JP2002218292A - Mobile information communication terminal with camera function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low-cost mobile information communication terminal with camera function, which can conveniently pick up the images of a scene in the desired direction in every use environment. SOLUTION: A camera function part (camera part 13) for image photographing is provided with an optical system (mirror part 10) for providing view areas in the directions at 360 deg.C and imaging device (imaging device part 12). The optical system is composed of a hyperboloid mirror or conical surface mirror, for example.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function, and more particularly to a portable mobile information communication terminal capable of communicating voice, data, still images, moving images, and the like. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various mobile information communication terminals having a camera function have been developed. For example, JP-A-7-212253, JP-A-8-223492.
The technology is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-78549 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-78549. These conventional mobile information communication terminals will be described with reference to FIGS.

In a conventional mobile information communication terminal, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16, the camera units 140, 150, and 160 are configured by integrating an image sensor and an optical system. Each of the camera units 140, 150, and 160 has a rotation mechanism at a connection portion with the terminal body. And, while looking at the display unit provided on the terminal body, you can image yourself,
Alternatively, when capturing an image of a person or an object facing himself / herself, the camera unit is rotated by using a rotation mechanism so that the camera unit faces the imaging target.

[0004] Therefore, assuming that the photographing of oneself is a normal image, if the camera unit is rotated to photograph the other person's image facing himself, the other person's image becomes a vertically inverted image. In order to correct the inverted image of the partner image to be a normal image, a rotation detection mechanism such as a switch is provided in a rotating part of the camera unit, and when rotation is detected by the rotation detection mechanism, a counterpart obtained from the camera unit The image is vertically inverted.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 8-223492 discloses a technique for changing the scan direction of reading data from an image sensor as upside down processing of a partner image. As described above, the conventional camera-integrated portable terminal that allows the user to select an imaging scene while viewing the display on the display unit is provided with a rotation mechanism for rotating the entire camera. Thus, selection of a shooting scene is realized by the rotation mechanism.

[0006]

In the above-described conventional mobile information communication terminal with a camera function, a rotation mechanism is provided in the camera section, and by using this rotation mechanism, a self-image or a partner image facing the camera can be captured. By using a rotation detection mechanism provided in the camera unit, image inversion due to rotation can be detected and converted to a normal image.

However, in such a conventional mobile information communication terminal with a camera function, a complicated mechanism for rotating the camera section must be designed, and
Complicated mechanical parts are required. Therefore, the period required for the mechanical design and development of the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function is lengthened, and the manufacturing cost is increased due to the use of complicated mechanical parts. Further, since it is necessary to detect the rotation of the camera unit, it is necessary to add a part related thereto, and in this respect, an increase in manufacturing cost cannot be avoided.

Further, the user of the conventional mobile information communication terminal with a camera function must rotate the camera unit in accordance with the scene to be imaged, and the camera unit is not directed in a desired direction at the moment when the user wants to image. In this case, there is a problem that a desired scene is missed. Furthermore, since the conventional rotation mechanism of the camera unit of the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function can rotate only in one direction (generally facing the user), it is necessary to capture an image in the lateral direction of the user. However, it is necessary for the user to move so as to face the imaging target, which is not convenient for a user who wants to immediately capture an image under various situations.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and is convenient and convenient in any use environment when a user takes an image using a camera without providing a complicated rotation mechanism or rotation detection mechanism. It is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost mobile information communication terminal with a camera function capable of capturing a scene in a direction in which the mobile information communication terminal performs.

[0010]

A mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above object.

That is, a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the present invention has a camera function unit for capturing an image, and is capable of communicating voice, data, and images. The camera function unit comprises:
An optical system for obtaining a field of view in a 60-degree direction and an image sensor are provided.

In the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function, the optical system comprises a hyperboloid mirror, and a vertex portion of the hyperboloid mirror is a non-mirror surface and a light transmitting portion, and an area shielded by the optical system. Can be imaged.

Further, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function, a drawer mechanism is provided for extending and retracting the optical system with respect to a housing of the mobile information communication terminal. When the optical system is housed in the housing and a camera function is used, the optical system can be drawn out of the housing.

In the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function, the image pickup device is arranged at a position where a part of the optical system can be imaged, and the image pickup device is rotated on a horizontal plane with respect to the optical system. A rotation mechanism for causing the rotation can be provided.

