PORTABLE TERMINAL

Abstract

A portable terminal comprising: a first body having a keypad containing a plurality of keys arranged thereon and a display disposed in one direction for displaying information inputted via the keypad; and a second body slidably connected to the first body in a direction perpendicular to the one direction and having a touch screen configured to be exposed to the outside when the portable terminal is converted from a closed state into an open state, wherein the touch screen is activated in the open state to display visual information related to information to be displayed on the display, whereby a portable terminal having a convenient user interface environment and also a new design can be provided.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/952,658 on Jul. 30, 2007, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable terminal having a touch screen for displaying visual information related to information to be displayed on a display.

2. Background of the Invention

Portable terminals can be easily carried and have one or more of functions such as supporting voice calls and telephony calls, inputting and/or outputting information, storing data and the like.

As it becomes multifunctional, the portable terminal can be allowed to capture still images or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as an integrated multimedia player.

Various attempts have been done for the multimedia devices by hardware or software in order to implement such complicated functions. For example, a user interface environment is provided in order for users to easily and conveniently retrieve or select functions.

Also, many users have their portable terminal to express his personality, and accordingly, various designs are required for the portable terminal.

As the enhancement of multimedia environment of the portable terminal and new designs therefor are required, a portable terminal having a convenient user interface environment and a new formation is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal having a convenient user interface environment and a new formation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal capable of extending an output region for visual information and utilizing various input manners as well as a typical communication function.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a portable terminal comprising: a first body having a keypad containing a plurality of keys arranged thereon and a display disposed in one direction for displaying information inputted via the keypad; and a second body slidably connected to the first body in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, and having a touch screen configured to be exposed to the outside when the portable terminal is converted from a closed state into an open state, wherein the touch screen is activated in the open state to display visual information related to information to be displayed on the display.

The touch screen may display first visual information inputtable in a touch-sensitive manner when the portable terminal is converted from the closed state into the open state.

As the first visual information is touch-sensitively inputted, second visual information related to the first visual information may be displayed on the display.

The first and second visual information may be controlled to have the same output direction.

When the portable terminal is converted from the closed state into the open sate, the first and second bodies intermittently make a relative movement to each other by a plurality of steps according to an exposed area of the touch screen. The touch screen may display different contents for each step.

The first visual information may be outputted as much as an amount corresponding to the exposed area of the touch screen for each step.

The display may further be provided with a touch-sensitive input unit allowing information input in a touch-sensitive manner, and may display third visual information which controls the first visual information by the touching manner.

The first body may be provided with a wiper for washing up the surface of the touch screen in response to the relative movement between the first and second bodies.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective view of a front side of a portable terminal according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rear side of the portable terminal according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4a to 4c are front views of the portable terminal showing sequential operational states thereof in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5a and 5b are front views of the portable terminal showing sequential operational states thereof in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6a to 6c are front views of the portable terminal showing sequential operational states thereof in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the portable terminal showing a certain operational state in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the portable terminal showing a certain operational state in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9a and 9b are perspective views of a portable terminal having first and second bodies coupled in a different structure; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a portable terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description will now be given in detail of a portable terminal according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a front side of a portable terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first body 110 is positioned over the second body 120, which is referred to as a closed position (closed state or closed configuration). As shown in FIG. 2, the first body 100 exposes at least part of the second body 120, which is referred to as an open position (open state or open configuration).

The portable terminal according to the present invention may typically operate in a call-communication mode in the closed configuration. Also, the portable terminal may operate in other operation modes in the open configuration.

A case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming an outer appearance of the first body 110 may be formed from a front case 111 and a rear case 112. A space formed by the front case 111 and the rear case 112 may accommodate various components therein.

At least one intermediate case may further be disposed between the front case 111 and the rear case 112.

Such cases may be formed by injection-molded synthetic resin, or may be formed using a metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The first body 110, in detail, the front case 111 is shown having a display 113, a first audio output unit 114, a first image input unit 115, a keypad 116, an audio input unit 117 and the like.

The display 113 may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) module, an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) module or the like, which can visually represent information. The display 113 may further include a touch screen to allow the input of information by a user's touch.

The first audio output unit 114 may be implemented as a receiver or a speaker. The first image input unit 115 may be implemented as a camera module for capturing images or video for a user or the like.

