JP2004274777A - Portable multifunctional electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve user-friendliness of a multifunctional electronic apparatus of portable type which comprises the functions of portable telephone functions, still camera functions, etc. <P>SOLUTION: The portable electronic apparatus is provided with a part 1 which is rotatably connected by a connecting part 3 and is foldable, and a lid part 2. An input key group and a main display part are installed in a folding inside of the main part 1 and a lid part 2, and a camera part 9 and a sub-display part 17 are installed in a folding outside. As a result of this, the portable multifunction electronic apparatus which is easily used as a portable telephone, and furthermore, even in a stand-by condition in a folded state as the portable telephone, can be immediately used as a still camera, and so on, and can also be used easily as a still camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable multifunctional electronic device having a function as an electronic camera and an electronic device function provided with at least an input unit for numbers and the like and a main display unit for displaying input contents, and more specifically, at least A camera that converts an image including a CCD or the like into an electric signal, and a display device including a liquid crystal or the like capable of displaying an image signal from the camera or an external image signal, and more preferably a portable device having a PDA function such as a schedule. A possible multifunctional electronic device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, camera-equipped mobile phones in which a camera is mounted on a mobile phone have become widespread as electronic cameras using a CCD or the like have become smaller and more sophisticated. This camera-equipped mobile phone can be used as a so-called video phone that sends an image captured by the camera to a communication partner via a telephone line or talks while looking at each other's faces. By doing so, it can be used as an electronic still camera.

  As an example of this type of conventional mobile phone, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-257460. FIG. 10 is a view showing this conventional example. FIG. 10 (a) is an external configuration diagram showing a state of use as an electronic still camera, and FIG. 10 (b) is a mobile phone or a mobile video phone (hereinafter referred to as a mobile phone). FIG. 10C is an external configuration diagram illustrating a state of use, and FIG. 10C is an external configuration diagram illustrating a storage state. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 91 denotes a camera unit cabinet, on which a camera lens 93 is provided on one surface. Reference numeral 92 denotes a display unit cabinet. When used as a mobile phone, a display unit 94 made of a liquid crystal panel or the like is provided on the same surface as the camera lens 93. The camera unit cabinet 91 and the display unit cabinet 92 are rotatably connected by a connecting shaft 90. When the camera unit 93 and the display unit 94 are folded so as to face each other, the camera unit cabinet 91 and the display unit 92 are in the storage state shown in FIG. That is, when the camera is folded in the opposite direction, it is in a state of being used as a still camera shown in FIG.

  Details of the coupling shaft 90 are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the camera unit cabinet 91 is provided with cylindrical coupling shafts 95 and 96, and the display unit cabinet 92 is provided with semi-cylindrical coupling bearings 97 and 98. The connecting shafts 95 and 96 and the connecting bearings 97 and 98 are configured to be connectable.

  When the coupling shaft 95 and the coupling bearing 98 are coupled as shown in FIG. 11A, the camera is in use as a still camera, and as shown in FIG. 11B, the coupling shaft 96 and the coupling bearing 97 and the coupling shaft. In a state where the coupling 95 and the coupling bearing 98 are coupled, the cellular phone is in use as a mobile phone. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the cylindrical coupling shaft 96 and the semi-cylindrical coupling bearing 97 are coupled, the mobile phone is in a housed state.

  Although not specifically shown in the drawings, a signal processing unit of a camera unit, a signal processing unit of a display unit, and the like are housed in a camera unit cabinet 91 and a display unit cabinet 92, respectively. And a power supply section are appropriately housed in the cabinet section. Power supply means and signal transmission means are provided between the camera cabinet 91 and the display cabinet 92.

