JPH10341363A - Image input processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input processor which improves operability and can be operated easily in any manner of holding. SOLUTION: Image data picked up by a CCD image-pickup unit 3 are displayed on a display device 10, arranged on a side face 1b at a main body 1 of case. A camera part is attached via a spherical rotary unit 4 with respect to the main body 1 of case so as to be rotated, and to change an image-pickup direction. Further, a shutter 5 for lateral direction is provided on the front face of the main body 1 of a case, and a shutter 6 for longitudinal direction is formed on its lower face. When using this device in a lateral position, the shutter 5 and the rotary unit 4 can be operated with the thumb of a left hand F1 and when using this device in a horizontal position, the rotary unit 4 can be operated by the forefinger of left hand F1, while operating a shutter 6 with the thumb of the left hand F1. Since the device can be operated by one hand, a touch panel 11 on the display device 10 can be operated, while using an input pen 40 with a right hand F2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input processing device, and more specifically, to a camera, a display unit for displaying image data picked up by the camera, and a predetermined unit for the image data. The present invention relates to an apparatus integrally provided with an image processing unit for performing processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a digital still camera, which has become widely used recently, displays an image captured by a CCD camera on a liquid crystal panel and checks an object to be imaged by pressing a shutter to store an image displayed in a memory. It is made to memorize. The image stored in the memory is subjected to a predetermined process such as printing out or transferring the image to another information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0003] Also, an image database (picture book data, etc.)
There is also developed an image search device that incorporates a data storage device, compares image data captured by a CCD camera with data stored in the image database, and searches for a match.

[0004] By the way, in the image input processing device having the above-mentioned imaging function, further miniaturization is achieved in consideration of portability. Then, since the area of the display unit also becomes smaller, there is a demand to switch between portrait and landscape orientations in accordance with the shape of the subject. At this time, various information may be displayed on the display screen together with the captured image data.
For example, the remaining number of images that can be captured, date / time,
In some cases, a current setting function is displayed, or in the case of an image search device, a message for prompting or assisting various inputs or various switches are displayed on a display screen. Therefore, when the image is displayed with the vertical / horizontal direction changed as described above, the captured image data can display the subject on the entire display screen and can be easily viewed. Become. In particular, in the case of miniaturization, the displayed characters themselves are also small, so that they are difficult to see and the operability deteriorates.

In many cases, in a conventional digital still camera, the imaging direction of the camera (the direction of the optical axis of the camera lens) is fixed. (Parallel), which is not suitable for photographing a subject from an oblique direction. Furthermore, when inputting various kinds of information via the display screen rather than simply displaying the image on the display screen, it is easier to write the display screen almost parallel to the ground. In the type in which the display screen is vertical to the ground, writing is difficult and operability deteriorates.

Recently, the camera can be rotated in one axial direction so that not only the other party but also the photographer himself can be moved, and the photographing can be performed with the camera's photographing direction facing the photographer. There is something like that. When such a rotatable camera is used, it is possible to take a picture of a subject from an oblique direction. However, even in such a case, it is possible to cope with either the vertical direction or the oblique direction, and there is no object capable of capturing an image in an oblique direction in any direction, and the operability is poor.

Further, in the case of such a type in which the direction of the camera is rotated, it is necessary to rotate the camera and release the shutter with different hands due to its structure. Therefore, both hands are blocked, and, for example, when input is performed on the screen while being displayed on a display screen of an image search device or the like, which is one of the usage modes of the present invention, it is not suitable. , It becomes inconvenient. In addition, not only the image search apparatus but also a digital still camera or the like has the same problem if it has a function of performing various settings on a screen, for example.

Furthermore, there are right-handed persons and left-handed persons. Therefore, there are various tools in which right-handed tools and left-handed tools are prepared according to the dominant arm.
However, considering manufacturing, it is complicated to make each of them according to the right-handed / left-handed use, which leads to an increase in cost. In view of this, the image input processing device is designed to design the layout of shutters and other components according to the right-handed use, in combination with the fact that there are many right-handed people. Then, it becomes inconvenient for left-handed people.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has as its object to solve the above-mentioned problems, to be excellent in operability, and to be easily operated in any holding manner. Can be used irrespective of the dominant arm, and has excellent operability irrespective of the use direction (vertical / horizontal), and can be used to change the direction of the imaging means and operate the shutters with one hand. The other hand is free, so the other hand can be used for further processing, the operability is good, and various settings can be made automatically.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an extremely easy-to-use image input processing device.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, an image input processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured as follows.

