JP2002077841A - Portable telephone with camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small portable telephone with a camera having excellent operability. SOLUTION: The portable telephone with the camera comprises a lens 4 to be fed from a surface having main control buttons 10 to 13 of a body 2 arranged thereon to photograph. The telephone also comprises a control means for controlling to feed the lens 4 from the body 2 by an operation of the originating button 10 for originating a speech to enable a start of photographing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera-equipped mobile phone, and more particularly, to a video-phone or a camera-equipped mobile phone having a digital camera function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of camera-equipped mobile phones have been proposed. For example, a mobile phone in which a lens is fixed in a forward direction in the thickness direction (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
No. 88841), a configuration in which a lens is moved from a stowed state to a photographing position by a rotation operation (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 4030).

[0003]

In a videophone-like usage, it is preferable from the beginning that the user faces the near side rather than rotating the lens part in terms of operational feeling. At this time, as seen in a lens shutter camera, if the pursuit of compactness is desired, a configuration in which the lens is collapsed in a non-photographing state is advantageous so as not to be an obstacle when carrying around. In particular, in the case of using a zoom lens whose overall length tends to be long, a retractable configuration is advantageous.

At that time, like a lens shutter camera,
When the lens is driven electrically, it is necessary to newly provide an operation member such as a switch for this purpose. When such an operation member increases, an operator is inconvenienced, and restrictions on layout of operation buttons and the like are increased.

Therefore, a technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camera-equipped mobile phone which is excellent in operability and can be miniaturized.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a camera-equipped mobile phone having the following configuration in order to solve the above technical problems.

A camera-equipped mobile phone has a camera which can shoot a lens by extending a lens from a surface of the main body on which main operation buttons are arranged, and can transmit an image shot by the camera. Things. The camera-equipped mobile phone is controlled so that the lens is extended from the main body by the operation of a call operation button for making a call (that is, making a call from the camera-equipped mobile phone) so that the camera can start shooting. Control means for performing the operation.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the operation for starting a call and the operation for starting the operation of the camera can be performed by the call operation button, so that the operation of the mobile phone having the camera function can be understood. It can be easier. In addition, since the operation button is also used, there is no need to provide an operation button dedicated to the camera only for starting the operation of the camera.

Therefore, the operability is excellent and the size can be reduced.

[0010] Even if only one of the operation of starting a call and the operation of the camera can be performed by a single operation of the transmission operation button, both operations can be performed simultaneously. You may do so.

Specifically, the present invention can be implemented in various modes as described below.

Preferably, the control means causes the lens to move when the transmission operation button is operated or when the transmission operation button is operated again after the operation of the transmission operation button. The control is performed so that the camera can start photographing, and the image photographed by the camera is transmitted according to the second operation of the transmission operation button.

According to the above configuration, the lens can be taken out by the extension camera by the first operation of the transmission operation button, and the image taken by the camera is transmitted by the second operation of the transmission operation button. . Alternatively, with the second operation of the transmission operation button, the lens can be extended and can be photographed by the camera, and the image photographed by the camera is transmitted. In any case, one of the call operation buttons
The voice call function may be activated by the second or the second operation, or the voice call function may be activated by operating the call operation button separately from the above-described operation for the camera. Good.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to select whether or not to transmit an image depending on whether or not the second operation of the transmission operation button is performed.

[0015] Preferably, the camera-equipped mobile phone has a transmission operation button for starting data transmission during a call. When the operation of the transmission operation button is performed, or when both the operation of the transmission operation button and the operation of the transmission operation button are performed, the control unit extends the lens from the main body, and Control is performed so that the camera can start photographing, and control is performed such that an image photographed by the camera is transmitted according to the operation of the transmission operation button.

According to the above arrangement, the lens can be shot by the extension camera by operating the transmission operation button.
By operating the transmission operation button, an image captured by the camera is transmitted. Alternatively, when both the operation of the transmission operation button and the operation of the transmission operation button are performed (in any order), the lens can be extended and photographed by the camera, and the image photographed by the camera is transmitted. In any case, the voice call function may be activated by operating the call operation button, or the voice call function may be activated by operating the call operation button separately from the above-described operation for the camera. You may put out.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to select whether or not to transmit an image depending on whether or not the transmission operation button is operated.

