JP2003091041A - Portable information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a photographed picture to be confirmed on a display part while attaining the miniaturizing and the simplifying of a portable information terminal in the portable telephone set or the like provided with a photographing camera. SOLUTION: In the portable information terminal provided with a display part 11 capable of displaying information, a camera part 20 which includes an optical unit 30 and a photographing device 43 and a housing 10, a photographing direction is made to be able to be changed over to the front side and the back side of the terminal by providing respectively a first lens 21 and a second lens 22 at the front side and the back side of the housing 10 and by providing a reflecting mirror 23 to be freely rotatable between these lenses and by changing over the direction of the reflecting mirror 23. As a result, even when an objected to be photographed existing at either of sides of the front side or the back side of the housing 10 is photographed, the photographed picture can be confirmed on the display part 11. Moreover, the optical unit 30 and the photographing device 43 or the like can be arranged in the inside of the housing 10 by adopting the reflecting mirror and they can be prevented from being collided with external parts and are prevented from being damaged or the like.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable information terminal device such as a portable telephone or a portable personal computer (hereinafter, the portable telephone device and the portable personal computer are collectively referred to as a portable information terminal device), and more particularly, The present invention relates to a portable information terminal equipped with a camera capable of photographing an operator or a surrounding landscape.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a wireless communication system such as wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) has been developed, and as the data transfer rate is improved by this communication environment, a mobile phone capable of transmitting and receiving image signals. A personal digital assistant (PDA) such as a telephone or a portable personal computer has been developed.

As a camera used for transmitting an image signal, a retrofit type camera or a fixed type camera (so-called mobile camera) is known. The shooting direction of the camera is fixed in a fixed direction with respect to the housing of the portable information terminal, for example, fixed on the same front side or the reverse side of the display unit that displays various transmission / reception information. There is.

[0004]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional portable information terminal device, when transmitting a photographed image, it is desirable to first confirm the image on the display section before photographing. If it is fixed to, it is difficult to check the display when shooting scenery etc.
On the other hand, if the camera is fixed to the back side, it is difficult to check the display unit when photographing the operator himself.

In order to deal with this, it is conceivable that the camera is modularized so that it can be rotated with respect to the main body, and the photographing direction of the camera can be changed. In addition to being complicated, it becomes vulnerable to an impact such as a drop and is easily damaged.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily change the photographing direction while reducing the size and simplification of the apparatus.
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal which is structurally hard to be damaged and has excellent operability.

[0007]

A portable information terminal of the present invention comprises a display unit capable of displaying information, a camera unit including an optical unit and an image sensor for photographing a subject, and a display unit and a camera unit. A portable information terminal equipped with a housing for holding, characterized in that the optical unit has a reflection mirror capable of switching the optical axis of the subject light in order to switch the shooting direction. According to this configuration, by switching the direction of the reflecting mirror, it is possible to perform shooting not only in one direction but also in another direction. Further, by adopting the reflection mirror capable of switching the photographing direction in this way, the optical unit, the image pickup device, and the like can be arranged inside the housing, and it is possible to prevent collision and damage with the outside,
Functional reliability is improved and convenience is improved.

In the above structure, the housing is arranged on the same front side as the side on which the display section is arranged and the first light transmitting body for transmitting the subject light, and the rear side facing the first light transmitting body. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the second mirror has a second light transmitting body, and the reflecting mirror is rotatably arranged between the first light transmitting body and the second light transmitting body. According to this configuration, when the reflection mirror is directed to the first light transmissive body, it is possible to confirm the photographed image on the display unit while photographing the subject on the same front side as the display unit. When is directed to the second light transmissive body, the photographed image of the subject on the back side can be confirmed on the display unit while photographing the subject.

In the above structure, the first light transmitting body and the second light transmitting body
The light transmissive body may be a lens, and the reflection mirror may be arranged next to the lens in the incident direction of the subject light. According to this configuration, the range of the subject to be photographed can be expanded as compared with the case where a simple transparent flat member (for example, a transparent plastic plate for the cover) is used on the front side and the back side of the housing.

In the above structure, it is possible to adopt a structure in which an operation unit for manually switching the direction of the reflection mirror is provided outside the housing. According to this configuration, when the direction of the reflecting mirror is switched, the manual operation is performed by the operation unit, so that it is possible to reduce the size and simplify the operability while improving the operability.