A first aspect of the present invention includes an image pickup means (corresponding to the "CCD image pickup unit 3" in the embodiment), a display means for displaying image data picked up by the image pickup means, and a predetermined processing for the image data. An image input processing device integrally provided with an image processing unit for performing image processing, wherein the imaging means is rotatably attached to a case main body to change an imaging direction, and rotates the imaging means (rotation direction Is not necessarily at an arbitrary angle in the three-dimensional direction) (corresponding to the exposed surface of the rotating unit 4 in the embodiment), and the shutter of the imaging means is arranged in a range that can be operated with one hand. (Claim 1).

As an example of a more specific configuration, for example, the display means is disposed on a side surface of the case main body, and the imaging means is provided at a predetermined corner of the case main body (in the embodiment, (Corresponding to the corner provided with the inclined surface 1a). And the shutter is
One shutter is disposed close to the rotating unit, the other shutter is near a corner adjacent to the corner where the imaging unit is mounted, and has the imaging unit mounted. The invention of claim 1 can be realized by arranging it on a surface that does not constitute a corner (claim 2).

In the first aspect of the present invention, since the operation can be performed with one hand, the other hand can be used freely. Therefore, for example, claim 1
In the case where the input operation can be performed on the display screen as specified in 2, the photographing and the input can be performed in parallel, which is convenient.
Operability is improved. Regardless of the input, it is convenient to say that one hand is empty because other processing can be performed in parallel.

A second aspect of the present invention is an image input processing unit integrally including an image pickup unit, a display unit for displaying image data picked up by the image pickup unit, and an image processing unit for performing a predetermined process on the image data. The premise of the device is the same as in the first invention. The display means is movably attached to the case body and can be arranged on a pair of opposed side surfaces of the case body. In the present invention, it is not always necessary for the imaging means to rotate.

As an example of a more specific configuration, for example, the display means includes a plate having a display screen on both sides;
A connection member for rotatably connecting the plate to the case body, and configured to output the image data to a display screen serving as a surface when the plate is arranged on a side surface. (Claim 4). Further, as another means, the display means includes a plate having a display screen on one side, and a connecting member for rotatably connecting the plate to the case body, and a rotating member for connecting the plate and the connecting member to each other. The display screen can be positioned on the front side even if the plate is arranged on any side by rotating the rotating member.

As will be described in detail in the embodiments, the display device can be inverted and arranged on any side, so that the same device can be operated regardless of right-handed / left-handed use. Moreover, it does not matter whether it is vertical or horizontal. Therefore, since the operation can be performed with any hand / use orientation, the device is easy to use for everyone.

A third aspect of the present invention is an image input processing integrally comprising an image pickup means, a display means for displaying image data picked up by the image pickup means, and an image processing section for performing predetermined processing on the image data. The premise of the device is the same as in the first and second inventions. Then, predetermined information can be displayed on the display screen of the display means together with the captured image data, and the display direction of the information is changed according to the use direction (claim 6).

With this configuration, the information is displayed according to the direction of use, so that the displayed information is easy to see regardless of the direction of use. In particular, even when the display screen becomes smaller and the characters and the like become smaller, the display contents can be easily understood by matching the top and bottom of the characters and the like with the top and bottom of the display screen.

In such a case, the imaging means is rotatably attached to the case body so as to be able to change the imaging direction, detects the use direction from the imaging direction of the imaging means, and based on the detected use direction. It is preferable that the display direction is changed by changing the display direction. Also, on the surface of the case main body, a sensor for horizontal detection is provided at a place where the user's hand touches when used in a horizontal orientation, and where the hand does not touch when used in a vertical orientation. The user's hand touches when performing, and, when used horizontally, a vertical detection sensor is provided at a place where the hand does not touch, and the use direction is detected from the outputs of the two detection sensors, and the detection is performed. The display direction may be changed based on the use direction (claim 8). With such a configuration, the use direction can be automatically detected and the display mode can be determined, so that the usability is extremely improved.

Ancillary inventions Based on the above inventions, it is more preferable to add the following configurations. That is, the imaging means is rotatably attached to the case body so that the imaging direction can be changed, and by increasing the rotatable range, the imaging direction of the imaging means is directed to the inside of the case body. It may be possible to store it (claim 9). In this case, the image pickup means (lens) can be protected by housing the image pickup means.

In this case, on / off of the power supply is controlled in synchronization with the rotation of the imaging means, so that the power supply is turned off in the housed state of the imaging means whose imaging direction is directed to the inside of the case body. It is more preferable to configure
0).

Further, the imaging means is built in a rotating unit made of a spherical body, and the rotating unit is rotatably mounted in the case main body to rotate the imaging means in an arbitrary three-dimensional direction. It is desirable to make it possible (claim 11). By doing so, the display screen can be set to an arbitrary angle in either the portrait orientation or the landscape orientation, thereby improving operability. The display screen of the display means may further include an input unit such as a touch panel.