The keypad 116 may receive a command for controlling operations of the portable terminal in accordance with the one embodiment of the present invention.

The keypad 116 may have a plurality of keys 116a and 116b arranged thereon. Such keys 116a and 116b may be implemented to be operated in a pushing or touching manner. The keys 116a and 116b may include first keys 116a having numbers, characters, symbols and the like to enable a user to input phone number or text in the closed state of the portable terminal, and second keys 116b to allow the input of commands such as START, END or the like.

The audio input unit 117 may be implemented, for example, as a microphone for receiving user's voice and other input sounds.

Side keys 118 may further be provided at a side surface of the first body 110. The side keys 118 may perform specific functions, such as activating the first image input unit 115, controlling a volume outputted from the audio output unit 114.

Also, a broadcast signal receiving antenna 119 may be disposed at one side of the first body 110. The antenna 119 may be configured to retract into the first body 110.

The second body 120 may slide in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the display 113 and the keypad 116. Similar to the first body 110, the case of the second body 120 may be formed from a front case 121 and a rear case 122.

The second body 120, in detail, the front face of the front case 121, may be provided with a touch screen 123. When the portable terminal is converted from the open state into the closed state, the touch screen 123 is exposed to the outside. The touch screen 123 is also activated in the open state so as to display visual information related to visual information to be displayed on the display 113.

At least one of the front case 121 or the rear case 122 may be provided with an interface 124.

The interface 124 may interface the portable terminal according to the present invention and external devices so as to allow data exchange therebetween or the like. For example, the interface 124 may be at least one of a wired/wireless access terminal for earphones, a short-range communication port (e.g., IrDA port, wireless Lan port, and the like), and power supply terminals for supplying power to the portable terminal.

The interface 124 may be a card socket for accommodating an external card such as Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), memory card for storing information, and the like.

The first body 110 may be formed further having a wiper 138 for washing up the surface of the touch screen 123 when the first body 110 slides relative to the second body 120.

The wiper 138 is disposed at a rear surface of the first body 110, namely, at the rear case 112. The wiper 138 may be formed of cloth or a piece of cloth by which a window of the touch screen 123 is washed up. The wiper 138 may be installed in a direction parallel with the length direction of the first body 110. The wiper 138 may be disposed to be biased at one side based upon the center of the first body 110.

Also, the wiper 138 may be detachably installed at the first body 110 such that the wiper 138 can be washed up or foreign materials on the wiper 138 can be removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rear side of the portable terminal of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, a second image input unit 125 may further be disposed at the rear surface of the rear case 122 of the second body 120. The second image input unit 125 faces a direction which is substantially opposite to a direction faced by the first image input unit 115 (see FIG. 1). Also, the second image input unit 125 may be a camera having different pixels from those of the first image input unit 115.

For example, the first image input unit 115 may operate with relatively lower pixels (lower resolution). Thus, the first image input unit 115 may be useful when a user can capture his face and send it to another party during a video call or the like. On the other hand, the second image input unit 125 may operate with relatively higher pixels (higher resolution) such that it can be useful for a user to obtain higher quality pictures for later use.

A flash 126 and a mirror 127 may be disposed adjacent to the second image input unit 125. The flash 126 operates in conjunction with the second image input unit 125 when taking a picture using the second image input unit 125. The mirror 127 can cooperate with the second image input unit 125 to allow a user to photograph himself in a self-portrait mode.

A second audio output unit 128 and a power supply 129 may further be disposed at the rear case 122.

The second audio output unit 128 can cooperate with the first audio output unit 114 (see FIG. 1) to provide stereo output. Also, the second audio output unit 129 may be configured to operate as a speakerphone.

The power supply 129 is configured to provide power to the portable terminal. The power supply 129 may be in a form of a battery for charging, so as to be detachably coupled to the first or second body 110 or 120.

A slide module for slidably connecting the first body 110 to the second body 120 may be disposed between the first body 110 and the second body 120.

As described above, it has been described that the second image input unit 125 is disposed at the second body 120; however, the present invention may not be limited to the configuration. It is also possible that one or more of those components (e.g., 125 to 128), which have been described to be implemented on the second body 120, such as the second image input unit 125, will be implemented on the first body 110, particularly, on the rear case 112.