Further, in the above structure, it is possible to adopt a structure in which a drive means for driving the direction of the reflection mirror is provided inside the housing so as to automatically switch the direction. According to this configuration, since it is not a manual operation, it is possible to provide the drive means for the reflection mirror inside the housing, which allows the surface of the housing to be smooth and the drive means when the equipment is dropped or the like. Since there is no direct collision, the damage etc. can be prevented.

In the above arrangement, the optical unit may be a variable magnification lens optical system for changing the magnification of the object with respect to the image pickup element. According to this configuration, since the optical unit is configured as a variable-magnification optical system, the angle of view can be adjusted, and when changing the shooting range,
By adjusting the optical unit without changing the shooting distance, you can shoot in a wide range from telephoto shooting to wide-angle shooting. Also, since this optical unit is adjusted in magnification inside the housing without protruding from the housing,
The risk of collision and damage is reduced, the appearance shape of the housing can be made smooth, and the convenience is improved by expanding the shooting range.

In the above structure, there is provided a control means for controlling the display information of the photographing information photographed by the camera portion, and the control means displays the display information by the display portion when the direction of the reflecting mirror is switched. A configuration can be adopted in which the moving image is switched to the still image. According to this configuration,
When switching the direction of the reflection mirror, for example, by displaying the moving image immediately before switching as a still image on the display unit, and by displaying the moving image at the time when the switching is completed,
It is possible to prevent the inside of the housing and the like from being photographed and displayed when the reflection mirror rotates. As a result, the shooting direction can be switched without giving a feeling of strangeness to the operator (sender) and the receiver.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 7
1 shows an embodiment of a portable information terminal device (here, a mobile phone) according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external front view showing the outline of the front side, FIG. 2 is an external view showing the back side, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure around the reflection mirror, FIG. 5 is an external side view, FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the reflection state of the reflection mirror, and FIG. 7 is an optical unit and an image sensor. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the control system, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control system.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the mobile phone according to this embodiment includes a casing 10 defining an outer contour,
A display unit (liquid crystal monitor) 11 provided on the surface of the housing 10 and capable of displaying various information regarding transmission / reception, an antenna unit 12, various operation buttons 13, a camera unit 20 for shooting a subject, and a housing. A substrate 50 and the like, which is arranged inside the body 10 and is provided with a control means for performing various signal processing, is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the camera section 20 is arranged on the front side of the housing 10 and serves as a first light transmitting body which also serves as a cover.
A second lens 2 as a second light transmitting body, which is arranged on the back side of the housing 10 at a position facing with and also serves as a cover.
2, a reflection mirror 23 rotatably arranged within a predetermined angle range between the first lens 21 and the second lens 22,
The variable-magnification lens optical system 30 that guides the subject light reflected by the reflection mirror 23 and changes the magnification of the subject, the CCD 43 as an image sensor, and the like.

Here, the first lens 21 or the second lens 22 and the housing 1 are arranged in order from the entering direction of the subject light.
An optical unit is configured by the reflection mirror 23, the variable-magnification lens optical system 30 and the like which are arranged inside 0. As described above, the first lens 21 and the second lens 22 fixed to the housing 10 not only allow the subject light to pass therethrough but also serve as a cover for covering the surface, and thus the reflecting mirror 23 and the variable power lens which are movable bodies. Since the optical system 30 is arranged inside the housing 10, it is possible to prevent the movable body from colliding with the outside, damage, etc., and enhance the functional reliability.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the reflection mirror 23 is formed of a reflection surface 23a, a rotating shaft 23b, a detection plate 23c integrally formed at one end of the rotating shaft 23b, and the like. . Then, at the other end of the rotating shaft 23b, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, an operation unit 60 for manually rotating the reflection mirror 23 is connected.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the operating portion 60 has a rotary shaft 61 and a pin 62, and the rotary shaft 61 has a flat portion 23b 'on the side thereof. (Other end)
An odd-shaped hole 61a for fitting is formed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing 10 has a bearing hole 10a for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft 61 in its side wall portion.
A circular arc-shaped long hole 10b through which the pin 62 can be movably inserted in an angle range of about 90 °, clip portions 10c and 10d capable of holding and holding the pin 62 at both ends of the long hole 10b, and the like are formed. As shown in FIG. 3, a bearing portion 10e that supports the rotating shaft 23b is formed therein.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, sensors 71, 7 are provided for the detection plate 23c of the reflection mirror 23.
2 is arranged, the reflection mirror 23 (reflection surface 23a)
The sensors 71 and 72 are adapted to detect the positions of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22, respectively. Where the sensor 7
As 1, 72, a non-contact type photo interrupter or a contact type sensor can be adopted.