* Definition of terms The "side surface of the case body" is not limited to the shape of the entire case, and in the present invention, the surface on which the display device is arranged as a result is the side surface of the case body. In addition, the image processing unit performs not only an editing process for image data and an image extraction process required for searching in an image searching device,
Simply store the image taken by the imaging means in the storage means,
This includes the case where only the process of outputting to an external device is executed.

[0024]

1 to 4 show an external view of an image input processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows an internal circuit thereof. As shown in the figure, the case main body 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, one of its corners being removed, and having a shape having an inclined surface 1a. For convenience, two opposing surfaces having a large area are defined as side surfaces 1b and 1c, and of the surfaces adjacent to the inclined surface 1a, a shorter one is defined as a front surface 1d and a longer one is defined as an upper surface 1e. 1f and the lower surface 1g.

Then, a CCD image pickup unit 3 is provided on the inclined surface 1a. The CCD imaging unit 3 includes a CCD and an imaging lens for forming light from an object on the CCD. And the CCD imaging unit 3
It is mounted on a case body via a rotation unit 4 described later, whereby it becomes rotatable so that an image in an arbitrary three-dimensional direction can be taken. Further, a horizontal shutter 5 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper side near the CCD imaging unit 3 in the front surface 1d. Further, a vertical shutter 6 is provided on the front side of the lower surface 1g. Then, by releasing one of the shutters 5 and 6, the CC
The image data captured by the D imaging unit 3 is stored in the image memory 7.

A display device 10 comprising a liquid crystal display is mounted on the side surface 1b. This display device 10
Has a rectangular shape. As described later, the display device 10 is movable,
As shown in the drawing, the state is located on one side surface 1b side, and is reversed from the state and located on the other side surface 1c side. Further, a touch panel 11 is attached to the front side of the display device 10.

Further, a power switch 8 and a use direction switch 9 are provided behind the upper surface 1e. When the use direction is set by the use direction switch 9, only the set shutter 5 or 6 is enabled, and no operation is performed even if the other shutter is pressed. In this case, a lamp may be built in the shutter, and the lamp of the effective shutter may be turned on so that it can be seen at a glance which one is effective. Further, for example, when an invalid shutter is pressed, a warning sound such as “beep, beep” may be emitted.

The term “horizontal” in this specification refers to a direction in which the display screen of the display device 10 is horizontally long as shown in FIG. 1, and is a direction suitable for a long subject. Similarly, the portrait orientation in the specification is a direction in which the display screen of the display device 10 is vertically elongated as shown in FIG.
This direction is suitable for a vertically long subject.

The structural features of the present invention can be broadly classified into the following three aspects: (1) the CCD image pickup unit 3 can be rotated on multiple axes and directed in an arbitrary three-dimensional direction;
(2) When used in portrait and landscape orientations, the operability is easily and improved (display direction is changed). (3) The display device 10 is turned over and either side of the two side surfaces 1b and 1c. (4) C with one hand
There are cases where the direction of the CD imaging unit 3 can be adjusted and a switch (shutter) can be operated. Therefore, the configuration of each section will be described in consideration of the above-described features.

* Structure for rotating the CCD image pickup unit 3 The camera section of the conventional digital still camera is configured to take a picture in a direction perpendicular to the display screen. (Perpendicular to the ground) must be set up. For example, when the display is taken from diagonally above or diagonally below, not only will the display be unnatural, but the display screen will be difficult to see. is there. In order to solve this problem, there has been a camera in which the camera unit is rotated in one axis direction on a plane orthogonal to the display screen.

However, in consideration of actual operation, there is a demand to capture images in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction according to the shape of a subject and the like. There is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to rotate and turn to an arbitrary angle in the three-dimensional direction.

As a specific structure, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the CCD image pickup unit 3 is installed at a predetermined position (a position close to the surface) inside the rotating unit 4 composed of a sphere, and the CCD image pickup unit 3 The opening of the surface of the rotating unit 4 opposite to. A recess 14 having an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer shape of the rotating unit 4 is provided so as to open on the inclined surface 1a of the case main body 1, and the rotating unit 4 is inserted and arranged in the recess 14 in a partially exposed state. I do. Further, the recess 14 has at least a volume and shape equal to or more than a hemisphere, so that after the case body 1 is assembled, the recess 1 is formed.
The rotation unit 4 is not separated from the rotation unit 4. Therefore, the recess 14 and the rotating unit 4 are in surface contact with each other, and can be rotated in the surface direction, that is, in any direction. Then, by touching a portion of the rotating unit 4 exposed to the outside with a finger or the like and biasing the rotating unit 4 in a predetermined direction, the rotating unit 4 can be easily rotated.

In practice, wiring is required to connect the CCD image pickup unit 3 to the internal circuit. Therefore, a part of the rotation unit 4 (the opening facing the CCD image pickup unit 3 and the Is opened, and at least a part of the recess 14 is also opened. Then, the wiring drawn out of the CCD imaging unit 3 through the opening is connected to the outside of the recess 14, that is, to the bus of the control circuit installed in the case body 1. This allows
By adopting a large opening, even when the rotating unit 4 is rotated, the image data can be transmitted to the control circuit without tangling the wiring.

