Wireless device and method of operating the same

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a communication device, and more particularly, to a wireless device.

2. Background of the Related Art

With the development of communication technology, wireless communication has become a necessity for everyday use. As cellular phones, or mobile phones, subscriber unit, wireless devices, etc. (collectively referred to as cellular phones) are rapidly spreading, improved functions have been continuously developed for the cellular phones.

Generally, a cellular phone is classified into a bar type, flip type, and folder type. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A</figref>, <b>1</b>B, and <b>1</b>C show the external shapes of the bar-type cellular phone, flip-type cellular phone, and folder-type cellular phone, respectively.

Until now, the cellular phones have been generally used for performing an audio communication service and a data communication service. However, mobile communication service providers have recently attempted to support an Internet service, facsimile service, and diverse multimedia services through the cellular phone.

In order to support the Internet service, facsimile service, and diverse multimedia services through the cellular phone as described above, the existing structure of the cellular phone shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A</figref> to <b>1</b>C is inadequate. Specifically, most cellular phones currently on the market have a keypad which is provided on the front surface of a main body of the cellular phone and in which number keys, character keys, and function keys for performing various built-in functions are arranged.

However, in order to perform the above-described Internet service and web browser function, the cellular phone is required to have more keys in addition to the above-described number keys, character keys, and function keys. Since the above-described keys and a display device are arranged together on the front surface of the main body of the cellular phone, there are restrictions for arranging more keys in addition to the above-described keys on the front surface of the main body.

Meanwhile, since the display device (mainly, a liquid crystal display (LCD)) of the cellular phones currently on the market generally has a size corresponding to about 5 word lines, which is inadequate for performing an Internet search, chatting, cyber purchasing, etc. In other words, the cellular phones require larger LCDs. However, such an increase makes it more difficult to secure more space for the arrangement of keys for supporting the Internet service on the front surface of the main body.

Meanwhile, flip-type cellular phones having a large-sized screen have been popularized so that connection to the Internet or management of personal information can be implemented using the cellular phone. However, since the display device of the cellular phone is small, it is not suitable for the browser. Also, the method of searching information and the method of defining documents that define the information of the cellular phones are different from those used in general computers.

As a result, browsers for supporting a small screen size and monochromatic screen have been newly developed. A UP-type browser, that is one among such browsers, is built in a cellular phone so as to use the Internet through the cellular phone. For example, the UP browser of 3.1 Version for searching the Internet through the cellular phone can be manipulated through the keypad corresponding to the 3.1 Version. Accordingly, a user should manipulate the keypad corresponding to the 3.1 Version in case that he/she searches the Internet through the browser or uses a pocketbook function built in the cellular phone.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> are diagrams illustrating examples of the screen of the display device of a related art flip-type cellular phone. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, if the flip cover of the cellular phone is opened, the full screen <b>10</b> of the display device (for example, LCD) of the cellular phone is exposed, and thus the user can view information displayed on the full screen at a glance. Meanwhile, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, if the flip cover is closed, only a portion <b>11</b> of the screen of the display device is exposed, and thus the user can view the displayed information from the exposed portion of the screen. That is, the user can view only a portion of the information.

As described above, the related art cellular phone has a disadvantage that the user needs to open the flip cover and then press the keypad of the main body if he/she wishes to select the displayed information when the flip cover is initially closed, causing an inconvenience for the user. Also, in order for the user to view the displayed information hidden by the closed flip, he/she needs to open the flip cover.

The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described hereinafter.

