JP2003333149A - Mobile terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile terminal device which has improved operability and convenience by saving labor of a user when switching a display means to be used for watching a prescribed indication. <P>SOLUTION: When an opening/closing detecting part 14 detects that a mobile telephone set 100 is folded, a control part 1 outputs image data from a first memory 4 to a second display driver 7, displays an image on a second display part 9 and turns on a second back light 11. The control part 1 validates an input of a second shutter button 13b. When the opening/closing detecting part 14 detects that the mobile telephone set 100 is not folded, on the other hand, the control part 1 outputs the image data from the first memory 4 to a first display driver part 6, displays the image on a first display part 8 and turns on a first back light 10. The control part 1 validates an input of a first shutter button 13a and invalidates the input of the second shutter button 13b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable terminal device which is configured to be foldable and has display means arranged inside and outside when folded.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a mobile terminal device including an image pickup unit that converts incident light into an electric signal and outputs it as image data, such as a so-called folding mobile phone with a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a foldable camera-equipped mobile phone, a main display which is a relatively large display means is provided on an inner surface when folded, and a sub-display which is a relatively small display means is provided on an outer surface. Are provided on the market. In many of the folding type mobile phones with a camera, the camera is arranged on a surface which is an outer side when folded. When the camera is arranged outside, when the user takes a picture of himself / herself as a subject, he points the camera toward himself / herself and uses the sub-display as a finder. Further, when the user takes an image of a subject other than himself / herself, he orients the camera to the opposite side and uses the main display as a finder. A user operates a switching button to switch the display used as a finder.

As a conventional technique of a portable terminal device having two display units, there is a portable information processing device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-265254. The portable information processing device has, as a display unit, a main liquid crystal used when the device is open, and a display that is smaller than the main liquid crystal and that is on the opposite side of the main liquid crystal placement surface and on the opposite side of the main liquid crystal. It has a sub liquid crystal. A display button for controlling the display of the sub liquid crystal is provided near the sub liquid crystal. In this portable information processing device, when the user presses the display button, predetermined information such as the number of incoming emails and the amount of battery charge is displayed on the sub liquid crystal. Therefore, with this portable information terminal device, the user can view predetermined information without opening the device.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a foldable camera-equipped mobile phone equipped with two display means as described above,
In order to switch the display means used as a finder when taking an image, the user needs to perform an operation of pressing a switching button. Since the buttons provided on the mobile phone are generally small, there is a problem that they are difficult to operate. Further, since the arrangement space of the buttons provided in the mobile phone is limited, the number is limited, and it may not be possible to provide a dedicated switching button. In this case, since the button provided for other purposes and the switching button for switching the display means are also used, it takes time and trouble to operate the switching button,
There is also a problem that erroneous operations are likely to occur. As described above, in the configuration in which the display unit used as the finder is switched by operating the switching button, there is a problem that preparation for imaging takes time.

Further, even in the portable information processing apparatus described in the above publication, it is necessary to press the display button to see predetermined information on the sub liquid crystal, which is also troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal device which can save the user's trouble when switching the display means used to see a predetermined display and which is improved in operability and convenience. .

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a portable terminal device configured to be foldable, and detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded, and the portable terminal device being folded. A first display unit and a second display unit arranged so as to be positioned inside and outside when the display unit is rotated, and a display control unit for controlling the first display unit and the second display unit to perform a predetermined display, Based on the detection result of the detection means, the display control means causes the first display means to perform a predetermined display when the mobile terminal device is not folded, and when the mobile terminal device is folded, The mobile terminal device is characterized by causing the second display means to perform a predetermined display.

According to the present invention, when the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is open, that is, not folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. Based on the detection result, the display control means causes the first display means, which appears outside when the mobile terminal device is opened, to perform a predetermined display. As a result, the user can see the predetermined display on the first display means. On the other hand, when the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control unit causes the second display unit located outside when the mobile terminal device is folded to perform a predetermined display. As a result, the user can see the predetermined display on the second display means.

