GB2560505A

GB2560505A - Mobile terminal

Info

Publication number: GB2560505A
Application number: GB1703686.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: pitman James
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-08
Filing date: 2017-03-08
Publication date: 2018-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-08
Also published as: GB2560505B; GB201703686D0

Abstract

Apparatus comprising: at least one distal lens 12, disposed remotely from a mobile device (e.g. camera or smart-phone with camera); connecting means 19: to direct light between lens and camera; allow independent movement of lens with respect to the portable device. The connecting means may be flexible or able to articulate, and may comprise optical fibre. The distal lens may comprise a first and second distal lens, which may be disposed on a first and second surface 16 of the device (e.g. the front and back cameras of a smart phone). The lens may be able to swivel between 15 degrees (12-1) and 165 degrees (12-2) relative to the plane of the device 16. The lens may have a protective layer 18, which is substantially transparent, and may be made from plastic, rubber or silicon.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

James Pitman

Basement Flat, 74 Chesterton Road, London, W10 6EP, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

James Pitman

(51) INT CL:
H04N 5/225 (2006.01)
(56) Documents Cited: WO 2014/194182 A1 DE 004132687A1 US 20150281530 A1 US 20130028591 A1	WO 2013/081264 A1 JP 2013104986 A US 20140171150 A1
(58) Field of Search: Other: EPODOC, WPI

(74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Dehns

St. Bride's House, 10 Salisbury Square, LONDON, EC4Y 8JD, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Mobile terminal

Abstract Title: Moveable camera lens for a smart phone (57) Apparatus comprising: at least one distal lens 12, disposed remotely from a mobile device (e.g. camera or smartphone with camera); connecting means 19: to direct light between lens and camera; allow independent movement of lens with respect to the portable device. The connecting means may be flexible or able to articulate, and may comprise optical fibre. The distal lens may comprise a first and second distal lens, which may be disposed on a first and second surface 16 of the device (e.g. the front and back cameras of a smart phone). The lens may be able to swivel between 15 degrees (12-1) and 165 degrees (12-2) relative to the plane of the device 16. The lens may have a protective layer 18, which is substantially transparent, and may be made from plastic, rubber or silicon.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No. GB1703686.4

RTM

Date :17 August 2017

The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

Clearcurve (Page 5)

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

MOBILE TERMINAL

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile terminal comprising a camera having a distal lens.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the present disclosure, mobile terminals may include mobile telephones, smartphones, tablets, laptop computers, smart watches, etc. Conventionally, cameras on mobile terminals are fixed in one position, and a user must move the mobile terminal in order to position and point the camera at the subject for which an image is to be captured. If the user wants to take a photograph or video of him/herself (a “selfie”) or a subject behind, the user must rotate the mobile terminal so as to point the camera in the desired direction.

More recently, mobile terminals are provided with both front and rear facing cameras respectively on the front and the back of a terminal. This allows the user to take a photograph or video of him/herself without rotating the mobile terminal. However, providing two cameras increases the manufacturing cost of the mobile terminal. Therefore, a camera that is of a lower quality or resolution is generally provided on the user-facing side of a terminal so as to reduce costs.

In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide an improved mobile terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In embodiments of the present invention, a mobile terminal is provided that comprises a camera configured to capture an image. The mobile terminal further comprises at least one distal lens disposed remotely from the camera, and a connecting means that connects the at least one distal lens to the camera, the connecting means being configured to direct light from the at least one distal lens to the camera. In particular, the connecting means is arranged to allow the at least one distal lens to move independently with respect to the camera.

According to the embodiments, since the distal lens is able to move independently from the camera, a user may direct the distal lens at the subject for which an image is to be captured without moving the mobile terminal itself. For example, the user may follow the subject by continuously rotating the distal lens to redirect the distal lens towards the subject while capturing one or more still images or videos. The embodiments thus enable the user to continuously monitor the image of the subject on a screen on the mobile terminal. In preferred embodiments, it is possible to direct the distal lens at different angles with

-2respect to the surface of the mobile terminal, thus making it more convenient for the user to capture images.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of the connecting means is articulated and/or flexible. This enables the at least one distal lens to move freely and reduces the likelihood of causing stress and/or tension to the camera as the distal lens is being positioned by a user.

The connecting means may be constructed using any suitable material, but in a preferred embodiment, the connecting means comprises at least one optical fibre. Optical fibres are capable of directing light effectively and may provide flexibility to the connecting means to allow movement of the at least one distal lens.