Preferably, the control means controls transmission of an image photographed by the camera when the operation of the transmission operation button is continued for a predetermined time or more.

According to the above arrangement, when the transmission operation button is operated and the operation is continued for a predetermined time or longer, an image photographed by the camera is transmitted. At this time, if the camera is not ready to shoot, you can shoot now,
For example, the lens extends. By changing the operation method, a plurality of operations can be assigned to the transmission operation button.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to select whether or not to transmit an image depending on whether or not the transmission operation button is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more.

Further, the present invention provides a camera-equipped mobile phone having the following configuration.

The camera-equipped mobile phone has a camera capable of extending a lens from a surface of a main body on which main operation buttons are arranged to take a picture, and of transmitting a picture taken by the camera. Things. The camera-equipped mobile phone is controlled by an end operation button for ending the telephone call (ie, ending the call from the camera-equipped mobile phone). Is provided.

According to the above configuration, the operation for ending the call and the operation for ending the operation of the camera can be performed by the end operation button, so that the operation of the mobile phone having the camera function can be understood. It can be easier. Further, by using the operation button also, it is not necessary to provide an operation button dedicated to the camera only for terminating the operation of the camera.

Therefore, the operability is excellent and the size can be reduced.

It should be noted that even if only one of the operation of ending the call and the operation of the camera can be performed by one operation of the ending operation button, both operations can be performed simultaneously. It may be.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a camera-equipped mobile phone having the following configuration.

The camera-equipped mobile phone is of a type having a camera and capable of transmitting an image taken by the camera. The camera-equipped mobile phone operates a call-response operation button for answering an incoming call (that is, answering a call received by the camera-equipped mobile phone).
Control means is provided for controlling the camera to start photographing.

In the above configuration, the operation of the camera can be started by operating the incoming call response operation button for answering the incoming call, so that the operation can be easily understood. In addition, by also using the operation buttons,
There is no need to provide an operation button dedicated to the camera only to start the operation of the camera.

Therefore, the operability is excellent and the size can be reduced.

It should be noted that even if only one of the response to the incoming call and the start of the operation of the camera can be performed by one operation of the incoming response operation button, both operations can be performed simultaneously. You may do so.

Specifically, the present invention can be implemented in various modes as described below.

Preferably, the control means re-starts the incoming call when the incoming call response operation button for answering the incoming call is operated, or after the operation of the incoming call response operation button for answering the incoming call. When the response operation button is operated, control is performed so that the camera can start shooting. When the second operation of the incoming response operation button is performed, transmission of an image photographed by the camera is performed. Is controlled to be performed.

According to the above configuration, the camera can be photographed by the first operation of the incoming call operation button, and the image photographed by the camera is transmitted by the second operation of the incoming call operation button. Alternatively, the second operation of the incoming call operation button allows the camera to shoot an image, and the image shot by the camera is transmitted. In either case, the first or second operation of the incoming call operation button may activate the voice call function, or by operating the incoming call operation button separately from the above-described operation for the camera, A voice call function may be activated.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to select whether or not to transmit an image depending on whether or not the second incoming call response operation button is operated.

It is easy to be conscious of sending an image or video from one's own side when making a call, but it is unexpected when receiving an incoming call. It is difficult to send an image of an undesired situation to the other party because it cannot be determined. According to the above configuration, an incoming call is first answered by voice, and an incoming image from the other party is seen,
Since the image on the user's side can be sent after the judgment (confirmation), the user can calmly respond to the incoming call without any unexpected inconvenience.

Preferably, the camera-equipped mobile phone has a transmission operation button for starting data transmission during a call. The camera control means, when the operation of the incoming response operation button for answering the incoming call is performed, or,
When the operation of the transmission operation button is performed after the operation of the reception operation button for responding to an incoming call, control is performed so that the camera can start shooting, and the operation of the transmission operation button is performed. Then, control is performed to transmit an image captured by the camera.

