  is formed in, but is not limited to, the same size as the touch screen  101  of the electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, the front cover  210  may extend and bend its end part to protect up to a side  107  of the electronic device  100  when the front cover  210  is closed. The front cover  210 , the linking part  220 , and the rear cover  230  of the protective case  200  can be constructed to correspond to various key buttons of the electronic device  100 , the protruded or depressed components, and the components to be penetrated. The protective case  200  may be water-proof. 
         [0050]    A plurality of tension protrusions  2301  (see  FIG. 3 ) can be formed at particular intervals along an inner periphery of the rear cover  230 . The tension protrusions  2301  can be detachably assembled to be received in a corresponding tension groove (not shown) on the rear side of the electronic device  100 . 
         [0051]    The rear cover  230  can be formed of, but is not limited to, a synthetic resin material. For example, the rear cover  230  can be formed of various materials, but is not limited to, metal material, Glass Fiber (GF) Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), rubber, silicon, Polycarbonate (PC), PC Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), PC GF, or any other similar and/or suitable type of material. The rear cover  230  can be formed as, but is not limited to, a battery cover which is directly assembled to the rear side of the electronic device  100 . For example, the rear cover  230  may be molded separately from the electronic device  100  in order to receive the rear side of the electronic device  100 . 
         [0052]    According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an opening  231  (see  FIG. 3 ) can be formed in the rear cover  230 . The opening  231  may expose the component disposed in the rear side of the electronic device  100 , for example, the camera module. In this case, various accessories such as an effect filter and a white balance gray card may be applied to an interior or an exterior of the rear cover  230  through the opening  231 . 
         [0053]    According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a magnet  2128  is disposed in the front cover  210 , and an element configured to detect a magnetic force, such as a capacitor or other electronic and/or non-electronic element, can be disposed at a corresponding position of the electronic device  100  in order to detect magnetic force of the magnet  2128 . The magnetic force detecting element can be disposed at a position of the electronic device  100  in order to detect the magnetic force of the magnet  2128  when the front cover  210  is closed so as to contact the display  101  of the electronic device  100 . The magnetic force detecting element can employ, but is not limited to, a Hall sensor and a reed switch for detecting the magnetic force of the magnet  2128 . 
         [0054]    According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by virtue of flexibility of the linking part  220  interconnecting the front cover  210  and the rear cover  230 , the front cover  210  can move to cover the rear cover  230  of the electronic device  210  from behind, like the cover direction of the display  101  of the electronic device  100 . Thus, even when the front cover  210  is not closed and the rear cover  230  is covered from behind by virtue of the magnetic force of the magnet  2128  of the front cover  210 , the electronic device  100  can recognize that the front cover  210  is closed. In this regard, shielding units  2302  and  2129  can be configured to not allow detection of the magnetic force of the magnet  2128  when the front cover  210  is rotated to cover the rear cover  230 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the front cover  210  is moved to cover the rear cover  230 , then the shielding unit  2302  can be disposed at a position of the rear cover  230  corresponding to the magnet  2128  of the front cover  210 . Additionally, a coupler  240  is included in the protective case  200 . The shielding unit  2302  can be formed of various materials having a shield layer which can block the magnetic force of the magnet  2128 . For example, the shielding unit  2302  can be formed of a sheet-type shield disposed at the corresponding position of the rear cover  230 . When the shielding unit  2302  is the sheet type, a single sheet can be formed to a thickness of 0.2 mm or any other similar and/or suitable thickness. For example, the shielding unit  2302  can stack a plurality of sheets. Four sheets of the thickness 0.05 mm may be stacked. For example, the material of the shielding unit  2302  can use various alloys having magnetic permeability such as iron (Fe)-based alloy (amorphous), a nickel (Ni)-based alloy, and a cobalt (Co)-based alloy. 
         [0056]    When a magnetic force generating element, for producing the magnetic force, employs a magnet, an electromagnet using direct current (DC), a solenoid, or a power line for generating a DC magnetic field, the shielding unit for shielding the magnetic force can use a magnetic material, such as Fe, Co, and Ni, or a magnetic alloy in order to shield the magnetic force by detouring a magnetic force line. The magnetic force may be shielded by generating the magnetic field of the same magnitude in an opposite direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet, the electromagnet using DC, the solenoid, or the power line for generating the DC magnetic force. 
