JP2004159363A - Mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile phone which is improved in operability and convenience, so that it is not necessary to change a direction of the mobile phone or to move the mobile phone to the other hand each time the mobile phone with a camera is opened or closed. <P>SOLUTION: On the back of a first casing 2, a camera part 21 and a light part are located side by side in order from the side of a hinge 4 and a second display part 20, a second shutter button 23 and a second operate button group 24 are successively located. In a folding state, the second display part 20 indicates characters or images with the hinge 4 directed upward, so that a user takes a mobile phone 1 with the hinge 4 directed upward. When the user performs photographing while using the camera part 21 in the folding state, the second display part 20 is utilized as a finder, and the light part is used as an auxiliary light source for picking up an image in the camera part 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile phone having a photographing function.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, mobile phones have become widespread, and their shapes are roughly classified into three types: straight type, flip type, and clamshell type. Above all, the clamshell type is more compact than the other two types because it can be downsized by folding.

  Recently, a mobile phone having a liquid crystal sub-display on the back surface of a liquid crystal display and a mobile phone having a camera function have been proposed.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional clamshell-type camera-equipped mobile phone 100 in an open state. The mobile phone 100 includes a first housing 101 and a second housing 102, and the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are connected via a hinge 103, and are angularly displaced about the hinge 103 as an axis. It is configured to be foldable by moving freely. As shown in FIG. 10, the mobile phone 100 includes a first housing 101 and a first display unit 104. The first display unit 104 is arranged so as to be located inside when the mobile phone 100 is folded. The first display unit 104 (main display) is realized by a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and displays an image based on image data sent via a first display driver unit provided in the housing. An antenna unit 105 and a vertically movable helical unit 106 are provided on the back surface of the first housing 101, and a second shutter button 107 having a camera function is provided on a side surface of the first housing 101. In addition, a first speaker 108 used during a call is provided above the first display unit 104.

  The open / close detection unit 109 is a detection unit that detects whether the mobile phone 100 is folded. A small projection 109a is formed near the hinge 103 at the lower part of the first housing 101, and a small hole 109b is formed near the hinge 103 at the upper part of the second housing 102. A detection switch (not shown) is provided inside the hole 109b, and the open / close detection unit 109 includes a protrusion 109a, a hole 109b, and a switch. When the mobile phone 100 is folded, the projection 109a of the first housing 101 enters the hole 109b of the second housing 102, a detection switch (not shown) operates, and the control unit provided in the housing allows the mobile phone 100 to operate. Determine that it is folded.

  Next, the second housing 102 of the conventional mobile phone 100 will be described. The input button unit 110 includes keys for inputting numbers and characters. A function button unit 111 is a button group for performing various settings / function switching in the mobile phone, a power button 112 for turning on / off the power, a first shutter button 113 of a camera function described later, a mail function and guidance. A mail / guidance button 114 for displaying, a start / speaker receiving button 115 for starting a call and receiving a speaker, a multi-guide button 116 composed of a four-way button for selecting and deciding up / down / left / right on a function selection screen and a decision button. Consists of Further, a transmission microphone 117 is provided below the second housing 102.

  As an arrangement configuration of the second housing 102 of a general mobile phone, it is common to arrange the hinge 103, the function button group 111, the input button group 110, and the transmission microphone 117 in this order.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mobile phone 100 shown in FIG. 10 from the back side. The back surface of the first housing 101 includes a second display unit 120, a camera unit 121, a light unit 122, and the antenna unit 105 described above.

  The second display unit 120 is arranged so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded. The second display unit 120 (sub-display) is realized by a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and displays an image based on image data sent via a second display driver unit provided in the housing.

  The camera unit 121 includes an imaging lens, an imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and three color filters of RGB. The camera unit 2 converts the light reflected by the subject and incident on the imaging lens into RGB three-color light through a color filter, and converts the RGB three-color light to the image sensor, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11, the camera unit 121 is provided so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded.

  The light unit 122 is used as an auxiliary light source when capturing an image with the camera unit 121. Generally, a xenon tube is often used, but recently, there is also an LED which emits white light by simultaneously emitting RGB LEDs and uses it as an auxiliary light source.

  The back surface of the second housing includes a battery unit 123 for storing a battery and a second speaker 124 for sounding a ring tone.

  FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of the mobile phone 100 in a folded state, and FIG. 13 is an external side view of the mobile phone 100 in a folded state.

  A method of using a conventional mobile phone 100 to perform camera shooting will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14A shows a general use method when a photographer photographs a subject. The mobile phone 100 is opened, the camera unit 121 is pointed at the subject, and the photographer uses the first display unit 104 as a finder. FIG. 14B shows a general use method when the photographer photographs the photographer himself. In this case, by using the second display unit 120 as a finder, the photographer can shoot while checking the shot image. In a general mobile phone, when displaying the image on the second display unit 120, the image is often inverted left and right and displayed like a mirror in order to eliminate a sense of incongruity when checking the screen. In FIG. 14A, as the shutter button, either the first shutter button 113 or the second shutter button 107 provided on the side surface of the first housing 101 can be used. In FIG. 14B, the photographing is performed using the second shutter button 107 in a state where the mobile phone 100 is folded, but the photographing is possible even in an open state. In that case, the second shutter button 107 disposed on the side surface of the first housing 101 may be used.

