JP2007133028A - Cellular phone with camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability of a release button or the like in taking a photograph. <P>SOLUTION: The release button and a zoom button are disposed so that a photographer can operate the buttons while holding the cellular phone with a camera 1. For example, when taking the photograph by using the second release button 11, a second telephoto variable power key 12 and a second wide variable power key 13 each provided on the side surface part of a transmitter unit 2, the photographer operates the second release button 11 by a left forefinger and operates the second telephoto variable power key 12 and the second wide variable power key 13 by a left thumb, while holding the cellular phone 1 with a left hand. Thus, the photographer takes the photograph while holding the cellular phone with the camera 1 without moving it, and the operability of the release button or the like is improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera-equipped mobile phone having a camera mechanism having a zoom function, and more particularly to a camera-equipped mobile phone having a zoom function and a plurality of release buttons.

  A mobile phone with a camera (hereinafter referred to as a mobile phone) incorporating a camera mechanism has become widespread. Some mobile phones have a form that can be folded. In such a cellular phone, a handset unit in which a handset and a liquid crystal monitor (LCD monitor) are disposed and a handset unit in which a dial button and the like are disposed are separately formed by a hinge. It is attached. In general, a foldable mobile phone is in an unfolded state (hereinafter referred to as an open state) when making a call to a partner or creating and sending / receiving mail, and is folded in a portable state (hereinafter referred to as a closed state). It is called a state.)

  By the way, when a camera was mounted on a mobile phone, most of the release buttons and zoom buttons of the camera mechanism were provided on the operation surface on which dial buttons were provided. Therefore, when the foldable mobile phone is in the closed state, the handset unit is positioned above the release button and the zoom button. Therefore, when using the camera mechanism of the mobile phone, use the mobile phone in the open state. Had to do. However, in recent years, there are some cameras that can shoot with the mobile phone closed. These mobile phones are provided with a release button and a zoom button on the side of the transmitter unit, and a zoom button is provided on the receiver unit so that photographing can be performed in a closed state.

  However, the photographer does not always shoot in the closed state, but may shoot in the open state as in the past. In such a case, if the release button or the like is disposed only at a position where the mobile phone is easy to use when the mobile phone is in a closed state, such as the side of the handset unit or the transmitter unit, There was a problem that it was difficult to operate when using the camera mechanism.

Then, as one method for solving such a problem, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. Patent Document 1 describes a digital camera provided with a release button and a zoom operation button that are used only for photographing in a horizontal position, and a release button and a zoom operation means that are used only for photographing in a vertical position. Has been.
JP 2001-36779 A

  However, although the digital camera described in Patent Document 1 is effective when shooting in a vertical position and a horizontal position, the camera is held with one hand like a mobile phone, and a release button or zoom button is used. There is a problem that it is difficult to operate. That is, the digital camera described in Patent Document 1 is considered to operate a zoom button or the like with one hand and hold the camera body with the other hand. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to apply the method described in Patent Document 1 when holding the camera and operating the release button and the zoom button with one hand as in a mobile phone. Further, when taking a picture using a mobile phone as described above, there is a problem in that a photographed subject image is likely to be blurred and a clear image cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera-equipped mobile phone in which not only the camera hold but also the release button and the zoom button can be operated with one hand. There is to do.

  In solving the above problems, the present invention provides a release button disposed so as to be exposed on the surface of the main body and a zoom operation unit for operating a zoom magnification of a subject image, and controls the operation unit. A camera-equipped mobile phone having a control unit having a camera control unit for performing a release button on the surface of the main body so that a photographer can support the camera-equipped mobile phone and operate the operation means with one hand. The zoom operation unit is provided.

  The main body is formed so as to be freely foldable between a folded first state and a deployed second state, and a plurality of the operating means are provided to detect that the main body is in the first state. And a detection unit that outputs a detection signal, a determination unit that determines whether the main body is in the first state based on the output of the detection signal, and the main body is in the first state. At least one release button among a plurality of release buttons, and invalidating means for invalidating an operation in a zoom operation unit corresponding to the release button on a one-on-one basis when determined by the determination unit; It is preferable to provide.