FIG. 6 shows the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this state, the CCD image pickup unit 3 has the front face 1d.
Is facing the direction of. This direction is a direction parallel to the display surface of the display device 10. That is, in the conventional digital still camera, the camera can only be turned in the vertical direction with respect to the display surface of the display device, but the present invention can be turned in the horizontal direction. As a result, for example, the display device 1
When 0 (display surface) is substantially parallel to the ground, the conventional device can only image the ground, but in the present embodiment, it is possible to image a subject positioned to extend in a direction perpendicular to the ground. In addition, the user can operate the touch panel 11 using the input pen in this state to execute a predetermined process. And since the touch panel 11 is substantially parallel to the ground, it is easy to input with a pen.

When the camera is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the display surface as in a conventional camera, the vertical and horizontal directions can be changed simply by changing the direction of the case body 1. As shown in FIG. 4, when the camera unit is oriented in the horizontal direction with respect to the display screen, if the direction of the case body 1 is changed by 90 degrees (horizontal / vertical change), the CCD imaging unit 3 is left as it is. Also rotates 90 degrees. However, in the present embodiment, since the CCD imaging unit 3 can be rotated by operating the rotation unit 4, it is possible to face the same direction.

Further, since the CCD image pickup unit 3 can freely rotate in the three-dimensional direction, it is possible to take an image of a subject existing in the direction perpendicular to the display surface as in the conventional case, or to take an image at an arbitrary angle between them. You can also. Thus C
Since the direction of the CD imaging unit 3 can be freely set, the posture of the case main body 1 is freely set to view the display device 10 and / or to operate the touch panel 11, and in that state, the CCD imaging unit 3 Can be imaged by pointing the camera. Therefore, the posture of the case body 1 is
Since it can be set freely regardless of the positional relationship between the user and the subject, it is easy to see and input, handling is easy, and operability is improved.

Further, by rotating the rotation unit 4, the CCD image pickup unit 3 can be positioned in the case body 1 as shown in FIG. In this way, when not in use, the state shown in FIG. 7 is set, so that the CCD image pickup unit 3 is not exposed to the outside, so that the lens can be protected. That is, it is not necessary to provide a lens cover or the like (reduction in the number of parts), and the harmful effects of forgetting to attach the lens cover during storage or removing the lens cover during use are also eliminated.

Further, by providing a guide in the direction of rotation to some extent while ensuring the free rotation of the rotation unit 4, the direction of the CCD image pickup unit 3 with respect to the case body 1 can be easily oriented in a predetermined direction, and furthermore, the CCD image pickup can be performed. In order to store the unit 3 at a predetermined position, the present embodiment employs the following configuration.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8A which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AB in FIG. 6, the rotation unit 4 passes through the CCD imaging unit 3 and rotates 90 degrees with respect to the equator 4a. The depressions 20 are provided at the respective positions. Therefore, the two depressions 20 are arranged opposite to each other at the radially opposite positions. At a predetermined position in the recess 14 (case main body 1) that can face the recess 20, a protrusion 2 that protrudes and retracts in the recess 14 and can match the recess 20.
A support 21 provided with 1a is provided. This projection 21a
Is due to the elastic restoring force of a spring built in the support 21.
When no load is applied, it projects into the recess 14, and when it receives a predetermined force, it retracts into the support 21 and is positioned outside the recess 14. The inner shape of the recess 20 and the outer shape of the projection 21a are both arc-shaped in cross section from which a part of the sphere is removed on the tip side, and the radius of curvature of the projection 21a is larger.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), when the depression 20 provided on the rotating unit 4 and the projection 21a are opposed to each other and coincide with each other, the tip of the projection 21a and the inner surface of the depression 20 are not in contact with each other. A space is formed between the protrusions 21a
Will be engaged shallowly. Therefore, when a certain amount of force is applied, the engagement is easily released, and the state becomes as shown in FIG. In the state where the projection 21a and the recess 20 coincide with each other as shown in FIG. 3B, the bearing 21 becomes a kind of bearing mechanism, and a line connecting the pair of projections 21a (diameter connecting the recesses 20) is used as a rotation center. It will rotate around one axis. Then, the matching state of the two works to hold it by the elastic restoring force of the spring in the support 20, so that even if the force is slightly applied in a diagonal direction, it is stably rotated about one axis. The rotation direction is determined by the display device 10.
Direction of rotation on a plane parallel to the display screen of
This includes the orientation of the illustrated CCD imaging unit 3 when used in the horizontal direction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the vertical direction shown in FIGS.