An object of the invention is to provide a cellular phone that can accommodate keys for performing functions of a web phone, digital phone, or Internet phone through the cellular phone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cellular phone that has a plurality of keypads for performing functions of a general cellular phone and Internet phone.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cellular phone that can accommodate a display device of a larger size required for performing the Internet function.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a cellular phone that can recognize the open/close state of a cover, and display information through a display device so that the displayed information conforms with the size of the exposed portion of the display device determined in accordance with the open/close state of the cover.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cellular phone comprising a main body having a display device of a predetermined size and a keypad provided on a front surface thereof, and a cover rotatably mounted on the main body and having different keypads provided on a front surface and a rear surface thereof, respectively.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a cellular phone including a main body having a display device of a predetermined size and a keypad provided on a front surface thereof, and a cover rotatably mounted on the main body and having different keypads provided on a front surface and a rear surface thereof, respectively, the method comprising the steps of transmitting an open/close state of the cover to a server, receiving from the server information the amount of which conforms with a size of a screen of the display device corresponding to the open/close state, and displaying the received information through the display device. In order to achieve the above objects, the cover of the cellular phone has an improved structure.

As described above, the cover has the keypads provided on the front and rear surfaces thereof, respectively, and thus a space required for arranging the display device of a larger size and additional keys for the Internet service can be secured in the main body of the cellular phone. Also, the user can select desired information through a touch panel provided on at least one exposed portion of the display device, irrespective of the open/close state of the cover.

Preferably, the keypad provided on the front surface of the main body and the keypad provided on the rear surface of the main body have functions different from each other.

Preferably, the cover may have an area smaller than that of the front surface of the main body so that at least one portion of the display device provided on the main body is exposed. Accordingly, even in a state that the cover is closed and covers the main body, at least one portion of the display device is exposed.

Preferably, the cover may have the same area as that of the front surface of the main body, and be provided with a window for exposing at least one portion of the display device. Accordingly, even in a state that the cover is closed and covers the main body, at least one portion of the display device is exposed.

Preferably, on the keypad provided on the front surface of the cover are arranged a plurality of keys for inputting numbers and characters for a mobile communication, and on the keypad provided on the rear surface of the cover are arranged a plurality of keys for inputting characters and functions for a mobile Internet.

Preferably, on the keypad provided below the display device on the front surface of the main body are provided function keys for the mobile communication and mobile Internet.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A</figref> to <b>1</b>C are diagrams illustrating the external shapes of the general cellular phones;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> are diagrams illustrating examples of the screen of the display device of the conventional cellular phone;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its cover closed according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its cover opened according to the preferred first embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its lower cover opened according to a modified version of the preferred first embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a circuit diagram illustrating the construction of the cellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 5B</figref> are diagrams illustrating examples of the screen of the display device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flowchart illustrating the cellular phone operating method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its cover closed according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its cover opened according to the preferred second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The cellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has three keypads, and a display device provided on a main body, the display device having a larger size than that of the related art cellular phones. Preferably, the cellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has built-in function blocks and software for the mobile communication service, and built-in function blocks and software for the mobile Internet service. Further, the cellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a built-in wireless application protocol (WAP) browser for the mobile Internet service.

First Preferred Embodiment

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its cover closed according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its cover opened according to the preferred first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref>, the cellular phone includes a main body or housing <b>10</b> and a cover <b>20</b>.

The main body <b>10</b> includes a display device <b>30</b> and a keypad <b>50</b> preferably having an area smaller than that of the display device <b>30</b>, both of which are provided on the front surface of the main body <b>30</b>.

The cover <b>20</b> is preferably rotatably mounted on the main body <b>10</b>, and has a front keypad <b>60</b>a and a rear keypad <b>60</b>b provided on the front and rear surfaces thereof, respectively. In the first embodiment, the cover <b>20</b> has an area smaller than that of the front surface of the main body <b>10</b>, and thus, when the cover <b>20</b> is in a close state, a portion of the display device <b>30</b>, i.e., an upper portion <b>30</b>a of the display device <b>30</b> in the preferred first embodiment of the present invention, is exposed or revealed.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its lower cover opened according to a modified version of the preferred first embodiment. In this embodiment, the cover <b>20</b> is divided into an upper cover <b>20</b>a and the lower cover <b>20</b>b. The upper cover <b>20</b>a is preferably fixed to the main body <b>10</b>, and has a first window <b>70</b> for revealing the upper portion <b>30</b>a of the display device <b>30</b>. The lower cover <b>20</b>b in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> corresponds to the cover <b>20</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>, and the cellular phone of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> has no upper cover <b>20</b>a of FIG. <b>3</b>C. Other portions in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> are the same as those in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>, the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>, the cover <b>20</b> may be the cover of the folder-type cellular phone although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> illustrates a flip-type cellular phone. The main body <b>10</b> has a relatively large display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)), and the cover <b>20</b> rotates on the main body <b>10</b>. For this rotation, a hinge in the form of a joint is provided between the cover <b>20</b> and the main body <b>10</b>.