Therefore, the operation unit 60 and the reflection mirror 2
3 is assembled, the operation portion 60 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 5B, and the pin 62 is attached to the clip portion 10c.
When sandwiched between the two, the reflecting surface 23a of the reflecting mirror 23 is positioned so as to face the first lens 21 on the front side, as shown in FIG. As a result, the subject light L that has passed through the first lens 21 is approximately 90 ° due to the reflecting surface 23a.
The direction is changed and the light is guided to the variable power lens optical system 30. Then, the sensor 71 detects that the reflection mirror 23 is located at the position shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the operation portion 60 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 5B and the pin 62 is clamped by the clip portion 10d, the reflection mirror 23 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 6B. , And is positioned so as to face the second lens 22 on the back side. As a result, the subject light L that has passed through the second lens 22 has its direction changed by approximately 90 ° by the reflecting surface 23a and is guided to the variable power lens optical system 30. And the sensor 72
Detects that the reflection mirror 23 is located at the position shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the variable power lens optical system 30 is fixed in the case 31 and extends in the optical axis direction L 3.
Book guide shaft 31a (one not shown), guide shaft 31a
It is formed by a first lens group 32, a second lens group 33 and the like which are guided and moved by. Further, behind the case 31, in order from the entering direction of the subject light L,
Crystal filter 4 such as infrared filter and low-pass filter
1, face plate 42, CCD 4 as an image sensor
3 etc. are arranged. The first lens group 32 and the second lens group 32
The lens group 33 is appropriately moved in the optical axis direction L by a cam member (not shown), a drive motor (see FIG. 8), etc. to make the magnification of the subject variable with respect to the CCD 43 and perform a focusing operation. It is like this.

As the control system, as shown in FIG. 8, a control unit 100 including a CPU or the like as a control means for controlling various controls, and a detection process for processing information output from the sensors 71 and 72 as a detection signal. A circuit 110, a lens drive circuit 130 that controls a motor 120 that drives the variable power lens optical system 30, an image processing circuit 140 that processes an image signal from the CCD 43, and an image display that performs a process for displaying information on the display unit 11. A circuit 150, an image storage unit 160 for storing captured images, a main switch 170, etc. are provided.

Next, the operation and operation of the mobile phone will be described. First, the main switch 170 is turned on, and display by the display unit 11 and photographing by the camera unit 20 are possible. In this state, for example, on the front side of the housing 10, when the operator or the like is photographed by the camera unit 20 and the photographed image is to be displayed on the display unit 11, the operation unit 60 is rotated clockwise, As shown in FIG. 6A, the reflection mirror 23 is positioned at a position toward the first lens 21. Then, the pin 62 is sandwiched and held by the clip portion 10c, and at the same time, the sensor 71 detects its position. Then, based on the detection signal, the control unit 10
A control signal is issued from 0 to the image display circuit 150, and the display of the moving image of the operator or the like photographed by the camera unit 20 is started on the display unit 11.

After this, the operator can confirm the photographed image displayed on the display unit 11 and operate the transmission button or the like to transmit the image to the receiver. It should be noted that, in photographing with the camera unit 20, by appropriately operating a magnification changing operation unit (not shown) provided outside the housing 10, the motor 120 is driven via the lens driving circuit 130 to perform zooming and widening. It is possible to take a picture while adjusting the variable magnification such as.