As described above, the user can switch the display means for performing a predetermined display by merely opening or folding the portable terminal device. Therefore, in order to switch the display means, it is not necessary to operate the switching button as in the prior art, and it is possible to save the user's trouble when switching the display means used to see a predetermined display, and to improve operability and The convenience is improved.

The present invention also provides a foldable portable terminal device, wherein the detecting means detects whether or not the portable terminal device is folded, and the inside when the portable terminal device is folded. And first and second display means respectively arranged so as to be located on the outside and the outside, imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data, and based on the image data output from the imaging means Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means, the display control means based on the detection result of the detection means, at least when the mobile terminal device is folded, The mobile terminal device is characterized by displaying an image based on data on the second display means.

According to the present invention, when the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control unit causes the second display unit located outside when the mobile terminal device is folded to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging unit. With this, the user can see the image on the second display unit, and can use the second display unit as a finder at the time of imaging.

For example, assume that the image pickup means is provided on the same side as the second display means located outside when the portable terminal device is folded. In this case, when the user himself / herself is imaged as an object, the user takes the imager with the mobile terminal device closed and directs the imaging means toward the user. In this state, the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is folded, and the display control means causes the second display means to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging means based on the detection result. by this,
The user can use the second display means as a finder at the time of shooting.

As described above, since the image based on the image data output from the image pickup means is displayed on the second display means only by the user folding the portable terminal device, the user can display the image data output from the image pickup means. Since the base image is displayed on the second display means, it is not necessary to operate any button or the like, and the user's time and effort for capturing an image can be saved.
Operability and convenience are improved.

The present invention also provides a foldable portable terminal device, wherein the detecting means detects whether or not the portable terminal device is folded, and the inside when the portable terminal device is folded. And first and second display means respectively arranged so as to be located on the outside and the outside, imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data, and based on the image data output from the imaging means And display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means, wherein the display control means is configured to display the image when the mobile terminal device is not folded based on the detection result of the detection means. An image based on the data is displayed on the first display means, and when the mobile terminal device is folded, an image based on the image data is displayed on the second display means. A mobile terminal apparatus characterized and.

According to the present invention, when the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is open, that is, not folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control means displays an image based on the image data output from the imaging means on the first display means that appears outside due to the opening of the mobile terminal device based on the detection result. This allows the user to see the image on the first display means and use the first display means as a finder at the time of image capturing. On the other hand, when the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control unit causes the second display unit located outside when the mobile terminal device is folded to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging unit. With this, the user can see the image on the second display unit, and can use the second display unit as a finder at the time of imaging.

For example, assume that the image pickup means is provided on the same side as the second display means located outside when the portable terminal device is folded. In this case, when an image of a subject other than the user of the mobile terminal device is taken, the user takes the image with the imaging means facing the subject side on the opposite side of the user with the mobile terminal device open. In this state, the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is open, that is, is not folded, and the display control means first displays an image based on the image data output from the imaging means based on the detection result. Display on the display means. This allows the user to use the first display means as a finder at the time of capturing an image.

On the other hand, when taking a picture of the user himself / herself as a subject, the user takes the picture by directing the imaging means to the user side with the portable terminal device closed. In this state, the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is folded, and the display control means causes the second display means to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging means based on the detection result. This allows the user to use the second display means as a finder at the time of shooting.

As described above, the display means used as a finder at the time of image pickup is appropriately switched by the user simply by folding or opening the portable terminal device. Therefore, the user can switch the display means by switching buttons as in the prior art. It is not necessary to operate, and the user's labor when switching the display means used as the finder can be saved, and operability and convenience are improved.

According to the present invention, the storage means for storing the image data and the storage means are arranged so as to be positioned inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded, respectively, and instruct to store the image data. And a second shutter button, and shutter button control means for controlling the instructions from the first and second shutter buttons to be valid or invalid, and the shutter button control means determines the detection result of the detection means. Based on this, when the mobile terminal device is not folded, the instruction from the first shutter button is valid, and when the mobile terminal device is folded, the instruction from the second shutter button is valid. It is characterized by

According to the present invention, when the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is open, that is, is not folded, the shutter button control means determines that the portable terminal device is opened. The instruction from the first shutter button appearing outside is validated. on the other hand,
When the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is folded, the shutter control means validates the instruction from the second shutter button located outside when the mobile terminal device is folded. When the user operates the first or second shutter button, the image data output from the imaging unit is stored in the storage unit. This captures an image.