The cover <b>20</b> is opened and closed by the operation of a cam connected to the hinge. The hinge converts a rotary motion into a straight motion, and the cover <b>20</b> is opened and closed by the operation of the hinge.

Meanwhile, the flip-type cover <b>20</b> may be a general flip type or a flip-up type. This flip-type cover is connected to the hinge by a hinge shaft in the same manner as the folder-type cellular phone, and a cam is connected to the hinge so that the flip-type cover <b>20</b> is smoothly opened and closed. Also, a spring is provided to give a constant force when the flip-type cover <b>20</b> is opened and closed.

In the preferred first embodiment of the present invention, an open button <b>40</b> is provided on the side or any other suitable location of the main body <b>10</b> for opening and closing the cover <b>20</b>. If the open button is pressed, the cover <b>20</b> is opened with respect to the main body <b>10</b> by the cam, hinge, and/or spring. The open button <b>40</b> may further perform the function of starting and ending the connection to the mobile communication service or mobile Internet service as well as the function of opening and closing the cover <b>20</b>.

Meanwhile, a signal transmission for a telephone call is performed by pressing a SEND key arranged on the front keypad <b>60</b>a after inputting a telephone number by the keys provided on the front surface of the cover <b>20</b>. The signal transmission may be also performed by pressing the open button <b>40</b>. If the open button <b>40</b> is pressed, a call signal corresponding to the inputted telephone number is transmitted to the opposite party, and the telephone call to the opposite party becomes possible.

Meanwhile, considering that the keys provided on the front surface of the cover may perform unwanted operations due to their exposure, the SEND key for the signal transmission may be arranged on the main body <b>10</b>, or on the rear surface of the cover <b>20</b> or other appropriate location

As described above, the cover <b>20</b> (or lower cover <b>20</b>b of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref>) of the cellular phone according to the preferred first embodiment of the present invention has an area smaller than that of the main body <b>10</b>. Accordingly, if the cover <b>20</b> is in the close state, only a portion of the display device <b>30</b>, i.e., the lower portion <b>30</b>b of the display device <b>30</b>, is hidden by the cover <b>20</b>. Thus, even when the cover <b>20</b> is in the close state, the user can use the mobile communication service or Internet service through the exposed upper portion <b>30</b>a of the display device.

Specifically, in the cellular phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the area of the cover <b>20</b> is determined in a manner that the upper portion <b>30</b>a of the display device <b>30</b> is exposed even if the cover <b>20</b> is closed. That is, in a state that the cover <b>20</b> is closed, the display device <b>30</b> is not entirely hidden by the cover <b>30</b>.

On both surfaces of the cover <b>20</b>, i.e., on the front and rear surfaces of the cover <b>20</b>, are provided a plurality of keys (or buttons) preferably having different uses. Specifically, when the cover <b>20</b> is closed, the upper portion <b>30</b>a of the display device <b>30</b> is exposed as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3B and 3C</figref>, and keys <b>1</b> required for transmission/reception of telephone numbers, which include the keys for inputting numbers and characters, are arranged on the front keypad <b>60</b>a provided on the front surface of the cover <b>20</b>. Accordingly, it is possible to perform the mobile communication even in a state that the cover <b>20</b> is closed.