  The camera-equipped mobile phone is provided with at least one release button associated with a plurality of zoom operation units, and the invalidating means includes the plurality of zoom operation units corresponding to the one release button. It is preferable to invalidate at least one of the operations.

  Further, the control means recognizes a plurality of program diagrams relating to photographing with the camera-equipped mobile phone and the operation means used at the time of photographing, and sets a program diagram suitable for photographing using the operation means. It is preferable that the camera control unit captures an image based on a program diagram set by the program setting unit.

  According to the present invention, the release button and the zoom operation means are arranged so that the release button and the zoom operation unit can be operated while holding the camera-equipped mobile phone with one hand. It becomes possible to improve the operability. In addition, when the mobile phone is set to the first state (closed state), at least one of the release button provided on the mobile phone and the signal output from the zoom operation means is invalidated. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions in shooting in the closed state. Further, by associating a plurality of zoom operation means with one release button, the operability of the release button and zoom operation means can be further improved. In addition, depending on the location where the release button and zoom operation means are provided, it is possible to take a picture while the mobile phone is in the closed state, so that the operability can be further improved. In addition, since the control means has a plurality of programs, it is possible to shoot using optimum conditions according to the shooting conditions and the state of the mobile phone at the time of shooting, for example, there is no blurring or blurring, A clear image can be provided to the photographer.

  A configuration of a camera-equipped cellular phone (hereinafter referred to as a cellular phone) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The cellular phone 1 includes a transmitter unit (main body) 2 and a receiver unit (main body) 3. The transmitter unit 2 and the receiver unit 3 are attached by a hinge 4 and are formed to be foldable.

  The transmitter unit 2 includes a transmission microphone 5, a dial key 6, a first release button 7, which constitutes an operation means, a first tele zoom key (zoom operation unit) 8, and a first wide zoom key (zoom operation unit). ) 9 is provided on the operation surface. Further, a square hole 10 is provided in the vicinity of the first tele zooming key 8. The dial key 6 is basically used as an operation unit for calling or sending mail. The first release button 7, the first tele magnification key 8 and the first wide magnification key 9 serve as an operation unit for operating a camera module 15 to be described later when the mobile phone 1 is in a camera mode for photographing. It is used. At this time, the first release button 7, the first tele magnification key 8, and the first wide magnification key 9 are arranged so that the photographer can operate with one hand. For example, when the photographer operates the mobile phone 1 with the left hand, these buttons and the like hold the mobile phone 1 with the left hand, and the first release button 7 and the first tele magnification key 8 with the thumb of the left hand. The first wide magnification key 9 is arranged so that it can be operated.

  The hole 10 has a quadrangular shape, and is formed so that a protrusion 16 (described later) formed in the receiver unit 3 is inserted when the cellular phone 1 is in a closed state (first state). Although not shown in FIG. 1, the hole 10 is provided with a sensor (detection means) (not shown) that detects whether or not the protrusion 16 has been inserted. This sensor detects whether or not the protrusion 16 has been inserted, and outputs a detection signal. Any sensor may be used as long as it can detect the insertion state of the protrusion 16.

  The transmitter unit 2 includes a second release button 11, a second tele zoom key 12, and a second wide zoom key 13 as operation means. The second release button 11 is a circular button provided on the side surface of the transmitter unit 2. When the photographer presses the second release button 11 when the mobile phone 1 is in the camera mode, a camera module 15 described later performs a photographing operation. The second tele zoom key 12 and the second wide zoom key 13 use some keys of the dial key 6. At this time, these buttons and the like are arranged so that the photographer can operate with one hand. For example, when the mobile phone 1 is held with the left hand, the second release button 11 can be operated with the left index finger, and the second tele magnification key 12 and the second wide magnification key 13 can be operated with the left hand thumb. Is arranged. When the cellular phone 1 is in the open state, the first release button 7, the first tele magnification key 8, the first wide magnification key 9 may be operated, or the second release button 11. The second tele zoom key 12 and the second wide zoom key 13 may be operated. Further, only one of them may be switched so as to be operable. In the present embodiment, the first release button 7, the first tele scaling key 8, and the first wide scaling key 9 are configured to correspond one-to-one. Therefore, for example, when the first tele magnification key 8 or the first wide magnification key 9 is operated, only the operation of the first release button 7 is valid, and the operation of the second release button 11 is invalid.