As described above, when the image pickup means is provided on the same side as the second display means located outside when the mobile terminal device is folded, the subject other than the user of the mobile terminal device is imaged. At this time, the user takes an image with the image pickup means facing the subject side on the opposite side of the user with the mobile terminal device open. In this state, the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is open, and the instruction from the first shutter button becomes valid. The user operates the first shutter button arranged on the same side as the first display means while looking at the first display means which is a finder.

On the other hand, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user, the user images the image pickup means toward the user side with the portable terminal device folded. In this state, the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is folded, and the instruction from the second shutter button becomes valid. The user operates the second shutter button arranged on the same side as the second display means while looking at the second display means which is a finder.

As described above, since the instruction from the shutter button located on the same side as the display means used as the finder becomes effective just by folding or opening the portable terminal device, the user can check the shutter button while checking. It can be operated and the operability at the time of image pickup is improved.

According to the present invention, the shutter button control means invalidates the instruction from the second shutter button when the portable terminal device is not folded based on the detection result of the detection means. Characterize.

According to the present invention, when the portable terminal device is folded, that is, when the portable terminal device is open, the instruction from the first shutter button is valid and the instruction from the second shutter button is invalid. .

Generally, since the shutter button located on the side opposite to the display means used as the finder is difficult for the user to see, when the user holds the portable terminal device or performs an operation other than inputting the shutter button. You may accidentally type in. According to the present invention, when the portable terminal device is open, the instruction from the second shutter button located on the opposite side of the first display unit used as the finder is invalidated, so that an erroneous operation by the user can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, the first and second backlights for irradiating light to increase the brightness of the first and second display means, respectively, and the first and second backlights are turned on or off. And a backlight control means for controlling, wherein the backlight control means lights the first backlight when the portable terminal device is not folded based on the detection result of the detection means.
When the mobile terminal device is folded, the second
It is characterized by turning on the backlight.

According to the present invention, when the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is open, that is, is not folded, the backlight control means determines that the mobile terminal device is open. The first backlight, which emits light to the first display means appearing outside, is turned on. On the other hand, when the detection means detects that the mobile terminal device is folded, the backlight control means
When the portable terminal device is folded, the second backlight that illuminates the second display unit located outside is turned on.

As described above, when the image pickup means is provided on the same side as the second display means located outside when the portable terminal device is folded, the subject other than the user of the portable terminal device is imaged. At this time, the user takes an image with the image pickup means facing the subject side on the opposite side of the user with the mobile terminal device open. In this state, as described above, the first
Since the backlight is turned on, the brightness of the first display means is increased.

On the other hand, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user, the user captures the image with the image capturing means facing the user with the portable terminal device folded. In this state, since the second backlight is turned on as described above, the brightness of the second display means increases.

As described above, when the user folds or opens the portable terminal device at the time of image pickup, the backlight for illuminating the display means used as the finder is turned on, so that the displayed image is easy to see and the visibility is improved. To do.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile phone 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the mobile phone 100.
2A shows a state where the mobile phone 100 is opened, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the mobile phone 100 is folded. In the present embodiment, a mobile phone will be described as an example of a mobile terminal device. Mobile phone 100
Can perform wireless communication with a base station via wireless radio waves and can transmit and receive not only voice data but also character data and image data. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 100 includes first and second housings 30 and 31, and the first and second housings 30 and 31 are connected to each other via a hinge 32, and the hinge 32 is connected to the housing 32. It is configured to be foldable by moving freely about the axis as it is angularly displaced.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 100 includes a control unit 1, an image pickup unit 2, an image processing unit 3, a first memory 4, and a second memory.
Memory 5, first display driver unit 6, second display driver unit 7, first display unit 8, second display unit 9, first backlight 1
0, the second backlight 11, the key operation unit 12, the first shutter button 13a, the second shutter button 13b, the open / close detection unit 14, the antenna 15, the wireless unit 16, and the communication control unit 17.