         [0057]    When the magnetic force generating element for producing the magnetic force employs an electromagnet, a solenoid, or a power line using alternating current (AC) for generating an AC magnetic field, the shielding unit may employ a conductor to cancel and/or nullify the magnetic force using the magnetic field generated by an eddy current flowing on a conductor surface according to the AC magnetic field. The shielding unit  2129  can be further disposed at a position overlapping with a region of the magnet  2128  of the front cover  210 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The shielding unit  2129  can be disposed so as to detect the magnetic force of the magnet  2128  only when the front cover  210  is moved to cover the electronic device  100 . The shielding unit  2129  may be interposed between the magnet  2128  and an outer layer  211  (see  FIG. 4A ) of the front cover  210  based on the magnet  2128 . The shielding units  2302  and  2129  may be disposed selectively in the front cover  210  or the rear cover  2302 , or at both of the corresponding positions of the front cover  210  and the rear cover  2302 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded perspective view of a protective case of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 4B  is an exploded perspective view of a protective case of  FIG. 1  viewed from a different angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another side of a reinforcement plate of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another side of a coupler of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a connected protective case of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , an exploded perspective view of the protective case when the front cover is closed is shown, and referring to  FIG. 4B  an exploded perspective view of the protective case when the front cover is open is shown. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the front cover  210  includes an inner layer  213  contacting the touch screen  101  of the electronic device  100 , an outer layer  211  stacked on the inner layer  213 , and a reinforcement plate  212  is interposed between the inner layer  213  and the outer layer  211 . The outer layer  211  and the inner layer  213  can be formed of various materials, for example, but not limited to, leather, synthetic leather, wool, CFRP, GFRP, PC, glass, and sapphire. The outer layer  211  and the inner layer  213  may be formed of a metal and may go through various surface treatments, such as coating. The reinforcement plate  212  can be formed of various transparent materials, for example, but not limited to, acrylic, epoxy, CFRP, GFRP, PC, conductive material, glass, and sapphire. 
         [0061]    The outer layer  211  and the inner layer  213  can be assembled so as not to expose the interposed reinforcement plate  212  to the outside. Accordingly, the inner layer  213  includes a seating part  2131  for mounting the reinforcement plate  212 . Hence, a periphery  2134  of the seating part  2131  can be higher than the face of the seating part  2131 . Naturally, the periphery of the face of the inner layer  213  contacting the touch screen  101  of the electronic device  100  can form the step  2135  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0062]    The outer layer  211  can include a first opening  2112  at the corresponding position so as to expose a first window  2122  protruding from a first face  2121  of the reinforcement plate  212 , and the seating part  2131  of the inner layer  213  can include a second opening  2132  at the corresponding position so as to expose a second window  2125  (see  FIG. 4B ) protruding from a second face  2124  (see  FIG. 4B ) of the reinforcement plate  212 . 
         [0063]    The corresponding positions of the outer layer  211 , the inner layer  213 , and the reinforcement plate  212  can include first, second, and third outlets  2113 ,  2133 , and  2123  for emitting speaker sound from the speaker module  102  of the electronic device  100  when the front cover  210  is closed. Notably, an outer layer linking part  221  of the outer layer  211  and an inner layer linking part  223  of the inner layer  213  can be coupled to form the linking part  220  of  FIG. 1 . The outer layer linking part  221  includes a first through hole  222  at regular intervals, and the inner layer linking part  223  also includes a second through hole  224  at regular intervals. When the outer layer  211  and the inner layer  213  are assembled, the through holes  222  and  224  can serve as a single through hole at the corresponding positions. Additionally, the reinforcement plate  212  includes a groove  2127 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the second window  2125  can protrude from the second face  2124  of the reinforcement plate  212  that is contacting the seating part  2131  of the inner layer  213 . A magnet mounting groove  2126  can be formed at a proper position of the second face  2124  to mount the magnet  2128 . While the magnet mounting groove  2126  is circular in  FIG. 5 , the magnet mounting groove  2126  can be formed in a shape corresponding to various shapes of the magnet  2128 . While the magnet  2128  is disposed in the second face  2124  of the reinforcement plate  212  contacting the inner layer  213 , the magnet  2128  can be disposed at a position of the first face  2121  of the reinforcement plate  212  contacting the outer layer  211 . In this case, the magnet mounting groove  2126  can be formed in the first face  2121  of the reinforcement plate  212 . 
