JP2009081894A - Mobile telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile telephone with improved operability and convenience that allows various settings/switching and control while the mobile phone is not opened and is in folded state by providing a plurality of buttons on a sub-display face of the mobile telephone with a camera. <P>SOLUTION: The mobile telephone has a first display means 5 on a face of a first casing 2 facing to a second casing 3 when in folded state, and a second display means 20, an imaging means 21, and a first determination button 23, a second determination button 24a and a third determination button 24b for switching the functions on the back of the first display means 5 of the first casing 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  In recent years, mobile phones have become widespread, but their shapes are roughly classified into three types: straight type, flip type, and clamshell type. Above all, the clamshell type can be miniaturized by folding, so the needs are higher than the other two types.

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

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a conventional clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone 100 (model name SH251i, manufactured by Sharp Corporation, released on June 1, 2002). The mobile phone 100 includes a first housing 101 and a second housing 102. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are connected via a hinge 103, and angular displacement is performed about the hinge 103 as an axis. It can be folded by moving freely. As shown in FIG. 15, the mobile phone 100 includes a first display unit 104 in a first housing 101. The first display unit 104 is disposed so as to be located on the inner side 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. The first display unit 104 includes a first speaker 108 that is used during a call.

  The open / close detection unit 109 is a detection unit that detects whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded. A small protrusion 109 a is formed near the hinge 103 at the bottom of the first housing 101, and a small hole 109 b is formed near the hinge 103 at the top 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 cellular phone 100 is folded, the protrusion 109a of the first casing 101 enters the hole 109b of the second casing 102, a detection switch (not shown) is activated, and the cellular phone 100 is controlled by a control unit provided in the casing. Judge that it is folded.

  Next, the second casing 102 of the conventional mobile phone 100 will be described. The input button unit 110 includes a key for inputting numbers and characters. The function button unit 111 is a group of buttons for switching various settings / functions in the mobile phone, a power button 112 for switching power ON / OFF, a first shutter button 113 for a camera function to be 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 including a four-way button and a determination button for selecting and determining up / down / left / right on the function selection screen. Consists of In addition, a transmission microphone 117 is provided below the second housing 102.

  As an arrangement configuration of the second casing 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. 16 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the mobile phone 100 shown in FIG. 15 from the back side. FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of the cellular phone 100 in a folded state, and FIG. 18 is an external side view of the cellular phone 100 in a folded state. 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 already described.

  The second display unit 120 is disposed 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 through 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 RGB color filters. 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. As shown in FIG. 16, 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 the camera unit 121 captures an image. In general, there are many that use a xenon tube, but recently, there is also an auxiliary light source that emits white light by simultaneously emitting RGB LEDs.

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

  A method of using the camera with the conventional mobile phone 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19A shows a general usage method when a photographer photographs a subject. The cellular phone 100 is opened, the camera unit 121 is directed to the subject, and the photographer uses the first display unit 104 as a viewfinder. FIG. 19B shows a general usage method when the photographer photographs the photographer himself. In this case, the photographer can take a picture while confirming the photographed image by using the second display unit 120 as a viewfinder. In general mobile phones, when displaying on the second display unit 120, in order to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling at the time of screen confirmation, the image is often reversed left and right and displayed like a mirror. In FIG. 19A, 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 as the shutter button. In FIG. 19B, shooting is performed using the second shutter button 107 in a state in which the cellular phone 100 is folded, but shooting is possible even in an opened state. In that case, the second shutter button 107 disposed on the side surface of the first housing 101 may be used.

  Even in the clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone provided with the two display means as described above, there remains a problem of effective use of the sub-display by the user.

  In the case of a clamshell type mobile phone, in the folded state, there is no user input means other than the shutter button 107 provided on the side of the first housing 101, and in the camera mode, the sub display 120 is simply used as a finder. there were. In the standby mode, a standby image, clock, incoming mail, etc. are displayed on the sub-display 120, but only those set by the user with the mobile phone opened in advance are automatically displayed.

  Therefore, for example, in the camera mode, in order to adjust the light amount of the light unit 122 provided on the side of the camera unit 121, the mobile phone is opened and the second casing is checked while checking the adjustment amount displayed on the main display 104. 102 key operations had to be performed. Similarly, the setting of the standby image and the clock display must be performed while opening the mobile phone and confirming on the main display 104. Further, even when an incoming mail message is displayed on the sub-display 120, the mobile phone must be opened and checked on the main display 104 in order to refer to the mail contents. In order to perform the display operation while the display is on the outer surface in the folded state in this way, the operation of opening and operating the mobile phone is troublesome for the user.

  Also, when the mobile phone is folded and used and when the mobile phone is opened and used, the orientation of the mobile phone body side is reversed, for example, when the user has folded and used the mobile phone When changing to, it was necessary to change the orientation of the mobile phone.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile phone in which a user can use a sub-display effectively and easily.

  1st invention is equipped with the 1st housing | casing, the 2nd housing | casing, and the connection part which connects the said 1st and 2nd housing | casing, and with the said 1st housing | casing by the said connection part, The second casing is a mobile phone configured to be foldable, and includes a first display unit on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. A cellular phone comprising a first determination button, a second determination button, and a third determination button for switching functions between the second display means and the imaging means on the back surface of the first display means of one housing It is.

  According to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means and the first to third determination buttons are provided on the outside. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the user can perform a plurality of switching such as switching of photographing functions and display switching of the second display means.

  In this way, the user can switch between a plurality of functions such as camera activation, light lighting, and pictographic display switching by pressing the first to third determination buttons without opening the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function that can be switched in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  The second invention includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second housings, and the first housing is connected to the first housing by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are mobile phones configured to be foldable, and include a first display means on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. The back of the first display means of the first housing is provided with a determination button for switching functions between the second display means and the imaging means, and a right button and a left button for changing the adjustment amount. Mobile phone.