The control section 1 is a display control means, a shutter button control means and a backlight control means for controlling the operation of each part constituting the mobile phone 100. Imaging unit 2
Is an imaging lens and CCD (Charge Coupled Device)
Image sensor or CMOS (Complementary Meta
(Oxide Semiconductor) An image sensor such as an image sensor and a color filter for three colors of RGB. The imaging unit 2 converts the light reflected by the subject and incident on the imaging lens into three color lights of RGB through a color filter, and RG
The three color lights of B are converted into electric signals by the image pickup device. In addition, as shown in FIG.
Is provided so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded.

The image processing section 3 comprises an amplification section, an A / D (analog / digital) conversion section, and a signal processing section. The amplification unit amplifies the electrical signal corresponding to RGB sent from the image pickup unit 2 and sends it to the A / D conversion unit. The A / D conversion unit converts the electrical signal (analog) corresponding to RGB amplified by the amplification unit into a digital signal, outputs image data, and sends the image data to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit performs signal processing such as pixel interpolation processing on the image data sent from the A / D conversion unit. Further, the signal processing section sends the image data subjected to the signal processing to the first memory 4 based on the control signal sent from the control section 1. Imaging unit 2 and image processing unit 3
Is an imaging unit that converts incident light into an electric signal and outputs it as image data. The first memory 4 temporarily stores image data continuously sent from the signal processing unit. For example, temporally old image data is erased, or the newest image data is overwritten and temporarily stored.

The control unit 1 transmits a control signal to the first and second display driver units 6 and 7, and also controls the first memory 4
The image data stored in is sent to the first and second display driver units 6 and 7. First and second display driver units 6,
7 applies a drive voltage to each pixel electrode of the first and second display portions 8 and 9 in accordance with image data to be displayed on the first and second display portions 8 and 9. First and second
The display units 8 and 9 are a liquid crystal display and an EL (Electr
Luminescence) display and the like, and are first and second display means for displaying an image based on the image data sent via the first and second display driver units 6 and 7. Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first display unit 8 is arranged so as to be located inside when the mobile phone 100 is folded. As shown in FIG. 2B, the second display unit 9 is arranged so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded.

First and second backlights 10, 11
Is composed of a light emitting diode which is a light emitting element,
The first and second display units 8 and 9 are irradiated with light to increase the brightness. Control of turning on and off the first and second backlights 10 and 11 and control such as brightness adjustment are performed by the control unit 1.
Done by Further, the first and second backlights 10 and 11 can be independently controlled, and when the image is displayed on the first display unit 8, the first backlight 10 displays the second display. When it is displayed on the section 9, the second backlight 11 is controlled to be turned on.
The first and second backlights 10 and 11 may be turned on until a predetermined operation for turning off the light is performed by the user, or may be turned off after a predetermined time has passed after the light is turned on. .

The key operation unit 12 is composed of keys and the like for inputting numbers and characters. The first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b are continuously sent to the first memory 4, and the image data that the user desires to save is stored in the second memory 5 from the temporarily stored image data. When it is stored, it is operated by the user and outputs an instruction signal to the effect that it is stored to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 stores the image data stored in the first memory 4 in the second memory 5 in response to the instruction signals from the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b. The second memory 5
Is a storage unit that stores the image data stored in the first memory 4 and various reception data received via the antenna 15. Also, the first shutter button 13a
2 is arranged near the key operation unit 12 as shown in FIG. 2A, or is assigned to any key of the key operation unit 12, and the inside when the mobile phone 100 is folded. It is arranged to be located in. As shown in FIG. 2B, the second shutter button 13b has a second shutter button 13b.
The mobile phone 100 is arranged so as to be located outside of the display unit 9 when the mobile phone 100 is folded. Instead of providing the two shutter buttons 13a and 13b,
One shutter button may be provided on the side surface of the mobile phone 100 so that input is possible even when the mobile phone 100 is folded or opened.