         [0065]    The magnet  2128  can be detected by a detecting element of the electronic device  100  when the front cover  210  of the protective case  200  is closed. In this case, the detecting element disposed at the corresponding position of the electronic device  100  can use the Hall sensor or the reed switch for detecting the magnetic force of the magnet  2128 . 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , the rear cover  230  may include a coupler mounting part  232  including mounting protrusions  233 , as well as a shielding unit mounting groove  2303  for mounting a shielding unit  2302 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the coupler  240  may include a plate part  241  and a plurality of insertion protrusions  2412  protruding from the plate part  241 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of connected protective case of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the groove  2127  of a certain depth can be formed in the second face  2124  of the reinforcement plate  212 . The groove  2127  can be formed at a position corresponding to the key button  106  protruding from the face of the electronic device  100  contacting the front cover  210  when the front cover  210  of the protective case  200  is closed. The groove  2127  can guide to form the button receiving groove  2103  of  FIG. 1  by sinking the position of the inner layer  213  corresponding to the key button  106  of the electronic device  100  when the inner layer  213  and the reinforcement plate  212  are assembled. Even when the front cover  210  of the protective case  200  is closed, the button receiving groove  2103  receives the key button  106  of the electronic device  100  in order to prevent the key button  106  from being arbitrarily pressed. 
         [0069]    The reinforcement plate  212  can include the first window  2122  and the second window  2125 , as non-process parts, which are exposed through the first and second openings  2112  and  2132  of the outer layer  211  and the inner layer  213  and serve as the transparent window  2101  of  FIG. 1 . Also, the reinforcement plate  212  can include, the first and second faces  2121  and  2124  contacting the outer layer  211  and the inner layer  213  as process parts. The process parts can be processed to reinforce adhesion between the outer layer  211  and the inner layer  213 . 
         [0070]    The reinforcement plate  212  is interposed between the inner layer  213  and the outer layer  211  and then, but not limited to, thermal compression can be applied along the periphery. The inner layer  213  and the outer layer  211  can be assembled using bonding with an adhesive. When the inner layer  213  and the outer layer  211  are thermal-compressed, the periphery of the outer layer  211  and the periphery  2134 , excluding the seating part  2131  of the inner layer  213 , are assembled in direct contact. Thus, the exposure of the reinforcement plate  212  due to long-term usage can be addressed. As shown in  FIGS. 4A through 6 , the coupler  240  includes the plate part  241  having a length and a width to be mounted in the coupler mounting part  232  of the rear cover  230 , and the plurality of insertion protrusions  2412  protruding from the plate part  241  and to be mounted in mounting protrusions  233 , which protrude from the coupler mounting part  232  at regular intervals. Hence, when the coupler  240  is mounted to the coupler mounting part  232  of the rear cover  230 , it is advantageous that an upper side of the plate part  241  of the coupler  240  matches an inner side of the rear cover  230 . Hence, the tensions protrusions  2411  can be formed at regular intervals on the other side of the insertion protrusions  2412  of the plate part  241  and assembled with an elastic groove disposed on the rear side of the electronic device. The coupler  240  can employ PC, PC_ABS, PC_GF, and the like. 
         [0071]    When the outer layer  211  and the inner layer  213 , with the reinforcement plate  212  interposed in between them, are thermal-compressed, then the first through holes  222  of the outer layer linking part  221  and the second through holes  224  of the inner layer linking part  223  correspond to each other so as to form final through holes. Temporary assembly is processed in a manner that the mounting protrusions  233  of the coupler mounting part  232  of the rear cover  230  penetrate the through holes and the coupler  240  is assembled above them. Thus, the front cover  210  and the rear cover  230  are connected. In so doing, the mounting protrusion  233  includes a mounting groove, and the assembly can finished by inserting the insertion protrusions  2412  of the coupler  240  into the mounting grooves. 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , the rear cover  230  can include the shielding unit mounting groove  2303  for mounting the shielding unit  2302 . The shielding unit  2302  can be securely bonded or adhered to the rear cover  230 . The shielding unit  2302  is disposed at the corresponding position of the rear cover  230  to prevent the magnetic force of the magnet  2128  of the front cover  210  from being detected from behind the electronic device  100 . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are diagrams of the opening and the closing of the front cover of a protective case according to a position of a magnet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the position of the magnet  2128  disposed in the front cover  210  can determine a bend angle between an opening direction and a close direction of the front cover  210 . For example, based on the bend angle θ, the front cover  210  can freely rotate to open, e.g. move in the direction {circle around (1)} of  FIG. 8B , or to close, e.g. move in the direction {circle around (2)} of  FIG. 8B , as shown in  FIG. 8B . 