In this conventional example, when used as a mobile phone, the camera unit cabinet 91 and the display unit cabinet 92 are rotated in the vertical direction so that the camera lens 93 and the display unit 94 are arranged on one surface, while the electronic still camera is used. When used, the display unit 94 is folded so that the display unit 94 is on one side and the camera lens 93 is on the other side. When used as a mobile phone or a portable videophone, it is needless to say that a microphone and a speaker appropriately provided are used, although not specifically shown. When used as a portable telephone or a portable videophone, a dial display is performed on the display unit 92, and a dial operation is performed using the display unit 92 as a touch panel.
JP-A-10-257460

  According to the conventional example described above, since the camera unit and the display unit are configured to be foldable so as to overlap with each other, a small portable device having a portable telephone or portable videophone function and an electronic still camera function can be extremely compact. However, since dialing for entering a telephone number is performed with a dial displayed using a part of the display unit 94, not only is it difficult to see the input contents, but also a thin pencil-shaped pointing stick is required for dialing. And the operation is not always easy. In addition, when used as an electronic still camera, the display unit 94, which is an input unit when used as a mobile phone, is always exposed to the outside. It is not possible to provide a switch-type keyboard.

  Further, since the display unit cabinet 92 and the camera unit cabinet 91 are rotatable by 360 degrees, the configuration of this portion is complicated, and there is no problem in terms of cost and reliability. Was.

  Furthermore, in this conventional example, when a call is received when the telephone is in the stowed state, that is, in the folded state, it is impossible to know who called the telephone without opening the folded state and checking the display unit. There is a problem that usability is poor.

  In addition, when used as an electronic still camera, it is necessary to rotate the display unit cabinet 92 and the camera unit cabinet 91 by 360 degrees, and the operation is complicated and it takes time to release the shutter. Have.

  In addition, some existing camera-equipped mobile phones are provided with a sub-display section for displaying images shot by the camera on the same surface as the lid on which the camera is attached. However, it is difficult to shoot other than yourself, and it is difficult to use as a still camera. In addition, since the mobile phone is usually used in the mobile phone mode, a predetermined operation is required to switch to the camera mode, and it takes time to take a picture immediately.

  The invention of the present application has been made in view of the above points, and the operation is easy and easy when used as an electronic still camera, and the key input operation is also easy when used as another electronic device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable multifunctional electronic device that can be conveniently used.

  In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable multifunctional electronic device that is a full-scale still camera that can be used as a mobile phone.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems of the related art, and a main body and a lid are foldably connected to each other by a connecting portion to form an electronic device main body. In an electronic device provided with an input key portion for numbers or the like on one side of a folding inner surface of a body portion and a main display portion on the other side, a lens portion of a first camera is provided on one of the folding outer surfaces of the main body portion and the lid body portion. The sub-display unit serving as a finder of the first camera is provided on the other side, and a camera shutter is provided on a side surface of the device body.

  Further, in the above configuration, the positions of the lens portion of the camera and the sub-display portion are interchanged, and the lens portion of the camera is provided on the outer surface side of the lid portion, and the sub-display portion is provided on the main body side.

  With this configuration, not only can the main body and the lid be used as a still camera with the portable part folded down, but also the key switch type with good operability when the lid is opened It can be used as an electronic device such as a telephone terminal having a keyboard and a main display unit. Therefore, a portable multifunctional electronic device which is easy to use as a still camera and excellent in operability such as input as an electronic device such as a telephone can be obtained. In particular, since the input unit and the display unit are provided separately for the lid unit and the main unit, each can be enlarged.

  When a camera is provided on the main body side, a control circuit as a telephone terminal, a control circuit as a still camera, and the like can be collectively provided on the main body side, so that there is also an effect that the mechanical design becomes easy. Will be.

  According to the present invention, in the portable multi-function electronic device having the above-described configuration, the characters on the main display are displayed such that the connection portion is on the lower side, and the characters on the sub-display portion are displayed on the connection portion on the upper side. To be displayed.

  According to this configuration, the portable multifunctional electronic device according to the present invention is held in a state where the connecting portion is located upward with the lid closed, and the characters and images on the sub-screen are read and the holding state is maintained as it is. When the cover is opened upward, characters and images on the main display portion can be read immediately.