Further, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function, a hole mechanism for inserting an antenna can be provided in a dead portion at the center of the optical system.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the present invention will be described based on a specific embodiment shown in the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows details of the camera unit.
FIG. 2A is a sectional view when a conical mirror is used, and FIG.
(B) is a sectional view when a hyperboloidal mirror is used. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an image captured by the camera unit, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an image obtained by performing a geometric transformation on the image shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile information communication terminal according to the first embodiment has a camera section 13 and an antenna section 15 mounted on an upper portion of a terminal body 16, and a display section on the front of the terminal body 16. 14 and an operation unit 17 are provided. The camera unit 13 is made of a transparent material in a visible light region, such as glass or plastic, for supporting the mirror unit 10 and capturing surrounding scenery, and a mirror unit 10 for realizing a viewing angle of 360 degrees. Transparent cylinder 11
And the imaging element unit 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the imaging device section 12 comprises an imaging lens 22 and an imaging sensor 23. The mirror section 10 may be formed by a conical mirror 20 as shown in FIG. 2A, or may be formed by a hyperboloid mirror 21 as shown in FIG. 2B. . The image sensor 23 is arranged such that the rotational symmetry axes of the respective mirrors 20 and 21 coincide with the center optical axis of the imaging lens 22. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, in the image obtained by using the camera unit 13, a 360-degree full-circle landscape appears in a circular shape with respect to the imageable area 30 of the image sensor 23.

In the first embodiment, the conical mirror 2
Although a zero or hyperboloid mirror 21 is used, the shape of the mirror can be appropriately selected according to the required imaging angle of view. That is, when the conical mirror 20 is selected, the imaging angle of view is determined by the angle of the apex angle of the cone and the size of the mirror surface. For example, if the mobile information communication terminal is placed vertically in a room, the angle of view is 360 degrees around the ceiling when the apex angle is small, and 360 degrees in the floor direction when the apex angle is large. Be around. Therefore, a horizontal angle of view can be obtained by appropriately selecting the apex angle.

On the other hand, when the hyperboloid mirror 21 is selected, a wider angle of view in the vertical direction can be obtained as compared with the conical mirror 20. Therefore, in the image obtained by the hyperboloid mirror 21, as shown in FIG. 3, although the camera unit 13 itself is reflected in the central portion 31 of the captured image, a wide image from the floor direction to the ceiling direction is displayed. Images can be taken at corners. A circular image captured by the camera unit 13 is subjected to a geometric transformation according to a mirror shape, so that a panoramic image 40 as shown in FIG. 4 can be projected.

The image displayed on the display unit 14 is an image 41 of a range cut out according to the display resolution of the display unit 14 from among the panoramic images subjected to the geometric transformation in this way. By changing the range in which the image is cut out, an image in an arbitrary range desired by the user can be displayed on the display unit 14 from the 360-degree image in the entire circumferential direction. As described above, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the first embodiment, an arbitrary face-to-face or horizontal image can be easily captured without providing a complicated rotation mechanism for the camera unit 13 and the display unit 1
4, a display can be performed.

<Embodiment 2> FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a camera unit used in a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the first embodiment described above, the hyperboloid mirror 21 is used.
In the case where is used, as shown in FIG. 3, the image sensor 23 is reflected in the central portion 31 of the captured image, and the image of this portion is an image unnecessary for the system. Further, the zenith direction (the optical axis direction of the camera unit 13) is shielded by the mirror unit 10 and cannot be imaged.

Therefore, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG.
In 3, the angle of view is widened by setting the apex of the hyperboloidal mirror 51 to a non-mirror surface in a transmission state. In the image obtained by the camera unit 13 of the second embodiment, since the central part 31 of the captured image in FIG. 3 is not specularly reflected, the central part 31 of the captured image is displayed on the display unit without performing any geometric transformation. 14, and the geometric transformation may be performed only on the surrounding donut-shaped image.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 6 and 7 are partial front views of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A mobile information communication terminal needs to be easy to use in a use state, and also needs to be easy to carry. Camera unit 13 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.
In this case, if the distance between the mirror unit 10 (mirrors 20 and 21) and the imaging element unit 12 (the imaging lens 22 and the imaging sensor 23) has a predetermined relationship during use, an image can be taken. Therefore, when the camera unit 13 is not used, the distance may be in any relationship.