  The prior art of the present invention has been described based on general technical information obtained by the applicant.However, within the scope of the applicant's memory, prior to the filing of the original application of the divisional application, The applicant has no information to disclose as technical literature information.

  Many problems remain in the clamshell-type camera-equipped mobile phone provided with the two display means as described above.

  The first problem is the problem of changing hands. In the case of a clamshell type mobile phone, when the mobile phone is opened and folded, the vertical direction of the mobile phone is used with the helical portion 106 facing upward as shown in FIGS. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the user closes the mobile phone 100 and shoots the user himself (FIG. 14 (b)), and then shoots another subject (FIG. 14 (a)). When performing various image settings using the one display unit 104, the mobile phone 100 must be opened once after the mobile phone 100 is rotated in the direction rotated 180 degrees up and down.

  Also, when the mobile phone 100 is opened and used after viewing the incoming call display or the time display of the mail or call displayed on the second display unit 120, the mobile phone 100 is similarly held in a direction rotated up and down 180 degrees. After that, the mobile phone 100 must be opened.

  Conversely, when the mobile phone 100 is changed from the open state to the closed state, the mobile phone 100 must be held in the opposite direction after being folded. The operation of switching and using the mobile phone is troublesome for the user.

  A second problem is that the antenna unit 105 provided on the back surface of the first housing 101 occupies a large space. Even when the mobile phone is closed, the size of the second sub-display unit 120 on the rear side is increasing so that more information can be displayed to the user, but as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. Since the antenna unit 105 occupies a large space on the back surface of the first casing 101, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the second display unit 120 sub-display is limited, and it is not possible to arrange a large so-called sub-display. Impossible.

  A third problem also concerns the antenna. Since the antenna unit 105 is formed in a convex shape on the back surface of the first housing 101, even if the user attempts to install a shutter button or a sub-display operation button on the back surface, the user may operate the antenna unit 105 with his / her finger. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform comfortable operations.

  The fourth problem is a problem related to miniaturization of a mobile phone. Although there is a demand for miniaturization of the mobile phone as a user's need, in the case of the camera-equipped mobile phone 100, since the camera unit 121 includes a lens and a CCD, a certain thickness is required. When it is arranged at the front end of the first housing 101, the front end requires the thickness of the camera section, so that the front end cannot be made thin. Conversely, when the camera is arranged on the hinge 103 side, when the camera is folded and photographed, the user's hand may obstruct the view of the lens, which is not very practical.

  The fifth problem relates to camera shake. When the camera unit is arranged at the tip of the first housing 101, the camera unit is located at a position away from the second housing 102 where the user holds the mobile phone when shooting with the mobile phone open. Therefore, it is most susceptible to camera shake of the user. Conversely, when the camera is arranged on the hinge part side, when folding and photographing as described above in the fourth problem, the user's hand may obstruct the view of the lens, which is not very practical.

  A mobile phone according to the present invention is a mobile phone configured such that a first housing and a second housing are foldable by a connecting portion, wherein the first housing and the second housing are folded. An imaging unit capable of capturing an image in a state where the imaging unit is in a closed state, a first display unit, and a second display unit capable of displaying a captured image captured by the imaging unit, wherein the first display unit includes a first housing. The imaging unit and the second display unit are disposed on an inner surface, and are disposed on a back surface of the first housing, and are disposed on an outer surface of the housing of the first housing. The first housing and the second housing are folded, and the second display means can be used as a finder and can be photographed by the imaging means when the first housing and the second housing are folded. And wherein the second display means sets the connection portion in the upward direction to display an image or And displaying the character.

  According to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the image or the character displayed on the second display means is displayed with the connecting portion facing upward. Thus, the user can use the mobile phone with the connecting portion facing upward even in the folded state.

  Thus, the orientation of the second housing does not change whether the user opens or closes the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone or to change the mobile phone every time the mobile phone is opened or closed, so that operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, an image captured by the imaging means can be displayed on the second display means. This allows the user to check the image with the connection portion facing upward with the captured image folded. Therefore, even when viewing the captured image, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone or to change the mobile phone, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  Further, according to the present invention, since it is possible to shoot using the auxiliary light source, it is possible to shoot even in a dark place.

  Further, even when the first housing and the second housing are folded, shooting using the viewfinder is possible.

  Further, in the mobile phone according to the present invention, it is preferable that the auxiliary light source is arranged alongside the imaging unit.

  Since the auxiliary light source is arranged alongside the imaging means, it is difficult for a shadow to be formed on the subject.

  Further, in the mobile phone according to the present invention, it is preferable that the auxiliary light source is disposed between the connecting portion and the first display means.