In this configuration, the component(s) disposed on the rear case 112 can be protected by the second body 120 in a closed state of the portable terminal. In addition, without the second image input unit 125, the first image input unit 115 can be implemented to be rotatable so as to rotate up to a direction which the second image input unit 125 faces.

The portable terminal according to the present invention having described above can be used like a bar-type portable terminal in the closed state. That is, the portable terminal can perform functions associated with wireless communications (e.g., placing a call, sending text messages, and the like) in the closed state.

For example, in the closed state, a user can manipulate the first keys 116a on the keypad 116 to input a phone number. The user then manipulates at least one of the second keys 116b (e.g., a SEND button) so as to place a call. Also, the user can manipulate the first keys 116a and then manipulates the second keys 116b so as to send a text message.

The user can slide the first body 110 relative to the second body 120 in order to use additional functions (e.g., a multimedia function of playing music, video or the like), other than the above functions. Accordingly, the touch screen 123 is exposed to the exterior.

As the touch screen 123 is activated, the touch screen 123 displays visual information related to visual information to be displayed on the display 113. Hereinafter, operational states of the display 113 and the touch screen 123 both applicable to the portable terminal according to the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 4a to 4c are front views of the portable terminal showing operational states thereof in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

When the portable terminal is converted from the closed state into the open state, then the touch screen 123 displays first visual information 131a which can be inputted in a touch-sensitive manner. When the first visual information 131a is touched for input, then the display 113 displays second visual information 132a related to the inputted first visual information 131a.

The first visual information 131a may include a menu or list containing at least one selectable item. The second visual information 132a may include detailed information related to items selected by touching the first visual information 131a. FIGS. 4a to 4c show a list of calls received or sent (or a phone book), as one example of the menu or list.

As shown in FIG. 4a, when a user slides the first body 110 relative to the second body 120 to expose the touch screen to the outside, then the touch screen 123 displays the first visual information 131a indicating a list of calls currently received or sent. Here, the first visual information 131a may have, for example, a format of a list having another parties' names having talked with the user, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4b, when any one item on the list of calls received or sent is selected by being touched or manipulating the first and second keys 116a and 116b, the display 113 displays second visual information 132a indicating detailed information related to the item selected. That is, the display 113 visually displays, for example, a phone number of another party having talked with the user, a time taken for the call continued, and the like.

In the state of FIG. 4b, if the user enters a TALK key 116b or touches the corresponding item, the portable terminal then places a call to another party of the corresponding item. During this process, the display 113 can newly display the second visual information 132a indicating the state of the call being connected as shown in FIG. 4c.

As shown in the state of FIG. 4c, the user slides the first body 110 relative to the second body 120 to the closed position so as to be able to speak to the another party.

As described above, the list of calls received or sent (or phone book) was provided as one example of the first visual information 131a displayed on the touch screen 123. However, the first visual information 131a may also include various types of menus or lists, such as a mailing list containing messages sent, a list of music files or video files, and the like.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are front views of the portable terminal showing operational states thereof in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, when the first body 110 slides relative to the second body 120 to the open position, the first and second bodies 110 and 120 may be configured to intermittently move by a plurality of steps according to an exposed area of the touch screen 123. As one example, the first and second bodies 110 and 120 may relatively move with each other by a first step of the touch screen 123 being partially exposed, and a second step of the touch screen 123 being entirely exposed.

The touch screen 123 may display different contents (information) for each step. The touch screen 123 may have an output screen with a size depending on the exposed area of the touch screen 123.

When the first body 110 slides relative to the second body 120, the touch screen 123 displays first visual information 131b in a format of menu or list containing selectable items, as similar to the previous embodiment, and the display 113 displays second visual information 132b indicating information related to the selected item.

As shown in FIG. 5a, when the first slides relative to the second body 120 to the first step, then the touch screen 123 displays first visual information 131b indicating a list of originators of messages currently received, and the display 113 displays second visual information 132b indicating detailed information related to a message of an originator selected from the first visual information 131b in the touch-sensitive manner.

As shown in FIG. 5b, when the first body 110 further slides relative to the second body 120 to the second step, the first visual information 131b may be converted into a form of list having a plurality of columns. That is, upon the conversion from the first step into the second step, a column representing phone numbers of the originators may further be displayed.