In the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the image pickup device section 12 is fixed at a predetermined position inside the terminal body 16 and a mirror is provided. The section 10 and the transparent cylindrical section 11 are movable. When the camera unit 13 is not used, FIG.
By pushing the mirror section 10 and the transparent cylindrical section 11 into the terminal main body 16 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when imaging is performed using the camera section 13, as shown in FIG. 7, the mirror section 10 and the transparent cylindrical section 11 are pulled out from the inside of the terminal body 16 so that the Imaging is performed with the element unit 12 positioned at a predetermined distance relationship. Mirror unit 10 and imaging device unit 1
In order to position the mirrors 2 and 2 in a predetermined distance relationship, it is only necessary to provide a simple stopper for fixing the mirror unit 10 and the transparent cylindrical portion 11 when the two have a predetermined distance relationship. do not need.

As described above, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the third embodiment, the mirror unit 10 and the like are pulled out of the terminal body 16 only when the camera function is used. It is possible to provide a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function that has both convenience and portability.

<Embodiment 4> FIG. 8 shows a camera unit used in a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view when a hyperboloid mirror is used.

When an image is captured and displayed using the camera function, a higher resolution (number of pixels) of the displayed image may be required. In this case, as one means, in the first embodiment described above, the imaging sensor 23 of the imaging element unit 12 is used.
May be changed to the image sensor 23 having many pixels. However, changing to the imaging sensor 23 having more pixels generally leads to an increase in cost.

Therefore, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fourth embodiment, the image displayed on the display unit 14 focuses on cutting out and displaying a part of the panoramic image 40 (FIG. 4). ), And a mechanism capable of obtaining a high-resolution display image is provided. That is, Example 4
In the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), the imaging element unit 80 is moved to a position shifted from the rotational symmetry line of the mirrors 20 and 21 to image a part of the mirrors 20 and 21. The image photographed by the imaging element unit 80 is a part of a donut-shaped image as indicated by reference numeral 112 in FIG.

As described above, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fourth embodiment, the imaging sensor 23 captures a part of a donut-shaped image and performs a geometric transformation on the image to obtain a display image. Can use all the pixels included in the image, and a high-resolution display image can be obtained. That is, in the case where the entire captured image denoted by reference numeral 110 in FIG. 11 is set as the imaging area, the shaded portion 111 which is a peripheral portion thereof is an unused portion, but only the portion denoted by reference numeral 112 is set as the imaging area. , Almost the entire area can be used.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the image sensor support 90 and the image sensor 80 in the fourth embodiment.
In the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fourth embodiment, the imaging element unit 80 captures an image of a part of the mirrors 20 and 21. Therefore, in order to capture an image in the 360-degree circumferential direction, as shown in FIG.
0 is a rotating plate rotatable in a 360-degree direction, and the center of rotation 91 and the rotational symmetry axes of the mirrors 20 and 21 are made to coincide with each other. As described above, by rotating the imaging element support unit 90, images of all areas (all areas of the donut-shaped image) reflected on the mirrors 20 and 21 can be captured by the user's selection.

FIG. 10 is a partial front view of the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fourth embodiment in which the camera unit 13 is incorporated in the terminal body 16. The mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fourth embodiment includes, as shown in FIG.
A part of the imaging element supporting portion 90 protrudes from the side surface of the terminal body 16, and the user can arbitrarily rotate the protruding portion. Therefore, an image in an arbitrary direction can be obtained by rotating the protruding portion of the imaging element supporting portion 90 by the user. Note that the rotation mechanism of the imaging element support unit 90 in the fourth embodiment is a rotation mechanism using a simple disk-shaped component, and does not require a complicated mechanism.

<Embodiment 5> FIG. 12 shows Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
1 is a partial front view of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the imaging element support unit 90 and the imaging element unit 80 according to the fifth embodiment. As described above, the mobile information communication terminal is required to have both ease of use and portability. The mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fifth embodiment is different from the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fourth embodiment in that the mobile information communication terminal is provided with a mechanism that allows for easier portability. That is, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fourth embodiment, the antenna unit 15 and the camera unit 13
It is a projection projecting from On the other hand, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fifth embodiment, the antenna unit 15 and the camera unit 13 are integrated, and the terminal body 1
6 are combined into one.