According to the above configuration, the camera can be photographed by operating the incoming response operation button, and the image photographed by the camera is transmitted by operating the transmission operation button. Alternatively, when the transmission operation button is operated after the operation of the incoming call response operation button, the lens is extended so that the camera can take a picture, and the image taken by the camera is transmitted. In any case, the operation of the incoming call response operation button activates the voice call function and can respond to the incoming call.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to select whether or not to transmit an image depending on whether or not to operate the transmission operation button after answering the incoming call.

Preferably, the control means controls transmission of an image photographed by the camera when the operation of the incoming call response operation button for answering an incoming call is continued for a predetermined time or more.

According to the above configuration, when the incoming call response operation button is operated and the operation is continued for a predetermined time or longer, an image photographed by the camera is transmitted. At this time, if the camera is not ready to take a picture, the picture can be taken. By changing the operation method, a plurality of operations can be assigned to the incoming call response operation button.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to select whether or not to transmit an image depending on whether or not the incoming response operation button is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more.

Preferably, the camera control means performs control so that an image photographed by the camera can be transmitted after a predetermined time has elapsed after operation of the incoming call response operation button for answering an incoming call.

According to the above arrangement, when the incoming call response operation button is operated, it is possible to answer the incoming call, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, transmission of the image photographed by the camera is started. At this time, if the camera is not ready to take a picture, the picture can be taken. Since the transmission of the photographed image is not immediately started even if the call is answered, the preparation time until the start of the image transmission can be secured, and the user can respond calmly without any unexpected inconvenience.

Each of the above configurations is particularly suitable when the camera has a lens extending from a main body on which main operation buttons are arranged when photographing is started.

[0045]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A camera-equipped mobile phone according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile phone 1 with a camera. The camera-equipped mobile phone 1 has the same configuration as a general mobile phone. The camera-equipped mobile phone 1 has a long plate-shaped housing 2 and an antenna 21. A speaker 9 is built in the upper front part of the housing 2, and a microphone (sound collector) 14 is built in the lower front part. Also, on the front of the housing 2,
For example, a display unit 8 made of liquid crystal, a call button 10 used for a call operation, a transmission button 11 used for instructing a start of data transmission during a call, and an operation such as turning on / off a power supply and ending a call. A start / stop button 12 to be used and a dial operation button 13 to be used for inputting a telephone number are arranged.

The camera-equipped mobile phone 1 differs from a general mobile phone in that a camera lens 4 is arranged in front of a housing 2. When the camera function is activated, the lens 4 extends from the storage position shown in the side view of FIG. 2A to the initial position shown in the side view of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the camera-equipped mobile phone 1. As shown in FIG. The main control circuit 23 that controls the overall control of the camera-equipped mobile phone 1 includes a wireless communication circuit 22, an audio processing unit 25, a memory unit 24, an image processing unit 26, a display processing / control unit 27, a signal transfer unit 16, Image display unit 8, zoom retractable drive unit 5, input units 10, 11, 1
3. Start / stop buttons 12 are connected respectively. The wireless communication unit 22 is further connected to the antenna 21, the audio processing unit 25, the image processing unit 26, and the memory unit 24. The microphone 14 and the speaker 9 are further connected to the audio processing unit 25. The signal transfer section 16 and the display processing / control section 27 are further connected to the memory section 24. The camera section 3 is connected to the image processing section 26 and the zoom retracting drive section 5. Display processing / control unit 27
Are connected to the image processing unit 26 and the image display unit 8.

The signal received by the antenna 21 is appropriately subjected to processing such as demodulation by the radio communication circuit section 22, and then the audio data is sent to the audio processing section 25 and the image data is sent to the image processing section 26. . The audio data and the image data are output to the memory unit 24 as appropriate under the control of the main control unit 23.
It is memorized. The audio processing unit 25 processes the audio data as an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 9. Image processing unit 26
After performing appropriate processing such as decompression processing on image data,
It is sent to the display processing / control unit 27. Display processing / control unit 27
Causes the image display unit 8 to display a received image by adding an appropriate image signal or character signal as needed according to an instruction from the main control unit 23.

The audio signal input from the microphone 14 is appropriately processed by the audio processing unit 25, sent to the wireless communication circuit 22, subjected to appropriate processing such as modulation, and transmitted from the antenna 21.