A plurality of keys for inputting numbers and characters are arranged on the rear keypad <b>60</b>b that is provided on the rear surface of the cover <b>20</b> (or lower cover <b>20</b>b). Here, when the cover <b>20</b> is opened, the above-described keys become a power-on state, and this enables an additional data storage function such as the storage of telephone numbers required for the mobile communication to be performed. Also, keys for using the Internet service are arranged on the rear surface of the cover <b>20</b>.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A</figref> to <b>3</b>C, the display device <b>30</b> that has an area larger than that of the display device of the related art cellular phone is mounted on the main body <b>10</b> of the cellular phone. As indicated as a dotted line in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>, the display device <b>30</b> is divided into the upper portion <b>30</b>a and the lower portion <b>30</b>b. Only the upper portion <b>30</b>a is exposed when the cover <b>20</b> is closed, while the display device <b>30</b> including the upper portion <b>30</b>a and the lower portion <b>30</b>b is wholly exposed when the cover <b>20</b> is opened. Also, on the keypad <b>50</b> provided under the display device <b>30</b> are arranged keys such as direction keys, multi-key, SEND key, and END key. The keys arranged on the first keypad <b>50</b> may be used for both the mobile communication and the Internet service.

In summary, the keys for the mobile communication are arranged on the front keypad <b>60</b>a, and the keys for both the mobile communication and the Internet service are arranged on the rear keypad <b>60</b>b and the keypad <b>50</b>. As described above, the front keypad <b>60</b>a is in the power-on state when the cover <b>20</b> is closed, and the keypad <b>50</b> and the rear keypad <b>60</b>c are in the power-on state when the cover <b>20</b> is opened.

The above-described keys include various keys for the Internet service such as the WAP browser for using the Internet service. As the keys for the Internet service, there exist a page-up key, page-down key, hot key H<b>1</b> for searching the uniform resource locator (URL) of the most preferable web site, and a hot key H<b>2</b> for searching details of the web site previously connected. These hot keys H<b>1</b> and H<b>2</b> may be used for various other purposes.

Meanwhile, the display device <b>30</b> is in the power-on or power-off state in dependence upon the position of the cover <b>20</b>. Specifically, if the cover <b>20</b> is opened, both the lower portion <b>30</b>b and the upper portion <b>30</b>a, which are divided by the dotted line as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, are in the power-on state. If the cover <b>20</b> is closed, only the upper portion <b>30</b>a is in the power-on state. Alternatively, the upper portion <b>30</b>a and lower portion <b>30</b>b may be in a power-on state when the cover is closed.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a circuit diagram illustrating the construction of the cellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in order to effect the operations of the display device <b>30</b> and the keys, the cellular phone according to the present invention includes a mobile communication signal processing module <b>32</b> for performing a frequency-processing of a radio signal, signal conversion, and signal encoding and decoding, a mobile Internet service module <b>33</b>, having a built-in WAP browser, for supporting a mobile Internet connection and use of the service according to the connection, a mode conversion interface module <b>34</b>, and a control module <b>35</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the reference numeral <b>30</b> denotes the display device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A</figref> to <b>3</b>C, and <b>31</b> denotes the keypads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>a, and <b>60</b>b. The reference numeral <b>36</b> denotes an external server, <b>36</b>a a browser client, and <b>36</b>b a database.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the cellular phone transmits information on the open/close state of the flip to the external server <b>36</b> through an internal browser (i.e., built in the mobile Internet service module <b>33</b>). The server <b>36</b> receives the information on the open/close state of the cover <b>20</b>, and provides the corresponding information. The server <b>36</b> includes the database <b>36</b>b for storing the information and the browser client <b>36</b>a. The browser client <b>36</b>a receives from the cellular phone the information on the open/close state of the cover <b>20</b>, and reads out the corresponding information from the database <b>36</b>b in accordance with the received information. The information read out from the database <b>36</b>b is provided to the cellular phone. The open/close state of the cover <b>20</b> (of the flip type or folder type) is detected by a browser application program such as the UP-browser 3.1.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the browser application program assigns a specified region for indicating the size of the display device (for example, LCD) in a data header portion when starting the browser. Specifically, in case that the cover <b>20</b> is opened, it is indicated as ‘0’, and in case that the cover <b>20</b> is closed, it is indicated as ‘1’. These ‘0’ and ‘1’ correspond to the size of the exposed screen of the display device <b>30</b>.