  According to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means, the determination button, the right button, and the left button are provided outside. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the adjustment amount can be changed by using the right button and the left button in the adjustment of the photographing condition and the display setting of the second display means.

  As described above, the user can change the adjustment amount such as adjustment and setting by pressing the enter button, the right button, and the left button without opening the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function of changing the adjustment amount in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the right button and the left button are combined with any one of second to third decision buttons for switching functions.

  According to the present invention, the right button and the left button are combined with any of the second to third determination buttons. This eliminates the need to separately provide the right button, the left button, and the second to third decision buttons on the mobile phone. Accordingly, the buttons can be used together to reduce the number of buttons on the outer surface of the mobile phone, thereby reducing component costs and downsizing the device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the second determination button and the third determination button are also used as either a right button or a left button for changing the adjustment amount, respectively. It is a telephone.

  According to the present invention, the second determination button and the third determination button are combined with either the right button or the left button. This eliminates the need to separately provide the second determination button, the third determination button, the right button, and the left button on the mobile phone. Accordingly, the buttons can be used together to reduce the number of buttons on the outer surface of the mobile phone, thereby reducing component costs and downsizing the device.

  The fifth invention includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second housings, and the first housing is connected by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are mobile phones configured to be foldable, and include a first display means on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. The first decision button, the second decision button, the third decision button, the fourth decision button, and the second decision button for switching functions between the second display means and the imaging means on the back surface of the first display means of the first casing. A mobile phone characterized by comprising 5 decision buttons.

  According to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means and the first to fifth decision buttons are provided on the outside. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the user can perform a plurality of switching such as switching of photographing functions and display switching of the second display means.

  As described above, the user presses the first to fifth decision buttons without opening the mobile phone, thereby enabling a plurality of menu modes, key locks, light ON / OFF, camera activation, light lighting, pictogram display switching, and the like. Function switching becomes possible. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function that can be switched in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  The sixth invention includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second housings, and the first housing is connected by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are mobile phones configured to be foldable, and include a first display means on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. A determination button for switching functions, an upper button, a lower button, a right button, and a left button for changing the adjustment amount are provided on the back of the first display means of the first casing. It is a mobile phone.

  According to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means, the determination button, the upper button, the lower button, the right button, and the left button are provided outside. Thus, even when the user is in the folded state, the user selects an adjustment item using the up button and the down button in the adjustment of the shooting conditions and the display setting of the second display means, and uses the right button and the left button. The amount of adjustment can be changed and confirmed with the OK button.

  In this way, even if the user does not open the mobile phone, he presses the up button, down button, right button, left button, and enter button to select items such as adjustment and setting, change the adjustment amount, and confirm It becomes possible to do. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function of changing the adjustment amount in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved. In addition, since the setting item selection button and the adjustment amount change button are independent, the user can easily perform the setting operation.

  In an eighth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the upper button, the lower button, the right button, and the left button are also used as any one of the second to fifth decision buttons for changing the adjustment amount. This is a featured mobile phone.

  According to the present invention, the upper button, the lower button, the right button, and the left button are combined with any one of the second to fifth decision buttons. This eliminates the need to provide the mobile phone with the upper button, the lower button, the right button, the left button, and the second to fifth decision buttons. Accordingly, the buttons can be used together to reduce the number of buttons on the outer surface of the mobile phone, thereby reducing component costs and downsizing the device.

  According to a ninth invention, in the first to eighth inventions, the second display means displays a photographed image photographed by the imaging means.

  According to the present invention, since the image captured by the imaging unit can be displayed on the second display unit, the shooting conditions can be adjusted and the captured image can be processed by operating the up / down / left / right direction buttons and the determination button. It can be carried out. Therefore, it is possible to adjust shooting conditions and process a shot image in a folded state without opening the mobile phone.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to ninth aspects, the imaging unit, the second display unit, and the plurality of buttons are arranged on the back surface of the first display unit of the first housing from the connecting portion side. The mobile phone is characterized by being arranged in this order.

  According to the present invention, since the second display means is disposed between the imaging means and each button, a certain distance can be ensured between the imaging means and each button. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user's hand pressing the button when the user tries to shoot from covering the imaging unit. Therefore, since the user can operate each button without worrying about the position of the image pickup means at various settings related to shooting such as zoom operation, the operability and convenience are improved, and at the same time, the user's finger touches the image pickup means, Scratches and dust can be prevented from being attached to the lens and other parts, and as a result, the durability and performance of the mobile phone can be improved.

  In addition, in an eleventh aspect based on the first to tenth aspects, a plurality of numeric buttons and operation buttons are provided on a surface of the second casing that faces the first casing in a folded state. It is a mobile phone characterized by this.

  According to the present invention, the buttons are arranged on the same surface of the first casing and the second casing in a state where the cellular phone is folded. Therefore, after the user folds and operates the mobile phone main body, the button surface on the main body side faces the user even when the mobile phone is opened as it is, and the user can operate smoothly without changing the mobile phone.

1 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone according to an embodiment. It is an external perspective view from the back side of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view in the state where the cellular phone concerning this embodiment was folded up. It is an external appearance side view in the state where the cellular phone concerning this embodiment was folded up. It is explanatory drawing which shows the utilization method of the mobile telephone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the mobile phone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the mobile telephone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a button operation allocation table of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is a pictogram display screen of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is the light quantity adjustment screen of the mobile phone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an external appearance front view in the state where another cellular phone concerning this embodiment was folded up. It is a button operation allocation table of another mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is a button operation allocation table of still another 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 telephone. It is an external appearance perspective view in the state in which the conventional mobile telephone was folded. It is an external appearance side view in the state where the conventional mobile phone was folded. It is explanatory drawing which shows the utilization method of the conventional mobile telephone.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cellular phone 1 includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3, and the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are connected via a hinge 4. The first casing 2 and the second casing 3 are configured to be foldable as shown in FIG. 3 by moving so as to be angularly displaceable about the hinge 4 as an axis.