The at least one distal lens may be moved manually by a user, but in a preferred embodiment, the mobile terminal comprises control means configured to control the movement of the at least one distal lens. The control means may be provided in any suitable and desirable form. For example, the control means may be a mechanical control, or it may be electrically connected to the at least one distal lens and controls the movement of the distal lens electrically.

Any number of distal lenses may be provided to mobile terminal as desired. In a preferred embodiment, a first distal lens and a second distal lens are provided. In the preferred embodiment, the first distal lens may be disposed on a first surface of the mobile terminal while the second distal lens may be disposed on a second surface of the mobile terminal. Preferably, the first surface is a front surface of the mobile terminal and the second surface is a rear surface of the mobile terminal. Other surfaces are contemplated such as the top edge surface, bottom edge surface and the side edge surfaces. According to the preferred embodiment, it is possible to capture images both in front of and behind a user using a single camera without the need to turn the mobile terminal. Since only a single camera is required, a high resolution camera may be employed. Thus, compared to a mobile terminal having a front and a rear facing camera, the manufacturing cost is reduced without sacrificing resolution.

In the preferred embodiment, the connecting means may comprise a first optical fibre that connects the first distal lens to the camera and a second optical fibre that connects the second distal lens to the camera.

The mobile terminal may be configured in any suitable way such that the camera receives light from the desired distal lens or lenses. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile terminal further comprises a switching means that is configured to switch a source of light being directed to the camera between the first distal lens and the second distal lens.

- 3The switching means may be disposed at any suitable and desirable position. In an embodiment, the switching means is disposed at the camera. In another embodiment, the switching means is alternatively or additionally disposed at each of the first and second lenses.

The switching means may be controlled in any suitable and desirable way. For example, the switching means may be a mechanical switch operable on a surface of the mobile terminal, which physically blocks the input from one distal lens and allows the input from another lens to reach the camera. In a preferred embodiment, the switching means is controlled electronically, for example using an electrically switchable reflective device controlled, e.g., by an app or a switch provided on a surface of the mobile terminal.

The camera may be disposed at any position on or within the mobile terminal as desired. For example, the camera may be disposed at the conventional position on the front or rear surface at the top of the mobile terminal. However, the use of one or more distal lenses in combination with the connecting means allows the camera to be disposed at positions conventionally considered to be inconvenient for capturing images. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the camera is disposed within the body of the mobile terminal, making it possible to protect the camera from e.g. impact, dust and rain, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the camera is disposed within and perpendicular to the plane of the mobile terminal. This therefore provides space for accessories, such as one or more filters and/or one or more additional lenses, to be disposed to support additional functions for the camera.

In preferred embodiments, the one or more distal lenses are mounted on a surface of the mobile terminal in such a way to allow rotational movement of a distal lens. However, in some embodiments, one or more distal lenses may be detachably mounted on the mobile terminal, and the connecting means may be configured to be extendable to allow the one or more distal lenses to be extended from the mobile terminal. An extendable distal lens enables image capturing in discrete and/or in restricted spaces, thus providing additional flexibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows an example of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment; and Fig. 2 shows a top view of the mobile terminal of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

-4In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a mobile terminal is provided, which comprises a camera, such as a digital camera, configured to capture images. Images may include one or both of still images, e.g. photographs, and/or moving images, e.g. videos. The mobile terminal further comprises at least one distal lens that is disposed remotely, at a distance, from the camera, the at least one distal lens being connected to the camera via a connecting means, which directs light from the distal lens to the camera. The connecting means is arranged in such a way so as to enable the at least one distal lens to move independently with respect to the camera.

According to the preferred embodiments, since the connecting means and the distal lens are arranged to allow the distal lens to move independently from the camera, a user may rotate the distal lens to direct it at the subject for which an image is to be captured without the need to move the mobile terminal itself. For example, the user may follow the subject by continuously rotating the distal lens to redirect the distal lens at the subject while capturing a sequence of still images or moving images. The preferred embodiment thus enable the user to continuously monitor the image of the subject on a screen on the mobile terminal. According to the preferred embodiments, it is possible to direct the distal lens at different angles with respect to the surface of the mobile terminal, thus making it more convenient for the user to capture images.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, the mobile terminal is a smartphone 10. However, the embodiment is also applicable to other mobile terminals such as a tablet computer, a laptop computer or a smart watch.