  Further, in the mobile phone according to the present invention, it is preferable that the auxiliary light source is arranged between the connecting portion and the second display means, alongside the imaging means.

  Further, it is preferable that the mobile phone of the present invention further includes a shutter button arranged on an outer surface of the first housing and instructing storage of image data from the imaging unit.

  Thus, when photographing the user himself with the mobile phone closed, photographing can be performed by pressing a shutter button provided on the outer surface of the first housing. As a result, the user can easily check the shutter button position in the closed state and easily take a picture. Therefore, unlike a conventional model, it is not necessary to search for a shutter button which is provided on the side surface of the first housing and is difficult to confirm the position of the button, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  Further, in the mobile phone according to the present invention, it is preferable that the imaging unit, the second display unit, and the shutter button are arranged on the outer surface of the first housing in this order from the connection unit side.

  According to the present invention, since the second display means is arranged between the imaging means and the shutter button, a certain distance can be secured between the imaging means and the shutter button. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user's hand pressing the shutter button when the user intends to take a picture from covering the imaging unit. Therefore, since the user can press the shutter button without worrying about the position of the image pickup means, operability and convenience are improved, and at the same time, the user's finger touches the image pickup means and scratches or dust on parts such as the lens. Can be prevented, and as a result, the durability and performance of the mobile phone can be improved.

  Further, it is preferable that the mobile phone of the present invention further includes an operation unit arranged on an outer surface of the first housing and operating a display of the second display unit.

  Thus, the display on the second display unit can be operated by the operation unit even in the folded state, so that many operations can be performed even when the mobile phone is closed, and the mobile phone can be opened. There is no need to do so, and operability and convenience are improved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the image or the character displayed on the second display means is displayed with the connecting portion facing upward. Thus, the user can use the mobile phone with the connecting portion facing upward even in the folded state.

  Thus, the orientation of the second housing does not change whether the user opens or closes the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone or to change the mobile phone every time the mobile phone is opened or closed, so that operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to display an image photographed by the imaging means on the second display means. This allows the user to check the image with the connection portion facing upward with the captured image folded. Therefore, even when viewing the captured image, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone or to change the mobile phone, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  Further, according to the present invention, an image can be displayed on the second display means. Thus, the user can check the image on the large screen on the second display unit even when the image is folded. Therefore, even when viewing an image, it is not necessary to open or close the mobile phone, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  Further, according to the present invention, the second display means is a mobile phone characterized in that it displays a captured image captured by the image capturing means and allows a user to check a capturing state.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to display an image photographed by the imaging means on the second display means. Thus, the user can check the captured image on a large screen on the second display unit even when the captured image is folded. Therefore, even when viewing the captured image, it is not necessary to open or close the mobile phone, and operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, photographing can be performed even in a dark place, and further, photographing using the viewfinder can be performed even when the first housing and the second housing are folded.

  Further, according to the present invention, the imaging means is arranged closer to the connecting portion than the second display means. The connecting portion side of the first housing requires a large thickness of the housing because large connectors are required for connection with the second housing. Has not changed. Conversely, it is only necessary to ensure the thickness of the second display means, which is thinner than the imaging means, on the tip end side of the first housing, and the tip end can be made thinner.

  As a result, the entire mobile phone can be reduced in size, the manufacturing cost can be reduced for the manufacturer, and the convenience due to the reduction in size can be improved for the user.

  In addition, since the imaging unit is disposed near the connection unit, when the user opens the mobile phone and shoots, the user holds the second housing of the mobile phone by hand and supports the vicinity of the imaging unit. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence of camera shake by the user during shooting.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the folded state, the connecting portion is on the upper side, and the imaging means is also located above the second display means. Thus, when the user holds the mobile phone when shooting in the folded state, the user does not have to block the imaging unit with his or her hand. Therefore, when the user takes a picture in the folded state, he / she can hold the mobile phone without worrying about the position of the imaging means, and the convenience is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the second display means can be set large, and the image pickup means is arranged near the connecting portion. Thus, when the mobile phone is opened and the subject is photographed, the subject can confirm the subject on a large screen, and can photograph an image with less camera shake. Therefore, when the user opens and shoots, the subject can easily confirm the image of the subject itself with less camera shake, and the convenience is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when photographing the user himself with the mobile phone closed, the photographing can be performed by pressing a shutter button provided on the outer surface of the first housing. As a result, the user can easily check the shutter button position in the closed state and easily take a picture. Therefore, unlike a conventional model, it is not necessary to search for a shutter button which is provided on the side surface of the first housing and is difficult to confirm the position of the button, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the second display means is arranged between the imaging means and the shutter button, a certain distance can be secured between the imaging means and the shutter button. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user's hand pressing the shutter button when the user intends to take a picture from covering the imaging unit. Therefore, since the user can press the shutter button without worrying about the position of the image pickup means, operability and convenience are improved, and at the same time, the user's finger touches the image pickup means and scratches or dust on parts such as the lens. Can be prevented, and as a result, the durability and performance of the mobile phone can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the second display means is arranged between the imaging means and the operation means, a certain distance can be secured between the imaging means and the operation means. Thus, it is possible to prevent the hand of the user operating the operation unit from covering the imaging unit when the user attempts to shoot. Therefore, since the user can operate the operation unit without worrying about the position of the imaging unit at the time of various settings related to shooting such as a zoom operation, the operability and convenience are improved, and at the same time, the user's finger touches the imaging unit, Scratches and dust can be prevented from attaching to components such as lenses, and as a result, the durability and performance of the mobile phone can be improved.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a clamshell-type camera-equipped mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open state. The mobile phone 1 includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are connected via a hinge 4, and are angularly displaced around the hinge 4. It is configured to be foldable by moving freely. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 1 includes a first display unit 5 in a first housing 2. The first display unit 5 is arranged so as to be located inside when the mobile phone 1 is folded. The first display unit 5 is realized by a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and displays an image based on image data transmitted via a first display driver unit 43 described later. Further, a first speaker 6 used at the time of a telephone call is provided above the first display unit 5.

