JP2005295195A - Portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable terminal capable of constantly satisfactorily performing a remote control operation and acquiring an excellent sound matched with an image regardless of an imaging direction in the case of photographing a plurality of persons from a remote place by the portable terminal provided with an image picking-up part. <P>SOLUTION: A terminal body is provided so as to be turnab with an image picking-up part 84 provided with an image pickup device 80 and a light receiving part 30, and the image picking-up part 84 is formed with a first position where at least an image picking-up window 85 and a light receiving window 32 of the light receiving part 30 of the image pickup device 80 are hidden from the device body and a second position where the image picking-up window 85 and the light receiving window 32 are exposed to the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, a notebook personal computer, and a PDA provided with an imaging unit.

As is well known, in recent years, mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones that have a camera have become widespread, and by changing the direction of the camera, it is possible to easily shoot subjects other than the photographer themselves. What can be done has begun to spread (for example, see Patent Document 1).
However, if you want to shoot yourself at a position that is far from the mobile terminal device when taking a picture of yourself, the photographer will not be able to press the shutter button yourself. However, there was a problem that the self-timer function had to be used.
In addition, a mobile phone is generally used by a caller speaking to a microphone and listening to the transmitted sound from the other party with a speaker near the ear. It is not limited to still images but is expanding to moving image capturing including moving images and surrounding sounds.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-5017 (pages 2 and 3, FIG. 1)

By the way, although it has been proposed to perform camera shooting by remote control operation, usually, the infrared light receiving surface is always exposed to the outside, and if the light receiving surface is damaged, the remote control operation cannot be performed, Depending on the position of the infrared light receiving surface in the terminal device, there has been a problem that the operation signal of the remote controller operated by the photographer cannot be received well.
In addition, when shooting a movie by remote control operation at a position away from a plurality of people and a mobile terminal, if a sound capturing unit that converts sound into an electrical signal is in a direction opposite to the subject, voice or the like There was a problem that it was difficult to capture.

Also, when the imaging device has a zoom function, if the subject is imaged with a higher zoom function magnification, the subject is enlarged and the sound of the enlarged subject is recorded. There was a problem that the sound could not be collected sufficiently and the role as video information could not be fulfilled sufficiently.
The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and in a mobile terminal device equipped with an imaging unit, when shooting a plurality of persons from a remote location, the remote control operation is always good regardless of the imaging direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal device that can perform sound and capture sound that is good and consistent with an image.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes the following means.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, in the mobile terminal device, the apparatus main body is rotatably provided with an imaging unit including an imaging device and a light receiving unit, and the imaging unit includes at least an imaging window of the imaging device and the light receiving unit. The light receiving window is provided with a first position where each of the light receiving windows is hidden by the apparatus main body, and a second position where the imaging window and the light receiving window are exposed to the outside.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the portable terminal device according to the first aspect, the image capturing by the imaging device is executed by irradiating the light receiving window with light.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the mobile terminal device according to the first or second aspect, the device main body includes a sound capturing unit that captures sound, and the sound capturing according to an imaging direction of the imaging device. Gain changing means for adjusting the gain of the sound captured by the unit is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the portable terminal device according to the third aspect, the imaging device has a zoom function for changing an imaging magnification, and the gain changing unit is responsive to an imaging magnification by a zoom function of the imaging device. The gain of the captured sound can be adjusted.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the portable terminal device according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the portable terminal device further comprises switching means for maintaining and changing the gain changing function of the gain changing means.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the portable terminal device according to claim 5, wherein, in a state where the switching unit is switched to the maintaining side, the gain changing function of the gain changing unit is further temporarily interrupted. Means are provided.