On the other hand, in this state, when it is desired to photograph the subject on the back side of the casing 10 with the camera unit 20 and display the photographed image on the display unit 11, the reflection mirror is placed at the position shown in FIG. 6B. In order to switch 23, the operation unit 60 is rotated counterclockwise by approximately 90 °. Simultaneously with the start of this rotation, the sensor 71 detects that the reflection mirror 23 has started to rotate. Then, based on this detection signal, the control unit 100 issues a control signal to the image display circuit 150 to stop the display of the moving image, and to display the immediately previous still image stored in the image storage unit 160 on the display unit. It is controlled so as to be displayed on 11.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the reflection mirror 23 is positioned at a position toward the second lens 22.
Then, the pin 62 is sandwiched and held by the clip portion 10d, and at the same time, the sensor 72 detects the position. Then, based on the detection signal, a control signal for switching the still image to the moving image is issued from the control unit 100 to the image display circuit 150, and the display unit 11 displays the back side of the housing 10 photographed by the camera unit 20. The moving image display of the subject in is started. Here, by switching the reflection mirror 23, desired processing is performed in advance in the image display circuit 150 so that the image displayed on the display unit 11 is not inverted (so as not to be displayed upside down), and the display unit 11 is displayed.
Is displayed in.

After this, the operator can confirm the photographed image displayed on the display unit 11 and operate the transmission button or the like to transmit the image to the receiver. In the same manner as described above, when shooting with the camera unit 20, the lens drive circuit 130 can be operated by appropriately operating the zooming operation unit (not shown).
It is possible to drive the motor 120 via the to adjust the zoom ratio such as zoom and wide, and to shoot.

As described above, by simply switching the direction of the reflecting mirror 23, the front and back objects can be appropriately photographed, and the photographed image can be confirmed on the display unit, which improves convenience. Further, when the reflection mirror 23 is switched, by switching the image displayed on the display unit 11 from a moving image to a still image, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary moving image from being displayed, and the operator or the receiver feels uncomfortable. Can be given. Further, the structure in which the operation of the reflecting mirror 23 is performed manually can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the portable information terminal according to the present invention. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. In the mobile phone according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the reflection mirror 23 has a rotating shaft 23b.
Are arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction, and the variable power lens optical system 30 is arranged so that the incident optical axis is in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction). The operation unit 60 is rotatably arranged on the upper side of the housing 10.

Such an arrangement is provided, for example, in the case 10
It is suitable when there is a space limitation in the vertical direction inside, and since the outer surface can be smoothed by eliminating the protrusion in the width direction of the mobile phone, when putting the mobile phone in and out of the storage case, etc. It can be easily taken in and out.

10 to 12 show another embodiment of the portable information terminal according to the present invention. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. In the mobile phone according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a step motor 80 as a driving unit is directly connected to one end of the rotating shaft 23b of the reflecting mirror 23. On the other hand, the other end of the rotating shaft 23b is inserted into a bearing hole 10f formed in the side wall of the housing 10 and is rotatably supported.

A sensor 73 is arranged on the side wall of the housing 10, as shown in FIG. Then, the sensor 73 detects the position of the reflection mirror 23 when the reflection mirror 23 is at the position toward the first lens 21.
As the sensor 73, a contact type sensor, a non-contact type photo interrupter or the like can be adopted. Further, on the side surface of the housing 10, a changeover switch 90 that emits a signal for changing the direction of the reflection mirror 23 is reciprocally arranged. The changeover switch 90 is not limited to the slide type, but may be a push type push button or the like.

As the control system, as shown in FIG. 12, a control unit 100 including a CPU or the like as a control means for controlling various controls, and a detection circuit 110 for processing information output from the sensor 73 as a detection signal. , A lens drive circuit 130 for controlling a motor 120 for driving the variable magnification lens optical system 30, an image processing circuit 140 for processing an image signal from the CCD 43, and an image display circuit 150 for performing a process for displaying information on the display unit 11. An image storage unit 160 that stores captured images, a main switch 170, and a reflection mirror 23.
A mirror drive circuit 180 that controls the step motor 80 that rotates the motor, a switch circuit 190 that processes the switching operation of the changeover switch 90 as an electric signal, and the like.

Next, the operation and operation of the mobile phone will be described. First, the main switch 170 is turned on, and display by the display unit 11 and photographing by the camera unit 20 are possible. In this state, for example, on the front side of the housing 10, when the operator or the like is photographed by the camera unit 20 and the photographed image is to be displayed on the display unit 11, when the changeover switch 90 is moved in one direction, The control unit 100 issues a control signal to the mirror drive circuit 180 based on the signal from the switch circuit 190, and the step motor 80 starts rotating.