  Referring to 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 includes a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro Luminescent) display, and the like, and displays an image based on image data given through a first display driver unit 43 described later. The first display unit 5 includes a first speaker 6 that is used during a call.

  Next, the 2nd housing | casing 3 of the mobile telephone 1 which is one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. The second housing 3 includes an input button group 7 including keys for inputting numbers and characters, a function button group 8 for performing various settings / function switching in the mobile phone 1, an ON / OFF power Power button 9 for switching OFF, first shutter button 10 operated to activate the shutter function, mail / guidance button 11 for displaying mail function and guidance, start / speaker for starting a call and receiving a speaker A reception button 12 and a multi-guide button 13 composed of a four-way button and a determination button for selecting and determining up / down / left / right on the function selection screen are provided so that the user can operate. Furthermore, the second casing 3 includes a microphone 14 for calling at the bottom.

  The arrangement of the second casing 3 of the mobile phone 1 is normally arranged in the order of the hinge 4, the function button group 8, the input button group 7, and the transmission microphone 14, but is not limited thereto. It is not a thing.

  As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the camera unit 21 and the light unit 22 are arranged in order from the hinge 4 side on the back surface of the first display unit 5 of the first housing 2. The second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b are subsequently arranged.

  The second display unit 20 is disposed so as to be positioned outside the casing when the mobile phone 1 is folded, and is configured by a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. Here, the displayable area of the second display unit 20 is smaller than that of the first display unit 5, but may be larger or the same size. The second display unit 20 displays image data based on image data provided through a second display driver unit 44, which will be described later, and character image data for notifying time, radio wave intensity, mail reception, and the like. .

  As described above, each of the first display unit 5 and the second display unit 20 has the display screen directed to the outside on the surface presented to the outside of the first housing 2 or the second housing 3 in the opened state. It is provided as follows. In particular, the second display unit 20 is provided such that the display screen faces the outside on the surface presented to the outside of either the first casing 2 or the second casing 3 in a folded state.

  When displaying these images, the image data sent from the second display driver unit 44 to the second display unit 20 is displayed so that the direction of the hinge 4 is upward when displayed. The second display unit 20 displays the image so that the direction of the hinge 4 is upward, so that when the user uses the cellular phone 1 in a folded state, the user uses 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, each 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 it, so that operability and convenience are improved. The image display on the second display unit 20 includes a captured image, and even when the captured image is viewed, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone 1 or to change it, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  Further, as will be described later, by moving the antenna from the back surface of the first housing 2 to another location, there is no restriction on the back surface of the first housing 2, and the second display means 20 having a size larger than the conventional one. It is possible to display a large amount of information such as text and captured images. Further, by providing the second operation button group 24, various displays such as confirmation of mail contents, reference of address book, and sequential display of a plurality of images can be performed even when the cellular phone 1 is closed. It becomes possible at 20. The image display on the second display unit 20 includes the captured image, and the user can check the large image on the second display unit 20 even when the captured image is folded. Therefore, it is not necessary to open or close the mobile phone 1 when viewing a captured image, and operability and convenience are improved.

  The camera unit 21 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 RGB color filters. Here, in order to simplify the description, the camera unit 21 has a CCD image sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as a CCD) 29 as an imaging device. The camera unit 21 converts the light reflected by the subject and incident on the photographing lens into RGB three-color light through a color filter, and the RGB three-color light is incident on the CCD 29. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera unit 21 is provided on the back surface of the first display unit 5 and between the hinge 4 and the second display unit 20 when the mobile phone 1 is folded. When taking a picture with the camera unit 21 with the cellular phone 1 opened, the user takes a picture with the second casing 3.

  As a result, the camera unit 21 is provided near the hinge 4 as a result of the above arrangement, so that when the first housing 2 is held, the camera unit 21 is supported in the vicinity of the camera unit 21. Can be reduced. In addition, the large second display unit 20 obtained by removing the antenna from the back surface of the first housing 2 makes it possible to easily confirm a self-portrait with little camera shake from a subject on a large screen when photographing the subject.

  The light unit 22 is used as an auxiliary light source when the camera unit 21 captures an image. In general, an auxiliary light source often uses a xenon tube, but recently, an RGB LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used. These LEDs can emit light at the same time to obtain white light illumination.

  The second shutter button 23 is disposed at the center of the back surface of the first display unit 5 of the first housing 2 and is located below the second display unit 20 when the cellular phone 1 shown in FIG. 3 is folded. To position. By disposing the second shutter button 23 at this position, the user can easily confirm the position of the shutter button 23 in a folded state and easily operate the shutter.

  In addition, it is not necessary to search for a shutter button that is provided on the side surface of the first housing or the like that is difficult to confirm the position as in the conventional model, and operability and convenience are improved.

  The second shutter button 23 can also be used as a determination button for determining various user operations in addition to the shutter operation in the camera mode. For example, the display on the second display unit 20 is used for switching to a menu screen, switching to a camera mode, and determining wallpaper, light intensity / color.