  Next, the second housing 3 of the mobile phone 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The input button group 7 includes keys for inputting numbers and characters. A function button group 8 is a button group for performing various settings / function switching in the mobile phone, and includes a power button 9 for turning on / off the power, a first shutter button 10 of a camera function described later, a mail function and guidance. A mail / guidance button 11 for displaying, a start / speaker receiving button 12 for starting a call and receiving a speaker, a multi-guide button 13 composed of a four-way button for selecting and deciding up / down / left / right on a function selection screen and a decision button. Consists of In addition, a transmission microphone 14 is provided below the second housing 102.

  As an arrangement configuration of the second housing 3 of the mobile phone 1, it is usual to arrange the hinge 4, the function button group 8, the input button group 7, and the transmission microphone 14 in this order, but the arrangement is limited to this. Not something.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 1 from the rear side, and FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the mobile phone 1 in a folded state. As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the camera unit 21 and the light unit 22 are arranged side by side on the back of the first housing 2 in order from the hinge 4 side, and the second display unit 20 and the second shutter button 23 and a second operation button group 24 are arranged subsequently.

  The second display unit 20 is arranged so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 1 is folded. The second display unit 20 is realized by a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. An image based on image data of a character image, such as a captured image, time information, radio wave intensity, mail reception display, and the like transmitted via a second display driver unit 44 described later is displayed. When displaying these images, the image data sent from the second display driver unit 44 to the second display unit 20 is displayed such that the hinge 4 direction is upward when displayed. The second display unit 20 performs image display so that the hinge 4 direction is upward, so that when the user uses the mobile phone 1 in a folded state, the user uses the hinge with the hinge upward. The orientation of the second housing 3 does not change whether the user opens or closes the mobile phone 1. In other words, every time the mobile phone 1 is opened or closed, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone 1 or to change its position, thereby improving operability and convenience. The image display on the second display unit 20 also includes a captured image, and when viewing the captured image, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone 1 or to change the position, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  In addition, since the antenna is moved from the rear surface of the first housing 2 to another location as described later, the rear surface of the first housing 2 is not restricted, and the second display means 20 having a size larger than that of the related art is removed. Can be provided, and a large amount of information such as a text and a captured image can be displayed. Further, by providing the second operation button group 24, even when the mobile phone 1 is closed, various displays such as confirmation of mail contents, reference to an address book, and sequential display of a plurality of images can be performed on the second display unit. 20 is possible. The image display on the second display unit 20 includes the captured image, and the user can check the captured image on a large screen on the second display unit 20 even in a folded state. Therefore, it is not necessary to open and close the mobile phone 1 even when viewing a captured image, and operability and convenience are improved.

  The camera unit 21 includes an image pickup lens, an image pickup element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and three color filters of RGB. The camera unit 21 converts the light reflected by the subject and incident on the imaging lens into RGB three-color light through a color filter, and converts the RGB three-color light to the image sensor, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera unit 21 is provided outside when the mobile phone 1 is folded, and is located between the hinge 4 and the second display unit. When the user opens the mobile phone 1 and shoots, the user holds the second housing 3 and shoots. Since the camera unit 21 is provided near the hinge 4 as a result of the above arrangement, the camera unit 21 supports the vicinity of the camera unit 21 when the first housing 2 is held. Can be reduced. Moreover, the large second display unit 20 formed by removing the antenna from the back surface of the first housing 2 allows the subject to easily confirm a self-image with little camera shake on a large screen even when the subject is photographed.

  The light unit 22 is used as an auxiliary light source when capturing an image with the camera unit 21. Generally, a xenon tube is often used, but recently, there is also an LED which emits white light by simultaneously emitting RGB LEDs and uses it as an auxiliary light source.