In case of a list having more than 3 columns, at least one column of the plural columns may selectively be displayed depending on the exposed area of the touch screen 123.

As such, the first visual information 131b may be outputted as much as corresponding to the exposed area of the touch screen 123 by each step of the relative movement between the first and second bodies 110 and 120, which can be implemented in many variations as well as the previous embodiment.

FIGS. 6a to 6c are front views of the portable terminal showing operational states thereof in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6a, when the portable terminal is open, the touch screen 123 displays first visual information 131c including at least one icon for executing operation modes of the portable terminal.

This embodiment implements that the first and second bodies 110 and 120 have relatively been moved to the first step having the touch screen 123 being partially exposed. However, it can equally be applied to the case where the first and second bodies 110 and 120 relatively move immediately to the state of the touch screen 123 being entirely exposed.

Upon touching one icon (e.g., “MESSAGE’ icon) of a plurality of icons shown in FIG. 6a, then the display 113 displays second visual information 132c representing a screen (e.g., “text output screen”) for executing a corresponding operation mode as shown in FIG. 6b.

Here, when the first slides relative to the second body 120 to the second step to thusly expose the entire of the touch screen 123, then the first visual information 131c is converted into at least ones of character keys, number keys and functional keys touchable on the touch screen 123 for input.

The first visual information 131c may include either character keys having a plurality of alphabets aligned thereon as shown in FIG. 6b, or character keys arranged in a qwerty configuration.

As shown in FIG. 6c, the first visual information 131c may further include a text output window 133c on which text is outputted when keys are touched.

The display 113 outputs a text received from another user, and the text output window 133c of the touch screen 123 outputs a text outputted by entering (touching) keys. Under this state, if an “ENTER” key is inputted, the display 113 outputs such contents (text) displayed on the text output window 133c.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the first and second visual information 131c and 132c are controlled to have the same output direction.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the portable terminal showing a certain operational state thereof in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

First visual information 131d may include at lest one content of music, broadcast and video, and second visual information 132d may include information related to the contents.

For example, in a video reproducing mode, the touch screen 123 may display first visual information 131d representing an image of a playback file, and the display 113 may display second visual information 132d representing detailed information related to the file reproduced. The video reproducing mode may be set to be automatically executed when the portable terminal is converted from the closed state into the open state of exposing the entire of the touch screen 123, or set to be executed by touching an icon for executing the mode at the first step.

The touch screen 123 may further include icons 134d for controlling volume and playback of video reproduced. Such icons 134d may operate in a touch-sensitive manner.

In the meantime, the display 113 may further be provided with a touch-sensitive input unit for receiving a touch input. In this case, the display 113 may further display third visual information 133d including an icon for controlling a video reproduction.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the portable terminal showing a certain operational state thereof in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment illustrates that the touch screen 123 is used for web-browsing. The touch screen 123 displays a webpage for web-browsing. On the webpage is displayed first visual information 131e which includes at least one of a cursor for inputting text information, a drag bar for moving up or down a screen displayed and a pointer for moving a cursor.

The display 113 may be implemented to be touch-sensitive as shown in the fourth embodiment. The display 113 may display third visual information 133e which includes control image for controlling the first visual information 131e. Here, the control image may be implemented to be operated in a touching or tapping manner. Alternatively, the control image can be operated in a scrolling or dragging manner.

The first visual information 131e may be controlled by touching, tapping, scrolling or dragging the touch screen 123. Alternatively, the first visual information 131e may be controlled by touching, tapping, scrolling or dragging the third visual information 133e.

When one region of the touch screen 123 is touched upon the web-browsing, the display 113 may be configured to display an enlarged image for the corresponding region.

FIGS. 9a and 9b are perspective views of a portable terminal having first and second bodies coupled in a different structure.

The first and second bodies 110 and 120 configuring the portable terminal of the present invention may have a coupled structure as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b.

As shown in FIG. 9a, a first body 210 has one side open, and may be configured in a box-like shape having an inner space. A second body 220 may retract into the first body 210.

As shown in FIG. 9b, a first body 310 and a second body 320 may have a slidable structure such that each one surface thereof is overlapped. One side surface of the first body 310 extends so as to cover the side surface of the second body 320.