  On both sides of the second shutter button 23, second operation buttons 24a and 24b for setting or operating various data while confirming display information on the second display unit 20 are provided. The second operation buttons 24a and 24b are used as decision buttons for pictogram display ON / OFF switching, key lock, light ON / OFF, and the like. The second operation buttons 24a and 24b are also used as a right button and a left button for changing adjustment amounts of various settings. For example, it is possible to perform zoom-in or zoom-out operations at the time of shooting, light amount adjustment of the light unit 22, display operation while sequentially feeding a plurality of images, or display operation while reversely feeding.

  By disposing the second operation button group 24 at this position, the user can easily confirm the positions of the second operation buttons 24a and 24b in a folded state, and easily operate the second operation buttons 24a and 24b. be able to.

  On the back surface of the input button group 7 and the function button group 8 of the second housing 3, an antenna unit 25, a helical unit 26 that can be raised and lowered, a battery unit 27 that stores a battery, and a second speaker 28 for ringing a ring tone. Equipped with.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first housing 2 is mechanically connected to the second housing 3 through the hinge 4, and the first housing 2 and the second housing are in the hinge 4. A flexible substrate (not shown) for electrically connecting the housing 3 is incorporated. Near the hinge of the first housing 2, there is a connector for connecting a flexible substrate or cable to various substrates provided in the first housing 2, and the thickness of this connector is the first housing. 2 has the most influence on the thickness. On the other hand, since the camera portion 21 is thinner than the connector, even if the camera portion 21 is disposed in the vicinity of 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 depends on the thickness of the camera unit. Although the thickness near the tip of the body 2 has been determined, since the camera unit is disposed between the antenna unit 25 and the second display unit 20, that is, in the vicinity of the hinge 4, the central portion of the first housing 2 is the second display. The thickness of the portion 20 is ensured, and further thinning / miniaturization can be achieved near the tip of the first housing 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness of the first housing 2 is curving from the center to the tip, but the tip of the first housing 2 corresponding to the lower portion of the mobile phone 1 in a folded state. By making the neighborhood thin, the user can easily store the cellular phone 1 in a clothes pocket or the like, and convenience is improved.

  Further, by disposing the second display unit between the camera unit 21 and the second shutter button 23 or the second operation buttons 24a and 24b, the camera unit 21 and the second shutter button 23 or the second operation button 24a. And 24b can be maintained at a constant distance. When the user operates the second shutter button 23 or the second operation buttons 24a and 24b, it is possible to prevent the user's finger from accidentally touching the camera unit 21 or obstructing the field of view of the camera unit 21. Preventing the user's finger from touching the camera unit 21 and scratching or dusting parts such as the lens improves the durability of the mobile phone and maintains the performance as a result.

  Further, by being configured to hold 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 blocked by the user's hand. The mobile phone 1 can be held without worrying about the position 21.

  A usage method in the case of performing camera shooting using the mobile phone 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A, in a general usage method for photographing the subject 30, the user opens the mobile phone 1, photographs the camera unit 21 toward the subject 30, and the user views the first display unit 5 in the viewfinder. Use as Although the first shutter button 10 is used for the shutter operation, the second shutter button 23 provided on the back surface of the first housing 2 can also be used. FIG. 5B shows a general usage method when the user photographs the user himself / herself using the camera unit 21. In this case, the user can operate the shutter by pressing the second shutter button 23 while confirming the captured user's own image by using the second display unit 20 as a viewfinder.

  In general mobile phones, when the image is displayed on the second display unit 20, the image is often displayed like a mirrored image by reversing the image horizontally in order to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling at the time of screen confirmation. It is not limited to that. Note that the mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is convenient because it can shoot the user himself in a folded state. Note that the user's own shooting is not limited to a mode in which the mobile phone 1 is used in a folded state, and the shooting can be performed in an open state.

  In addition, since the buttons are arranged on the same surface of the first casing 2 and the second casing 3 in a state in which the cellular phone 1 is folded, after the user folds and operates the cellular phone 1 When opening and operating, or vice versa, the user can perform a button input operation by simply opening and closing the first housing 2 while holding the second housing 3. It can be operated smoothly without changing.

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

  Next, the internal configuration of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 which is an internal block diagram. The cellular phone 1 includes first and second display units 5 and 20, first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23, a camera unit 21, a light unit 22 including red, green and blue LEDs 22R, 22G and 22B, and an antenna unit. 25, wireless unit 50, communication control unit 51, first, second and third memories 42, 48 and 52, first and second display driver units 43 and 44, first and second backlights 45 and 46, each unit A control unit 40 that controls the functions of the image processing unit 41, an image processing unit 41, first and second operation button groups 47 and 24, and an open / close detection unit 49.

  The control unit 40 controls functions of each unit, for example, a shutter operation function, a backlight function, an auxiliary light source function, a display function, and the like. The image processing unit 41 includes an amplification unit, an A / D (analog / digital) conversion unit, a signal processing unit, and an inversion processing unit 41A (not shown). The amplifying unit receives and amplifies an electrical signal corresponding to RGB from the camera unit 21, and outputs the amplified signal to the A / D conversion unit. The A / D conversion unit converts the electrical signal (analog) corresponding to RGB converted by the amplification unit into a digital signal, and outputs the image data to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit performs signal processing such as pixel interpolation processing on the image data input from the A / D conversion unit and supplies the processed image data to the inversion processing unit 41A. When the inversion processing unit 41A receives image data, when the inversion control signal 55 is given from the control unit 40, the inversion processing unit 41A rotates the output image data by 180 degrees so that the corresponding image is rotated by 180 degrees, and outputs it. When the inversion control signal 55 is not given, the input image data is output as it is. The image data output from the inversion processing unit 41A is given to the first and second memories 42 and 48.