  The second shutter button 23 is arranged at the center of the back of the first housing 2, and is located below the second display unit 20 when the mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 3 is folded. By arranging the second shutter button 23 at this position, the user can easily confirm the position of the shutter button in the folded state and easily take a picture. In addition, it is not necessary to search for a shutter button which is provided on the side surface of the first housing and is difficult to confirm the position unlike the conventional model, so that operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, on both sides of the second shutter button 23, second operation button groups 24a and 24b for performing various settings / operations using the second display unit 3 are provided. The second operation button groups 24a and 24b can operate various function settings, display / search of an address book, and confirmation / display / transmission of mail in cooperation with the second display unit 20. In addition, a zoom operation at the time of shooting, forward / reverse feed of a plurality of captured images, and the like can be operated.

  By arranging the second operation button group 24 at this position, the user can easily confirm the position of the second operation button group 24 in the folded state and easily operate the second operation button group 24. it can.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the antenna unit 25, a helical unit 26 that can be moved up and down, a battery unit 27 that stores a battery, and a second speaker 28 that sounds a ringtone are provided on the back surface of the second housing 3.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the mobile phone 1 in a folded state, and FIG. 4 is an external side view of the mobile phone 1 in a folded state. Hereinafter, the description will be continued with reference to FIGS.

  The first housing 2 is mechanically connected to the second housing 3 through the hinge 4. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are electrically connected in the hinge 4. Flexible substrate is incorporated. Near the hinge of the first casing 2, there is a connector for connecting a flexible board or a cable to various boards provided in the first casing 2, and the thickness of the connector is equal to that of the first casing. 2 most affects the thickness. On the other hand, since the thickness of the camera unit 21 is smaller than the thickness of the connector, even if the camera unit 21 is arranged near the connector, the thickness of the first housing 2 is not affected. Therefore, in the conventional mobile phone, since the camera unit is disposed near the tip of the first housing 2 (near the lower part in FIG. 3), the first housing excluding the antenna unit is changed depending on the thickness of the camera unit. Although the thickness near the tip of the body 2 was determined, the central portion of the first housing 2 is in the second display position because the camera portion is disposed between the antenna portion 25 and the second display portion 20, that is, near the hinge 4. The thickness of the portion 20 is ensured, and further thinning / miniaturization can be achieved near the front end of the first housing 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the first housing 2 has a curved shape with a reduced thickness from the center to the front end, but the front end of the first housing 2 corresponding to the lower part of the mobile phone 1 in a folded state. By making the vicinity thin, it is easy for the user to store the mobile phone 1 in a pocket or the like of clothes and the convenience is improved.

  Further, by arranging the second display section between the camera section 21 and the second shutter button 23 or the second operation button group 24, the camera section 21 and the second shutter button 23 or the second operation button group 24 are arranged. A certain distance can be kept between. When the user operates the second shutter button 23 or the second operation button group 24, it is possible to prevent the user's finger from accidentally touching the camera unit 21 or blocking the view of the camera unit 21. Preventing the user's finger from touching the camera unit 21 and causing scratches and dust to adhere to components such as the lens can improve the durability and maintain the performance of the mobile phone.

  Further, by configuring the portable telephone 1 to be held with the hinge 4 side up in the folded state, when the user holds the mobile phone 1 in the folded state, the camera unit 21 is not closed by the user's hand, and the camera unit It is possible to hold the mobile phone 1 without worrying about the position of 21.

  A method of using a mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention when taking a picture with a camera will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A shows a general use method when a photographer photographs a subject. The mobile phone 1 is opened, the camera unit 21 is aimed at the subject, and the photographer uses the first display unit 5 as a finder. Although the first shutter button 10 is used as the shutter button, it is also possible to use the second shutter button 23 provided on the back surface of the first housing 2. FIG. 5B shows a general use method when the photographer photographs the photographer himself. In this case, the photographer can take a picture while confirming the taken image by using the second display unit 20 as a finder.

  In general mobile phones, when displaying on the second display unit 20, in order to eliminate discomfort at the time of checking the screen, the image is often inverted left and right and displayed like a mirror, but is not limited to this. Absent. In the mobile phone 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user himself / herself can be photographed even when the mobile phone 1 is opened. However, it is more convenient to take a picture in a folded state than to open it.

  Next, the antenna section 25 of the mobile phone 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second housing 3 of the mobile phone 1. The whip section 30 of the antenna section 25 is configured to be retractable on the left end side in the second housing 3, and the helical section 26 is exposed outside the housing. The whip portion 30 and the helical portion 26 can be pulled out of the second housing 3 according to the radio wave intensity during a call. In addition, the antenna is not necessarily limited to the antenna constituted by the whip portion 30 and the helical portion 26. For example, as shown in FIG. (FIG. 7A) or the upper part of the first housing 2 (FIG. 7B).