  The receiver unit 3 includes a first liquid crystal monitor 14, a camera module 15, and a protrusion 16 on the front surface. The handset unit 3 includes a second liquid crystal monitor 17, a third tele zoom key 18, and a third wide zoom key 19 on the back surface. When the mobile phone 1 is in the open state, the first liquid crystal monitor 14 displays the other party's telephone number and the subject image at the time of shooting. The camera module 15 is provided below the first liquid crystal monitor 14. The configuration of the camera module 15 will be described later.

  The protrusion 16 is formed in a quadrangular shape. Further, the protrusion 16 is formed so that the tip side is slightly thinner than the base side close to the handset unit 3, and the protrusion 16 is inserted into the hole 10 when the mobile phone 1 is closed. It is formed to be. As described above, whether the mobile phone 1 is in the closed state or the open state is determined depending on whether or not the protrusion 16 is inserted into the hole 10. The second liquid crystal monitor 17 is configured so that the third tele zoom key 18 and the third wide zoom key 19 are displayed on the second release button 11 so as to display a through image captured by the camera module 15 and a reproduced image after shooting. Is associated. When the cellular phone 1 is in the closed state, the third tele magnification key 18 and the third wide magnification key 19 are used to perform a magnification operation, and the second release button 11 is pressed to perform shooting. It has come to be. In the present embodiment, liquid crystal monitors are used for the first liquid crystal monitor 14 and the second liquid crystal monitor 17, but an electronic display such as an EL (electroluminescence) display may be used instead of the liquid crystal monitor. Good.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the mobile phone 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. A system controller (control means) 30 composed of a microcomputer is connected to an input circuit 32 via a data bus 31. The system controller 30 controls the operation of the camera module 15 including the photographing lens 33, the diaphragm 34, and the CCD image sensor 35 in response to various input signals input to the input circuit 32. For example, the system controller 30 receives input signals from the first and second release buttons 7 and 11, the first to third tele magnification keys 8, 12 and 18, and the first to third wide magnification keys 9, 13 and 19. When received, the system controller 30 outputs a control signal to the motor driver 36. Upon receiving this control signal, the motor driver 36 drives the lens motor 37 based on the control signal to move the photographing lens 33 to the tele side or the wide side. When the system controller 30 receives a detection signal from a sensor (detection means) 38 provided in the hole 10, the system controller 30 displays the first and second release buttons 7, 11 and the first to third tele scaling keys. Of the input signals from the 8, 12, 18 and first to third wide scaling keys 9, 13, 19, it is determined which signal is to be validated or invalidated.

  When the cellular phone 1 is switched to the camera mode, the system controller 30 drives the camera module 15 according to the processing program written in the program ROM 39. When the camera module 15 is driven, an image signal is output from the CCD image sensor 35. At this time, the CCD image sensor 35 receives a timing signal from a timing generator (TG) 40 connected to the system controller 30. The shutter speed of the electronic shutter is determined by this timing signal (clock pulse).

  The image signal sequentially output from the CCD image sensor 35 is converted into R, G, B image data corresponding to the accumulated charge amount of each cell of the CCD image sensor 35 by a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 41. After that, it is amplified to an appropriate level by an amplifier (AMP) 42 and converted into digitized image data by an A / D converter (A / D) 43. The image data obtained in this way is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image data processing circuit 44 and then sequentially written as image data for each screen in the built-in image data memory 45. The image data written in the image data memory 45 is read by a command from the system controller 30. After each image processing by the image data processing circuit 44 is performed, the image data is used for image display on the first liquid crystal monitor 14 and the second liquid crystal monitor 17 via the LCD drivers 46 and 47. At this time, the system controller 30 selects an LCD driver that outputs image data according to the state of the mobile phone 1. That is, when the cellular phone 1 is in the open state, the system controller 30 outputs image data to the LCD drivers 46 and 47, and when the cellular phone 1 is in the closed state, the system controller 30 displays the LCD driver. The image data is output only to 47.

