JP4112402B2 - Mobile terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone or PDA (Personal Digital Assistants).
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, mobile terminal devices with cameras have rapidly spread. Among them, a first display unit for displaying characters and images such as destination telephone numbers and e-mails, and a second display unit for displaying radio wave information, incoming call information, etc. on the back of the casing There are a lot of things that are equipped with. Among them, the camera is fixedly attached together with the display screen of the second display unit on the back side of the surface on which the display screen of the first display unit is arranged, and the photographing window of the camera is always exposed. There is something to do. However, with such a configuration, even if the operator is operating while looking at the first display unit and does not intend to shoot, the person who is in the direction where the shooting window of the camera is facing, There is a risk of annoying worries and anxieties as if they were being filmed.
As a mobile terminal with a camera that solves such a problem, a mobile terminal having a cover that covers a shooting window of the camera has been proposed (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Non-Patent Document 1]
“Design & Body Color”, [online], [Search January 30, 2003], Internet <URL: http://www.kyocera.co.jp/frame/product/telecom/keitai/au/a1013k/ design.html>
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the mobile terminal device with a camera having such a configuration, even if the camera shooting window can be covered, the camera shooting window and the second display device are arranged on the same surface of the housing. Therefore, it is still necessary to have a large area, and it is difficult to reduce the size, and it is a design restriction.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal device that can clearly indicate the use state of a camera to a third party and can be downsized. It is said.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.
The invention according to claim 1 is an operation-side housing provided with operation keys, a display-side housing provided with a first display unit, one end side of the operation-side housing, and one end side of the display-side housing. The display-side housing has a second outer surface different from the first outer surface on which the display screen of the first display unit is arranged. A housing portion having a first opening disposed on the hinge portion side; and a camera unit disposed in the housing portion, wherein the camera unit has a display screen of the first display portion in the housing portion. A unit main body rotatably supported about an axis substantially parallel to the camera, a camera mounted in the unit main body, and a second display unit, and the unit main body has a photographing window of the camera on an outer surface. And the display screen of the second display section are provided in different directions. And wherein the door.
[0007]
According to this invention, by rotating the camera unit around the axis substantially parallel to the display screen of the first display unit in the housing unit, the camera photographing window or the second display unit arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the camera unit is rotated. The display screen can be selectively exposed from an opening that opens to a surface other than the surface of the housing having at least the display screen of the first display unit.
Therefore, for example, when the camera shooting window is exposed from the opening, when the camera is not used, the camera unit is rotated to move the camera shooting window to a position where it cannot be seen from the opening. As a result, the photographing window of the camera can be hidden inside the housing. At this time, if the display screen of the second display unit is arranged at a position corresponding to the opening, the shooting window of the camera is hidden inside the housing and the display screen of the second display unit is It will be exposed to the outside. Therefore, in this state, if information such as incoming call information and radio wave information is displayed from the display screen of the second display unit, the operator can check the incoming call information while hiding the camera.
[0008]
On the other hand, when using the camera from this state, by rotating the camera unit and arranging the shooting window of the camera at a position that coincides with the opening, the shooting window of the camera can be exposed outward from the opening. it can. As a result, the shooting window of the camera can be hidden inside the housing when the operator views information displayed on the first display unit without intention of shooting or during a call. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shooting window of the camera from being directed toward an external third party. Further, since the camera unit is integrally provided with the camera and the second display unit and each is selectively exposed from the opening, the camera photographing window and the display screen of the second display unit are provided in the housing. There is no need to provide a separate surface.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 2, in the portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the operation-side housing and said display-side housing is foldably connected, said first outer surface, wherein the folded state It is characterized by facing the operation side casing.
According to the present invention, in the foldable portable terminal device, since the opening is formed on the surface located outside the casing when folded, the display screen of the second display section even in the folded state You can check the information displayed in.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the portable terminal device according to the first or second aspect , the accommodating portion has a second opening on the first outer surface, and the photographing window of the camera and the When any one of the display screens of the second display unit is exposed to the outside from the first opening, the other is arranged to be exposed to the outside from the second opening. And
[0011]
According to this invention, when the photographing window of the camera is arranged at a position that coincides with the one opening of the housing portion, the second display section is located at a position that coincides with the other opening (second opening) of the housing portion. Will be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to expose the imaging window of the camera and the display screen of the second display unit simultaneously through the respective openings toward the one surface side and the other surface side of the housing. In addition, by rotating the camera unit, it is possible to switch between the shooting window of the camera exposed from each opening and the display screen of the second display unit in a timely manner.