Therefore, in adopting a usage mode in which the direction of the display screen and the direction of the CCD imaging unit 3 are made parallel, the operability is good because the parallelism can be easily maintained. In particular, as described below,
When the direction of the CCD imaging unit 3 and the operation of the shutters 5 and 6 are operated with one hand, the CCD imaging unit 3 is rotated in a desired direction even if the direction of applying force to the CCD imaging unit 3 is relatively rough. It is preferable because it can be used.

On the other hand, when a force greater than a certain magnitude is applied in a direction different from the above-mentioned rotation about one axis, the spring is compressed and the engagement between the projection 21a and the recess 20 is released (FIG. 5). (C)). Once the projection 21a comes off the recess 20, the projection 21a only comes into contact with the outer surface of the rotating unit 4, so that the rotating unit 4 can be easily rotated in a predetermined direction. Since the projection 21a acts to project by the elastic restoring force of the spring, the rotation unit 4
A constant pressure will be applied to the outer surface of. As a result, the function of stopping the rotating unit 4 in an arbitrary direction (angular position) is also exerted in an auxiliary manner.

* Power On / Off Control In this embodiment, the power switch 8 is provided on the upper surface 1e of the case body 1 as described above, and the power on / off is controlled manually by operating the switch 8. ing.

However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a switch for turning on / off in synchronization with the rotation of the rotation unit 4 is provided, and when the CCD imaging unit 3 is stored, the power is automatically turned off. In other words, a mechanism that turns on the power when the CCD imaging unit 3 is exposed to the outside (or when the CCD imaging unit 3 is shifted from the storage position) may be provided.

As a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a limit switch 22 is provided at a predetermined position near the recess 14. The limit switch 22 has a convex portion 22a that comes into and out of the concave portion 14 by a built-in spring. The convex portion 22a projects into the concave portion 14 when no load is applied by the elastic restoring force of a built-in spring, and is retracted and located outside the concave portion 14 when a predetermined force is received.
When the protrusion 22a protrudes, the power is turned off, and when the protrusion is retracted, the power is turned on. Further, on the rotation unit 4 side, two concave portions 23 and 24 corresponding to the convex portions 22a are provided with the CCD image pickup unit 3 interposed therebetween.

By doing so, as shown in FIG. 7, when the CCD imaging unit 3 is housed in the case body 1, the projections 22a and the recesses 23 coincide with each other. The power is turned off. on the other hand,
When the rotating unit 4 is rotated in a predetermined direction from that state to release the matching state between the convex portion 22a and the concave portion 23, the convex portion 22a comes into contact with the outer surface of the rotary unit 4 and retracts as shown in FIG. This turns on the power. As described above, by operating the direction of the rotation unit 4 and, consequently, the CCD imaging unit 3, the power can be turned on / off according to the direction, and the operability is improved.
When such a configuration is employed, the power switch 8 described above need not be provided.

The reason why the recesses 23 and 24 are provided at two places in the present embodiment is that the CCD imaging unit 3 is rotated so as to move upward from the state of FIG. When stored, the protrusion 22a and the recess 24
This is to turn off the power by matching the above. In any case, in order to automatically turn off the power in this way, the projection 21a and the recess 20
Is to rotate the rotating unit 4 in a state where the symbols coincide with each other.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 22a and the concave portion 23 is triangular, and the surfaces that are stood perpendicular to the rotation direction are in contact with each other.
In the matched state, further rotation in the direction in which the CCD imaging unit 3 is to be stored (counterclockwise in the example of FIG. 7) is suppressed. That is, in this embodiment, the limit switch 22 also functions as a stopper. Further, by providing the stopper function in this way, it is possible to prevent the wiring from the CCD imaging unit 3 from being entangled by rotating the rotation unit 4 more than necessary. In other words, in order to prevent such wiring entanglement,
When storing, first, the projections 21a and the depressions 20 are matched with each other, and then the rotating unit 4 is rotated in a predetermined direction so that the CC
This is to store the D imaging unit 3 in the recess 14.
In addition, even when the automatic power-off function is not provided, it is preferable to provide a stopper mechanism including a mechanism (there is no switch) such as the limit switch 22 described above.

* Orientation Control In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
, Predetermined messages M1 and M2, switch icons, and the like are displayed. This is also for inputting various commands using the touch panel 11. That is, when used as an image search device, the search efficiency is improved by instructing which part of the captured image information to search, particularly, for the built-in image database. When storing the image in the image memory 7, instead of storing all the images captured by the CCD imaging unit 3, a predetermined area of the image is trimmed (for example, a portion to be trimmed on the touch panel is surrounded). Only, or store it as an enlarged or reduced image,
Various processes such as combining predetermined messages and storing them in association with each other may be performed. The processing is
The CPU 25 waits for an input / command from the touch panel 11
Do.