  Further, according to the present invention, since information on electronic devices such as a telephone terminal can be displayed on the sub-display unit functioning as a finder, even when the lid is closed, for example, incoming mail such as mail, and identification information of the called party are displayed in a sub-display. Can be displayed in the section.

  In the present invention, since the apparatus main body is rectangular and provided with a camera shutter, it can be used as a full-scale still camera when held horizontally.

  The present invention is characterized in that, in the multifunctional electronic device having the above-described configuration, a sub camera is provided on the inner surface side with the electronic device body opened, and a speaker is further provided.

  According to this configuration, when this portable multifunctional electronic device is used as a TV phone, the user captures an image of himself / herself and transmits the image while viewing the transmission image (face, etc.) from the other party on the main display unit. And the effect that the voice from the other party can be heard.

  According to the present invention, in the portable multifunctional electronic device having the above-described configuration, a sub-camera shutter is provided on the inner side of the electronic device main body in an open state, and a second shutter is provided near the sub-display unit. .

  According to this, when the mobile phone is used as a mobile phone, it is possible to use the main display unit as a finder of the main camera and perform shooting with the main camera. Further, when a shutter for the main camera is provided on the same surface as the sub display unit, the camera can be used as a vertical still camera. Further, the main display unit can be used in various other ways, such as superimposing an image from a camera and an image from a sub camera, thereby improving operability.

  According to the present invention, in the portable multifunctional electronic device having the above-described configuration, the sub-display unit displays identification information such as the telephone number of the other party who has requested the communication, and further displays the identification information in the electronic device body. Related information such as an image associated with the identification information is configured to be stored, and when the information matches the identification information, the related information can be displayed on the sub-display unit.

  According to this, when an incoming call is received, it is possible to know who has called by merely looking at the sub display unit, and it is possible to improve the usability as a mobile phone.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can be used comfortably as a normal multifunctional electronic device (for example, a mobile phone) having a display unit and an input key unit in an expanded state, and is completely the same as a full-scale still camera in a folded state. It can be used with a simple feeling and can perform comfortable shooting with little camera shake.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information relevant to a multifunctional electronic device can be seen by a sub display part with a cover closed. Therefore, when information by communication is obtained, for example, when there is an incoming call, there is an effect that it is possible to easily know who called from simply by looking at the sub display unit. In particular, if the face of the communication partner is stored in advance in the memory of the electronic device main body, the face can be displayed at the time of an incoming call, so that the enjoyment during use is further increased.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the multifunction portable electronic device is closed and held so that the connection portion is at the top, the characters on the sub-display portion can be read as it is, and further, the holding state can be maintained. When the lid is opened upward, the characters on the main display portion can be read immediately while being held as they are, and this has the effect that the user can use the device comfortably.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the multi-function electronic device is used as a videophone, it is possible to transmit its own image while watching the image from the other party, and also to hear the voice from the other party in a loud voice. Therefore, it has an effect that it can be used comfortably.

  Further, according to the present invention, since shutters for the camera are provided at various places, it is possible to perform various photographing according to the usage state of the camera, and there is an effect that operability is improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display an image from the main camera and an image from the sub camera on the main display unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 are schematic views of a portable multifunctional electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a state where the electronic device main body is folded at an intermediate portion thereof, and FIG. 1B shows a state where the electronic device main body is expanded. FIG. 2A also shows a state in which the electronic device main body is folded at an intermediate portion thereof, but shows a state viewed from the side opposite to the case of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the electronic device main body is expanded, but is a view seen from a side opposite to the side shown in FIG. 1B.