The first body 210 and 310 and the second body 220 and 320 may include a rail groove and a sliding rail inserted into the rail groove so as to slidably couple the first and second bodies. The first and second bodies 210 and 220 and 310 and 320 may be connected to each other by a sliding module.

The portable terminals according to these embodiments may have the same configuration as the aforesaid portable terminal excluding the coupled structure between the first and second bodies. Such configuration has been described above, so as to be omitted. Here, the same configuration as that in the previous embodiment is given of similar reference numerals.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a portable terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, a portable terminal according to the present invention may include a wireless communication module 141, a manipulating unit 116, image input units 115 and 125, an audio input unit 117, a display 113, audio output units 114 and 128, a sensing unit 146, an interface 124, a broadcast receiving module 145, a memory 144, a power supply 129, and a controller 140.

The controller 140 may control an overall operation of the portable terminal. For example, the controller 140 may perform related control and processing for a voice call communication, data communication, telephony communication and the like.

Also, the controller 140 may control operations of the portable terminal according to the present invention in addition to the typical control function. That is, when the first or second body 110 or 120 moves (slides) to the open position, the controller 140 may control such that the touch screen 123 can be activated and the touch screen 123 and the display 113 can display first to third information.

The wireless communication module 141 may transmit and receive wireless signals with a mobile communication base station via an antenna. For example, the wireless communication module 141 manages transmission and reception of audio data, text data, video data and control data under the control of the controller 140. To this end, the wireless communication module 141 may include a transmitting unit 143 for modulating and transmitting a signal to be sent, and a receiving unit 142 for demodulating a signal received.

The manipulating unit 116 (See keypad in FIG. 1) may provide key input data inputted by a user for controlling the operation of the terminal to the controller 140. The manipulating unit 116 may be implemented as a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch and the like.

The image input units 115 and 215 process image frames of still images or video obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a capturing mode. Such processed image frames are converted into image data displayable on the display 113 to be then outputted on the display 113.

The image frames processed by the image input units 115 and 125 may be stored in the memory 144 by the control of the controller 140 or be sent to the exterior via the wireless communication module 141.

The audio input unit 117 receives an external audio signal via a microphone while the portable terminal is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording mode and voice recognition. This audio signal is processed and converted into digital data. Such processed digital data is converted into a data format transmittable to a mobile communication base station via the wireless communication module 141 when the portable terminal is in the phone call mode, and then outputted to the wireless communication module 141. The processed digital data may be stored in the memory 144 in a recording mode.

The audio input unit 117 may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

The display 113 displays information processed in the portable terminal. For example, when the portable terminal is in a phone call mode, the display 113 displays User Interface (UI) or (Graphic User Interface (GUI) related to the call under the control of the controller 140. When the portable terminal is in the video call mode or a capturing mode, the display 113 displays images captured or UI or GUI under the control of the controller 140. The display 113 may be configured with including a touch screen. Such configuration permits the display 113 to function both as an output device and an input device.

The audio output units 114 and 128 may convert audio data received from the wireless communication module 141 or audio data stored in the memory 144 under the control of the controller 140 when the portable terminal is in the call-receiving mode, a phone call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or a broadcast receiving mode. Such converted audio data is then outputted to the exterior.

The audio output units 114 and 128 also output an audio signal associated with a function (e.g., outputting a call receiving sound, a message receiving sound, or the like) performed in the portable terminal.

The sensing unit 146 provides status measurements of various aspects of the portable terminal. For instance, the sensing unit 146 may detect an open/close status of the portable terminal, a change of position of the portable terminal or a component of the portable terminal, a presence or absence of user contact with the portable terminal and the like, thereby generating a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the portable terminal. For example, the sensing unit 146 senses the open or closed state of the portable terminal, and output the sensed result to the controller 140, such that the operation of the portable terminal can be controlled. Other examples include the sensing unit 140 sensing the presence or absence of power provided by the power supply 129, the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface 124 and an external device.

The interface 124 is often implemented to couple the portable terminal with external devices. Typical external devices include wired/wireless headphones, external chargers, wired/wireless data ports, card sockets (e.g., memory card, SIM/UIM card or the like) and the like. The interface 124 may allow the portable terminal to receive data or power from external devices and transfer such data or power to each component inside the portable terminal, or transmit internal data of the portable terminal to external devices.