[0012]
Therefore, for example, when the operator uses the camera from the state in which the shooting window of the camera is exposed from the other opening on the first display unit side, the camera unit is rotated and the display screen of the first display unit is displayed. The photographing window of the camera is moved to a position that coincides with the opening on the surface other than the surface of the housing having the. As a result, the subject on the side other than the surface of the housing having the display screen can be photographed while viewing the display screen of the first display unit. At this time, since the display screen of the second display unit is arranged at a position corresponding to the other opening, not only the first display unit but also the second display unit is used for shooting. Can also be seen. Thereby, it becomes possible to photograph more comfortably and clearly by displaying information such as exposure adjustment on the second display unit. Furthermore, if information such as incoming information is displayed, the incoming information can be confirmed even during shooting.
In addition, when the operator takes an image of himself / herself as a subject from this state, the camera unit is rotated, and the shooting window of the camera is moved to a position coinciding with the other opening. As a result, it is possible to accurately shoot while looking at the first display unit.
[0013]
On the other hand, for example, when the camera shooting window is exposed from an opening on the surface other than the surface of the housing having the display screen of the first display unit, when the camera is not used, the camera unit is rotated, The photographing window of the camera is moved to a position that matches the other opening. At this time, the display screen of the second display unit is exposed from the opening on the surface other than the surface of the housing having the display screen of the first display unit. As a result, when the operator does not intend to use the camera, the shooting window of the camera is always exposed on the surface side other than the surface of the housing having the display screen of the first display unit. It can be avoided. At the same time, information such as incoming call information and radio wave information displayed on the display screen of the second display unit can be confirmed.
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the portable terminal device according to the third aspect , the first opening of the housing portion is located at a position facing the second opening.
According to the present invention, the image captured on the display screen is confirmed in photographing the subject on the opposite side of the display screen of the first display unit by exposing the photographing window of the camera from the opening of the housing unit. The portable terminal device can easily shoot while determining an angle or the like while exposing the display screen of the second display unit from the opening of the housing unit so as to hide the display screen of the first display unit. Since the display screen of the second display section can be exposed to the outside even when the mobile phone is placed on a desk or the like, information such as incoming call information and radio wave information can always be confirmed.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the mobile terminal device according to the third or fourth aspect , the second opening is disposed adjacent to a display screen of the first display unit, and the second display And a control unit that controls to display information across the display screens of the first and second display units when the display screen of the unit is exposed from the second opening.
According to this invention, when the display screen of the second display unit is arranged on the display screen side of the first display unit, the display screens of both display units are adjacent to each other. At this time, when a command is sent to the control unit that controls the display information of both display units, the control unit displays the information to be displayed separately on the display screens of the two display units. As a result, the image can be displayed as an integrated screen in which the display screens of the first and second display units are combined, and the operator can shoot more comfortably.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the mobile terminal device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the shooting window of the camera and the display screen of the second display unit are connected to the camera unit. It is characterized by being arranged so as to face in opposite directions with respect to the rotation axis.
According to this invention, the same effect as that of the invention according to claim 3 can be obtained.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the mobile terminal device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the mobile terminal device further comprises a rotation detecting means for detecting a rotational position of the camera unit.
According to the present invention, the rotation position of the camera unit is detected by the detection means provided on the inner side surface of the accommodating portion and the outer peripheral surface of the camera unit. Therefore, it is possible to automatically recognize the respective directions of the photographing window of the camera arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the camera unit and the display screen of the second display unit. As a result, it is possible to automatically switch the information displayed on the display screen of the second display unit according to the rotation position by simply rotating the camera unit.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a mobile phone will be described as an example of the mobile terminal device.
[0019]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment hinges a display-side housing 3 including a first display unit 9 and an operation-side housing 2 in which operation keys 6 are arranged. This is a foldable mobile phone that is connected to each other by a portion 4 so as to be opened and closed. The display-side housing 3 includes a housing unit 16 formed at a position adjacent to the display screen 9 a of the first display unit 9 and a camera unit 30 housed in the housing unit 16. The first display unit 9 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit (LCD), and is disposed on the surface 8 side of the display-side housing 3 that is disposed on the inside when the first display unit 9 is folded.