  The camera unit 21 and the image processing unit 41 are imaging units that receive the reflected light from the subject 30, convert it to an electrical signal, and output it as image data in frame units. The first and second memories 42 and 48 temporarily store a plurality of frames of image data given continuously under the control of the control unit 40. For example, when input new image data is input and stored, the image data that has already been stored for a long time among the plurality of image data stored in the first and second memories 42 and 48 is deleted. Or overwritten by new image data that has been input.

  The control unit 40 transmits a control signal to the first and second display driver units 43 and 44, and reads out the image data stored in the first and second memories 42 and 48, so that the first and second display driver units 43 and 44, respectively. The first and second display driver units 43 and 44 are arranged in accordance with the data to be displayed on the first and second display units 5 and 20, that is, according to the data read from the first and second memories 42 and 48. A driving voltage is applied to the pixel electrodes of the second display portions 5 and 20.

  The first and second backlights 45 and 46 are composed of light emitting diodes or the like as light emitting elements, and irradiate the first and second display portions 5 and 20 with light to increase the brightness of the display image. Control of turning on and off the first and second backlights 45 and 46 and brightness adjustment are performed by the control unit 40. The first and second backlights 45 and 46 can be independently controlled. When an image is displayed on the first display unit 5, the first backlight 45 is displayed on the second display unit 20. When displayed, the second backlight 46 is controlled to be lit. The first and second backlights 45 and 46 may be turned on until a predetermined operation for turning off the light is performed by the user, or may be turned off when a predetermined time elapses after turning on.

  The first operation button group 47 includes the input button group 7 and the function button group 8 of the second casing 3 described above. The second operation button group 24 includes operation buttons 24 a and 24 b installed on the first housing 2.

  The first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 are pressed for shutter operation. When the first (second) shutter button 10 (23) is pressed, a shutter instruction 56 (57) is given to the control unit 40. When the control unit 40 inputs the shutter instruction 56 (57), the user desires to save among a plurality of image data continuously written and temporarily stored in the first memory 42 and the second memory 48. Image data is read out and written to the third memory 52 for storage. Thereby, the image data desired by the user is stored in the third memory 52. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the latest image data stored in the first memory 42 and the second memory 48 is read and stored.

  The open / close detection unit 49 detects whether or not the mobile phone 1 is folded. A detection switch (not shown) is provided inside the hinge 4 to detect the open / closed state, and a detection signal 53 corresponding to the detected state (open state or closed state) is output to the control unit 40. . The control unit 40 can determine whether the mobile phone 1 is folded (closed state) or in an open state based on the detection signal 53 input from the detection switch.

  The antenna unit 25, the radio unit 50, and the communication control unit 51 transmit and receive voice data, character data, image data, and the like according to the control of the control unit 40 when performing radio communication with a base station (not shown) via radio waves. . The received data is stored in the third memory 52 by the control unit 40.

  A mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 can also receive a television signal, and a duplexer 58 for separating radio communication radio waves and television broadcast signal waves from an antenna unit 25. It has. The duplexer 58 sends radio communication radio waves to the radio unit 50 and television signal broadcast waves to the tuner 59. The tuner 59 that has received the television signal broadcast wave outputs the received channel signal to the signal processing circuit 60. The signal processing circuit 60 separates the signal input from the tuner 59 into a video signal and an audio signal, and the video signal is sent to the first display unit 5 or the second display unit 20 and the audio signal is sent to the first display unit 20 under the control of the control unit 40. Output from the speaker 8 or the second speaker 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 cellular 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. Display an image on. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is not folded (opened), 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, when the mobile phone 1 is folded, the camera unit 21 is provided outside in the direction of shooting. Therefore, when imaging a subject other than the user of the mobile phone 1, the camera unit 21 is shown in FIG. As shown, the user takes an image with the camera unit 21 facing the subject 30 on the opposite side of the user with the cellular phone 1 opened. In this state, an image based on the image data output from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the first display unit 5. As a result, the user can use the first display unit 5 as a viewfinder during imaging.

  On the other hand, when the user himself / herself is imaged as a subject, as shown in FIG. 5B, the user shoots with the camera unit 21 facing the user side with the cellular phone 1 folded. In this state, an image based on the image data output from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the second display unit 20. Accordingly, the user can use the second display unit 20 as a viewfinder at the time of shooting.

  A mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used as a viewfinder during imaging simply by folding or opening the first housing 2 while the user holds the second housing 3 of the mobile phone 1 fixed. Since the display units 5 and 20 are switched appropriately and photographing becomes possible, the user does not need to change the second housing 3 like a conventional mobile phone in order to switch the subject, and the user at the time of switching the subject Can be saved, and operability and convenience are improved.

The control of the first and second backlights 45 and 46 will be described.
The control unit 40 switches on and off of 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 images the subject other than the user himself / herself, the first display unit 5 is used as a viewfinder, 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 luminance of the first display unit 5 is increased.

  On the other hand, when the user images the subject as the user himself / herself, the second display unit 20 is used as a viewfinder, and the 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.

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

  FIG. 9 shows the operation assignment of the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b in a table format. The mobile phone 1 has two modes, a normal mode and a camera mode. The mobile phone 1 is in the normal mode after the power is turned on, and in order to take a picture with the camera, it is necessary to switch to the camera mode in order to activate the camera function and use the display unit as a finder.

  In the implementation of the present invention, it is not necessary to assign all the function switching and adjustment amount changes shown in FIG. 9 to the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b. A person may assign several switches / changes to the buttons as necessary. In FIG. 9, the shaded portion is used as a determination button for switching functions, and the portion not shaded is used as each direction button for changing the adjustment amount.