  According to the present invention, in a mobile terminal device equipped with an imaging unit, when shooting from a position away from a plurality of people, the remote control operation can always be performed satisfactorily regardless of the imaging direction. When it is not performed, the imaging window and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit can be prevented from being exposed to the outside, so that scratches and dust can be effectively prevented.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment described here is an example at the time of applying the portable terminal device which concerns on this invention to the folding-type mobile phone provided with the imaging device.
1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which a mobile phone 1 is connected so that one housing 2 and the other housing 4 can be folded around a hinge 8 as a center. It has been done.
The casing 2 includes the display unit 7 and the imaging device 80 on the inner surface 2a facing the casing 4 when folded, and the imaging device 80 includes an imaging unit 84 and an infrared light receiving unit (light receiving unit) 30. I have.
The imaging unit 84 is configured to rotate within the housing about an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the hinge unit 8 so that the image introduction unit 85A can be directed to the inner surface 2a and the outer surface 2b of the housing 2. .
The housing 4 includes an operation key 6 and a microphone 60 constituting a sound capturing unit on an inner surface 4a facing the housing 2 when folded.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging device of the mobile phone 1.
The imaging device 80 includes a cylindrical body 86 that is rotatably supported in the housing 2, a CCD or CMOS imaging device (not shown) disposed inside the cylindrical body 86, and the cylindrical body 86. The image pickup unit 84 including the image introduction unit 85A provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sensor, the sensor disposed inside the cylindrical body 86, and the infrared light receiving surface (light receiving surface) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 86. Infrared light receiving part (light receiving part) 30 comprising 32. In the figure, reference numeral 85 denotes a lens (imaging window) provided in the image introduction unit 85A for introducing an image of a subject.
Then, the imaging device 80 rotates the cylindrical body 86 so that the first position where the lens of the imaging unit 84 is hidden in the housing 2 and the second position where the lens 85 is exposed to the outside. It comes to be able to take.
The second position includes an imaging direction P1 (second position) in which the lens 85 of the imaging unit 84 faces the microphone 60 side (hereinafter referred to as “self side”), and a lens 85 of the imaging unit 84 on the side opposite to the own side ( Hereinafter, it is configured from a photographing direction P2 (second position) facing the other party.
Further, the shaft 86a of the cylindrical body 86 is provided with the imaging direction detection lever 13 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 86a, and the imaging direction detection lever in the imaging direction P1 by rotating the cylindrical body 86. 13 has a first detection switch 10 that is pressed by the image pickup direction P1 to detect the image pickup direction P1, and a second detection switch 12 that is pressed by the image pickup direction detection lever 13 in the image pickup direction P2 to detect the image pickup direction P2. In addition, the lens 85 of the imaging unit 84 can be freely switched from the first position to the imaging direction P1 on the own side and the imaging direction P2 on the other side.
Further, the infrared light receiving window (light receiving window) 32 of the infrared light receiving unit (light receiving unit) 30 is arranged next to the imaging unit 84 so as to face the same direction as the lens 85 of the imaging unit 84, and the cylindrical body 86. , The infrared light receiving window 32 can be freely switched from the first position to the imaging direction P1 on its own side and the imaging direction P2 on the other side.

The first detection switch 10 and the second detection switch 12 are switches for detecting the imaging directions P1 and P2 of the imaging unit 84 held in a fixed position, and rotate the cylindrical body 86 of the imaging unit 84. When the imaging direction detection lever 13 provided on the shaft 86a comes into contact with each other, the imaging direction detection switches 10 and 12 are turned on and off.
1A shows a state in which the imaging unit 84 faces the imaging direction P1 on the own side (the inner surface 2a side of the housing 2), and FIG. 1B shows that one housing 2 is placed with respect to the other housing 4. In this state, the image pickup unit 84 is directed in the image pickup direction P2 on the other side (the outer surface 2b side of the housing 2).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the control unit 100 that adjusts the gain level of the sound captured by the mobile phone 1.
The control unit 100 includes an infrared light receiving unit 30, a control unit main body 40, a first detection switch 10, a second detection switch 12, a zoom magnification control switch (zoom function) 14, a gain adjustment changeover switch (switching means) 16, a gain. An adjustment interrupt switch (interrupt means) 18 and a gain adjustment switch 20 are provided.

The infrared light receiving unit 30 includes an infrared light receiving window 32 and an infrared sensor (not shown). The infrared light receiving unit 30 receives the infrared IR emitted from the infrared light emitting unit 36 of the infrared remote controller 34 and receives a control signal from the infrared remote controller 34. It is output to the control unit main body 40.
Control signals are input to the control unit body 40 from the first detection switch 10, the second detection switch 12, the zoom magnification control switch 14, the gain adjustment switch 16, the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18, and the gain adjustment switch 20. It has become so.
In addition, the sound signal amplified by the sound signal amplification unit 70 captured by the microphone 60 and the image signal captured by the imaging unit 84 and processed by the imaging signal processing unit 90 are input to the control unit main body 40. It has become.