When the sensor 73 detects the reflection mirror 23 and outputs a signal, a control signal is issued from the control section 100 to the mirror drive circuit 180 based on this output signal, and the step motor 80 is stopped. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, the reflecting mirror 23 moves the first lens 2
It is located at the position toward 1. Then, the control unit 10
A control signal is issued from 0 to the image display circuit 150, and the display of the moving image of the operator or the like photographed by the camera unit 20 is started on the display unit 11.

After that, the operator can confirm the photographed image displayed on the display unit 11 and operate the transmission button or the like to transmit the image to the receiver. It should be noted that, in photographing with the camera unit 20, by appropriately operating a magnification changing operation unit (not shown) provided outside the housing 10, the motor 120 is driven via the lens driving circuit 130 to perform zooming and widening. It is possible to take a picture while adjusting the variable magnification such as.

On the other hand, in this state, when it is desired to photograph the subject on the back side of the housing 10 with the camera unit 20 and display the photographed image on the display unit 11, the reflection mirror is placed at the position shown in FIG. 6B. Select switch 9 to switch 23
Move 0 in the opposite direction. By this switching operation, the control unit 100 issues a control signal to the mirror drive circuit 180 based on the signal from the switch circuit 190, and the step motor 8
0 starts to rotate.

At the same time, the control unit 100 issues a control signal to the image display circuit 150 to stop the display of the moving image and display the immediately preceding still image stored in the image storage unit 160 on the display unit 11. Control to be displayed on. Further, at the same time when the step motor 80 starts rotating, the sensor 73 outputs a signal and the step motor 8 starts from that signal.
When the number of drive steps of 0 is counted by a counter (not shown) and reaches a count value corresponding to a rotation angle of about 90 °, a control signal is issued from the control unit 100 to the mirror drive circuit 180, and the step motor 80 stops.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the reflection mirror 23 is positioned at the position toward the second lens 22. Then, from the control unit 100 to the image display circuit 150
On the other hand, a control signal for switching from the still image to the moving image is issued, and the display unit 11 starts displaying the moving image of the subject on the back side of the housing 10 photographed by the camera unit 20. Here, by switching the reflection mirror 23,
To prevent the image displayed on the display unit 11 from being inverted (not to be displayed upside down), the image display circuit 150 performs desired processing in advance and displays the image on the display unit 11.

After this, the operator can confirm the photographed image displayed on the display unit 11 and operate the transmission button or the like to transmit the image to the receiver. In the same manner as described above, when shooting with the camera unit 20, the lens drive circuit 130 can be operated by appropriately operating the zooming operation unit (not shown).
It is possible to drive the motor 120 via the to adjust the zoom ratio such as zoom and wide, and to shoot.

As described above, by simply changing the direction of the reflecting mirror 23, the front and back objects can be appropriately photographed, and the photographed image can be confirmed on the display unit, which improves convenience. Further, when the reflection mirror 23 is switched, by switching the image displayed on the display unit 11 from a moving image to a still image, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary moving image from being displayed, and the operator or the receiver feels uncomfortable. Can be given.

Further, since the rotation of the reflecting mirror 23 is automatically performed by the step motor 80, the operating portion 6 directly connected to the reflecting mirror 23 as described above.
Since 0 is not necessary, the reflection mirror 23 and the variable magnification lens optical system 30 are not limited to the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, etc., but may be any other desired direction, as long as there is no restriction on the space inside the housing 10. Can be oriented.

In the above embodiment, the variable-magnification lens optical system 30 capable of variable-magnification photography is shown as the optical unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a single-focus type fixed lens may be adopted. Good. In the above embodiment, the lens 2 is used as the first light transmitting body and the second light transmitting body.
Although 1 and 22 are adopted, the present invention is not limited to this, and a flat plastic member or the like that simply allows the subject light to pass therethrough may be adopted as the cover that covers the reflection mirror 23.

In the above embodiment, the camera unit 2
When shooting at 0 is not performed, the reflection mirror 23 (reflection surface 23a) is rotated to a position substantially parallel to the CCD 43 in conjunction with the OFF operation of the main switch 170, and the position is set to a rest position. You can also As a result, it is possible to prevent strong light from entering the optical unit and damaging the CCD 43 and the like when not in use.