  A state in which there is no outgoing / incoming call after the power is turned on is generally called a standby state, and a standby screen such as a standby image or a clock set by the user is displayed on the second display unit 20. The second display unit 20 can perform the pictogram display shown in FIG. 10 together with the standby screen, and the display / non-display of the pictogram can be switched by pressing the second operation button 24a.

  Further, the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b can be locked by pressing the second operation button 24a for 2 seconds or more. The second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b are provided on the surface exposed to the outside even when the cellular phone 1 is folded. By pressing the key lock state, the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b can be invalidated. The key lock is released by pressing the second operation button 24a again for 2 seconds or longer.

  When the second operation button 24b is pressed, the light unit 22 is turned on only while the second operation button 24b is pressed. By pressing the second operation button 24b for 2 seconds or more, the light unit 22 is constantly switched on. Moreover, the light part 22 can be extinguished by pressing down for 2 seconds or more when always on. With this setting, the user can manually blink the light unit 22 or always light it like a flashlight, and the utility value of the light unit is expanded.

  When the second shutter button 23 is pressed in the standby state, a left arrow display, a selection item, and a right arrow display are sequentially displayed at the bottom of the second display unit 20. Here, the second operation button 24b is a forward selection button, and each time the second operation button 24b is pressed, the selection item area sandwiched between the arrow key displays of the second display unit 20 has a wallpaper setting → image. Confirmation-> Light intensity-> Light color-> Voice incoming-> Mail incoming-> Display end-> Wallpaper setting and selection items are switched in order. Further, the second operation button 24a is a reverse selection button, and the selection items are switched in the order of incoming mail → voice incoming → light color → light quantity → image confirmation → wallpaper setting → display end → mail incoming. After the user selects the second operation button 24a or 24b, when the user presses the second shutter button 23, which means the enter key here, the operation of the item selected by the user is started.

  The wallpaper setting mode is a mode for setting a standby image displayed on the second display unit 20. Here, it is possible to select and set image files such as wallpaper images and captured images stored in the third memory 52 of the mobile phone 1, clock functions, animation display, and JAVA (registered trademark) application display. Every time the user presses the second operation button 24a or 24b, the display content of the second display unit 20 is switched. Here, the setting is completed by pressing the second shutter button 23 which means a determination key, Return to the standby state.

  The image confirmation mode is a mode for confirming and displaying an image captured by the camera unit 21 and stored in the third memory 52. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (forward) or 24b (reverse), the captured images are displayed in order on the second display unit 20. As a method for displaying only a captured image in distinction from other images, the captured image is set in advance to be stored in a predetermined folder in the third memory of the mobile phone 1, and the image stored in the folder is stored. May be displayed sequentially, or a flag may be set for the image file when the camera unit 21 captures and stores the image file, and only the flagged image file may be displayed.

  The light amount mode is a mode for adjusting the light amount of the light unit 22. As shown in FIG. 11, in the light quantity mode, the left and right arrows and an indicator showing the current quantity are displayed in the horizontal direction on the bottom of the second display unit 20. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (brighter) or 24b (darker), the length of the indicator becomes shorter or longer, and the light amount of the light unit 22 changes accordingly.

  The light color mode is a mode for changing the light emission color of the light unit 22. Since the light unit 22 is composed of a red LED 22R, a green LED 22G, and a blue LED 22B, light emission other than white light, for example, red, green, blue, yellow, purple, and light blue, is possible by a combination of light emission of each LED. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (forward feed) or 24b (reverse feed), the light unit 22 switches the emission color.

  The voice incoming call history mode is a mode for displaying a voice incoming call history. When there is an incoming voice call in the mobile phone 1, the history is stored in the third memory, and it is possible to display when and from whom the call is received. The second display unit 20 displays the incoming time and the caller's telephone number or name, and the second display unit 20 every time the user presses the second operation button 24a (new incoming call) or 24b (old incoming call). The incoming call history changes.

  The mail display mode is a mode for browsing received mail. The second display unit 20 displays the subject and the sender, and when the user presses the second shutter button 23, the mail text is displayed. Further, every time the user presses the second operation button 24a (new mail) or 24b (old mail), the incoming call history of the second display unit 20 is switched. To end the mail display mode, the user ends when the user depresses the second shutter button 23 for a long time.

  In the voice call history mode and the mail display mode, in addition to selecting a selection item from the standby state and entering the mode, when there is a voice call or mail reception, by pressing the second shutter button 23, It is also possible to enter the mode. When a specific display is performed on the second display unit 20 for a predetermined time after the voice call or the mail is received, and the user presses the second shutter button 23 only when there is the specific display, the above-mentioned selection items are displayed. Instead, it can enter the voice incoming call history mode or the mail display mode.

  In addition, since the mobile phone 1 includes the TV tuner 59, the second display unit 20 can display a TV. During television display, the user can perform channel switching and volume adjustment by operating the second operation buttons 24a and 24b. Switching between channel switching and volume adjustment can be switched by pressing the shutter button 23 by the user.

  Further, the reproduction of the MP3 data stored in the third memory of the mobile phone 1 can be operated with the shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b.

  Next, the operation of the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b in the camera mode will be described. To enter the camera mode, when the user presses the second shutter button 23 for a long time in the standby state, the camera unit 21 is activated to enter the camera mode. The shutter operation is performed by pressing the second shutter button 23 in the camera mode.

  When the user presses the second operation button 24b, the light unit 22 changes the emission color each time the button is pressed (white → red → green → blue → yellow → purple → light blue → white). Only when it is turned on and is pressed for 2 seconds or longer, the light unit 22 is switched to the always-on state according to the emission color at that time. Moreover, the light part 22 can be extinguished by pressing down for 2 seconds or more when always on.