  This portable multifunctional electronic device has a mobile phone function and a camera function, and can be always carried and used as a mobile phone terminal, and also has a camera function. Furthermore, an image captured using the camera function can be transmitted using the mobile phone function. Furthermore, it can be used as a TV telephone terminal.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a rectangular main body (vertically long in the figure), which has various control circuits for operating a mobile phone function therein, and further includes an operation described in detail later. It has various keys and so on. Reference numeral 2 denotes a lid having substantially the same shape as that of the main body 1, and is rotatably connected to the main body 1 by a connecting portion 3 to form an electronic device main body. The connecting part 3 is preferably a hinge mechanism that can hold the main body part 1 and the lid body part 2 at an arbitrary angle, and can be opened to an angle of about 180 degrees. The main body 1 and the lid 2 constitute a multifunctional electronic device main body. The main body 1 and the lid 2 have an arc-shaped opposite end of the connecting portion 3 and a lock mechanism (not shown) for locking the arc-shaped opposite ends when the two are overlapped. Has been. At the opposite end central portion 1a of the main body 1, a hanging string 1b serving also as a strap for hanging the multifunctional electronic device from the neck is provided. Therefore, when worn around the neck, this multifunctional electronic device becomes a kind of decorative pendant. Therefore, as described later, the outer surfaces of the main body 1 and the lid 2 are shaped and configured to be suitable for decoration.

  An input key unit 4 for inputting numbers, alphabets, and the like, an operation key group 5 for various operations, a microphone 6 serving as a voice input unit when used with a mobile phone terminal, A speaker 7 used for reproducing sound in an enlarged manner is provided, and a lateral position shutter 8 used when this electronic device is used as a camera is provided on a side surface 52 of the main body 1. As shown in FIG. 2A, a lens section 9 of a main camera as a first camera and a flash 10 are provided on an outer surface side of the main body section 1 to protect the lens section 9 of the main camera. Is provided. In this embodiment, the central key 51 of the operation key group 5 is configured to also function as a second shutter of the camera. The lens cover 11 is formed of a circular thin plate as a whole as shown in the figure, and is embedded in the main body so that the surface is flush with the main body 1. The lens cover 11 is rotatably held by the main body 1 at the center thereof, and is provided with a finger hook 12 formed of a circular recess. The lens cover 11 can be rotated while the fingertip is hooked on the finger hook 12 of the lens cover 11.

  An opening is provided at a position corresponding to the lens portion 9 of the main camera of the lens cover 11 and at a front portion of the flash 10. When the lens cover 11 is used as a camera, the lens cover 11 is rotated so that the opening is removed. The lens unit 9 of the main camera and the flash 10 are located. When the camera is not used, the lens unit 9 and the flash 10 of the main camera unit can be covered by placing the lens cover 11 at another predetermined position. Note that a means may be provided for detecting that the opening of the lens cover 11 has reached a rotational position at which the lens section 9 of the main camera is exposed, and an electronic still camera mode may be provided by the output of this detecting means. Reference numeral 18 denotes a grip, which can enhance the holding ability when used as a camera. Further, when the lens section 9 of the main camera is provided at a position corresponding to the connection section 3, the main camera can be stored in the connection section 3.

  On the inner side of the fold of the lid 2, the display of the text of the mail, the display of the sent picture, the display of the image transmitted from the other party when used as a TV phone, or the display of various information for operating the mobile phone Sub-camera as a second camera used as a main display unit 13 serving as a first display unit, an ear speaker 14 used as a mobile phone terminal, a camera used as a mobile TV phone terminal, etc. Is provided.

  In this example, the lens portion 15 of the sub-camera is provided near the connecting portion 3 of the lid 2, but the present invention is not limited to this position. For example, if there is a space, it may be provided on the inner surface side of the main body 1. Is also good.