The opening / closing detector 14 is a detector for detecting whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded. Figure 2
As shown in (a), a small protrusion 14a is formed in the lower portion of the first housing 30 near the hinge 32.
A small hole 14b is formed in the vicinity of the upper hinge 32. A switch 20 having the structure shown in FIG. 3 is provided inside the hole 14b. The opening / closing detector 14 includes the protrusion 14
a, hole 14b and switch 20.

FIG. 3A is a sectional view of the switch 20. The switch 20 includes a conductive portion 21, a contact portion 22 and a support portion 23. A conductive material such as conductive rubber is used for the conductive portion 21, and the support portion 23 made of an elastic material provides a predetermined distance from the contact portion 22. To be supported.
As shown in the plan view of FIG. 3B, comb-shaped electrodes 22a and 22b are used for the contact portion 22. Comb-shaped electrode 22
The a and 22b are formed on the substrate 24 inside the second housing 31 at positions corresponding to the holes 14b, and are connected to the control unit 1, respectively. When the mobile phone 100 is folded, the protrusions 14 a of the first housing 30 become the holes 1 of the second housing 31.
4b, and the protrusion 14a presses the conductive portion 21 against the contact portion 22. At this time, the conductive portion 21 is in contact with the portion indicated by the alternate long and two short dashes line in FIG. 3B, and the comb-shaped electrodes 22 a and 22 b are electrically connected through the conductive portion 21 so that the comb-shaped electrode 22 is formed.
A current flows between a and 22b. The control unit 1 determines that the mobile phone 100 is folded by detecting this current. When the mobile phone 100 is not folded, the conductive portion 21 is separated from the contact portion 22 by the elastic force of the support portion 23 because the protrusion 14a is not inside the hole 14b. At this time, since no current flows between the comb electrodes 22a and 22b, the control unit 1 determines that the mobile phone 100 is not folded. The switch 20 is not limited to the above-described structure, and the open / close detection unit 14 is not limited to the above-described structure as long as it can detect whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded.

The antenna 15 transmits / receives voice data, character data, image data and the like when performing wireless communication with a base station via radio waves. The wireless unit 16 demodulates the data received from the base station via the antenna 15 at the time of reception, and at the time of transmission, modulates and amplifies the character data and the image data sent from the communication control unit 17, It transmits to the base station via the antenna 15. Communication control unit 17
Sends the received data such as character data and image data demodulated by the wireless unit 16 to the control unit 1 based on a predetermined communication protocol. Received data from the other party received via the wireless unit 16 and the communication control unit 17 is stored in the second memory 5.

The control of the first and second display portions 8 and 9 will be described. The control unit 1 switches the display unit that displays an image based on the image data temporarily stored in the first memory 4, based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 14.
When the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded, the control unit 1 outputs the image data from the first memory 4 to the second display driver unit 7, and the second display unit 9 Display the image on. Open / close detection unit 14
When it is detected that the mobile phone 100 is not folded (opened), the control unit 1 outputs the image data from the first memory 4 to the first display driver unit 6, and the first display unit. Display the image on 8.

As described above, the image pickup section 2 is the mobile phone 10
Since 0 is provided outside when folded, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user of the mobile phone 100, the user places the imaging unit 2 on the opposite side of the user with the mobile phone 100 open. Image toward the subject side.
In this state, the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is open, that is, is not folded, and an image based on the image data output from the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the first display unit 8. . As a result, the user can use the first display unit 8 as a finder at the time of capturing an image.

On the other hand, when the user himself / herself is imaged as an object, the user takes the image pickup unit 8 toward the user side with the mobile phone 100 folded. In this state, the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded, and an image based on the image data output from the image pickup unit 2 is displayed on the second display unit 9. This allows the user to use the second display unit 9 as a finder at the time of shooting.

As described above, the display units 8 and 9 used as the finder at the time of image pickup are appropriately switched only by the user folding or opening the mobile phone 100. Therefore, the user can switch the display units 8 and 9 according to the conventional technique. It is not necessary to operate such a switching button as described above, and it is possible to save the user's trouble when switching the display units 8 and 9 used as the finder, and the operability and convenience are improved.