The open/close state of the cover <b>20</b> can be processed as an event. In this case, whenever the corresponding event is produced, the corresponding information is transmitted to the browser client <b>36</b>a. The browser client <b>36</b>a recognizes the information on the size of the exposed screen from the header of the information transmitted from the cellular phone, and transmits to the cellular phone the information corresponding to the recognized information.

In case the cover <b>20</b> is opened, the browser client <b>36</b>a reads out the information that corresponds to the size of the full screen from the database <b>36</b>b, and transmits the readout information to the cellular phone. In case that the cover <b>20</b> is closed, the browser client <b>36</b>a reads out the information that corresponds to the size of the exposed portion of the screen from the database <b>36</b>b, and transmits the readout information to the cellular phone.

Meanwhile, when the information on the open/close state of the cover <b>20</b> is changed, the browser client <b>36</b>a transmits the information corresponding to the screen size to the cellular phone along with a screen redrawing command.

The cellular phone redraws the contents of the screen in accordance with the screen redrawing command and the information transmitted from the server <b>36</b>. If the cover <b>20</b> is in the close state, the cellular phone reconstructs the information according to the user's setting, and displays the reconstructed information on the exposed upper portion <b>30</b>a of the display device <b>30</b>. The user can predetermine the specified information included in a user selection menu such as a browser home or browser menu built in the cellular phone as a frequently used menu.

Meanwhile, in case that the cover <b>20</b> is closed, the cellular phone rearranges the transmitted information so that the contents (e.g., menu) predetermined by the user are preferentially displayed on the screen of the display device <b>30</b> among the information transmitted from the server <b>36</b>. Accordingly, all the menu or menus predetermined by the user can be displayed on the exposed portion of the screen of the display device <b>30</b>. When any one among the displayed menus is selected by the user, the server <b>36</b> transmits the information corresponding to the size of the exposed portion of the screen of the display device <b>30</b> (e.g., LCD), and thus all the transmitted information can be displayed on the exposed screen portion of a small size.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 5B</figref> are diagrams illustrating examples of the screen of the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 5B</figref>, in case the cover <b>20</b> is closed, on the exposed upper portion <b>30</b>a of the display device is preferentially displayed the information predetermined by the user among the menus which are displayed on the whole portion <b>30</b>a and <b>30</b>b of the display device <b>30</b> when the cover <b>20</b> is opened. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 5B</figref>, the symbol “v” indicates the menu predetermined by the user. This symbol may be or may be not displayed on the screen.

A touch panel may be installed on the surface of the display device <b>30</b> (for example, LCD). Through this touch panel, the user can select a desired one among the displayed menus. In this case, the user can select the desired menu without using the above-described keypads.

The UP-browser may have a problem in that it may not support the touch panel. This problem can be solved by first extracting the coordinate values corresponding to the information displayed on the display device <b>30</b>. When the user selects a specified position through the touch panel, the coordinate values corresponding to the position are provided to the browser client <b>36</b>a in the server <b>36</b>. Accordingly, the same effect as the input of data through the keypad can be obtained through the touch panel. As a result, the user can freely use the Internet through the window of a small size even in case that the cover is closed, without inputting data through the keypad.