  The input circuit 32 outputs an operation signal to the system controller 30 when various input signals are input. The various input signals include, for example, a mode signal used for determining whether or not the mode of the mobile phone 1 is the camera mode, a detection signal used for determining the open / closed state of the mobile phone 1, and first to third Each tele zoom signal when the tele zoom keys 8, 12, 18 are operated, each wide zoom signal when the first to third wide zoom keys 9, 13, 19 are operated, There are respective photographing signals when the second release buttons 7 and 11 are pressed. When these signals are input, the input circuit 32 outputs an input signal to the system controller 30 via the data bus 31.

  In the program ROM 39, three types of program diagrams are recorded. These program diagrams are set as shown in FIG. 4, for example. Here, the first program diagram 48a shows that the mobile phone 1 which has shifted to the camera mode is in the open state, and the first release button 7, the first tele zoom key 8 or the first wide zoom key 9 is used. Is set when each operation signal is input to the input circuit 32. The second program diagram 48b shows that the mobile phone 1 that has entered the camera mode is in the open state and any one of the second release button 11, the second tele zoom key 12, or the second wide zoom key 13 is used. Are set when each operation signal is input to the input circuit 32. Further, the third program diagram 48c is set when the mobile phone 1 that has shifted to the camera mode is in the closed state. The system controller 30 that also functions as a program setting unit calls the optimum one of the first to third program diagrams 48a, 48b, and 48c from the program ROM 39 based on the open / close state of the mobile phone 1 and each operation signal. Then, the program diagram is set to perform processing.

  The distance measuring device 50 includes a light projection window and a light receiving window, and measures the distance to the subject. When the distance is measured, the distance measuring device 50 outputs a distance signal to the system controller 30. This distance signal is used when the camera module 15 performs a focusing process.

  Next, the flow of processing of the mobile phone 1 under the camera mode will be described with reference to FIGS. In the description of FIGS. 5 and 6, the first tele zoom key 8 and the first wide zoom key 9 are collectively referred to as a first zoom button. Similarly, the second tele zoom key 12 and the second wide zoom key 13 are collectively referred to as the second zoom button, and the third tele zoom key 18 and the third wide zoom key 19 are collectively referred to as the third zoom. It is called a button.

  When the mobile phone 1 is set to the camera mode, the system controller 30 detects whether or not the protrusion 16 of the handset unit 3 is inserted into the hole 10 of the handset unit 2, thereby opening and closing the mobile phone 1. The state is determined (step S11). In step S11, when the system controller 30 determines that the mobile phone 1 is in the open state, the system controller 30 outputs from the first and second release buttons 7, 11 and the first and second zoom buttons. Settings are made so that each operation signal is processed as valid and the operation signal output from the third zoom button is processed as invalid. In such a case, the system controller 30 is set to display the through image and the captured image on the first and second liquid crystal monitors 14 and 17 (step S12). The invalidation processing in step S12 may be locked so that the photographer cannot operate each button, or an operation signal output from each button when operated by the photographer. Alternatively, the input circuit 32 or the system controller 30 may be used to invalidate it electrically.

  Next, the system controller 30 determines whether or not the first release button 7 or the first zoom button has been operated (step S13). If the system controller 30 determines in step S13 that the first release button 7 or the like has been operated, the system controller 30 calls a first program diagram 48a as shown in FIG. Then, the system controller 30 performs setting so as to perform processing based on the first program diagram 48a (step S14). On the other hand, when the system controller 30 determines in step S13 that the second release button 11 or the like has been operated, the system controller 30 calls the second program diagram 48b as shown in FIG. Then, the system controller 30 performs setting so as to perform processing based on the second program diagram 48b (step S15).