In addition, transmission / reception signals transmitted / received through the antenna 55 are input / output to / from the control unit main body 40 via the transmission / reception unit 50.
As described above, the first detection switch 10 and the second detection switch 12 detect whether the imaging unit 84 is in the imaging direction P1 on the own side or the imaging direction P2 on the counterpart side. ing.

The zoom magnification control switch 14 is used to change the zoom magnification. After the magnification control signal is input to the control unit main body 40, the zoom magnification control switch 14 is input to the imaging signal processing unit 90, and the imaging signal processing unit 90 The image is enlarged or reduced based on the imaging signal input to 90.
The gain adjustment changeover switch 16 is configured to switch whether the gain level is adjusted to a gain level suitable for the other side or the own side when the imaging unit 84 is imaged in the imaging direction P2 on the other side.

The gain adjustment interrupt switch 18 can temporarily interrupt the gain level suitable for the own side when the gain level amplified by the sound signal amplification unit 70 is used at a gain level suitable for the other side. It is possible to do this and vice versa.
The gain adjustment switch 20 is used to adjust the gain level of the sound signal amplifying unit 70, and the gain adjustment signal is input to the sound signal amplifying unit 70 via the control unit main body 40. The gain level of the sound signal input from the microphone 60 is adjusted.
Further, the image signal processed by the image signal processing unit 90 and the sound signal amplified by the sound signal amplifying unit 70 are transmitted from the antenna 55 via the transmission / reception unit 50 from the control unit main body 40 as necessary. ing.

Next, a method of using the mobile phone 1 will be described. The mobile phone 1 can be used as a normal mobile phone. At this time, the imaging device 80 is in a first position where the lens 85 of the imaging unit 84 and the infrared light receiving window 32 of the infrared light receiving unit 30 face the inside of the housing 2. By disposing the lens, it is possible to effectively prevent the lens 85 and the infrared light receiving window 32 from being damaged, and dust and the like from adhering. Further, when performing imaging using the imaging device 80, it is used as follows.
First, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the first casing is used to rotate the imaging device 80 in the imaging direction P2 on the other side from the first position to capture a landscape or the like. 2 is opened with respect to the 2nd housing | casing 4, and the operation key 6 of the mobile telephone 1 is operated and it switches to imaging mode. In this case, the image pickup unit 84 is rotated so that the image introduction unit 85A of the image pickup unit 84 faces the outer surface 2b of the housing 2.

In this state, the lens 85 faces the outer surface 2b of the housing 2. When a shooting operation is performed by operating the operation key 6 with the lens 85 of the imaging unit 84 facing the imaging direction P2, a target scene is introduced from the imaging unit 84 and input to the imaging signal processing unit 90. Will be recorded accordingly.
In addition, when a plurality of persons including an operator perform moving image shooting by directing the imaging unit 84 in the imaging direction P2 of the other party, the infrared remote controller 34 is operated and controlled from the infrared light emitting unit 36. Infrared IR that is a signal is emitted, and the infrared IR received by the infrared light receiving window 32 is input to the control unit main body 40 via the infrared receiving unit 30, and moving image shooting is started. A conversation or the like is captured by the microphone 60, amplified by the sound signal amplification unit 70, and supplied to the control unit main body 40.

If the captured image or the image and sound are set to be transmitted, the control unit 40 can transmit the image data and the sound data from the antenna 55 via the transmission / reception unit 50.
Further, when the operator himself is photographed with the lens 85 of the imaging unit 84 directed toward the imaging direction P1 on the own side, the first housing 2 is moved to the second position as shown in FIGS. The image introduction unit 85A of the imaging unit 84 shown in FIG. 2 is imaged toward the own side P1.

In this case, in the same manner as described above, the captured image processing unit 90 processes the image of itself, and the sound captured by the microphone 60 by the sound signal amplification unit 70 is amplified and input to the control unit main body 40.
If the captured image or the image and sound are set to be transmitted, the control unit main body 40 can transmit the image data and the sound data from the antenna 55 via the transmission / reception unit 50. ing.

In the mobile phone 1, when taking a moving image as described above, the sound gain can be adjusted. When the imaging unit 84 is in the imaging direction P <b> 1 on the own side, the operator can perform voice or the like in the vicinity of the microphone 60. Is also supplied to the controller 100 with an appropriate gain level.
When shooting a subject in a distant place such as a landscape, the captured image of the subject can be enlarged or reduced by the imaging signal processing unit 90 in accordance with the zoom magnification changed by the zoom magnification control switch 14, and a microphone is used. The gain level of the sound signal captured at 60 can be adjusted by the sound signal amplifying unit 70 corresponding to the change in zoom magnification.