  On the outer surface side of the lid 2, a position close to the connecting portion 3 swells slightly like a truncated cone, and a rectangular sub-display portion 17 as a second display portion is provided on the plane portion thereof. Three buttons 16 are provided below 17 at the bottom of the bulging portion. These three buttons 16 are used for operations related to information on mail of a mobile phone, and the third shutter 16 is used when the camera is used in a vertical position. The position of the third shutter 16 is not limited to the illustrated position as long as it can be operated while looking at the sub-display unit, as long as it is near the sub-display unit. In addition, various operation keys are provided. The display size of the sub display unit 17 may be smaller than that of the main display unit 13, but it goes without saying that the sub display unit 17 can have an appropriate display size depending on what is displayed. In the sub-display unit 17, for example, when the portable multifunctional electronic device according to the present invention is folded and put into a standby state as a mobile phone terminal, the display of the other party's telephone number when there is an incoming call, or the display of the telephone number On the other hand, when a specific name or the like is stored, it is used for displaying the name. The sub display unit 17 is used as an electronic finder when the electronic device is used as an electronic still camera using the main camera. It goes without saying that the sub-display unit 17 can display not only such information but also appropriate information.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the main display unit 13 is configured so that the characters are erected when the input key unit 4 is held down, and the sub display unit 17 is configured to Is displayed above the characters.

  The main camera, which is the first camera, preferably has 2 million pixels or more in consideration of use as a full-scale camera. The sub camera as the second camera is used for imaging when the multifunctional electronic device according to the present invention is used as a camera-equipped mobile phone terminal, or for imaging when used as a portable TV phone terminal. Yes, it may be about 300,000 pixels.

  A memory is provided inside the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention so that image information captured by a camera or the like can be stored. When the image data is a face photograph of a person, the image data is associated with identification information such as a telephone number of the person in the photograph. Then, when a call of the telephone number is received, the image data is displayed on the sub-display unit. It goes without saying that the image data is not limited to the face photograph, and may be any relevant information including a face photograph associated with specific identification information.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the multifunctional electronic device is folded. As shown in the drawing, when the connecting portion 3 is folded and held so as to be on the upper side, the connecting portion 3 has a vertically long shape and the characters of the sub display portion 17 are erected. When the lid 2 is lifted up and opened in this state, the main display 13 is provided on the inner surface side of the lid 2, and the characters on the main display 13 are connected as shown in FIG. Since the display is made so that the side opposite to the part 3 is on the upper side, the characters on the main display part can be read without being brought back, and the configuration is very convenient.

  In order to use this multifunctional electronic device as a mobile phone terminal, usually, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), the microphone 6 is placed near the mouth with the main body 1 and the lid 2 open, and the speaker 14 is placed near the mouth. Take it near your ear. As a result, the multifunctional electronic device can be used comfortably as a mobile phone terminal as in the related art. 1B, the end of the main body 1 on the side of the connecting portion 3 is in contact with the end of the lid 2 on the side of the connecting portion.

  In addition to being used as a mobile phone terminal, this multifunctional electronic device can be used comfortably as a camera, and can also be used comfortably as a TV phone terminal.

  A use situation when this multifunctional electronic device is used as a camera will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7. FIG. Further, a description will be given of how the multifunctional electronic device is used as a TV phone.

  FIG. 4 shows a case in which the multifunctional electronic device is used as a still camera. In a case where the main body 1 and the lid 2 are closed and the integrated type horizontally long state is held, the multifunctional electronic device has an arc-shaped end 18b. The lens 9 of the main camera of the main body 1 in the hidden position is directed toward the subject, and the sub display 17 of the lid 2 is used as an electronic finder. Since the front surface of the main body 1 is formed with a taper 18a toward the arcuate end 18b, a finger is attached along the taper 18a, and the grip 18 protruding from the taper is held and the device main body is moved sideways. By holding the camera in the position and operating the horizontal position shutter 8, shooting can be performed. Since the main body 1 and the lid 2 are integrated, the camera itself is structurally rigid and stable, and since the rigid camera can be held firmly, a photograph with little camera shake is taken. be able to. In particular, although not shown, more stable holding is possible by attaching the left hand to the lower part of the main body.