  On the other hand, when the system controller 30 determines in step S11 that the mobile phone 1 is in the closed state, the system controller 30 indicates that each operation signal output from the second release button 11 and the third zoom button is valid. It is processed so that the operation signals output from the first release button 7 and the first zoom button and the second zoom button are processed as invalid. In such a case, the system controller 30 is set to display a through image and a captured image on the second liquid crystal monitor 17 (step S16). Next, the system controller 30 calls a third program diagram 48c as shown in FIG. Then, the system controller 30 performs setting so as to perform processing based on the third program diagram 48c (step S17).

  In step S14, S15, or S17, when the program diagram for the subsequent photographing process is set to one of the first to third program diagrams 47, 48, and 49, the system controller 30 frames the photographer. (Step S18). This framing may be performed in parallel with processing such as changing the program diagram. Next, the system controller 30 determines whether or not the release button has been pressed (step S19). For example, if the system controller 30 has performed processing via step S12, in step S14, the system controller 30 determines whether one of the first and second release buttons 7 and 11 has been pressed. judge. On the other hand, if the system controller 30 has performed processing via step S16, in step S19, the system controller 30 determines whether or not the second release button 11 has been pressed. In the following processing, it is assumed that the system controller 30 has performed processing via step S12.

  In step S19, when the system controller 30 determines that none of the first and second release buttons 7 and 11 has been pressed, the system controller 30 performs the process of step S18 again, and performs the first cycle at a constant cycle. It is determined whether any one of the first and second release buttons 7 and 11 is pressed (step S19).

  On the other hand, when the system controller 30 determines in step S19 that one of the first and second release buttons 7 and 11 is pressed, that is, when the system controller 30 receives a signal output from these release buttons. In step S20, the system controller 30 performs shooting. At the time of shooting, the system controller 30 controls the A / D 42 to convert the video signal received from the CCD image sensor 35 from an analog signal to digital image data, and then performs various processes on the image data. The image data processing circuit 44 is controlled. The system controller 30 records the image data obtained in this way in the image data memory 45 (step S21) and displays it on the first liquid crystal monitor 14 and the second liquid crystal monitor 17 (step S22).

  Next, the system controller 30 causes the photographer to select whether or not to continue shooting (step S23). In this selection, whether or not to continue photographing is displayed on the first liquid crystal monitor 14 and the second liquid crystal monitor 17 to allow the photographer to make a selection. At this time, the system controller 30 reduces and displays the captured subject image displayed on the first liquid crystal monitor 14 and the second liquid crystal monitor 17 and displays a message in the margin. Note that a method other than displaying a message may be used as a method for notifying whether or not to continue shooting. When displaying a message, a method other than creating and displaying a margin part may be used.

  Here, when the photographer operates to continuously shoot, the system controller 30 shifts the processing to step S11. Then, the system controller 30 performs the above-described flow process again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the photographer does not continue shooting, a series of processing relating to shooting is completed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the cellular phone is in the open state and the first release button or the like is operated, for example, the first zoom is performed with the left thumb while holding the cellular phone with the left hand. The button and the first release button can be operated. When operating the second release button or the like, for example, while holding the mobile phone with the left hand, the second zoom button can be operated with the left thumb, and the second release button can be operated with the left index finger. Thus, the operability of the mobile phone can be further improved. In addition, since the release button or the like can be operated while holding the mobile phone, it is possible to reduce camera shake that tends to occur during framing and shooting.

  In the present embodiment, a part of the keys constituting the dial key is used as the second tele magnification key and the second wide magnification key. However, a part of the dial key is used as the key described above. Alternatively, buttons may be provided in other places. For example, the second tele zoom key and the second wide zoom key may be arranged as shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 7 shows a mobile phone according to a first modification of the present embodiment. A mobile phone 51 according to this modification includes a second tele magnification button 52 and a second wide magnification button 53 on the side surface of the transmitter unit 2. These buttons 52 and 53 are disposed in the vicinity of the second release button 11. Thus, when using a mobile phone having the second tele zooming button and the second wide zoom button, the photographer holds the mobile phone with the right hand and the second tele zooming with the thumb of the right hand. The double button, the second wide scaling button, and the second release button can be operated. Therefore, since a series of operations from framing to shooting can be performed only with the thumb of the right hand, the operability of the mobile phone in the camera mode can be further improved.