[0047]

As described above, according to the portable information terminal of the present invention, in the camera unit including the optical unit and the image pickup device for photographing the subject, the photographing direction is switched to a part of the optical unit. By providing a reflection mirror capable of switching the optical axis of the subject light, it is possible to perform shooting not only in one direction but also in the other direction by switching the direction of the reflection mirror. Particularly, by arranging the first light transmissive body and the second light transmissive body on the front side and the back side of the housing and rotatably disposing the reflection mirror between them, the reflection mirror can be used as the first light transmissive body. When directed, the photographed image of the subject on the same front side as the display unit can be confirmed on the display unit, while on the other hand, when the reflection mirror is directed to the second light transmissive body, it is on the back side. The photographed image can be confirmed on the display unit while photographing the subject.

Further, by adopting the reflecting mirror whose shooting direction can be switched in this way, the main body of the camera unit can be arranged inside the housing, and collision with external damage and damage can be prevented. , Functional reliability is increased and convenience is improved.

Furthermore, when the direction of the reflection mirror is changed, the display information on the display unit is changed from a moving image to a still image, so that the inside of the housing is photographed and displayed when the reflection mirror rotates. Can be prevented. This can prevent the operator (sender) and the receiver from feeling uncomfortable.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outer appearance of a mobile phone as an example of a mobile information terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the outer appearance of the back side of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a reflection mirror and its peripheral parts that constitute a part of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

5A and 5B are external side views of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 5A is a side view with an operation section removed,
(B) is a side view in a state where the operation unit is attached.

6A and 6B show an internal structure of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 6A is a side sectional view showing a state in which the reflection mirror is directed to the first lens side on the front side, and FIG. It is a side sectional view showing the state where it was turned to the 2nd lens side of the back side.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a camera unit including an optical unit, an image pickup device, and the like.

8 is a block diagram showing a control system of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

9A and 9B show another embodiment of a mobile phone as an example of a mobile information terminal according to the present invention, in which FIG. 9A is a front view showing the outer appearance on the front side, and FIG. 9B is a cross section showing the internal structure. It is a figure.

FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment of a mobile phone as an example of a mobile information terminal according to the present invention,
(A) is a front view showing the outer appearance on the front side, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a reflection mirror and its peripheral parts that constitute a part of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

12 is a block diagram showing a control system of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 housing 11 Display 20 camera section 21 First Lens (First Light Transmitter) 22 Second Lens (Second Light Transmitter) 23 Reflective mirror 23a reflective surface 23b rotation axis 23c Detection plate 30 Zoom lens optical system (optical unit) 43 CCD (imaging device) 60 Control 71, 72, 73 sensors 80 step motor (driving means) 90 changeover switch 100 control unit (control means) 140 image processing circuit 150 image display circuit 160 image storage unit 180 Mirror drive circuit 190 switch circuit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A portable information terminal comprising: a display unit capable of displaying information; a camera unit including an optical unit for capturing an object and an image sensor; and a housing holding the display unit and the camera unit. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit includes a reflection mirror capable of switching an optical axis of subject light in order to switch a shooting direction. 2. The first casing is disposed on the same front side as the side on which the display unit is disposed and transmits a subject light, and is disposed on the back side facing the first transparent body. And a second light transmitting member, the reflecting mirror being rotatably disposed between the first light transmitting member and the second light transmitting member. The portable information terminal according to claim 1. 3. The first light transmitting body and the second light transmitting body,
The mobile information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the reflection mirror is formed of a lens, and the reflection mirror is arranged next to the lens in a direction in which the subject light enters. 4. An operation unit for manually switching the direction of the reflection mirror is provided outside the housing.
The portable information terminal according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: 5. The portable information terminal according to claim 2, further comprising a drive unit for driving the reflection mirror to automatically switch the direction of the reflection mirror inside the housing. Machine. 6. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit is a variable power lens optical system that makes a magnification of an object variable with respect to the image pickup device. . 7. A control unit for controlling to display on the display unit photographing information photographed by the camera unit, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to change the direction of the reflecting mirror. 7. The mobile information terminal according to claim 1, wherein display information is switched from a moving image to a still image.