  It is preferable to turn on the power of the multi-function electronic device, put it in a folded state, and in a case where the mobile phone terminal is in a standby state, when the shutter is operated, it is preferable to immediately start the operation as a camera, As a result, it is possible to release the shutter of the camera within a short time even in the case of an emergency, and the operability as a camera is further improved. For example, when the shutter 8 is depressed, the mode is switched from the mobile phone mode to the still camera mode in accordance with the detection output of the depression, and the image information may be stored by photographing under the photographing conditions at that time.

  FIG. 5 shows a situation of shooting in a vertical position. In this case, if the third shutter 16 provided below the sub display unit 17 is used, stable shooting can be performed while holding the camera with one hand.

  FIG. 6 shows a situation in which oneself is photographed. In this case, the lens unit 15 of the sub camera installed below the main display unit 13 is used. The main display unit 13 is used as an electronic finder, and the keys 51 in the operation key group 5 are used as a shutter.

  In this case, it goes without saying that the camera to be used may be the main camera, and the camera may be switched to the lens unit 9 to take the other party. FIG. 7 illustrates this situation.

  When this multifunctional electronic device is used as a TV telephone terminal, oneself is photographed using the lens unit 15 of the sub camera, this image is transmitted to the other party, and the image transmitted from the other party is displayed on the main display unit 13. Let it. In this case, since the lens unit 15 of the sub-camera is near the connecting unit 3, it is positioned near the user's eyes looking at the main display unit 13, and the user's face photographed by the sub-camera is at the optimal angle. It becomes. The sound from the other party is enlarged and reproduced by the speaker 7, and the own sound is captured by the microphone 6 and transmitted. In this case, an image to be transmitted to the other party may be displayed on a part of the main display unit, and a call may be made while monitoring the image. Also, open the electronic device to the state shown in FIG. 1 (b) and FIG. 2 (b), hold it horizontally, hold the arc-shaped end 18b side of the main body with the right hand, take a picture of yourself with the sub camera, and use the main camera The landscape may be photographed and transmitted to the other party as an image obtained by combining the landscape with the background of the user, and this image may be displayed on a part of the main display unit 13.

  In the above example, the lens unit 9 of the main camera is provided on the back side of the main body unit 1 and the sub display unit 17 is provided on the back side of the lid unit 2. Even if the sub-display unit 17 is provided and the lens unit 9 of the main camera is provided on the back side of the lid 2, a multifunctional electronic device that can be used as a full-scale still camera can be obtained. In this case, the opening degree of the lid 2 is larger than that in the state shown in FIG. 1A, for example, about 90 degrees, and the main body 1 is held in a hand or placed on a desk to be a vertical type. The photographer can take a picture of himself with the lens unit 15 and can take a picture of the scenery with the lens unit 9 of the main camera provided on the outer surface side of the lid 2.

  Also, the case where the main camera is used as a full-scale still camera has been described as an example, but it goes without saying that an image captured by the main camera may be transmitted by a mobile phone function. In this case, since the size of the image becomes large, it is preferable to provide a means for appropriately changing the image size in the camera control circuit.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a charged state of the multifunctional electronic device. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a rectangular adapter which is detachably fitted to the outer peripheral portion of the connecting portion 3 of the device main body with a concave fitting portion 102. If the connecting portion 3 and the adapter 100 are coupled by magnetic force, the coupling between them becomes strong. An adapter stand 102 is provided on the back of the adapter, and the adapter can be set up at an appropriate angle, for example, at an inclination of 135 degrees. It looks like a stand. In this state, since the sub-display unit 17 can be seen from the front, if the mobile phone mode is set, a picture frame for displaying a standby image is obtained. When this multi-function electronic device is used as a telephone, it is of a vertical type, so that the transmitted image and the photographed image are displayed as an image with the connecting portion 3 and the arc-shaped opposite end upside down. However, when placed horizontally as described above, the image on the sub-display unit 17 is rotated 90 degrees and displayed as an image with the horizontally long side up and down. Whether the device body is used vertically or horizontally is detected by a position sensor (not shown) provided inside.