The mobile phone 100 may be provided with a switching button for switching the display units 8 and 9 used as a finder. The switching button is the key operation unit 12
It is arranged in the vicinity or assigned to any key of the key operation unit 12. When the user operates the switching button while the mobile phone 100 is open, the display units 8 and 9 used as the finder are switched. For example, when the display unit used as the finder is the first display unit 8, when the user presses the switch button, the display unit switches to the second display unit 9, and when the display unit used as the finder is the second display unit 9, When the user presses the switch button, the display is switched to the first display section 8.

First and second shutter buttons 13a, 1
The control of 3b will be described. The control unit 1 switches the shutter button for which the input is valid, based on the detection result of the opening / closing detection unit 14. When the opening / closing detector 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded, the controller 1 validates the input of the second shutter button 13b. When the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is open, the control unit 1 validates the input of the first shutter button 13a and invalidates the input of the second shutter button 13b. To invalidate the input of the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b, for example, the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b are fixed so that they cannot be operated by the user. The instruction signal from the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b is controlled by the controller 1 so that the instruction signal from the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b is not output to the controller 1 without fixing 13b. Can be realized by a method such as not processing.

As described above, the image pickup section 2 is connected to the mobile telephone 10
Since 0 is provided outside when folded, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user of the mobile phone 100, the user places the imaging unit 2 on the opposite side of the user with the mobile phone 100 open. Image toward the subject side.
In this state, the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is open, and the first shutter button 1
The instruction from 3a becomes valid. The user operates the first shutter button 13a arranged on the same side as the first display unit 8 while looking at the first display unit 8 which is a finder.

On the other hand, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user, the user images the image pickup section 2 toward the user side with the mobile phone 100 folded. In this state, the open / close detection unit 1 indicates that the mobile phone 100 is folded.
4 and the instruction from the second shutter button 13b becomes valid. The user operates the second shutter button 13b arranged on the same side as the second display unit 9 while looking at the second display unit 9 which is a finder.

Thus, the first or second display unit 8 or 9 located on the same side as the first or second display unit 8 or 9 used as a finder simply by folding or opening the mobile phone 100.
Since the instruction from the shutter button 13a, 13b becomes valid, the user can select the first or second shutter button 13a, 13b.
It is possible to input while checking 13b, which improves operability.

In general, the shutter button located on the side opposite to the display section used as a finder is difficult for the user to see, and therefore, when the user holds the mobile phone 100 or performs an operation other than input of the shutter button. Sometimes you may make a mistake. In this embodiment, the second shutter button 1 located on the side opposite to the first display section 8 used as a finder simply by opening the mobile phone 100.
Since the instruction from 3b is invalidated, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation by the user.

When it is detected that the mobile phone 100 is open, the input of the second shutter button 13b may be enabled instead of being disabled. In this case, the user can operate both the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b. In addition, the first shutter button 13
Since a is placed inside when folded,
The user cannot operate when the mobile phone 100 is folded. Therefore, by the open / close detection unit 14,
The input of the first shutter button 13a when it is detected that the mobile phone 100 is folded may be invalid or valid.

The control of the first and second backlights 10 and 11 will be described. The control unit 1 determines the first and second backlights 1 based on the detection result of the opening / closing detection unit 14.
Switching 0 and 11 on and off. When the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded, the control unit 1 turns on the second backlight 11 to increase the brightness of the second display unit 9. Open / close detection unit 1
When it is detected by 4 that the mobile phone 100 is open, the control unit 1 turns on the first backlight 10 to increase the brightness of the first display unit 8.

As described above, when the user takes an image of the subject other than himself, the first display section 8 is used as a finder, and the image data taken in from the image pickup section 2 is displayed on the first display section 8. It At this time, the first backlight 10 is turned on to increase the brightness of the first display section 8.