         [0075]    According to the position of the magnet  2128  based on the bend angle θ, the bend angle, tension, stiffness, and flexibility may be controlled in accordance with an open/close direction of the front cover  210 . For example, when the magnet  2128  is disposed in a region A away from the linking part  220 , the front cover  210  can be opened and closed faster based on the bend angle θ, than when the magnet  2128  is disposed in a region B of the front cover  210 . The bend angle may change a little according to the position of the magnet  2128 . That is, the bend angle can be adjusted by using the magnet  2128  as a weight and defining its position. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 9A through 9D  are diagrams of various linking parts of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A through 9D , the bend angle, the tension and an open/close speed of the front cover  210  can be controlled using the linking part  220  of the protective front cover  210 . The front cover  210  may be easily opened and closed by operating the front cover  210  to open or to close. 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 9A , the open/close direction of a front cover  210 - 1  can be guided by expanding a thermal-compression region  2135 - 1  up to part of a linking part  220 - 1  of the front cover  210 - 1 . Compared to  FIG. 9A , the open/close direction of a front cover  210 - 2 , as shown in  FIG. 9B , can be guided by further expanding a thermal-compression region  2135 - 2  of a front cover  210 - 2 . For example, the bend angle, the tension, the stiffness, and the flexibility based on the open/close direction of the front cover  210 - 1  and  210 - 2  may be controlled by respectively adjusting the thermal-compression region  2135 - 1  and  2135 - 2  of the linking part  220 - 1  and  220 - 2 . 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIGS. 9C and 9D , the bend angle, the tension, the stiffness, and the flexibility based on the open/close direction of front covers  210 - 3  and  210 - 4  may be controlled by interposing materials  2202  and  2203  in respective linking parts  220 - 3  and  2204 . 
         [0080]    In  FIG. 9C , a plurality of materials  2202  may be disposed at regular intervals in the linking part  220 - 3  of the front cover  210 - 3  that includes a thermal-compression region  2135 - 3 , or, as shown in  FIG. 9D , a single material  2203  may be disposed in the linking part  220 - 4  by forming a plurality of slits  2203 - 1  at regular intervals of the front cover  210 - 4  that includes a thermal-compression region  2135 - 4 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 10  is a diagram of a reinforcement plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , two reinforcement plates  212 - 1  and  212 - 2  can be embedded in the front cover  210 - 5  including the outer layer and the inner layer. The first reinforcement plate  212 - 1  can include a transparent window  2101 - 1  to be exposed to the outer layer and the inner layer, and the second reinforcement plate  212 - 2  can be disposed at the lower portion not to be exposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. In this case, the first reinforcement plate  212 - 1  is not processed for the transparent window  2101 , and the second reinforcement plate  212 - 2  is processed to reinforce the adhesion of the outer layer and the inner layer. Thus, the problem that the non-processed part and the processed part of the single reinforcement plate are processed together can be addressed. 