  Further, in this case, it is possible to display three-dimensional information on the standby screen by using a liquid crystal display device capable of switching and displaying the sub-display unit 17 between three-dimensional display and two-dimensional display. In this case, adjustment may be made so that the device main body is inclined at an angle at which the three-dimensional image is most easily seen in relation to the user's line of sight.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a signal processing system of a multifunctional electronic device according to the present invention having a mobile phone function and an electronic camera function. In particular, since the signal processing system does not form a main part of the present invention, the details are omitted.

  A multifunctional electronic device 81 having a mobile phone function, an electronic camera function, and the like according to the present invention includes an information processing unit 88 that controls the entire multifunctional electronic device. The information processing unit 88 includes a CPU, and is connected to an input / output unit 75 including various key input units, a voice input microphone, a voice output speaker, and the like, and a memory 72. The memory 72 stores an operation control program for controlling the operation of the multi-function electronic device as an electronic camera or the operation as a camera-equipped mobile phone, various constants for the electronic camera function, and shooting conditions. And a RAM as storage means serving as a work area when executing the program.

  Although not described in detail, the information processing means 88 controls sampling timing control of image data of an electronic camera or a mobile phone with a camera, exposure control including aperture and shutter speed, focus control, zoom control, white balance setting, image data It performs overall control of the entire multi-function electronic device 81 according to the present invention, such as recording control, communication control, display control, pixel data conversion processing of image data, various conversion processing of added data, and setting and cancellation of a power saving mode. .

  The multi-function electronic device 81 according to the present invention further temporarily stores a main display unit 87, a sub display unit 82, an electronic camera 83 (including a main camera and a sub camera), an image processing unit 84, and image data. It has a frame memory 85, a D / A converter 86, a compression / decompression means 89, a recording medium interface 76, and a recording medium 77. , An antenna 74.

  The image processing unit 84 performs processes such as changing the number of pixels, sharpness correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, and white balance correction. Image data from the image processing unit 84 is temporarily stored in a frame memory. .

  The compression / decompression means 89 controls the compression of data such as image data by a method represented by JPEG or MPEG, and controls the expansion and decompression of the data compressed by the instruction of the information processing means 88. As a result, a large amount of data such as image data can be transmitted and received efficiently. The recording medium interface 76 is for detachably mounting a recording medium 77 made of various types of semiconductors such as memory cards and MOs, magnetic recording, and magneto-optical recording.

  The transmission / reception unit 73 encodes image data or data such as a directory according to a command from the information processing unit 88, decodes the data, places it on a carrier wave, and transmits or receives the data via the antenna 74. The communication connector 71 is a connector for transmitting and receiving information such as image data by wire, and is stored in an image file or a RAM, ROM, or frame memory 85 in the memory 72 for a device having a similar communication connector. The transmitted data can be transmitted, and the data transmitted from the other party can be stored in the storage means. An optical cable may be used between the connectors. In this case, it is necessary to convert a signal into an optical signal.

  Although the electronic camera 83 is not actually displayed, two cameras, the main camera and the sub camera, are provided in parallel, and it is possible to select which camera to use as appropriate. When the foldable multifunctional electronic device according to the present invention is folded to be in a standby state of a mobile phone, it is preferable that the main camera is set to operate immediately. When the position shutter 8 is operated, the shutter of the camera can be released immediately. As the camera, the shutter can be selected from various key input units. In the embodiment, the shutter 8 for the horizontal position, the shutter 16 for the vertical position, and the key 51 in the operation key group 5 are selected as described above. . Further, although not described in detail, the electronic camera 83 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD that forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, performs photoelectric conversion and outputs the image data as image data, and a focusing unit for forming an image on the light receiving surface of the subject. , An aperture mechanism for adjusting the exposure amount, a shutter speed adjusting means for adjusting the exposure time, and a zoom mechanism for adjusting the angle of view, which are controlled by the information processing means 88. Further, the input / output means 75 performs voice input and voice output when used as a mobile phone terminal.