The present invention has various other advantages. For example, since the size information of the exposed display device <b>30</b> is always located on the header portion of the data transmitted from the cellular phone to the server <b>36</b>, the display information that corresponds to the size of the exposed display device <b>30</b> is provided from the server <b>36</b> to the cellular phone. Thus, the compatibility between the cellular phone having a large-sized screen of the display device <b>30</b> and the cellular phone having a small-sized screen of the display device <b>30</b> can be maintained.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates the method of operating the cellular phone according to the present invention. First, the open/close state of the cover <b>20</b> is detected and then transmitted from the cellular phone to the server <b>36</b>. When the open/close state is received, the server <b>36</b> transmits to the cellular phone the display that corresponds to the screen redrawing command and the exposed screen size.

If the cover <b>20</b> is opened, the server <b>36</b> transmits to the cellular phone the display information corresponding to the large-sized screen, and the display device <b>30</b> of the cellular phone redraws the screen by the display information corresponding to the large-sized screen to terminate the program.

If the cover <b>20</b> is closed, the cellular phone judges whether the display information transmitted from the server <b>36</b> is the display information predetermined by the user. If it is judged that the transmitted display information is not the display information predetermined by the user, the transmitted display information is considered as the general information corresponding to the large-sized screen, and the server <b>36</b> transmits to the cellular phone the display information corresponding to the small-sized screen. The cellular phone redraws the screen of the exposed display device <b>30</b> by the received display information corresponding to the small-sized screen, and then the program is terminated.

Meanwhile, if the transmitted display information includes the information predetermined by the user, the exposed screen is redrawn by rearranging items of the menu in a manner that the information predetermined by the user is preferentially displayed. In other words, the cellular phone displays the information on the exposed screen of the display device <b>30</b> according to the open/close state of the cover <b>20</b> so that the user can actually view the information. This process can be performed by a simple contact with a pen using the touch panel.

In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cellular phone is taken as an example, but the present invention can be applied to cases that require the compatibility among communication devices having different screen sizes such as IMT2000, TRS, PDA, etc.

As described above, the external server having the database provides to the cellular phone display the information suitable for the exposed screen size of the display device in accordance with the open/close state of the cover of the cellular phone. Accordingly, the display information is displayed on the display device so that it matches the size of the exposed screen, and the information predetermined by the user is preferentially displayed on the display device.

Further, the user can input necessary command information to the cellular phone through the touch panel instead of the keypad. According to the present invention, the information desired by the user can be displayed on the display device irrespective of the open/close state of the cover, and the compatibility among the communication devices having different sizes of screen.

Second Preferred Embodiment

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its cover closed according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the cellular phone with its cover opened according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref>, the cellular phone includes a main body or housing <b>100</b> and a cover <b>200</b>.

The main body <b>100</b> includes a display device <b>300</b> and a keypad <b>400</b> preferably having an area smaller than that of the display device <b>300</b>. The cover <b>200</b> is rotatably mounted on the main body <b>100</b>, and has a front keypad <b>500</b> and a rear keypad <b>600</b> provided on the front and rear surfaces thereof, respectively, and a window <b>700</b> formed on an upper portion thereof. The cover <b>200</b> has an area almost the same as that of the front surface of the main body <b>100</b>, and thus when the cover <b>200</b> is in the close state, a portion of the display device <b>300</b> is exposed through the window <b>700</b>. The window <b>700</b> is preferably a transparent material such as a plastic or glass, or may assume an open form. The reference numeral <b>800</b> denotes the open/send/end button as in the preferred first embodiment.

The cellular phone of the preferred second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment except that the cover <b>200</b> has almost the same area as the front surface of the main body <b>100</b>, and the window <b>700</b> is provided on the upper portion of the cover <b>200</b>. Accordingly, the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the cellular phone according to the preferred first and second embodiments of the present invention can perform the mobile communication service and the mobile Internet service as well. Further, since the cellular phone according to the present invention has several keypads, it can support the Internet service that require a number of buttons (or keys). Especially, several hot keys for the user's convenience during the Internet connection are provided on the cellular phone, and thus the user can easily access the Internet through the WAP browser.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.