Further, when the imaging unit 84 is used in the other party's imaging direction P2, by operating the gain adjustment switch 16, a high gain level suitable for the other party's imaging direction P2 is set, or the own imaging direction P1. Can be switched to use at the same low gain level.
Further, when the gain adjustment changeover switch 16 is turned on and used at a high gain level suitable for the imaging direction P2 on the other side, the gain level is set to the other side by turning on the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18. When used in a state that matches the imaging direction P2, it is interrupted and temporarily switched to the gain level in the imaging direction P1 on its own side.
The gain adjustment switch 20 adjusts the gain level of the sound signal input from the microphone 60 to the sound signal amplification unit 70.

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the gain adjustment operation when the gain adjustment selector switch 16 is turned on to activate the imaging mode in the cellular phone 1 will be described.
When the first detection switch 10 is on (the imaging unit 84 is in the imaging direction P1 on the own side), the gain level of the sound signal is G1 when the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18 is off, and the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18 When is on, it becomes G2 (see Table 1).
Next, the imaging unit 84 is rotated to turn off the first detection switch 10 that detects the imaging direction on its own side, and the second detection switch 12 is turned on when the imaging direction P2 on the partner side is reached.

  When the second detection switch 12 is turned on and the image capturing direction P2 is on the other side, the gain level is G3 when the zoom function is not used and the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18 is off. When the zoom magnification is enlarged by using the zoom magnification control switch 14, the gain level is G4 (G4 is not a constant value but zoomed when the magnification is in an intermediate state and the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18 is off). When the zoom magnification is at the maximum and the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18 is off, the gain level is G5.

Further, when the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18 is used in a state where the zoom function is used, the gain level is G2 which is the same level as the own side G1.
The gain level is set by default as G5>G4>G3> G2 = G1.
Table 1 shows the relationship between the imaging mode and the gain level of the sound signal when the gain adjustment selector switch 16 is turned on in the mobile phone 1.

ただし、各状況に応じた利得レベルの設定は適宜設定変更ができるようになっている。

However, the setting of the gain level according to each situation can be changed as appropriate.

As described above, according to this embodiment, by operating the infrared remote controller 34, a plurality of subjects including the operator can perform shooting operations including video shooting from a remote position. Can do.
In addition, since the infrared light receiving window 32 is rotatable, after the photographing is finished, the lens 85 of the imaging unit 84 and the inner surface 2a side of the housing 2 of the mobile phone 1 are faced so as not to be exposed to the outside. By doing so, the damage of the operation window 32 is suppressed, and the reliability of transmission of the infrared IR control signal can be ensured.

In addition, since the infrared light receiving window 32 is arranged so as to face the image pickup unit 84 in the same direction, it is possible to obtain a favorable reception environment for a signal emitted by an operator who is a subject in the direction facing the lens 85 by infrared operation. .
Further, by incorporating the imaging unit 84 and the infrared light receiving window 32 in the unit of the imaging device 80, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the assembly cost.

In addition, when shooting with the imaging unit 84, when shooting an object in a distant place such as a landscape, or when shooting the operator of the mobile phone 1, an appropriate gain according to the imaging direction of the imaging unit 84 A level sound signal can be obtained.
Therefore, for example, when imaging with the imaging unit facing the operator himself, the sound capturing unit easily captures the operator's voice, so the gain changing means adjusts the gain level to a small level suitable for the operator. On the other hand, when imaging with the imaging unit imaging direction toward a person other than the operator, it is difficult to capture the sound of the subject. Therefore, the gain changing means can adjust the gain level of the sound to be high according to the direction of the subject. it can.

  Further, when the image pickup unit 84 enlarges or reduces the signal picked up using the zoom function in the state of the image pickup direction P2 on the other side, the gain level of the sound signal is adjusted according to the enlargement or reduction of the image. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a sound having a size suitable for the size of the captured image, and to improve the sense of reality.

Further, even when the image pickup unit 84 is picking up an image in the image pickup direction P2 on the other side, the gain level of the sound signal can be adjusted in accordance with the gain level of the operator. The operator's conversation can be recorded or transmitted while taking an image of the scenery in the direction P2 and the situation such as a competition.
Further, when the imaging unit is imaged in an imaging direction other than the operator, or when the subject is imaged by changing the imaging magnification of the zoom function, the gain changing function can be switched between maintenance and stop.