         [0083]    Herein, the reference numeral  220 - 5  is the linking part and the reference numeral  2102 - 1  is the speaker sound outlet. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 11A through 11E  are diagrams of various covers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A through 11E , while the components of the outer layer, the inner layer, and the reinforcement plate are given different reference numerals to ease the understanding, they are substantially the same as the inner layer, the outer layer, and the reinforcement plate of the cover as aforementioned and only the transparent window differs. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 11A , a reinforcement plate  260  can be interposed between an outer layer  250  and an inner layer  270 . The reinforcement plate  260  includes a window  262  exposed through an outer layer opening  251  of the outer layer  250  and an inner layer opening  271  of the inner layer  270 , and a bonding layer  261  for bonding the outer layer  250  and the inner layer  270 . In this embodiment, an auxiliary plate  280  is interposed between the inner layer  270  and the reinforcement plate  260 . The auxiliary plate  280  can assist the reinforcement plate  260 , particularly, which includes a flexible part such as transparent acrylic. The auxiliary plate  280  can employ GFRP or CFRP. 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 11B , a reinforcement plate  260 - 1  is interposed between an outer layer  250 - 1  and an inner layer  270 - 1 . The reinforcement plate  260 - 1  does not include a separate protruding window. Accordingly, a step, or ledge, as thick as openings  251 - 1  and  271 - 1  of the outer layer  250 - 1  and the inner layer  270 - 1  can be generated in the transparent window. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 11C , a reinforcement plate  260 - 2  is applied between an outer layer  250 - 2  and an inner layer  270 - 2 . The reinforcement plate  260 - 2  includes only a window  262 - 2  protruding from a junction  261 - 2  by an opening  271 - 2  of the inner layer  270 - 2 , and a step, or ledge, as deep as the opening of the outer layer  250 - 2 . The external step can be reduced by forming the periphery of the step as a built-in part  252 - 2  which is adjacent to an opening  251 - 2  of the outer layer  250 - 2 . 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 11D , a reinforcement plate  260 - 3  is applied between an outer layer  250 - 3  and an inner layer  270 - 3 , and includes an opening  261 - 3  in the same size as openings  251 - 3  and  271 - 3 , respectively of the outer layer  250 - 3  and the inner layer  270 - 3 . In this case, a separate window is absent. Hence, when the front cover of the protective case is closed, the touch screen of the electronic device can be directly exposed through the opening  261 - 3  of the reinforcement plate  260 - 3  and through the openings  251 - 3  and  271 - 3 , respectively of the outer layer  250 - 3  and the inner layer  270 - 3 . 
         [0090]    In  FIG. 11E , a reinforcement plate  260 - 4  is applied between an outer layer  250 - 4  and an inner layer  270 - 4 , and the reinforcement plate  260 - 4  includes only the window  262 - 4  protruding from a junction  261 - 4  by an opening of the outer layer  250 - 4 , and includes a step as deep as an opening  271 - 4  of the inner layer  270 - 4 . The step can be reduced by forming the periphery of the step as a built-in part  272 - 4 . In this case, since the touch screen of the electronic device contacting the inner layer  270 - 4  does not directly contact the reinforcement plate  260 - 4 , scratches on the touch screen, caused by the frequent opening and/or closing of the front cover, can be prevented in advance. 
         [0091]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , the electronic device can detect an open/close state of the front cover of the protective case. For example, the magnetic force of the magnet disposed in the front cover of the protective case can be detected by, but not limited to, the Hall sensor disposed at the corresponding position of the electronic device. A proximity sensor of the electronic device may detect the open/close state of the front cover. An image sensor of the electronic device may detect the open/close state of the front cover. A detecting element of the electronic device may be installed to detect the target to detect in the front cover. 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the electronic device  100  can include a memory  110 , a processor unit  120 , an Input Output ( 10 ) controller  130 , a display  131 , an input device  132 , an audio processor  133 , and a communication system  136 . These components can communicate with each other through at least one communication buses or signal lines  108 . 
         [0094]    The memory  110  includes a program storage  111  for storing a program to control operations of the electronic device  100 , and a data storage  112  for storing data generated corresponding to the program execution. The memory  110  can store data generated by the program in a processor  122  or at any other similar and/or suitable storage location. 
         [0095]    For example, the data storage  112  can include database information used for the processor  122  to determine related programs executed by a touch recognition control program  117 , and setup information required to configure Graphic User Interface (GUI) when the display  131  displays the related programs. 
         [0096]    The program storage  111  can include an application program  113 , a GUI program  114 , a communication control program  115 , an  10  control program  116 , the touch recognition control program  117 , and any other similar and/or suitable program that may be stored on the electronic device  100 . Herein, the program contained in the program storage  111  may be referred as an instruction set which is a set of instructions. 
         [0097]    The application program  113  can include at least one software component for at least one application program installed in the electronic device  100 . 