  Although the above embodiment is a multifunctional electronic device having both a still camera function and a mobile phone function, a personal computer function, a calculator function, a PDA function, a mail function, a translation function, and the like can be used instead of the mobile phone function. . Further, one or more of these functions may be provided.

It is a figure which shows embodiment of the multifunctional electronic device of this invention, (a) is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the cover halfway, and (b) is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the lid. It is a diagram showing an embodiment of a multi-function electronic device of the present invention, (a) is a perspective view seen from the other side different from FIG. 1 (a), (b) is a rear view of FIG. 1 (b) FIG. It is a perspective view showing the state where the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention was folded. It is an explanatory view showing a case where the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention is used as a full-scale camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows the case where the multifunctional electronic device of this invention is used as a camera for standing positions. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a use state in a case where the user is photographed using the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a still another use state of the present invention, and is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a multi-function electronic device is photographing a partner in a deployed state. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a use state of a multifunctional electronic device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a signal processing system of the multifunctional electronic device of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a conventional small electronic device, (a) shows a state of being folded and used as a camera, (b) shows a state of being used as a mobile phone, and (c) shows a state of being folded and stored. (a), (b) and (c) are side views corresponding to FIGS. 10 (a), (b) and (c), respectively.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body part 2 Cover part 3 Connecting part 4 Input key part 5 Operation key group 6 Microphone 7 Speaker 8 Side position shutter 9 Lens part of main camera 10 Flash 11 Lens cover 12 Finger cover part 13 Main display part 14 Ear speaker 15 Lens part of sub camera 16 Shutter for standing position 17 Sub display part 18 Grip

Claims (14)

  The main unit and the lid unit are foldably connected by the connecting unit to form the device main unit, and input key units such as numbers are provided on one of the folding inner side of the main unit and the lid unit, and the main display unit is provided on the other. In the multifunctional electronic device, a lens portion of the first camera is provided on one of the folding outer surfaces of the main body portion and the lid portion, and a sub-display portion serving as a finder of the first camera is provided on the other side. A portable multifunctional electronic device, wherein a shutter for the first camera is provided on a side surface of the electronic device.   A multifunctional electronic device that has a main unit and a lid unit foldably connected by a connection unit to form a main unit, with input keys such as numbers on the inner side of the main unit and a main display unit on the lid unit. In the device, a lens portion of the first camera is provided on a folding outer surface side of the lid body portion, and a sub-display portion serving as a finder of the first camera is provided on a folding outer surface side of the main body portion. A portable multifunctional electronic device comprising a camera shutter.   The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the device main body has a rectangular shape.   4. The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the camera shutter is provided in a horizontally long portion of the device main body.   5. The portable multi-function electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sub display unit can display at least a part of information displayed on the main display unit. .   6. The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication function.   7. The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising a mobile phone function.   4. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the main display unit displays information with the connecting portion side being a lower side, and the sub display unit displays information with the connecting portion side being an upper side. The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 6, or claim 7.   The said sub display part displays at least identification information of the other party who made the communication request when the said main-body part and the cover body part are closed, The said Claim 6, Claim 7, or Claim 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Portable multifunctional electronic device as described.   10. The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 9, wherein a microphone is provided on the inner surface side of the main body and a speaker is provided on the inner surface side of the lid.   The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 9, wherein a sub camera is provided on an inner surface of the lid.   12. The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 11, wherein a shutter for a sub camera is provided on the inner surface side of the main body.   13. The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 9, wherein a second camera shutter is provided near the sub display unit.   14. The portable multifunctional electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the main display unit has a function of simultaneously displaying an image from the camera and an image from the sub camera.

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