  Next, an internal circuit of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 which is an internal block diagram. The control unit 40 is a control unit for controlling the operation of each part constituting the mobile phone 1, a shutter button control unit, a backlight control unit, a light control unit, and a display control unit. The image processing unit 41 includes an amplification unit, an A / D (analog / digital) conversion unit, and a signal processing unit. The amplifying unit amplifies the electrical signals corresponding to RGB sent from the camera unit 21 and sends them to the A / D conversion unit. The A / D converter converts the electrical signal (analog) corresponding to RGB converted by the amplifier into a digital signal, outputs image data, and sends the image data to the signal processor. The signal processing unit performs signal processing such as pixel interpolation processing on the image data sent from the A / D conversion unit. Further, the signal processing unit sends the image data subjected to the signal processing to the first memory 42 based on the control signal sent from the control unit 40. The camera unit 21 and the image processing unit 41 are imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting the same as image data. The first memory 42 temporarily stores image data continuously sent from the signal processing unit. For example, temporally old image data is deleted or the newest image data is overwritten and temporarily stored.

  The control unit 40 transmits a control signal to the first and second display driver units 43 and 44, and sends the image data stored in the first memory 42 to the first and second display driver units 43 and 44. The first and second driver units 43 and 44 apply a drive voltage to each pixel electrode of the first and second display units 5 and 20 in accordance with image data to be displayed on the first and second display units 5 and 20. Is applied.

  The first and second backlights 45 and 46 are configured by light emitting diodes or the like, which are light emitting elements, and illuminate the first and second display units 5 and 20 to increase luminance. Control of turning on and off the first and second backlights 45 and 46 and control such as brightness adjustment are performed by the control unit 40. The first and second backlights 45 and 46 can be controlled independently of each other. When an image is displayed on the first display unit 5, the first backlight 45 is switched to the second display unit. When it is displayed at 20, the second backlight 46 is controlled to be turned on. The first and second backlights 45 and 46 may be configured to be turned on until a predetermined operation for turning off the light is performed by the user, or may be configured to be turned off when a predetermined time elapses after being turned on.

  The first operation button group 47 includes the input button group 7 and the function button group 8 of the second housing 3 described above. The second operation button group is provided on the first housing 2 as described above.

  The first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 are used to continuously send image data that the user desires to save from the temporarily stored image data to the second memory 48. At the time of storage, an instruction signal to be operated by the user and stored is output to the control unit 40. The controller 40 causes the second memory 48 to store the image data stored in the first memory 42 in response to the instruction signals from the first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23. The second memory 48 is a receiving unit that stores the image data stored in the first memory 42 and various types of reception data received via the antenna unit 25. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the second shutter button 23 is disposed below the second display unit 20 so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 1 is folded. The first shutter button 10 is arranged in the function button group 8 as shown in FIG. The first shutter button 10 may be arranged independently, or may be used also as another function button.

  The open / close detection unit 49 is a detection unit that detects whether the mobile phone 1 is folded. A detection switch (not shown) is provided inside the hinge 4, and a signal is sent to the control unit 40 according to the open / closed state, and the control unit 40 determines whether the mobile phone 1 is folded.

  The antenna unit 25 transmits and receives voice data, character data, image data, and the like when performing wireless communication with the base station via wireless radio waves. The radio unit 50 demodulates data received from the base station via the antenna unit 25 at the time of reception, and transmits character data and image data transmitted from the communication control unit 51 based on a predetermined protocol at the time of transmission. Send to control unit 40. The data received from the other party via the wireless unit 50 and the communication control unit 51 is stored in the second memory 48. A mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 can also receive a television signal, and a splitter 52 for separating a radio communication radio wave and a television broadcast signal wave from an antenna unit 25. It has. The splitter 52 sends a radio wave for wireless communication to the wireless unit 50 and a television signal broadcast wave to the tuner 53. The tuner 53 that has received the television signal broadcast wave sends the signal of the channel received by the signal processing circuit to the signal processing circuit 54. The video signal and the audio signal are separated by the signal processing circuit 54, and the video signal is output to the first or second display unit 5 or 20, and the audio signal is output to the first or second speaker 6 or 28.

  The control unit 40 switches the display unit that displays an image based on the image data temporarily stored in the first memory based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 49. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is folded, the control unit 40 outputs the image data from the first memory 42 to the second display driver unit 44, and the second display unit 20 To display the image. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is not folded (open), the control unit 40 outputs the image data from the first memory 42 to the first display driver unit 43, An image is displayed on the first display unit 5.

  As described above, since the camera unit 21 is provided outside when the mobile phone 1 is folded, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user of the mobile phone 1, as shown in FIG. The user captures the image of the camera unit 21 with the mobile phone 1 opened, with the camera unit 21 facing the subject opposite to the user. In this state, the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is open, that is, is not folded, and an image based on the image data output from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the first display unit 5. . This allows the user to use the first display unit 5 as a finder during imaging.

  On the other hand, when capturing an image of the user as a subject, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the user captures an image with the camera unit 21 facing the user with the mobile phone 1 folded. In this state, the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is folded, and an image based on the image data output from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the second display unit 20. This allows the user to use the second display unit 20 as a viewfinder during shooting.