The memory 144 may store a program for the control and processing of the controller 140, or temporarily store input/output data (e.g., phone book data, messages, still images, video or the like).

The memory 144 may store a program for controlling the operation of the portable terminal according to the present invention.

The memory 144 may include typically known hard disk, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a flash memory, RAM, ROM and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 145 may receive broadcast signals transmitted via satellites or terrestrial waves and convert such broadcasting signal into a broadcast data format displayable onto the touch screen 123 so as to output to the controller 140. The broadcast receiving module 145 may also receive additional data associated with broadcasting (e.g., Electric Program Guide (EPG), channel list, or the like). The broadcast data converted in the broadcast receiving module 145 and the additional data may be stored in the memory 144.

The power supply 129 provides power required by the various components for the portable terminal. The provided power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof.

As described above, the present invention provides a portable terminal which has a bar-type configuration in a closed state and a configuration of exposing a touch screen in an open state. Accordingly, a new design can be provided to the portable terminal and also more convenient multimedia environment can be supported therefor.

Also, the present invention allows second visual information in relation to first visual information displayed on the touch screen to be displayed on a display, so as to provide more convenient user interface environment.

The present invention also provides a wiper for washing up the surface of the touch screen, to allow fingerprints or other foreign materials on the touch screen made due to the relative movement between first and second bodies to be removed.

The aforementioned portable terminal may not be limitedly applied to the configurations and methods of the foregoing embodiments, but part or entire of each embodiment can optionally be combined to thusly implement many variations can be made from those embodiments.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable terminal comprising:

a first body having a keypad containing a plurality of keys arranged thereon and a display disposed in one direction for displaying information inputted via the keypad; and

a second body slidably connected to the first body in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, and having a touch screen configured to be exposed to the outside when the portable terminal is converted from a closed state into an open state,

wherein the touch screen is activated in the open state to display visual information related to information to be displayed on the display.

2. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the keys contain numbers or characters thereon to allow the input of phone numbers or text messages in the closed state of the portable terminal.

3. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the touch screen displays first visual information which is able to be inputted in a touch-sensitive manner when the portable terminal is converted from the closed into the open state.

4. The terminal of claim 3, wherein the display displays second visual information related to the first visual information when touching the first visual information for input.

5. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information includes a menu or list containing at least one selectable item, and the second visual information includes detailed information related to the at least one item.

6. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information includes at least one icon for executing an operation mode of the portable terminal, and the second visual information includes a working image of the operation mode.

7. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information includes at least ones of character keys, number keys and functional keys to be inputted, and the second visual information includes a text output screen representing text corresponding to the key input.

8. The terminal of claim 7, wherein the first visual information further includes a text output window representing text corresponding to the key input.

9. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information includes at least one content of music, broadcast and video, and the second visual information includes information related to the content.

10. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first visual information includes image information having one touchable region, and the second visual information includes an enlarged image of the one region.

11. The terminal of claim 4, wherein the first and second visual information are controlled to have the same output direction.

12. The terminal of claim 3, wherein the first and second bodies intermittently relatively move with each other by a plurality of steps according to an exposed area of the touch screen when the portable terminal is converted from the closed state into the open state, and the touch screen displays different information for each step.

13. The terminal of claim 12, wherein the first visual information is outputted as much as an amount corresponding to the exposed area of the touch screen for each step.

14. The terminal of claim 13, wherein the first visual information includes a list containing a plurality of columns, and at least one of the columns is optionally outputted according to the steps.

15. The terminal of claim 3, wherein the display further includes a touch-sensitive input unit for allowing an information input in a touch-sensitive manner, and displaying third visual information to control the first visual information by the touching manner.

16. The terminal of claim 15, wherein the first visual information includes a movable pointer or cursor, and the third visual information includes control image for controlling the movement of the pointer or cursor.

17. The terminal of claim 15, wherein the first visual information includes playback image for reproducing video or music, and the third visual information includes an icon for controlling the reproduction of the video or music.

18. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the first body includes a wiper configured to wash up a screen of the touch screen in response to the relative movement between the first and second bodies.