[0020]
The housing portion 16 is a through-hole penetrating from the front surface 8 to the rear surface 21 of the display-side housing 3, and the first and second opening portions 19 and 17 that are opened at positions facing the front surface 8 and the rear surface 21. I have. Each of the openings 19 and 17 has a rectangular shape extending in the width direction of the display-side housing 3 and having a length dimension equivalent to that of the first display unit 9. Reference numerals 20 and 18 denote third and fourth openings formed adjacent to the openings 19 and 17, respectively, and these openings 20 and 18 also communicate with the through holes that form the accommodating part 16. It is like that.
Moreover, the accommodating part 16 is provided with a pair of side wall of cylindrical inner surface shape which opposes the length direction of the display side housing | casing 3, and a pair of end wall, as shown in FIG. 5 mentioned later. Cylindrical protrusions 25 projecting inward of the accommodating portion 16 are provided on both end walls along the central axis of the cylindrical inner surface constituting the side wall.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera unit 30 includes a substantially columnar unit body 31, a camera 32 and a second display unit 33 provided in the unit body 31, and an operation dial 34. ing. The photographing window 32a of the camera 32 and the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 are attached in directions opposite to each other across the rotation axis of the unit body 31.
The operation dial 34 is a disc-like member provided integrally with one end of the unit main body 31 and has a diameter slightly larger than the thickness dimension of the display-side housing 3. Moreover, the recessed part 35 is formed in the center part at the both ends of the length direction of the unit main body 31. As shown in FIG.
[0022]
The camera unit 30 configured as described above rotates around the axis along the width direction of the display-side housing 3 in the housing portion 16 by inserting the projection 25 in the housing portion 16 into the recess 35. It is attached as possible. A part of the operation dial 34 in the circumferential direction protrudes from the third and fourth openings 20 and 18.
Note that the wires of the camera 32 and the second display unit 33 are taken out into the display unit side body 3 through the protrusions 25 and the recesses 35.
[0023]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the cellular phone 1 according to the present invention controls the rotation detection means for detecting the rotation position of the camera unit 30 and the display information of the first and second display units 9 and 33. A display control unit (not shown) is provided. The rotation detecting means is composed of a convex portion 36 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the unit main body 31 having a curved surface and a switch 37 provided on the side wall of the cylindrical inner surface. The switch 37 is pressed by the convex portion 36 and switched to the on state when the second display portion 33 is disposed at a position that coincides with the second opening portion 17. The display control unit separately controls the display of the first display unit 9 and the second display unit 33 when the switch 37 is in an off state, and displays one image when the switch 37 is in an on state. The display is controlled so as to extend over both display portions 9 and 33.
[0024]
The operation of the cellular phone 1 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described below.
First, a case where the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment is carried will be described. When carrying the mobile phone 1, the operation-side casing 2 and the display-side casing 3 are placed in a closed state. This makes it dimensionally compact and suitable for carrying. At this time, the display screen 9 a of the first display unit 9 is covered with the operation-side housing 2. Therefore, by exposing the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 from the first opening 19, it becomes possible to display information such as a radio wave state, and the necessary minimum without opening the casings to each other. This information can be given to the user. In this state, the photographing window 32 a of the camera 32 is arranged at a position that coincides with the second opening 17 and is therefore hidden by the operation-side casing 2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the camera as compared with a mobile phone in which the camera is always exposed.
[0025]
On the other hand, when the photographing window 32a of the camera 32 is exposed when the operation side housing 2 and the display side housing 3 are closed to each other, the operation dial 34 protruding from the third opening 20 is used. The camera unit 30 is rotated by operating with a thumb or the like. Then, by arranging the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 at a position corresponding to the first opening 19, the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 is exposed to the outside and is visible. It becomes.
[0026]
Next, the case where various functions mounted on the mobile phone 1 are used will be described. In this case, the display side housing 3 is opened with respect to the operation side housing 2. As a result, the display screen 9a of the first display unit 9 can be exposed and the operation key 6 can be operated. That is, by doing so, it is possible to use functions such as creation of a mail and a call.