The terminal 10 comprises a screen 11 on the front surface. The screen 11 may be any conventional and commercially available screen suitable for use with a mobile terminal. A first distal lens 12a is disposed on the front surface towards the top edge of the terminal 10 The first distal lens 12a is mounted to the front surface of the terminal 10 through a carriage (not shown) that allows controlled movement of the first distal lens 12a. A control 13 is provided on one side of the terminal 10 for controlling the movement of the distal lens 12a. The control 13 may be provided, for example, in the form of a slider or wheel, that mechanically control the movement and/or rotation of the distal lens 12a via a mechanical connection. Alternatively, the control 13 may be electrically connected to the carriage and the movement and/or rotation of the distal lens 12a is electrically controlled.

- 5In the embodiment, the terminal 10 further comprises a second distal lens 12b disposed on the rear surface. The second distal lens 12b is similarly mounted to the rear surface of the terminal 10 through a carriage (not shown). The second distal lens 12b may be controlled using the same control 13, for example by providing a switch (not shown) to the terminal 10 that switches control between the first distal lens 12a and the second distal lens 12b. Alternatively, a separate control (not shown) may be provided to the second distal lens 12b. Flash 15a is provided on the front surface of the terminal 10 adjacent the first distal lens 12a to provide additional light for image capturing in low light conditions. Similarly, flash 15b is provided on the rear surface of the terminal adjacent the second distal lens 12b.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the mobile terminal 10. A distal lens 12 is shown disposed on a surface 16 of the terminal 10. The distal lens 12 may either be the first distal lens 12a or the second distal lens 12b. The distal lens 12 is mounted on the terminal 10 through a carriage 17, which is configured to enable rotational motion of the distal lens through approximately 150 degrees in every direction, or from 15 to 165 degrees with respect to the surface 16. Dash lines 12-1 and 12-2 show two extreme positions of the distal lens 12 when it is positioned at 15 degrees with respect to the surface 16.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, by rotating and positioning the distal lens 12 between the positions 12-1 and 12-2, the distal lens 12, and therefore the camera (not shown), is able to receive light from a wide range of angles.

In the present embodiment, the distal lens 12 is protected by a cover 18 from, for example, dust, moisture, impact, etc. The cover 18 may be made from any suitable material such as plastic, rubber, silicon, etc. Preferably, the cover 18 is made from a substantially transparent material.

The distal lens 12 is connected to a camera (not shown) via an optical fibre connection 19. In other embodiments, connection 19 may be other types of connection such as an electrical or digital connection. However, as optical fibre cables do not require any electrical components, there is no wear and tear of electrical connections through stress as a result of frequent movement of the distal lens 12. The use of optical fibre cables provide the required flexibility for the movement of the distal lens 12. The cable may be articulated or jointed to support the flexibility for movement, or be made of flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber. In the present embodiment, connection 19 comprises one or more small diameter, high bandwidth optical fibre cables (e.g. Coming’s Clearcurve).

-6In the present embodiment, each of the first distal lens 12a and the second distal lens 12b is provided with a respective connection 19, connecting both the first and second distal lenses 12a and 12b to a single digital camera. Although a single digital camera is used in the present embodiment, more than one camera may be provided if desired.

One or more electrically switchable reflective devices (not shown) are provided to electrically control the light source to the digital camera. More specifically, an electrically switchable device (not shown) may be provided at the digital camera to electrically switch the light source received by the camera between the optical fibre connection leading to the first distal lens 12a or the optical fibre connection leading to the second distal lens 12b. Such electrically switchable reflective devices are available commercially, which are capable of rapid switching at a rate of 10-100 milliseconds between two sources. The electrically switchable reflective device may be controlled by software, such as an app on the terminal 10, or by hardware, such as a button built into the terminal 10.

According to the present embodiment, the distal lens 12 can be rotated to point in different directions within the range of positions 12-1 to 12-2. The movement is independent of the camera to which the distal lens connects, and therefore independently of the orientation of the mobile terminal 10. It is therefore possible to capture images in discrete and/or at an angle to the plane of the terminal 10. For example, when a user is capturing images above his/her head, e.g. over the heads of a crowd, it is possible for the user to gain a clear line of sight at a subject while continuously monitoring the image on the screen for image management and/or capture control, by pointing the distal lens 12 towards the subject with the terminal 10 tilted at such an angle that the screen 11 faces the user. The present embodiment moreover enables the user to capture an image of him/herself at different angles without the need to orientate the terminal 10 by simply rotating the distal lens 12a.