As shown in FIG. 11, the central portion 3 of the photographed image
1 does not contribute to imaging. Therefore, the mirror section 10 does not need to be provided at the center 31 of the captured image, and a hole mechanism may be provided at the center 31. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the imaging element supporting section 90 only needs to have a function of rotating about the center of rotation, and a hole mechanism may be provided in the center of rotation 91. Therefore, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fifth embodiment, the mirror 21
In addition, a hole mechanism is provided at the center of the imaging element support unit 90. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the hole mechanism includes an antenna penetrating part 121 in the mirror unit 10 and an antenna penetrating part 130 in the imaging element supporting part 90. 120
, The antenna 15 can be pulled out.

Thus, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to the fifth embodiment, the integration of the antenna section 15 and the camera section 13 can be realized, and the user's operation when using the camera function is performed. Is more convenient.

[0038]

As described above, the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function of the present invention obtains a 360-degree viewing field as a conical mirror or a hyperboloid mirror as an optical system for photographing an image. , An image sensor in the direction desired by the user can be obtained without the need for a complicated camera rotation mechanism or geometric transformation processing, and cost reduction can be achieved. Can be planned.

In the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function of the present invention, when a hyperboloid mirror is used as the optical system, a non-mirror surface and a light transmitting portion are provided at the apex of the hyperboloid mirror, and the optical system is shielded by the optical system. Because it is possible to image the area that is
An image with a wider angle of view can be obtained.

Further, the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function of the present invention is provided with a drawer mechanism for extending and retracting the optical system with respect to the housing of the mobile information communication terminal, and when the camera function is not used, When the optical system is housed in a housing and a camera function is used, the optical system can be pulled out from the housing, so that portability can be improved.

In the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function of the present invention, the image pickup device is arranged at a position where a part of the optical system can be picked up, and the image pickup device is rotated on the horizontal plane with respect to the optical system. Is provided, when a higher resolution is required, an image can be taken by effectively using all the pixels of the image sensor.

Further, in the mobile information communication terminal with a camera function of the present invention, a hole mechanism for inserting an antenna is provided in a dead portion in the center of the optical system. By sharing the storage part, it is easy to carry, and the user operation when using the camera function is more simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to a first embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show details of a camera unit, wherein FIG. 2A is a sectional view when a conical mirror is used, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view when a hyperboloidal mirror is used.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image captured by a camera unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an image obtained by performing a geometric transformation on the image shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a camera unit used in a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a partial front view of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial front view of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to a third embodiment.

8A and 8B illustrate a camera unit used in a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to a second embodiment, in which FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view when a conical mirror is used, and FIG. FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between an image sensor supporting portion and an image sensor according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a partial front view of a state where the camera unit according to the fourth embodiment is incorporated in a terminal body.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image captured by a camera unit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a partial front view of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between an image sensor supporting portion and an image sensor according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a first conventional example of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a second conventional example of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a third conventional example of a mobile information communication terminal with a camera function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Mirror part 11 Transparent cylinder part 12, 80 Image sensor part 13 Camera part 14 Display part 15 Antenna part 16 Terminal main body 17 Operation part 20 Conical mirror 21, 51 Hyperbolic mirror 22 Imaging lens 23 Imaging sensor 30 Imaging Possible area 31 Center part of photographed image 40 Image subjected to geometric transformation 41 Image displayed on display unit 90 Image pickup device support part 91 Rotation center part 110, 112 Image pickup area 111 Unused part 120 Antenna conductor part 121, 130 Antenna Penetration parts 140, 150, 160 Camera part (conventional example)

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Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A mobile information communication terminal having a camera function unit for photographing an image and capable of communicating voice, data, and images, wherein the camera function unit obtains a 360 ° field of view. Mobile information communication terminal with a camera function, comprising: an optical system for imaging; and an image sensor. 2. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the optical system comprises a hyperboloid mirror, a vertex portion of the hyperboloid mirror being a non-mirror surface and a light transmitting portion, and capable of imaging an area shielded by the optical system. The mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to claim 1. 3. A drawer mechanism for extending and retracting the optical system with respect to a housing of a mobile information communication terminal. When the camera function is not used, the optical system is housed in the housing and a camera is provided. The mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to claim 1, wherein when using a function, the optical system can be drawn out of the housing. 4. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup device is arranged at a position where a part of the optical system can be imaged, and a rotation mechanism for rotating the image pickup device with respect to the optical system on a horizontal plane is provided. Claim 1
4. The mobile information communication terminal with a camera function according to any one of 3. 5. The movement with a camera function according to claim 1, wherein a hole mechanism for inserting an antenna is provided in an insensitive portion in the center of the optical system. Body information communication terminal.