Further, when shooting the subject on the back 21 side using the camera 32, the shooting window 32 a of the camera 32 is exposed from the first opening 19. When the shooting window 32 a of the camera 32 is not exposed from the first opening 19, the camera unit 30 is rotated by operating the operation dial 34 so that the shooting window 32 a of the camera 32 matches the first opening 19. Place it at the position you want. Accordingly, the operator can photograph the subject on the back surface 21 side by pressing the predetermined operation key 6 while confirming the image information captured from the camera 32 on the first display unit 9.
[0027]
In this case, according to the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment, the display screen of the second display unit 33 provided in the camera unit 30 when the shooting window 32a of the camera 32 is made to coincide with the first opening 19. 33 a is arranged at a position corresponding to the second opening 17. As a result, the display screen 9a of the first display unit 9 and the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 are arranged adjacent to each other.
At this time, since the switch 37 is pressed by the convex portion 36 to be turned on, an image captured from the camera 32 by the display control unit is displayed on the display screen 9a of the first display unit 9 and the second display unit. It is divided and displayed on 33 display screens 33a. As a result, it is possible to display a larger image using the display units 9 and 33 as an integrated screen.
[0028]
Further, when the operator photographs himself / herself as a subject, the photographing window 32 a of the camera 32 is arranged at a position corresponding to the second opening 17. Thereby, the photographing window 32a of the camera 32 is exposed to the surface 8 side. Then, by pressing a predetermined operation key 6, it is possible to take a picture while viewing the display screen 9a of the first display unit 9.
[0029]
According to the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment, when the camera 32 is not used, the shooting window 32a of the camera 32 is moved by moving the shooting window 32a of the camera 32 to a position that matches the second opening 17. Can be hidden from the back surface 21 side. Therefore, when an operator views the information displayed on the display screen 9a of the first display unit 9 while operating the operation key 6 without intention of taking a picture, or when making a phone call, the outside Thus, it is possible to prevent the photographing window 32a of the camera 32 from being directed.
[0030]
At this time, since the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 is arranged at a position that coincides with the first opening 19, the operation-side casing 2 and the display-side casing 3 are folded together. Even when the display screen 9 a of the first display unit 9 is hidden, the operator can obtain information from the display screen 33 a of the second display unit 33.
Further, since the camera 32 and the second display unit 33 are formed as an integrated unit, the installation space in the display side housing 3 is saved, and the design of the display side housing 3 is not adversely affected. In addition, the mobile phone 1 can be easily downsized.
Further, when the photographing window 32a of the camera 32 is arranged at a position coinciding with the first opening 19, and the outside of the back side 21 is to be photographed, the display of the first display unit 9 on the front surface 8 side. Since the screen 9a and the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 are arranged adjacent to each other, the operator can shoot more comfortably by displaying a larger image as an integrated screen combining them. Can do.
[0031]
Furthermore, in this state, since the convex part 36 is pressing the switch 37 and the information is transmitted to the display control part, the photographing window 32a of the camera 32 or the display screen 33a of the second display part 33 is displayed. It is possible to automatically switch to an integral screen display simply by placing it at a predetermined position.
Further, when the operator takes a picture of himself / herself as a subject, the photographing window 32a of the camera 32 is arranged at a position coinciding with the second opening 17, so that the operator can accurately view the display screen 9a of the first display unit 9. Can be taken.
[0032]
In the above-described embodiment, the storage portion 16 is formed in the display-side housing 3 between the first display portion 9 and the hinge portion 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, The display-side housing 3 may be formed between the first display portion 9 and the end portion on the opposite side of the hinge portion 4.
Moreover, although the accommodating part 16 was extended in the width direction of the display side housing | casing 3, you may decide to extend in the length direction of the display side housing | casing 3 without being restricted to this.
In addition, the protrusions 25 are formed on the both end walls of the housing portion 16 and the recesses 35 are formed on both ends of the camera unit 30 in the length direction. Instead, the recesses are respectively formed on the both end walls of the housing portion 16. Cylindrical protrusions directed outward in the axial direction may be formed at both ends of the unit 30, respectively.
In addition, although the operation dial 34 protruding from the third and fourth openings 20 and 18 is turned with a thumb or the like, it may be switched electrically. Thereby, switching between the imaging window 32a of the camera 32 and the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 can be facilitated.
[0033]
Further, the rotation detecting means is composed of the convex portion 36 and the switch 37. However, the rotation detecting means is not limited to this, and may be either a contact type or a non-contact type. For example, it may be detected by a magnetic sensor or the like. Good.