  Further, the second tele zoom key and the second wide zoom key can be configured as shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 8 shows a mobile phone according to a second modification of the present embodiment. The mobile phone 61 of the present modification includes a button 62 in which the second release button, the second tele scaling button, and the second wide scaling button are integrated on the side surface of the transmitter unit 2. When the center part is pressed, the image is taken in the same manner as the second release button. When the position on the hinge side is pressed from the center part, the telephoto side is pressed. It is designed to scale to the side. In this way, when the button integrated with the mobile phone is arranged, for example, when the photographer holds the mobile phone with the right hand, the user operates the button with the thumb of the right hand to change the magnification and take a picture. Can be done. Therefore, operations from framing to shooting can be performed with only the thumb of the right hand while the mobile phone is held, and the operability of the mobile phone in the camera mode can be further improved. Also, by arranging buttons on the mobile phone, the number of parts of the mobile phone can be reduced, so that the manufacturing cost can also be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, three types of program diagrams are stored in the program ROM. However, it goes without saying that the types of program diagrams stored in the program ROM may be increased or decreased. Of course, a program diagram other than that shown in FIG. 6 may be used.

  In this embodiment, the release button is disposed on the side surface of the transmitter unit, the back surface of the receiver unit, or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mobile phone in the camera mode. If the release button, the tele magnification key, and the wide magnification key can be operated with one hand while holding the button, these buttons and the like may be arranged in a different place from the present embodiment.

1 is an external perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an external appearance perspective view showing the back part of the handset unit of a cellular phone. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile phone. It is explanatory drawing showing the 1st program diagram, the 2nd program diagram, and the 3rd program diagram. It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the mobile phone under the camera mode. It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the mobile phone under the camera mode. It is an external appearance perspective view showing the external appearance of the mobile phone which is the 1st modification of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view showing the external appearance of the mobile phone which is the 2nd modification of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 51, 61 Camera-equipped mobile phone 2 Transmitter unit (main unit)
3 Handset unit (main unit)
7 First release button (release button)
8 1st tele zoom key (zoom operation part)
9 1st wide magnification key (zoom operation part)
11 Second release button (release button)
12, 52 2nd tele scaling key (zoom operation part)
13, 53 Second wide scaling key (zoom operation unit)
18 3rd tele zoom key (zoom operation part)
19 3rd wide magnification key (zoom operation part)
30 System controller (control means)
32 input circuit 38 sensor (detection means)
48a First program diagram (program diagram)
48b Second program diagram (program diagram)
48c Third program diagram (program diagram)
62 button

Claims (4)

A release button disposed so as to be exposed on the surface of the main body, an operation unit having a zoom operation unit for operating a zoom magnification of a subject image, and a control unit having a camera control unit for controlling the operation unit. In mobile phones with cameras,
A camera-equipped cellular phone, wherein the release button and the zoom operation section are arranged on the surface of the main body so that a photographer can support the camera-equipped cellular phone and operate the operation means with one hand. The main body is formed to be foldable between a folded first state and an unfolded second state,
A plurality of the operating means are provided,
Detecting means for detecting that the main body is in the first state and outputting a detection signal;
Determination means for determining whether the main body is in the first state based on an output of the detection signal;
When the determination unit determines that the main body is in the first state, at least one release button among a plurality of release buttons, and a zoom operation unit corresponding to the release button on a one-to-one basis. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising invalidating means for invalidating the operation of the camera. In the camera-equipped mobile phone,
At least one release button associated with a plurality of zoom operation units is provided,
3. The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the invalidating unit invalidates at least one of the plurality of zoom operation units corresponding to the one release button. The control means recognizes a plurality of program diagrams relating to photographing with the camera-equipped mobile phone and the operation means used at the time of photographing, and sets a program diagram suitable for photographing using the operation means A setting unit,
The camera-equipped mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit captures an image based on a program diagram set by the program setting unit.

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