  Further, when the user presses the second operation button 24a, the setting in the camera mode becomes possible. In the example shown in FIG. 8, when the user presses the second operation button 24 a once, the characters “zoom” are displayed at the bottom of the second display unit 20. When the shutter button 23 is pressed, the zoom adjustment mode is entered. If the second operation button 24a is continuously pressed without pressing the second shutter button 23, the zoom switching, brightness adjustment, light quantity mode, light color mode, and adjustment end are switched. When a desired adjustment item is displayed, the user presses the second shutter button 23 which means a determination key to enter each adjustment mode.

  The zoom adjustment mode is a mode for adjusting the zoom during camera shooting. Similar to the light intensity mode described above, left and right arrows and an indicator indicating the current zoom state are displayed in the horizontal direction on the bottom of the second display unit 20. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (zoom in) or 24b (zoom out), the length of the indicator is shortened or lengthened, and the zoom is adjusted accordingly. After the zoom adjustment, pressing the second shutter button 23 ends the adjustment mode. The shutter operation can be performed by pressing the second shutter button 23.

  The brightness adjustment mode is a mode for adjusting the brightness of the captured image. Similar to the light intensity mode described above, left and right arrows and an indicator indicating the current intensity are displayed in the horizontal direction on the bottom of the second display section 20. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (brighter) or 24b (darker), the length of the indicator is shortened or lengthened, and the brightness of the display image is adjusted by the control unit 40 in conjunction therewith.

  Here, the brightness is adjusted before the shutter operation, but a user confirmation screen is displayed on the second display section as to whether to adjust the brightness of the captured image after shooting or whether to save the image as it is, When the user desires brightness adjustment, the brightness adjustment mode may be entered. In that case, the adjusted image can be stored in the third memory 52 after the user completes the brightness adjustment. If image adjustment is performed before image storage after image capture, the second shutter button 23 and the second operation button 24 can be used for image decoration such as color tone, touch, and frame in addition to brightness adjustment of the captured image. Can be set using.

  The light amount mode is a mode for adjusting the light amount of the light unit 22. In the light amount mode, left and right arrows and an indicator indicating the current amount of light are displayed in the horizontal direction on the bottom of the second display unit 20. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (brighter) or 24b (darker), the length of the indicator becomes shorter or longer, and the light amount of the light unit 22 changes accordingly.

  The light color mode is a mode for changing the light emission color of the light unit 22. Since the light unit 22 is composed of a red LED 22R, a green LED 22G, and a blue LED 22B, light emission of, for example, red, green, blue, yellow, purple, and light blue other than white light is possible by a combination of light emission of each LED. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (forward feed) or 24b (reverse feed), the light unit 22 switches the emission color.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In the mobile phone 70 shown in FIG. 12, the camera unit 21 and the light unit 22 are arranged in order from the hinge 4 on the back surface of the first housing 71, and then the second display unit 20 is arranged. Subsequent to the second display unit 20, a multi-button 72 that is a feature of the mobile phone 70 is arranged. The multi button 72 is an integrated unit of five buttons: a shutter / decision button 72a, an up button 72b, a down button 72c, a right button 72d, and a left button 72e. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same thing as the mobile telephone 1 demonstrated previously.

  FIG. 13 shows the operation assignment of the multibutton 72 in a table format. The mobile phone 70 has two modes, a normal mode and a camera mode. The mobile phone 70 is in the normal mode after the power is turned on. In order to take a picture with the camera, it is necessary to switch to the camera mode in order to activate the camera function and use the display unit as a viewfinder.

  The multi-button 72 allows selection of various settings by pressing the up button 72b and the down button 72c, and by pressing the left button 72e and the right button 72d, the up button 72b and the down button The adjustment amount can be changed in the various setting modes selected in 72c. As an example, when the down button 72c is pressed once in the standby mode of the normal mode, the light ON / OFF setting is set, and when the button is pressed twice, the image confirmation mode is set. When the right button 72d is pressed in the image confirmation mode, images captured by the camera unit 21 and stored in the third memory 52 are displayed on the second display unit 20 in order. On the contrary, by pressing the left button 72e, the image is displayed on the second display unit 20 in reverse.

  In the present embodiment, the up button 72b and the down button 72c have been described as buttons for changing adjustment items. However, all the buttons (72a to 72e) of the multi button 72 can be switched on / off for pictographic display. Operations may be assigned as decision buttons such as key lock and light ON / OFF.

  FIG. 14 shows the operation assignment of the multi-button 72 improved from FIG. 13 in a table format. In addition to the normal mode and the camera mode, the mail display mode, the TV mode, and the MP3 playback mode can be independently set as the operation mode when setting the mobile phone 70.

  The mail display mode can enter the mail display mode immediately after the mail is received by the mobile phone 70 or by a specific operation by the user (for example, by double-clicking the decision button 72a). When the user presses the enter button 72 a in the mail display mode, the text of the latest mail is displayed on the second display unit 20. When the mail text is long and not all the text can be displayed on the second display unit 20, a part of the text is displayed on the second display unit 20, but by pressing the down button 72c, the screen of the second display unit 20 is displayed. You can scroll down to see the rest of the mail. Further, by pressing the up button 72b, the screen of the second display unit 20 can be scrolled upward to display the head of the mail. When the left button 72e is pressed, the mail one older than the currently displayed mail is displayed, and when the right button 72d is pressed, one new mail is displayed than the currently displayed mail. Can be displayed. To end the mail display mode, the mobile phone 70 returns to the standby mode by double-clicking the decision button 72a, and a standby image is displayed on the second display unit 20.