Further, the rotation detecting means is made up of one set of the convex portion 36 and the switch 37, but is not limited thereto, and may be made up of a plurality of sets. Thereby, not only the position where the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 matches the second opening 17 but also the position where the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 matches the first opening 19 is obtained. In some cases, the rotational position of the camera unit 30 can be detected at a plurality of locations.
In addition, the display is automatically switched to the integral screen display by the rotation detection means, but instead of this, the operator may manually switch by pressing a predetermined operation key 6.
[0034]
In addition, the first display unit 9 and the second display unit 33 are displayed as an integrated screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33 may adjust the exposure of the camera. Such information may be displayed. Thereby, an accurate and clear image can be taken in easily and can be taken comfortably. Further, for example, the incoming call information or the like may be displayed on the display screen 33a of the second display unit 33. This makes it possible to check the incoming call state even during shooting. Further, when the operator presses a predetermined operation key 6, information displayed on the display screen 33 a of the second display unit 33 is sequentially switched such as for integral screen display, for exposure adjustment, and for incoming information. May be.
[0035]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the foldable mobile phone has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the foldable mobile phone, and the mobile phone having various structures including a display device and a camera. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied not only to mobile phones but also to mobile terminal devices such as PDAs.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when viewing information displayed on the first display unit or during a call, the surface other than the surface on which the display screen of the first display unit is arranged (exposed) Since the shooting window of the camera can be concealed from the side), it is possible to clearly show whether or not the user intends to use the camera to an external third party. In addition, since the camera and the second display unit are provided as an integral unit and can be switched and exposed, it is not necessary to separately provide the camera and the second display unit on the housing surface. Therefore, it is possible to provide a portable terminal device that can be easily reduced in size by saving space, and does not adversely affect the appearance design of the portable terminal device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a mobile phone as an embodiment of a mobile terminal device according to the present invention, from a first display unit side showing a state where a first housing and a second housing are opened to each other; FIG.
FIG. 2 is a mobile phone which is an embodiment of the mobile terminal device according to the present invention, and includes a first display unit showing a state where the first housing and the second housing are opened to each other; It is the top view seen from the back side of the surface to be done.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the camera unit according to the same embodiment as seen from the camera side.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the camera unit in the same embodiment, showing a state from a second display unit side.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a camera unit and a display-side casing in the mobile phone of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Mobile phone (mobile terminal device)
2 Operation side case (other case)
3 Display side housing (housing)
4 hinge part 9 first display part 9a display screen 16 of first display part accommodating part 17 first opening part (opening part)
19 Second opening 30 Camera unit 31 Unit main body 32 Camera 32a Shooting window 33 Second display portion 33a Display screen 36 of second display portion Projection (rotation detection means)
37 switch (rotation detection means)

Claims (7)

An operation side housing having an operation key, a display side housing having a first display unit, and a hinge portion for connecting one end side of the operation side housing and one end side of the display side housing. A portable terminal device comprising:
The display-side housing includes a housing portion having a first opening disposed on the hinge portion side on a second outer surface different from the first outer surface on which the display screen of the first display portion is disposed. ,
A camera unit disposed in the housing portion,
The camera unit includes a unit main body rotatably supported around an axis substantially parallel to the display screen of the first display section in the housing section, a camera mounted in the unit main body, and a second display And comprising
The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the unit main body is provided on an outer surface thereof with a photographing window of the camera and a display screen of the second display unit facing in different directions. The operation-side housing and said display-side housing is foldably connected, said first outer surface, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is facing the operation-side housing in the folded state Mobile terminal device. The accommodating portion has a second opening on the first outer surface, and one of the photographing window of the camera and the display screen of the second display portion is exposed to the outside from the first opening. 3. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal device is disposed so that the other is exposed to the outside through the second opening when being operated. The mobile terminal device according to claim 3 , wherein the first opening of the housing portion is located at a position facing the second opening. When the second opening is disposed adjacent to the display screen of the first display unit, and the display screen of the second display unit is exposed from the second opening, the first and second mobile terminal device according to claim 3 or claim 4 characterized in that it has a control unit for controlling to display the information across the display screen of the display unit. The imaging window of the camera and the display screen of the second display unit are disposed so as to face in opposite directions with respect to the rotation axis of the camera unit. Item 6. The mobile terminal device according to any one of Items 5 . The portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a rotation detection unit that detects a rotation position of the camera unit.

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