Then, in order to perform the processing, a message or the like is displayed on the display screen as described above. At this time,
In this embodiment, the display direction of the messages M1, M2, and the like is switched by the CPU 25 and the display direction control device 26 by instructing in advance whether to use the device in the portrait or landscape direction by the use direction switch 9. ing. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when used in a horizontal orientation, the display screen of the display device 10 is used with the upper surface 1 e side of the case body 1 facing upward. Also,
As shown in FIG. 10, when used in portrait orientation,
The display screen of the display device 10 is used so that the front surface 1d side of the case body 1 faces upward.

Therefore, when displaying a message,
The upper part of each display screen in the use state and the message M1,
The display is made such that the top and bottom of M2 match. This allows
Regardless of whether the message is used in the portrait orientation or the landscape orientation, the message can be easily viewed, the content thereof can be easily understood, and the operability is improved.

The switching of the display mode is manually performed by switching the use direction switch 9, but a direction detection sensor is provided to automatically determine which direction the device is used. Alternatively, the direction when displaying a message or the like may be switched according to the determination result. In that case, use direction changeover switch 9
Becomes unnecessary.

Automatic Direction Determination (Part 1) Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the rotating unit 4 is divided into two regions R1 and R2. These regions R1 and R2 are
The surface of the hemisphere divided into two with the circumference (the equator 4a) passing through both the recesses 20 and the CCD imaging unit 3 as a boundary. Then, an orientation detection sensor 28 is provided near the limit switch 22, and it is determined which of the regions R1 and R2 the orientation detection sensor 28 faces. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, when facing the region R2, CC
Since the D imaging unit 3 faces the front surface 1d side of the case main body 1, it can be determined that the D imaging unit 3 is used in the vertical orientation as shown in FIG. When facing the region R1, the CCD
Since the imaging unit 3 faces the upper surface 1e side of the case body 1, it can be determined that the imaging unit 3 is used in the vertical orientation as shown in FIG.

Further, even when the matching between the recess 20 and the projection 21a is released and the case body 1 is used with the case body 1 standing upright at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground, the case body 1 is used, for example, vertically. In the case, the CCD imaging unit 3
Is located in a region close to the front surface 1d side, the region R2 remains facing the direction detection sensor 28. Conversely, when used in the horizontal direction, the CCD image pickup unit 3 moves to a region close to the top surface 1e side. Therefore, the region facing the direction detection sensor 28 remains in the region R1. Therefore, in any case, the use orientation can be determined from the output of the orientation detection sensor 28. For this determination, the output of the orientation detection sensor 28 is sent to the CPU 25, where the determination is made, and the result of the determination is sent to the orientation display control device 26.

The determination of the area by the direction detecting sensor 28 can be easily performed by changing the reflectance and the color of the surface of the areas R1 and R2 and using a sensor capable of detecting such a difference. Also, a step is provided (region R1).
The radius can be changed between the side and the R2 side), and various configurations can be adopted by using a distance sensor.

Automatic Orientation Judgment (Part 2) As another detection method of the use orientation, in the present embodiment,
A horizontal shutter 5 and a vertical shutter 6 are provided. In the above description, the use direction is determined based on an instruction from the use direction switch 9 or an output signal from the direction detection sensor 26, and only the use direction shutter is enabled. Instead, both the shutters 5 and 6 are set to the operating state, and when one of the shutters is lightly pressed, the direction of use is determined by determining which direction the pressed shutter is for. You may make it. That is, a shutter,
By also using the use direction switch, the number of components can be reduced, and the user does not need to operate the use direction switch 9 once, so that the operability is also improved.

Automatic Orientation Judgment (Part 3) In still another detection method, for example, as shown in FIGS.
a and the vertical detection sensor 29b are provided, and the determination can be made from the sensor output. That is, the sensor 29a for detecting the lateral direction is the front surface 1d and the lower surface 1
It consists of a temperature sensor formed in a region close to g. Similarly, the vertical orientation detection sensor 29b is composed of a temperature sensor formed in a region near the lower surface 1g and the rear surface 1f of the side surfaces 1b and 1c and behind the lower surface 1g. Then, as will be apparent from FIGS. 13 to 15 used in the following description, the hand holding the case main body 1 when used in the horizontal direction is touched by any of the horizontal detection sensors 29a, but the vertical holding sensor 29b Do not touch. Conversely, the hand holding the case body 1 when used in the portrait orientation touches any of the portrait orientation detection sensors 29b but does not touch the landscape orientation detection sensor 29a. Therefore, by using a temperature-sensitive sensor that responds to the temperature (body temperature) of a human hand, it is possible to know the direction of use. Of course, the sensor may be pressure-sensitive instead of temperature-sensitive.