         [0098]    The GUI program  114  can include at least one software component for providing the GUI on the display  131 . For example, the GUI program  114  may control to display application program information driven by the processor  122  on the display  131 . 
         [0099]    When the touch recognition control program  117  determines that a cover touch mode is to be entered and/or started, the GUI program  113  can control to display the display information only in the region of the display  131  corresponding to the transparent window of the front cover. When the touch recognition control program  117  enters the cover touch mode and determines touch information input through the upper portion of the front cover, the GUI program  113  may control to display the corresponding display information only in the region of the display  131  corresponding to the transparent window. 
         [0100]    The communication control program  115  can include at least one software component for controlling communication with one or more other electronic devices using a communication system  136 . For example, the communication control program  115  can discover other electronic device to communicate with using at least one of a Radio Frequency (RF) communication system, a wireless communication system, and/or a wired communication system. Upon discovering the other electronic device to communicate, the communication control program  115  sets the connection to communicate with the other electronic device. Next, the communication control program  115  may control to send and receive data to and from the other electronic device through the communication system  136  by performing capability discovery and session establishment with the other electronic device that is connected to the electronic device  100 . 
         [0101]    The IO control program  116  can display the operation of the electronic device  100  on the display  131 , and can receive an operation command of the electronic device  100  from the outside through the input device  132 . 
         [0102]    The touch recognition control program  117  can include at least one software component for determining a corresponding function based on the touch information input to the upper portion of the front cover when the cover touch mode is activated under the control of the processor  122 . The touch recognition control program  117  may include a software component for determining the corresponding function to display the display information only in the corresponding region of the transparent region of the display according to the cover touch mode. 
         [0103]    The electronic device  100  can include one or more memories  110 . According to a purpose, the memory  110  may function as the program storage  111 , the data storage  112 , or both. A physical internal area of the memory  110  may not be distinctly divided according to device characteristics. 
         [0104]    The processor unit  120  can include a memory interface  121 , at least one processor  122 , and a peripheral interface  123 . Herein, the memory interface  121 , the at least one processor  122 , and the peripheral interface  123  of the processor unit  120  can be integrated onto at least one integrated circuit, or any other similar and/or suitable hardware element, or implemented using separate components and/or hardware elements. 
         [0105]    The memory interface  121  can control access of the component, such as the processor  122  or the peripheral interface  123 , to the memory  110 . 
         [0106]    The peripheral interface  123  can control the connection between an input/output peripheral of the electronic device  100  and the processor  122  and the memory interface  121 . 
         [0107]    The processor  122  controls the electronic device  100  to provide various multimedia and communication services using at least one software program, to display the IO processor  130  to display the GUI of the electronic device on the display  131 , and to forward the command input from the outside to the electronic device  100  to the input device  132 . In so doing, the processor  122  can execute at least one program stored in the memory  110  and can control to provide the service according to the corresponding program. 
         [0108]    The audio processor  133  can provide an audio interface between the user and the electronic device  100  through a speaker  134  and a microphone  135 . 
         [0109]    The communication system  136  can perform the communication function. For example, the communication system  136  may communicate with the other electronic device using at least one of mobile communication via a base station, infrared mobile communication (IrDA), short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, wireless Local Area Network (LAN) communication, and wired communication. 
         [0110]    The IO processor  130  can provide an interface between an IO device, such as the display  131  and input device  132 , and the peripheral interface  123 . 
         [0111]    The input device  132  can provide input data, generated by a user&#39;s selection, to the processor unit  120  through the IO processor  130 . For example, the input device  132  can include only a control button for controlling the electronic device  100 . For example, the input device  132  may include a keypad for receiving the input data from the user. 
         [0112]    The input device  132  can be included in the display  131  as, but not limited to, a touch screen. The touch screen can employ a capacitive touch screen and a resistive touch screen. 
         [0113]    The display  131  displays status information of the electronic device  100 , a character input by the user, a moving picture, and a still picture, which are received from the processor unit  120 , through the IO processor  130 , and any other similar and/or suitable information that may be displayed on the display  131 . For example, the processor  122  can control to display, on the display  131 , according to setup information corresponding to the touch recognition mode, i.e. the direct touch mode when the front cover is open or the cover touch mode when the front cover is closed, related to the program executed in the electronic device  100 . The display  131  may be any suitable type of display unit, such as, but not limited to, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic LED display, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) display, and any other similar and/or suitable type of display. 