The image data picked up by the camera unit 3 is sent to the image processing unit 26. The image processing unit 26 performs an appropriate process such as a compression process on the image data, and sends the data to the memory unit 16 and the wireless transmission circuit 22. Wireless transmission circuit 22
Performs appropriate processing such as modulation and transmits the data from the antenna 21. The image data before compression processing is sent from the image processing unit 26 to the display processing / control unit 27, where the image data is subjected to appropriate processing and output to the image display unit 8, and the captured image is monitored. Is available.

The data stored in the memory unit 24 can be output from the speaker 9, displayed on the image display unit 8, or transmitted from the antenna 21 as necessary by appropriate operations. It has become.

The mobile phone with television 1 can be operated in various modes as described below by selecting an operation mode in advance.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a case in which the operator can easily select whether or not this image can be sent to the other party by selectively performing an operation on the camera after a calling or receiving operation. is there.

That is, when an incoming call or an outgoing call is made (# 1
0), the call button 10 is pressed (# 12), and the call function is started (# 128), like a normal mobile phone.

Thereafter, if the call button 10 is pressed again or the send button 11 is pressed within a predetermined time (YE at # 14).
S), the operation of the camera can be selected, and the lens 4
The image is extended to the initial position (b) (# 16), and the image processing function can be used (# 18), so that image transmission / reception and communication can be performed (# 20). When the start / stop button 12 is pressed (# 24), the lens 4 is set to the storage position shown in FIG. 2A (# 26), and the operation ends.

On the other hand, within a predetermined time, the call button 10 must not be pressed again and the send button 11 must not be pressed (# 14).
NO), the image processing function does not work, and a call can be made using only the call function (# 23). As a result, when it is not desired to send an image, it is possible to make a normal voice-only call. When the start / stop button 12 is pressed (#
24), the operation ends.

(I) Initial lens position setting (# 1)
6) alone or (ii) image processing function (# 18) alone,
Or (iii) both the lens initial position setting (# 16) and the image processing function (# 18) are set to the call button ON (# 1
After 2), it may start with the start of the call function (# 128). At this time, # 14 is (i) to (iii)
According to In the case of (i), only the lens is at the initial position, and does not function as a camera, but a call using only normal voice is made. In the case of (ii), if an image is sent from the other party, it is displayed on the screen, and the call can be made in a state where this image is not sent. (Iii) is a call in a state where both the lens set and the other party's image are displayed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a case where a normal voice-only call can be made when it is not desired to send an image due to a difference in the operation mode during the call operation.

That is, when an incoming call or an outgoing call is made (# 1
1) As with a normal mobile phone, incoming calls or outgoing calls can be made by pressing the call button 10, but if the time during which the call button 10 is pressed is longer than a certain time (YE in # 14).
S), the lens 4 is extended to the initial position (# 16), and both the image processing function and the call function can be used (# 18), so that the image transmission / reception and the call can be performed (# 2).
0). When the start / stop button 12 is pressed (# 2
4), the lens 4 is set to the storage position (# 26), and the operation is completed.

On the other hand, even if the call button 10 is pressed, if the pressed time is equal to or less than the predetermined time (NO in # 13), the image processing function does not work and only the call function is started (# 2).
2), a call becomes possible (# 23). When the start / stop button 12 is pressed (# 24), the operation ends.

Also in this example, even if the answer is NO in # 13, the lens set and the image processing function may work. At this time,
As in the example of FIG. 4, the call is performed in a state where the lens is set at the initial position or a state where the partner image is displayed, but this image is not transmitted to the partner.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart in the case where an image is always sent by a call operation.

That is, when an incoming call or an outgoing call is made (# 3
0), the call button 10 is pressed in the same manner as a normal mobile phone (# 32).

In the call processing, the call function is activated immediately after that (# 42), and the call becomes possible (# 44).

As for the image processing, it waits for a certain time to elapse after the call button 10 is pressed in # 32 (# 3).
4) After a certain period of time, the lens 4 is extended to the initial position (# 36), and the image processing function can be used (# 38), and image transmission / reception is possible (# 40). Thus, it is possible to provide a preparation time from the start of a call to the start of shooting.

When the start / stop button 12 is pressed (# 46), the lens 4 is set to the storage position (# 4).
8), end.