The display device 10 is inverted. In FIGS. 1 to 4, 9 and 10,
The display device 10 is arranged on one side 1b of the display device. However, in the present embodiment, the display device 10 can be positioned on the side surface 1c by reversing this state. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the upper surface 1 e of the case body 1 and both side surfaces 1 b and 1 c continuous therewith.
Is provided with a low step portion, and the display device 10 is inserted and arranged in the low step portion.

As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid crystal display 3
0, plate 32 (side surface 1) on which touch panel 11 is mounted
b, 1c) and an elongated connecting piece 33 (corresponding to the lower step formed on the upper surface 1e) with a first hinge mechanism 34, and a shaft 34a Rotate forward and backward around the rotation center. Further, the connecting piece 33 has a rotating shaft 33a at both ends thereof, and the rotating shaft 33a is inserted into a hole (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the lower step portion of the upper surface 1e of the case main body 1 so that the second shaft is formed. The hinge mechanism 36 is formed so as to be able to rotate forward and reverse around its rotation axis 33a. By appropriately rotating these two hinge mechanisms 34 and 36, it is possible to take two states, one on the side surface 1b as shown in FIG. 1 and the other on the opposite side surface 1c.

Further, by turning the display device upside down, the exposed surface of the plate 30 is inverted. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 30 and the touch panel 11 are provided on both surfaces of the plate 32, respectively. Then, one of them is made effective according to the usage mode.
Specifically, a mode for selecting which side to use may be added to the use direction changeover switch or the like to allow the user to select in advance, or a portion where the display device 10 and the case body 1 are in contact with each other. By incorporating a microswitch in the CPU, it is possible to automatically determine which side is located by turning on / off the microswitch, and control switching of the liquid crystal display 30 and the touch panel 11 to be enabled.

FIG. 12 shows another configuration for inverting the display device 10. In the example shown in FIG.
Although the shaft 34a and the plate 32 constituting the hinge mechanism 34 are integrally formed, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the plate 32 and the shaft 34a are connected via the rotating body 37. As a result, the plate 32 rotates forward and backward with respect to the rotation center P of the rotating body 37. Therefore, even if the plate 32 is located on either side of the side surface 1b or 1c of the case body 1, the rotating body is rotated as necessary. By rotating the plate 32 via 37, the same surface can be turned upside down. Therefore, the liquid crystal display 30 and the touch panel 11
It is only necessary to install one set on one side of. However, one side 1
In the state where b and the other side surface 1c are positioned, when used vertically, the top and bottom are reversed. Therefore, as described above, it is detected which side is positioned and the output is controlled accordingly. Will do. The other configuration is the same as the example shown in FIG.

* Adjustment of the direction of the CCD image pickup unit 3 and operation of the switch (shutter) with one hand When using the display device 10 sideways with the display device 10 arranged on the side surface 1b as shown in FIGS. For example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, hold the case body 1 with the left hand F1 and
While holding the input pen 40 in 2, predetermined data may be input via the touch panel 11 while displaying an image captured by the CCD imaging unit 3 on the display device 10. In this case, in this embodiment, the direction of the CCD imaging unit 3 can be changed and adjusted by pressing the horizontal shutter 5 with the thumb or operating the rotation unit 4. That is, the direction value shutter of the camera unit can be operated with only one hand (the left hand F1). Therefore, since the right hand F2 is vacant, as shown in the figure, the shutter 5 is turned off, image data is taken in, and input processing can be performed using the right hand F2 while the image data is displayed.

On the other hand, when the display device 10 is used in a vertical orientation with the display device 10 disposed on the side surface 1b as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, by holding the case body 1 as shown in FIG. Shutter 6 for portrait orientation with thumb of left hand F1
By operating the rotary unit 4 with the index finger of the left hand F1, the direction of the CCD imaging unit 3 can be adjusted. Of course, in this state, the processing on the touch panel 11 can be performed with the right hand.

The above example is a process for a right-handed person. In the present embodiment, the display device 10 can be turned upside down and positioned on the side surface 1c opposite to the case body 1, so that the left-handed one can be processed with one hand. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, when the display device 10 is disposed on the side surface 1c side and is to be used sideways, the front surface 1d is located on the right side as viewed. Therefore, when the user holds the case body 1 with the right hand F2, the thumb for the right hand is used to push the horizontal shutter or to operate the rotation unit 4 to operate the CC.
The direction of the D imaging unit 3 can be adjusted. Of course, in this state, the input process can be performed by holding the input pen 40 with the left hand F1.

Similarly, when the camera is used vertically,
As shown in the figure, the vertical shutter 6 can be operated with the thumb of the right hand F2, and the rotation unit 4 can be operated with the index finger of the right hand F2 to adjust the direction of the CCD imaging unit 3.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a right-handed person or a left-handed person can operate with the hand on the opposite side of the dominant arm, so that the touch panel 11 can be operated with the dominant arm, resulting in good operability. Of course, when the touch panel is not used, or when there is no input processing on the screen like the touch panel in the first place, the shutter and the camera unit can be operated with the dominant arm.