On the other hand, when the user images the subject as the user himself / herself, the second display section 9 is used as a finder, and the image data captured from the image pickup section 2 is displayed on the second display section 9. At this time, the second backlight 10 is turned on to increase the brightness of the second display unit 9.

As described above, when the mobile phone 100 is folded or opened, the backlight for supplying light to the display section used as the finder is turned on, so that the displayed image is easy to see and the visibility is improved.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the image pickup processing of the mobile phone 100. The mobile phone 100 is
It is possible to set a state in which an image can be picked up by a predetermined operation, a so-called image pickup mode, from the folded state or the opened state.

First, in step S1, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the portable telephone 100 is folded based on the detection result of the opening / closing detection unit 14. If it is opened without being folded, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is folded, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S2, the first backlight 10 is turned on. In step S3, the image data captured from the image pickup unit 2 is displayed on the first display unit 8, and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded based on the detection result of the opening / closing detection unit 14. Step S if open
If it is folded, the first backlight 10 is turned off, the image display on the first display unit 8 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S5, the control unit 1 invalidates the input of the second shutter button 13b and detects whether or not the first shutter button 13a is pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S6, and if it has not been pressed, step S7.
Proceed to. In step S6, the image data temporarily stored in the first memory 4 is stored in the second memory 5, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the control unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined operation for ending the imaging mode has been performed by the user. If the operation is performed, the process is ended, and if not, the process returns to step S4. When the imaging mode ends, a predetermined standby screen or the like is displayed on the first and second display units 8 and 9.

If it is determined in step S1 that the mobile phone 100 is folded by the controller 1, the process proceeds to step S8, and the second backlight 11 is turned on.
In step S9, the image data captured from the image capturing unit 2 is displayed on the second display unit 9, and the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 14. If it is open, lighting of the second backlight 11 and image display on the second display unit 9 are stopped, and the process proceeds to step S2. If it is folded, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the control section 1 detects whether or not the second shutter button 13b is pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S12, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12, the image data temporarily stored in the first memory 4 is stored in the second memory 5, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the control unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined operation for ending the imaging mode has been performed by the user. If the operation is performed, the process is terminated, and if not, the step S
Return to 10. When the imaging mode ends, the first and second
A predetermined standby screen or the like is displayed on the display units 8 and 9.

As described above, by detecting the opening / closing of the mobile phone 100, the display unit used as a finder at the time of image capturing is appropriately switched, so that the user does not need to perform a button operation for switching, and the switching can be performed. This saves time and effort and improves convenience and convenience. Further, when the opening / closing of the mobile phone 100 is detected, the input of the shutter button on the same side as the display unit serving as the finder becomes effective, so that the user can input while checking the shutter button. Operability is improved. Further, since the input of the shutter button on the side opposite to the display unit serving as the finder is invalidated, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation such as accidentally pressing the shutter button. Further, when the opening / closing of the mobile phone 100 is detected, the backlight of the display unit serving as a finder is turned on, so that the image can be easily viewed and the visibility is improved.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first
Although the case where the second display units 8 and 9 are arranged in the first housing 30 is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second display units 8 and 9 are respectively the mobile phone 100 folded. It may be arranged so as to be located on the inside and the outside.

In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 has been described as the mobile terminal device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a notebook PC (personal computer), PDA, etc.
(Personal Digital Assistance) and the like, the present invention can be applied as long as it is configured to be foldable and has a configuration in which a display unit is provided inside and outside when folded together with the imaging unit.

Further, not only when the display units 8 and 9 are used as a finder, but when a predetermined display is displayed on the display units 8 and 9, switching of the display units to be displayed is detected by opening / closing the portable telephone 100. You may do it by doing.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention, the display means for performing a predetermined display can be switched only by the user's operation of opening or folding the portable terminal device, so that the display means is switched. Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the switching button as in the prior art. As a result, it is possible to save the user's trouble when switching the display means used for viewing a predetermined display, and improve operability and convenience.