In video mode, when capturing moving images, panning can be performed by rotating the distal lens 12, for example from position 12-1 to position 12-2, without the need to move the terminal 10. This in turn allows the terminal to be placed on a tripod or stabilised, e.g. against a wall, a book or other solid object, to achieve better results.

According to the present embodiment, there is no requirement for the single digital camera to be placed at any specific position or orientation on the terminal 10. The camera may therefore be placed within the terminal 10 if desired. In particular, the camera may be mounted perpendicular to the plane of the terminal 10 (surface 16) within the terminal 10. This allows additional devices and accessories (such as lenses and filters) to be disposed

- 7near the camera to provide additional functions. Moreover, compared to terminals where separate cameras must be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the terminals to provide both front-facing and rear-facing image capture capability, manufacturing costs can be kept low even if a high quality (resolution) camera is used, as only a single camera is required.

Further embodiments are anticipated in which one or both of the distal lenses 12a and 12b are detachably mounted on the carriage 17, such that the distal lens 12 can be pulled out of the carriage 17. In the further embodiments, the connection 19 is configured to be extendable, for example by providing extra length within the body of the terminal 10, such that the distal lens, when detached, can be extended from the terminal 10. The connection 19 may be configured to be retractable such that the distal lens 12 can be conveniently returned to the carriage 17.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A mobile terminal comprising:

a camera configured to capture an image;

at least one distal lens disposed remotely from the camera; and connecting means connecting the at least one distal lens to the camera, configured to direct light from the at least one distal lens to the camera, wherein the connecting means is arranged to allow the at least one distal lens to move independently with respect to the camera.

2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the connecting means is articulated and/or flexible.

3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting means comprises at least one optical fibre.

4. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising control means configured to control the movement of the at least one distal lens.

5. The mobile terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one distal lens comprises a first distal lens and a second distal lens.

6. The mobile terminal according to claim 5, wherein the first distal lens is disposed on a first surface of the mobile terminal and the second distal lens is disposed on a second surface of the mobile terminal.

7. The mobile terminal according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the connecting means comprises a first optical fibre connecting the first distal lens to the camera and a second optical fibre connecting the second distal lens to the camera.

8. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising switching means configured to switch a source of light being directed to the camera between the first distal lens and the second distal lens.

9. The mobile terminal according to claim 8, wherein the switching means is disposed at the camera.

10. The mobile terminal according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the switching means is disposed at each of the first and second lenses.

- 911. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the switching means control the source of light electronically.

12. The mobile terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one

10 distal lens is detachably mounted on the mobile terminal, and the connecting means is extendable to allow the at least one distal lens to be extended from the mobile terminal.

25 09 17

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1703686.4 Examiner: Steve Williams

12. The mobile terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the camera is

5 disposed within the body of the mobile terminal.

13. The mobile terminal according to claim 12, wherein the camera is disposed perpendicular to the plane of the mobile terminal.

10

14. The mobile terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one distal lens is detachably mounted on the mobile terminal, and the connecting means is extendable to allow the at least one distal lens to be extended from the mobile terminal.

Amendments to the claims have been made as follows

Claims

25 09 17

5 1. A mobile terminal comprising:

a camera configured to capture an image;

a first distal lens and a second distal lens disposed remotely from the camera; and connecting means connecting the first and second distal lenses to the camera, configured to direct light from the first and second distal lenses to the camera,

10 wherein the connecting means comprises a first optical fibre connecting the first distal lens to the camera and a second optical fibre connecting the second distal lens to the camera, and is arranged to allow the first and second distal lenses to move independently with respect to the camera.

15 2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the connecting means is articulated and/or flexible.

3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising control means configured to control the movement of the at least one distal lens.

4. The mobile terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the first distal lens is disposed on a first surface of the mobile terminal and the second distal lens is disposed on a second surface of the mobile terminal.

25 5. The mobile terminal according to any preceding claim, further comprising switching means configured to switch a source of light being directed to the camera between the first distal lens and the second distal lens.

6. The mobile terminal according to claim 5, wherein the switching means is disposed

30 at the camera.

7. The mobile terminal according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the switching means is disposed at each of the first and second lenses.

35 8. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the switching means control the source of light electronically.

9. The mobile terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the camera is disposed within the body of the mobile terminal.

10. The mobile terminal according to claim 9, wherein the camera is disposed perpendicular to the plane of the mobile terminal.

5 11. The mobile terminal according to claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more accessories are disposed within the body of the mobile terminal to provide additional functions for the camera.