[0067]

As described above, in the image input processing apparatus according to the present invention, any of the inventions can be easily operated regardless of how it is held. Specifically, it is possible to change the direction of the imaging means and operate the shutters with one hand, and since the opposite hand is free, another process can be performed with the free hand, thereby improving operability. Well (first invention), it can be used regardless of the dominant arm (second invention), and has excellent operability irrespective of the use direction (vertical / horizontal),
Various settings can be made automatically (third invention),
Extremely easy to use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of an image input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing an embodiment of an image input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating an embodiment of an image input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing an embodiment of an image input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an internal circuit diagram used in an embodiment of the image input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a camera unit and a rotation unit.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a camera unit and a rotating unit.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a camera unit and a rotation unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a use mode.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a use mode.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for inverting a display device.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another mechanism for inverting the display device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a use mode.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a use mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a use mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a use mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case main body 1a Inclined surface (corner part) 1b, 1c Side surface 3 Camera part (imaging means) 4 Rotation unit 5 Horizontal shutter 6 Vertical shutter 10 Display device 22 Limit switch (automatic power on / off) 29a Horizontal detection Sensor 29b Vertical orientation detection sensor 32 Plate 33 Connecting piece (connecting member) 37 Rotating body (rotating member) M1, M2 Message

Claims (12)

[Claims] An image input processing apparatus integrally including an image pickup unit, a display unit for displaying image data picked up by the image pickup unit, and an image processing unit for performing a predetermined process on the image data. The imaging unit is rotatably attached to the case body so as to be able to change an imaging direction, and an operation unit for rotating the imaging unit and a shutter of the imaging unit within a range in which the shutter can be operated with one hand. An image input processing device characterized by being arranged. 2. The display means is disposed on a side surface of the case main body. The imaging means is rotatably mounted on a predetermined corner of the case main body via a rotation unit. One shutter is disposed close to the rotating unit, and the other shutter is near a corner adjacent to the corner where the imaging unit is mounted, and near the corner where the imaging unit is mounted. 2. The image input processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image input processing device is arranged on a non-configured surface. 3. An image input processing apparatus integrally comprising an image pickup unit, a display unit for displaying image data picked up by the image pickup unit, and an image processing unit for performing a predetermined process on the image data. The image input processing device, wherein the display means is movably attached to the case body and can be arranged on a pair of opposite side surfaces of the case body. 4. The display means comprises a plate having a display screen on both sides and a connecting member for rotatably connecting the plate to the case main body, and when the plate is arranged on a side surface. 4. The image input processing device according to claim 3, wherein the image data is output to a display screen serving as a front surface. 5. The display means includes a plate having a display screen on one side, and a connecting member for rotatably connecting the plate to the case body, and connecting the plate and the connecting member via a rotating member. 4. The image input device according to claim 3, wherein the display screen can be positioned on the front side even when the plate is disposed on any side by rotating the rotating member. 5. Processing equipment. 6. An image input processing device integrally comprising an image pickup means, a display means for displaying image data picked up by the image pickup means, and an image processing section for performing predetermined processing on the image data. Image input processing, wherein predetermined information can be displayed together with captured image data on a display screen of the display means, and a display direction of the information is changed according to a use direction. apparatus. 7. The imaging means is rotatably attached to a case body to change an imaging direction, detects the use direction from the imaging direction of the imaging means, and based on the detected use direction, 7. The image input processing device according to claim 6, wherein the display direction is changed. 8. A sensor for detecting a horizontal orientation is provided on a surface of the case main body at a position where a user's hand touches when the device is used in a horizontal direction and where the user does not touch when using the device in a vertical direction. When used in the orientation, the user's hand touches, and, when used in the landscape orientation, a vertical orientation detection sensor is provided at a location where the hand does not touch, and the orientation of use is detected from the outputs of the two detection sensors, 7. The image input processing device according to claim 6, wherein the display direction is changed based on the detected use direction. 9. The imaging means is rotatably attached to the case main body so as to change an imaging direction, and by increasing the rotatable range, the imaging direction of the imaging means is set in the case main body. The image input processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the image input processing device can be stored so as to face. 10. The power supply according to claim 9, wherein on / off of a power supply is controlled in synchronization with rotation of the imaging means, and the power supply is turned off in a housed state of the imaging means whose imaging direction is directed to a case body. An image input device, characterized in that: 11. The image pickup means is incorporated in a rotating unit formed of a spherical body, and is mounted in the case main body so as to be rotatable, thereby rotating the image pickup means in an arbitrary three-dimensional direction. The image input processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image input processing device is enabled. 12. The image input processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display screen of the display unit further includes an input unit such as a touch panel.