         [0114]    Similar to the input device  132 , when the display  131  is the touch screen, the single touch screen can function as both of the display  131  and the input device  132 . 
         [0115]    A Hall sensor  137  can be installed to detect the magnetic force of the magnet disposed in the front cover. When the front cover is closed, the Hall sensor  137  can detect the magnetic force of the magnet and provide the detection signal to the processor  122 . 
         [0116]    A proximity sensor  138  can detect the open/close state of the front cover. When the front cover is closed, the proximity sensor  137  can detect that the front cover approaches the touch screen, and can provide the detection signal to the processor  122 . 
         [0117]    The proximity sensor  138  can detect the open/close state of the front cover. When the front cover is closed, the proximity sensor  137  can detect that the front cover approaches the touch screen, and can provide the detection signal to the processor  122 . When the front cover is closed, an image sensor  139  can detect that the front cover approaches the touch screen, and can provide the detection signal to the processor  122 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a processor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0119]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the processor  122  can include a touch recognition controller  150 , a GUI controller  160 , and an application program driver  170 . 
         [0120]    The touch recognition controller  150  can execute the touch recognition control program  117  stored in the storage  110  and can determine the corresponding function according to a direct touch input or a cover touch input by taking into account a touch mode based on the open/close state of the front cover. In more detail, according to the signal detecting the closed front cover of the electronic device, the touch recognition controller  150  can display the information only at the position corresponding to the transparent window of the display  131 . The touch recognition controller  150  may detect the manipulation of an external key button in a sleep mode and can control the GUI controller  160  to display the status information of the electronic device. Herein, the status information can include one or more basic information, such as remaining battery capacity information of the electronic device, weather information, time information, transmission and reception sensitivity information, and any other similar and/or suitable type of information. The status information may include information for receiving and confirming messages. The touch recognition controller  150  may change the touch mode according to the detection signal detecting the closed front cover. When the front cover is open, the touch recognition controller  150  may enter a detection mode for detecting the direct touch or the touch of a touch pen, or any other similar and/or suitable touch input device, on the touch screen. When the front cover is closed, the touch recognition controller  150  may switch to the cover touch mode for detecting the touch even on the upper portion of the front cover. 
         [0121]    The GUI controller  160  executes the GUI program  114  stored in the program storage  111  and controls to display the GUI on the display  131 . For example, the GUI controller  160  controls the display  131  to display the application program information driven by the application program driver  170 . For example, when the touch recognition controller  150  determines the cover touch mode, the GUI controller  160  can control to display the display information only in the region corresponding to the transparent window of the front cover of the display  131 . 
         [0122]    The application program driver  170  can execute the at least one application program  113  stored in the program storage  111  and can provide a service according to the corresponding application program. 
         [0123]    Alternatively, the electronic device  100  may include a separate control module for determining the touch function according to the touch information. 
         [0124]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0125]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , the electronic device confirms that the cover is closed in operation  1401 . Herein, confirmation that the cover is closed can indicate that the front cover of the protective case of the electronic device is closed so as to overlap the upper portion of the touch screen. When the front cover is closed, the electronic device can detect that the front cover is closed according to the detection signal which detects the target of the cover using the detecting element. For example, the target can be the magnet disposed at the position of the front cover, and the detecting element can be the Hall sensor or the reed switch disposed at a corresponding position of the electronic device so as to detect the target of the cover. 
         [0126]    In operation  1403 , the electronic device enters the cover touch mode. The cover touch mode detects the touch input to the upper portion of the front cover when the front cover is closed. In this mode, a reference sensitivity value of the touch screen can be changed as shown in  FIGS. 16A and 16B .  FIGS. 16A and 16B  depict the operation sensitivity of the touch screen and a change of the operation mode according to the open/close state of the front cover. For example, when detecting a touch over a certain hovering sensitivity in the cover touch mode, the electronic device can control to recognize the hovering input. Next, the electronic device finishes this process. 