As described above, since the camera can be operated using the operation buttons 10, 11, and 12 of the mobile phone, the camera-equipped mobile phone 1 is excellent in operability and can be reduced in size.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be implemented in various other modes.

For example, the lens 4 only needs to protrude and retract from the main body 2 and may be a zoom lens or a single focus lens. When the lens 4 is stored, the lens 4 may be completely stored in the main body 2 or may slightly protrude from the main body 2.
The operation buttons 10 to 13 may be a touch panel or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a camera-equipped mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the camera-equipped mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;

3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the camera-equipped mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the camera-equipped mobile phone.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another operation of the camera-equipped mobile phone.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of still another operation of the camera-equipped mobile phone.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone with a camera 2 Housing (body) 4 Lens 10 Call button (transmission operation button, reception response operation button, operation button) 11 Send button (transmission operation button, operation button) 12 Start / stop button (end operation button, Operation buttons) 13 Dial operation buttons (operation buttons) 23 Main control unit (camera control means)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 1/02 H04M 1/02 C 5K023 A 5K027 H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 FF term (reference) 2H054 AA01 BB11 2H100 AA11 AA32 AA33 CC05 CC07 2H101 BB07 BB08 FF01 5C022 AA13 AC32 AC54 AC69 5C064 AA01 AC04 AC12 AD08 AD14 5K023 AA07 BB03 BB11 DD06 EE02 GG06 GG07 LL06 MM20 BB11 MM02 PP15 5K0

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A camera-equipped mobile phone having a camera capable of extending a lens from a surface on which main operation buttons of a main body are arranged and capable of transmitting an image captured by the camera, A camera-equipped mobile phone, comprising: control means for controlling the lens to extend from the main body by the operation of a call operation button for making a call so that the camera can start shooting. 2. The lens control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the lens to be operated when the transmission operation button is operated or when the transmission operation button is operated again after the operation of the transmission operation button. Controlling the camera so that the camera can start shooting, and transmitting the image shot by the camera in response to a second operation of the transmission operation button. Item 2. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to Item 1. 3. A transmission operation button for starting transmission of data during a call, wherein the control means is configured to operate when the transmission operation button is operated or when the transmission operation button is operated. When both of the transmission operation buttons are operated, the lens is extended from the main body, the camera is controlled to start photographing, and in response to the operation of the transmission operation button, the image is taken by the camera. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to transmit an image. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means controls transmission of an image photographed by said camera when operation of said transmission operation button is continued for a predetermined time or more. Mobile phone with camera. 5. A camera-equipped mobile phone having a camera capable of extending a lens from a surface on which main operation buttons of a main body are arranged and capable of transmitting an image captured by the camera, A camera-equipped mobile phone, comprising: control means for controlling the lens so as to be retracted into the main body by an operation of an end operation button for ending a call so that shooting can be ended. 6. A camera-equipped mobile phone having a camera and capable of transmitting an image shot by the camera, wherein the camera can start shooting by operating an incoming call response operation button for answering an incoming call. Mobile phone equipped with a control means for performing control as described above. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the incoming response operation button for responding to the incoming call is performed, or the operation of the incoming call response button is performed again after the operation of the incoming response operation button for responding to the incoming call. When the operation button is operated, control is performed so that the camera can start shooting,
7. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 6, wherein when the second operation of the incoming call response operation button is performed, an image captured by the camera is transmitted. 8. A transmission operation button for starting transmission of data during a call, wherein the control means operates the reception response operation button for responding to an incoming call, or When the operation of the transmission operation button is performed after the operation of the reception operation button for responding to, control is performed so that the camera can start shooting, and the operation of the transmission operation button is performed. 7. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 6, wherein the mobile phone is controlled to transmit an image captured by the camera. 9. The control means controls transmission of an image photographed by the camera when an operation of the incoming call response operation button for answering an incoming call is continued for a predetermined time or more. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 6. 10. The control means according to claim 1, wherein after a predetermined time elapses after the operation of the incoming call response operation button for answering the incoming call,
7. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 6, wherein the mobile phone is controlled to transmit an image captured by the camera. 11. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 5, further comprising a lens extending from a main body on which main operation buttons are arranged when the camera starts photographing. phone.