  The mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used as a finder at the time of imaging by simply folding or opening the first housing 2 while the second housing 3 of the mobile phone 1 is fixed. Since the display units 5 and 20 are appropriately switched to enable shooting, the user does not need to hold the second housing 3 as in a conventional mobile phone in order to switch the subject. Work can be saved, and operability and convenience are improved.

  Next, control of the first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 will be described.

The control unit 40 switches the shutter button for which the input is valid, based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 49. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is folded, the control unit 40 validates the input of the second shutter button 23. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is open, the control unit 40 validates the input of the first shutter button 10 and invalidates the input of the second shutter button 23. To invalidate the input of the first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23, for example, the first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 are fixed so that the user cannot operate them. The control unit 40 prevents the first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 from outputting an instruction signal to the control unit 40 without fixing the instruction signal from the first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23. Can be realized by a method such as not to process.

  As described above, since the camera unit 21 is provided outside when the mobile phone 1 is folded, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user of the mobile phone 1, the user holds the mobile phone 1 in the open state. To image the camera section 21 toward the subject side opposite to the user. In this state, the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is open, and the instruction from the first shutter button 10 becomes valid. The user operates the first shutter button 10 arranged on the same side as the first display unit 5 while looking at the first display unit 5 serving as a finder.

  On the other hand, when an image of the user himself is taken as a subject, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to take an image with the camera unit 21 facing the user with the mobile phone 1 folded. In this state, the folded state of the mobile phone 1 is detected by the open / close detection unit 49, and the instruction from the second shutter button 23 becomes valid. The user operates the second shutter button 23 disposed on the same side as the second display unit 20 while looking at the second display unit 20 which is a finder.

  In this manner, the instructions from the first or second shutter button 10, 23 located on the same side as the first or second display unit 5, 20 used as a finder only by folding or opening the mobile phone 1 become valid. Therefore, the user can input while checking the first or second shutter button 10 or 23, and the operability is improved.

  In general, the shutter button located on the opposite side of the display unit used as a viewfinder is difficult to be seen by the user, so that when the user grips the mobile phone 1 or performs an operation other than inputting the shutter button, the user may mistakenly use the shutter button. Input. In the embodiment of the present invention, simply opening the mobile phone 1 invalidates the instruction from the second shutter button 23 located on the side opposite to the first display unit 5 used as a finder, thereby preventing erroneous operation by the user. can do.

  When the mobile phone 1 is detected to be open, the input of the second shutter button 23 may be enabled instead of being disabled. In this case, the user can operate both the first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23. In addition, since the first shutter button 10 is arranged inside when folded, the user cannot operate when the mobile phone 1 is folded. Therefore, the input of the first shutter button 10 when the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is folded may be either invalid or valid.

  Control of the first and second backlights 45 and 46 will be described.

  The control unit 40 switches on and off the first and second backlights 45 and 46 based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 49. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is folded, the control unit 40 turns on the second backlight 46 and increases the luminance of the second display unit 20. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is open, the control unit 40 turns on the first backlight 45 and increases the luminance of the first display unit 5.

  As described above, when the user takes an image of a subject other than the user, the first display unit 5 is used as a finder, and the image data captured from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the first display unit 5. At this time, the first backlight 45 is turned on, and the brightness of the first display unit 5 is increased.

  On the other hand, when the user takes an image of a subject as the user himself, the second display unit 20 is used as a finder, and image data captured from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the second display unit 20. At this time, the second backlight 46 is turned on, and the brightness of the second display unit 20 is increased.

  As described above, when the mobile phone 1 is folded or opened, the backlight for supplying light to the display unit used as the finder is turned on, so that the displayed image is easy to see and the visibility is improved.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the imaging process of the mobile phone 1. In particular, a description will be given of rotating the captured image by 180 degrees when the mobile phone 1 is folded and photographed. Note that the mobile phone 1 can be set to a state in which imaging can be performed by a predetermined operation from a folded state or an open state, that is, a so-called imaging mode.

  First, in step S1, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the mobile phone 1 is folded based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 49. If it is opened without being folded, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is folded, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S2, the first backlight 45 is turned on. In step S3, the image data captured from the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the first display unit 5, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the control unit 40 determines whether the mobile phone 1 is folded based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 49. If it is open, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is folded, the lighting of the first backlight 45 and the display of the image on the first display unit 5 are stopped, and the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S5, the control unit 40 invalidates the input of the second shutter button 23 and detects whether the first shutter button 10 has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S6, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S6, the image data temporarily stored in the first memory 42 is stored in the second memory 48, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the control unit 40 determines whether a predetermined operation for ending the imaging mode has been performed by the user. If the operation has been performed, the process ends. If the operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S4. When the imaging mode ends, a predetermined standby screen or the like is displayed on the first and second display units 5 and 20.