         [0127]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart of a method for operating the cover touch of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0128]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the electronic device can determine whether the cover is closed in operation  1501 . When the cover is closed, the electronic device can enter the cover touch mode in operation  1503 . Herein, the cover touch mode can detect the touch input to the upper portion of the closed front cover and display the corresponding status information on the touch screen, which is the display. For example, when entering the cover touch mode and detecting the touch over the certain hovering sensitivity, the electronic device can recognize the hovering input. The cover touch mode can display the status information of the electronic device only in the touch screen region corresponding to the transparent window of the front cover. The status information can include at least one basic information, for example, but not limited to, the remaining battery capacity information of the electronic device, the weather information, the time information, and the transmission and reception sensitivity information. The status information may include the information for receiving and confirming messages. 
         [0129]    When the electronic device determines that the cover is not closed, in operation  1501 , then the electronic device enters a normal touch mode in operation  1505 . The normal touch mode can be the touch mode according to the direct contact for inputting the data by directly touching the user&#39;s finger or the touch pen/stylus on the touch screen. The normal touch mode can include the direct touch of the touch screen by detecting a pen touch panel (digitizer) separated from the touch panel of the touch screen in the electronic device, and the hovering input apart from the touch screen. For example, the hovering input can be the touch for preview in the normal touch mode with the front cover opened. 
         [0130]    In operation  1507 , the electronic device can determine whether there is the touch input while in the cover touch mode. The electronic device can detect the user&#39;s touch input to the upper portion of the closed front cover. The touch input can be preset in the electronic device. In operation  1511 , if the electronic device determines that there is the touch input while in the cover touch mode in operation  1507 , then the electronic device can output the corresponding function according to the touch input. The corresponding function can output various status information of the electronic device displayed on the touch screen through the transparent window of the front cover. The corresponding function can output sound information, such as voice and sound, of the electronic device. The corresponding function can output haptic information, such as vibration of the electronic device. The electronic device may control to conduct the corresponding function of the touch input even outside the window of the front cover in the cover touch mode. For example, when the call is received, the electronic device can perform the corresponding function by touching, e.g. dragging, the front cover region corresponding to the preset touch region for the call reception according to the user&#39;s experience. 
         [0131]    When the touch input is not detected in the cover touch mode in operation  1507 , then the electronic device can determine whether a certain time passes, or in other words, can determine whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, in operation  1509 . When the certain time does not pass, the electronic device goes to operation  1503 . 
         [0132]    When the electronic device has determined that the certain time passes in operation  1509 , the electronic device can deactivate the cover touch mode or the electronic device in operation  1513 . While the touch can be input to the closed front cover of the protective case, such a touch mostly arises when the user grips and carries the electronic device in the user&#39;s hand. When the cover touch mode continues even after the certain time, then the electronic device, which is held in the user&#39;s hand to carry, can recognize the cover touch, i.e. can determine that the cover touch has occurred, and can perform an unintended function. The unintended touch input may be excluded by defining the touch input in the cover touch mode as a particular operation, for example, as an undetectable operation using a grip sensor or a proximity sensor when the user holds the electronic device in his/her hand. 
         [0133]    Even when the cover touch mode is deactivated, the electronic device can determine whether an event for activating the cover touch mode or the electronic device is generated in operation  1515 . For example, when receiving information and/or a message in the sleep mode, the electronic device can reactivate the cover touch mode, so as to return to operation  1503 , by displaying the corresponding information in the touch screen region corresponding to the transparent window of the front cover so as to notify the information to the user. The received message can be, but is not limited to, a text message received from the other electronic device or any other similar and/or suitable type of received message. The received information can be a notification message provided from other service provider. The received information can be various output request information, such as a notification message, a notification sound, a notification vibration, and any other similar and/or suitable type of notification provided in the electronic device. Even when the cover touch mode is deactivated, the electronic device can reactivate the cover touch mode by detecting the user&#39;s input of the key button on the exterior of the electronic device. 
         [0134]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  are graphs of sensitivity compared between a direct touch mode and a cover touch mode of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0135]    Referring to  FIGS. 16A and 16B ,  FIG. 16A  shows a graph illustrating sensitivity of the electronic device in the direct touch mode and  FIG. 16B  shows a graph illustrating sensitivity of the electronic device in the cover touch mode. 
         [0136]    As set forth above, when the protective cover of the electronic device is closed, the user can confirm the status information of the electronic device and/or control the electronic device. 
         [0137]    While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various 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 present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Category: 3