When the gain changing function is maintained, the gain changing means adjusts the gain level of the sound captured by the sound capturing unit in accordance with the imaging direction and the imaging magnification, and when the gain changing function is stopped, the gain changing unit sets the imaging direction and the imaging magnification. Regardless, the gain level is set to a gain level suitable for the operator's voice.
Even when the gain level is adjusted by maintaining the gain changing function while the imaging unit 84 is imaging in the imaging direction P2 on the other side, the gain adjustment interrupt switch 18 is turned on. Thus, the gain level can be changed temporarily to suit the operator, so that the subject can be imaged in the imaging direction P2 on the other side, and the operator's conversation can be inserted as needed and understood. Easy images can be obtained.

That is, if the interrupt unit is used when the gain changing function is maintained, the gain changing function can be easily interrupted while the interrupt unit is used. Therefore, the operator can insert a normal conversation while imaging the subject with a sense of reality.
Further, when the gain level of the sound signal amplifying unit 70 is set to zero by the gain adjustment switch 20, it is possible to enter a recording mute state and not record a sound that other people do not want to hear.

In the above-described embodiment, the second position has been described with respect to the imaging direction P1 on the own side and the imaging direction P2 on the partner side. However, a position that faces in the other direction may be selected depending on the purpose.
In the present embodiment, the case where the infrared remote controller 34 is used has been described. However, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. other than those used for moving image shooting may be used as the infrared remote controller 34, and light other than infrared IR is used. For example, a laser or flash light may be used.

In addition, the gain level when both the first detection switch 10 and the second detection switch 12 are in the OFF state may be G1 or the third gain level may be used.
Further, the zoom function in the above embodiment has been described for the case where the captured image is processed by the imaging signal processing unit 90. However, the zoom function that optically enlarges / reduces the image by expanding and contracting the image introducing unit 85A is used. May be.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the foldable mobile phone has been described as an example. However, the structure is not limited and can be applied to various types of mobile phones, as well as PDAs, laptop computers, and the like. It goes without saying that it can also be used for other portable terminal devices.

(A), (b) is a figure which shows the mobile telephone which is one Embodiment of the portable terminal device which concerns on this invention, Comprising: (a) is one housing | casing 2 with respect to the other housing | casing 4. FIG. A state in which the open image pickup unit 84 is directed toward the operator himself, (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the image pickup unit 84 is directed toward the operator himself. It is a schematic block diagram of the imaging device with which the mobile telephone which is one Embodiment of the portable terminal device which concerns on this invention is equipped. 1 is a block diagram of a control unit that adjusts the gain level of a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart at the time of adjusting the gain level of the sound which the sound capture part in the portable terminal device concerning one embodiment of this invention captured.

Explanation of symbols

1 Mobile phone (mobile terminal device)
14 Zoom magnification control switch 16 Gain adjustment changeover switch 18 Gain adjustment interrupt switch 30 Infrared light receiving part (light receiving part)
32 Infrared receiving window (light receiving window)
60 Microphone 70 Sound signal amplifier (gain changing means)
80 Imaging device 84 Imaging unit 85 Lens (imaging window)
P1 image direction (second position)
P2 Opposite side imaging direction (second position)

Claims (6)

An image pickup unit including an image pickup device and a light receiving unit is rotatably provided in the device main body, and the image pickup unit includes a first image capturing window of the image pickup device and a light receiving window of the light receiving unit that are each hidden by the device main body. And a second position for exposing the imaging window and the light receiving window to the outside. 2. The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein image capturing by the imaging device is executed by irradiating the light receiving window with light. The apparatus main body includes a sound capturing unit that captures sound, and a gain changing unit that adjusts a gain of the sound captured by the sound capturing unit in accordance with an imaging direction of the imaging apparatus. The portable terminal device according to claim 1 or 2. The imaging device has a zoom function for changing the imaging magnification,
4. The portable terminal device according to claim 3, wherein the gain changing unit is capable of adjusting a gain of the captured sound in accordance with an imaging magnification by a zoom function of the imaging device. 5. The portable terminal device according to claim 3, further comprising switching means for maintaining and changing the gain changing function of the gain changing means. 6. The portable terminal device according to claim 5, further comprising an interrupt unit that temporarily interrupts the gain changing function of the gain changing unit in a state where the switching unit is switched to the maintaining side.

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