  If it is determined in step S1 that the mobile phone 1 is folded by the control unit 40, the process proceeds to step S8, and the second backlight 46 is turned on. In step S9, the image data captured from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the second display unit 20, and the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the mobile phone 1 is folded based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 49. If it is open, lighting of the second backlight 46 and image display on the second display unit 20 are stopped, and the process proceeds to step S2. If it is folded, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, the control unit 40 detects whether the second shutter button 23 has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S12, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12, the image data temporarily stored in the first memory 42, which is rotated by 180 degrees, is stored in the second memory 48, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  This is because the vertical direction of the camera unit 21 is reversed between the opened state and the folded state of the mobile phone 1. In the folded state, the image data is rotated by 180 degrees at the time of photographing, and then the second memory 48 is rotated. , No matter what the image data is displayed on the first or second display unit 5 or 20 later, the image is not turned upside down. In step S13, the control unit 40 determines whether or not a predetermined operation for ending the imaging mode has been performed by the user. If the operation has been performed, the process ends, and if not, the process returns to step S10. When the imaging mode ends, a predetermined standby screen or the like is displayed on the first and second display units 5 and 20.

  As described above, by detecting the opening and closing of the mobile phone 1, the display unit used as a finder at the time of imaging is appropriately switched, so that the user does not need to perform a button operation for switching, and the user is not required to perform switching. This saves time and improves operability and convenience. In addition, when the opening and closing of the mobile phone 1 is detected, the input of the shutter button on the same side as the display unit serving as the finder becomes valid, so that the shutter button can be securely input while looking at the finder, and the operation can be performed. The performance is improved. Further, since the input of the shutter button on the opposite side of the display unit serving as the viewfinder becomes invalid, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as pressing the shutter button by mistake. In addition, when the opening and closing of the mobile phone 1 is detected, the backlight of the display unit serving as a finder is turned on, so that an image is easy to see and visibility is improved. Further, when the image data is taken in the folded state, the image data is rotated by 180 degrees when the image data is stored and then stored in the second memory 48. Therefore, when the stored image data is displayed later, the image Upside down display can be prevented.

  1 to 5 show the case where the first and second display units 5 and 20 are arranged on the first housing 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second display units 5 and 20 are not limited to this. , 20 may be arranged such that they are located inside and outside when the mobile phone 1 is folded.

  Note that the mobile phone 1 described above as an embodiment of the present invention has described that the captured image is rotated by 180 degrees and stored when captured in a folded state, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the image captured in the open state may be rotated 180 degrees and stored. In this case, the image data is rotated by 180 degrees in step S6 of FIG.

  Although the mobile phone 1 has been described as an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a notebook PC (personal computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), or the like, which is configured to be foldable and has an imaging unit. The present invention is applicable as long as it has a configuration in which display portions are provided inside and outside when folded.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the case where the display units 5 and 20 are used as a viewfinder, and when a predetermined display is displayed on the display units 5 and 20, switching of the display unit to be displayed is performed by detecting opening and closing of the mobile phone 1. It may be.

  The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment as viewed from the back. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment in a folded state. FIG. 2 is an external side view of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment in a folded state. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of using the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging process of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of the conventional mobile telephone. It is an external appearance perspective view from the back side of the conventional mobile phone. It is an external appearance perspective view in the state where the conventional mobile telephone was folded. It is an external appearance side view in the state where the conventional mobile telephone was folded. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of using a conventional mobile phone.

Explanation of reference numerals

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone, 2 1st housing | casing, 3 2nd housing | casing, 4 hinge, 5 1st display part, 10 1st shutter button, 20 2nd display part, 21 camera part, 23 2nd shutter button , 24 second operation button group, 25 antenna unit, 26 helical unit, 40 control unit, 42 first memory, 48 second memory, 49 open / close detection unit.

Claims (8)

A mobile phone configured such that a first housing and a second housing are foldable by a connecting portion,
An imaging unit capable of capturing an image in a state where the first housing and the second housing are folded; a first display unit; and a second display unit capable of displaying an image captured by the imaging unit,
The first display means is disposed on an inner surface of the first housing,
The imaging unit and the second display unit are arranged on an outer surface of the first housing,
An auxiliary light source that is disposed on a back surface of the first housing and is used when photographing is performed by the imaging unit;
In a state where the first housing and the second housing are folded, it is possible to take a picture with the imaging means while using the second display means as a finder, and the second display means, A mobile phone, wherein an image or a character is displayed with the connecting portion facing upward.   The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary light source is arranged along with the imaging unit.   The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary light source is disposed between the connection unit and the first display unit.   The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary light source is arranged between the connection unit and the second display unit, along with the imaging unit.   The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a shutter button disposed on an outer surface of the first housing and instructing storage of image data from the imaging unit. .   The mobile phone according to claim 5, wherein the imaging unit, the second display unit, and the shutter button are arranged on the outer surface of the first housing in order from the coupling unit side.   The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an operation unit disposed on an outer surface of the first housing and operating a display of the second display unit.   The mobile phone according to claim 7, wherein the imaging unit, the second display unit, and the operation unit are arranged in this order on the outer surface of the first housing from the connection unit side.

Images