  The TV mode can enter the TV mode by a specific operation by the user. In the operation assignment of the multi button 72 described in FIG. 13, the right direction button 72d and the left direction button 72e are also used for switching the reception channel and adjusting the volume, and the reception channel is switched by pressing the enter button 72a. However, here, the right direction button 72d and the left direction button 72e are assigned to change the reception channel, and the up direction button 72b and the down direction button 72c are assigned to adjust the volume, thereby simplifying the operation. ing.

  The MP3 playback mode can enter the MP3 playback mode by a specific operation by the user. In the operation assignment of the multi button 72 described with reference to FIG. 13, the right button 72d and the left button 72e are used for both the reproduction operation and the volume adjustment, and the reproduction operation and the volume adjustment are performed by pressing the enter button 72a. In this example, the right button 72d and the left button 72e are assigned to the reproduction operation, and the up button 72b and the down button 72c are assigned to adjust the volume, thereby simplifying the operation.

  As described above, by providing a plurality of decision buttons or direction buttons on the mobile phone 1 (70), various adjustments, settings and switching can be performed even when the mobile phone 1 (70) is folded. There is no need to open and operate the telephone 1 (70). Further, since the cellular phone 1 (70) can be used for various purposes in a compact state, the convenience is improved. In addition, the user operability is improved by devising the button arrangement.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points 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.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means and the first to third determination buttons are provided outside. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the user can perform a plurality of switching such as switching of photographing functions and display switching of the second display means.

  In this way, the user can switch between a plurality of functions such as camera activation, light lighting, and pictographic display switching by pressing the first to third determination buttons without opening the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function that can be switched in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means, the determination button, the right button, and the left button are provided outside. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the adjustment amount can be changed by using the right button and the left button in the adjustment of the photographing condition and the display setting of the second display means.

  As described above, the user can change the adjustment amount such as adjustment and setting by pressing the enter button, the right button, and the left button without opening the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function of changing the adjustment amount in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the present invention, in the mobile phone, the right button and the left button are also used as any one of the first to third determination buttons. This eliminates the need to separately provide the right button, the left button, and the first to third determination buttons on the mobile phone. Accordingly, the buttons can be used together to reduce the number of buttons on the outer surface of the mobile phone, thereby reducing component costs and downsizing the device.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means and the first to fifth determination buttons are provided on the outside. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the user can perform a plurality of switching such as switching of photographing functions and display switching of the second display means.

  As described above, the user presses the first to fifth decision buttons without opening the mobile phone, thereby enabling a plurality of menu modes, key locks, light ON / OFF, camera activation, light lighting, pictogram display switching, and the like. Function switching becomes possible. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function that can be switched in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means, the determination button, the upper button, the lower button, the right button, and the left button are provided outside. Thus, even when the user is in the folded state, the user selects an adjustment item using the up button and the down button in the adjustment of the shooting conditions and the display setting of the second display means, and uses the right button and the left button. The amount of adjustment can be changed and confirmed with the OK button.

  In this way, even if the user does not open the mobile phone, he presses the up button, down button, right button, left button, and enter button to select items such as adjustment and setting, change the adjustment amount, and confirm It becomes possible to do. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function of changing the adjustment amount in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved. In addition, since the setting item selection button and the adjustment amount change button are independent, the user can easily perform the setting operation.

  According to the present invention, the up button, the down button, the right button, and the left button are also used as any one of the first to fifth decision buttons. This eliminates the need for providing the mobile phone with an upper button, a lower button, a right button, a left button, and first to fifth decision buttons. Accordingly, the buttons can be used together to reduce the number of buttons on the outer surface of the mobile phone, thereby reducing component costs and downsizing the device.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the image captured by the imaging unit can be displayed on the second display unit, by adjusting the up / down / left / right direction buttons and the determination button, the shooting conditions can be adjusted and the captured image can be displayed. Processing can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to adjust shooting conditions and process a shot image in a folded state without opening the mobile phone.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the second display unit is disposed between the imaging unit and each button, a certain distance can be secured between the imaging unit and each button. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user's hand pressing the button when the user tries to shoot from covering the imaging unit. Therefore, since the user can operate each button without worrying about the position of the image pickup means at various settings related to shooting such as zoom operation, the operability and convenience are improved, and at the same time, the user's finger touches the image pickup means, Scratches and dust can be prevented from being attached to the lens and other parts, and as a result, the durability and performance of the mobile phone can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the buttons are arranged on the same surface of the first casing and the second casing in a state where the mobile phone is folded. Therefore, after the user folds and operates the mobile phone main body, the button surface on the main body side faces the user even when the mobile phone is opened as it is, and the user can operate smoothly without changing the mobile phone.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile phone, 2 1st housing | casing, 2nd housing | casing, 4 Hinge, 5 1st display part, 10 1st shutter button, 20 2nd display part, 21 Camera part, 22 Light part, 23
2nd shutter button, 24 2nd operation button group, 40 control part, 47 1st operation button group, 49 open / close detection part, 52 3rd memory, 72 multi button.

Claims (3)

A mobile phone,
A first housing, a second housing,
A connecting portion that connects the first casing and the second casing, and the first casing and the second casing are configured to be foldable by the connecting portion;
Display means disposed on the surface of the first housing facing the second housing in a state in which the mobile phone is folded;
A plurality of keys arranged on a surface of the second housing facing the first housing in a state in which the mobile phone is folded;
A plurality of keys provided on a surface exposed to the outside in a state in which the mobile phone is folded;
Control means for controlling the operation of the mobile phone in response to a key operation,
The mobile phone is provided with a key lock function for setting only the plurality of keys provided on a surface exposed to the outside in a state where the mobile phone is folded to a key lock state.   2. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the key lock function sets a key lock state by long pressing a predetermined key.   The mobile phone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the key lock function releases a key lock state by long-pressing a predetermined key.

Images