Further, according to the present invention, since the image based on the image data output from the image pickup means is displayed on the second display means only by the user folding the portable terminal device, the user outputs the image from the image pickup means. Since the image based on the image data is displayed on the second display means, it is not necessary to operate a button or the like, the user's time and effort for capturing an image can be saved, and operability and convenience are improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the display means used as the finder at the time of image pickup is appropriately switched by the user simply by folding or opening the portable terminal device. Therefore, the user can change the display means as in the prior art. There is no need to operate the switching button. by this,
The time and effort of the user when switching the display means used as the finder can be saved, and the operability and convenience are improved.

Further, according to the present invention, since the instruction from the shutter button arranged on the same side as the display means used as the finder is validated, the operability of the shutter button is improved.

Further, according to the present invention, when the user himself / herself is imaged with the portable terminal device opened, the instruction from the second shutter button arranged outside is invalidated. It is possible to prevent erroneous operation.

Further, according to the present invention, the brightness of the image displayed on the display means used as the finder is increased, so that the image is easy to see and the visibility is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a mobile phone 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the mobile phone 100.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a switch 20.

4 is a flowchart showing an image pickup process of the mobile phone 100. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 control unit 2 Imaging unit 3 Image processing section 4 First memory 5 Second memory 6 First display driver 7 Second display driver section 8 First display 9 Second display 10 First backlight 11 Second backlight 12 key operation part 13a First shutter button 13b Second shutter button 14 Open / close detector 15 antenna 16 radio section 17 Communication control unit 20 switches 21 Conductive part 22,22a, 22b Contact part 23 Support 24 substrates 30 First case 31 second housing 32 hinges 100 mobile phones

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI theme code (reference) H04Q 7/38 H04B 7/26 109T (72) Inventor Masa Kakimoto 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term within Sharp Corporation (reference) 5K023 AA07 BB11 DD08 GG04 HH07 MM00 MM25 5K027 AA11 BB02 FF22 HH29 MM04 MM17 5K067 AA34 BB04 EE02 FF02 FF23 FF31 KK17

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A portable terminal device configured to be foldable, and detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded, and inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded. The display control means includes first and second display means arranged so as to be positioned, and display control means for controlling the first and second display means to perform a predetermined display. Based on the detection result of the means, the first display means is caused to perform a predetermined display when the mobile terminal device is not folded, and the second display means is predetermined when the mobile terminal device is folded. The mobile terminal device is characterized by performing the display of. 2. A portable terminal device configured to be foldable, and detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded, and inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded. First and second display means respectively arranged so as to be positioned, imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting as image data, and the first and second display means based on the image data output from the imaging means. Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means, wherein the display control means is based on the image data at least when the portable terminal device is folded based on the detection result of the detection means. An image is displayed on said 2nd display means, The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. A portable terminal device configured to be foldable, and detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded, and inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded. First and second display means respectively arranged so as to be positioned, imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting as image data, and the first and second display means based on the image data output from the imaging means. Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means, wherein the display control means is based on the image data when the mobile terminal device is not folded based on the detection result of the detection means. An image is displayed on the first display means, and an image based on the image data is displayed on the second display means when the portable terminal device is folded. Mobile terminal device. 4. Storage means for storing the image data, and first and second storage means, which are respectively arranged so as to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded, and instruct to store the image data. A shutter button control unit that controls the shutter button and a shutter button control unit that controls the instructions from the first and second shutter buttons to be valid or invalid, and the shutter button control unit is based on a detection result of the detection unit. When the mobile terminal device is not folded, the instruction from the first shutter button is validated,
When the mobile terminal device is folded, the second
The mobile terminal device according to claim 3, wherein an instruction from the shutter button is validated. 5. The shutter button control means invalidates an instruction from the second shutter button when the mobile terminal device is not folded, based on the detection result of the detection means. The mobile terminal device according to claim 4. 6. A first and a second backlight for irradiating light to increase the brightness of the first and the second display means respectively, and a control for turning on or off the first and the second backlight. A backlight control means, wherein the backlight control means turns on the first backlight when the mobile terminal device is not folded based on the detection result of the detection means, and the mobile terminal device is The second backlight is turned on when folded, and the second backlight is turned on.
The mobile terminal device according to item 1.