JP3337573B2 - Information communication terminal equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information communication terminal device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to an information communication terminal device of a digital information communication device represented by a communication device such as a telephone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique of communicating image data using a telephone line or the like has been very generally implemented. For example, after reading two-dimensional image data using a signal converter such as a facsimile, Technical means for converting a signal into a predetermined signal and transmitting the signal are widely known (first conventional example).

[0003] A television telephone is known as a technical means for communicating image data such as a moving image using the telephone line or the like. In the case of this technical means, generally, an imaging unit such as a camera and a display unit such as a monitor are fixed, and a communication person can hold only a receiver (second conventional example).

On the other hand, in recent years, a mobile phone has been widely known as a portable communication device. There is also a digital system as a communication system for this mobile phone, and a technology that can transmit digital information data such as image data to another communication device at a remote place via a communication network by using a modem together. Means are also known (third conventional example).

[0005] Furthermore, in recent years, PDAs (portable information equipment terminals) have become known. In the case of this PDA, similarly to a so-called notebook type personal computer, it has a display means and an interface for a storage medium in addition to a display means and an interface for a storage medium. There is a mobile phone having a wireless communication function like the above-mentioned mobile phone (fourth conventional example).

[0006]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned first conventional example, the image which can be transmitted must be converted into two-dimensional data on a photograph, a copy paper, or the like, which requires time and effort. Since the output form at the receiving end is also the same, there is a problem that the expression (realism) is lacking.

Further, according to the second conventional example, in order to transmit and receive an image, a communication person needs to be located in front of a camera and a monitor, and a photographing direction is limited. It does not have portability.

Further, in the case of the third conventional example, a DSC (digital still camera) is used as a source of image data.
It is necessary to input the captured image signal to a modem or a mobile phone through a cable. Further, since there is basically no image display means, when displaying an image transmitted by such a system, there is a problem that another display device such as a monitor or a printer must be connected and output. I was

By the way, the above-mentioned fourth conventional PDA and
For example, the I disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-176168 is disclosed.
Connect to a card-shaped electronic camera such as a C memory card,
Further, by providing the PDA with a system function compatible with the electronic camera, it is possible to realize a portable image / information communication system that solves the problems of the first to third conventional examples.

[0010] However, in the portable image / information communication system, the card slot used in the terminal body as the portable information device is used with the card-shaped imaging device such as the card-shaped electronic camera described above housed. It is not a structure that can be done. That is, when the card-shaped imaging device is used, only a part of the card-shaped imaging device is inserted into the terminal body, and the photographing lens and the like are in a state of protruding outside. Therefore, by connecting the card-shaped imaging device, when the user holds and uses the terminal body like a mobile phone, or when the terminal body is stored in a breast pocket or the like, it becomes obstructive in shape and is inconvenient to use. Had become something.

When a drip-proof function is provided so that there is no problem even when used with a wet hand at the time of cooking or bathing, such as a cordless telephone which has been widely used in recent years, such a card is used. It is difficult to achieve drip-proof because the protruding and connected image-shaped imaging devices.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to realize waterproofing and drip-proofing as a system, it becomes necessary to add a drip-proofing function not only to the terminal body but also to a card-shaped imaging device to be mounted.
This has been a factor in increasing the cost of the system.

On the other hand, considering a situation in which image communication is actually performed using the fourth conventional example, since the information communication equipment terminal and the image pickup device are integrated, the image being picked up is transmitted almost simultaneously. In this case, there is an advantage that communication can be performed while monitoring a transmission image and a reception image on a display unit such as an LCD provided in the device / terminal. However, the subject to be imaged may be another person / object in addition to the communicator itself, but if the shooting direction of the attached card-shaped imaging device is determined to be one direction,
It is difficult to handle both of the above-mentioned subjects while monitoring the display unit, and the usability is extremely poor.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an information communication terminal device which is small, has excellent portability, and can easily transmit and receive photographing information.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, a first information communication terminal device according to the present invention has an operation means for designating a communication destination and a card-like imaging device having a slot portion. Storage means capable of storing the entirety, a window portion for inputting subject light to the card-shaped imaging device stored in the storage means, and display means for displaying information from the stored card-shaped imaging device; Is provided.

To achieve the above object, a second information communication terminal device according to the present invention is the first information communication terminal device according to the first information communication terminal device, wherein:
A transparent member for covering the window.

In order to achieve the above object, a third information communication terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the first and second information communication terminal devices, the window is provided on the side provided with the display means. And input light control means for selecting input light from different windows and guiding it to the card-shaped imaging device.

[0018]

In the first information communication terminal device according to the present invention, the communication destination is specified by the operation means, and the entire card-shaped imaging device is stored in the storage means having the slot portion. Also, subject light is input from the window to the card-shaped imaging device housed in the housing means. Further, information from the card-shaped imaging device stored in the display means is displayed.

According to a second information communication terminal device of the present invention, in the first information communication terminal device, the stored card-shaped imaging device is sealed with a sealing member. The window is covered with a transparent member.

According to a third information communication terminal device of the present invention, in the first and second information communication terminal devices, input light from the different windows is selected and guided to a card-shaped imaging device.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information communication terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The information communication terminal device according to the first embodiment comprises:
In a portable information device, a display unit 2 composed of an LCD or the like is provided at the center of the front of the terminal body 1. At the lower end of the terminal body 1, a barrier 8 that covers and protects the display unit 2 when closed is rotatably disposed about the lower end of the terminal body 1 as a fulcrum. The barrier 8 is closed as described above to protect the display unit 2 when it is carried, and is opened when it is used. In addition, the barrier 8
A microphone 3 for a call is provided at the tip of the terminal 1, and a speaker 4 for a call is provided at the upper front of the terminal body 1. Further, a communication antenna 5 extends from the upper end surface of the terminal body 1.

A front photographing window 6 is provided at the upper front of the terminal body 1, and a back photographing window 12 is provided at the back (see FIG. 2).
Are provided, and a card slot 9 (see FIG. 2) is formed inside the terminal body 1. Further, a photographing direction switching knob 7 is provided on one side of the terminal body 1.
Are arranged.

The display unit 2 displays, for example, a dial or the like necessary to make the terminal body 1 function as a telephone as shown in FIG. It is possible to switch and display the image taken by the user. Further, the display unit 2 can display an image or the like taken by a card-shaped imaging device mounted on the terminal body 1 as described later.

That is, the display unit 2 is an operation means for designating a communication destination and also serves as a display means for displaying information from the card-shaped imaging device. Also,
In addition to the functions described above, the display unit 2 can display information according to various processing functions by switching software, for example, as a normal information device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the detailed configuration of the information communication terminal device of the first embodiment, (a) front view, (b) top view,
(C) It is a side view.

As shown in the figure, a card slot 9 is formed from the upper part to the central part of the terminal body 1 as a storage means for storing the entire card-shaped imaging device described later. An openable / closable cover 10 is provided in the section. By closing the cover 10, the card slot 9 is completely shielded from water drops, dust and the like. A connector 11 is provided at the bottom of the card slot 9. Thus, although not shown, a card-type camera 101 (see FIG. 3) or the like, which is a card-like imaging device, is shown in FIG.
When the card type camera 10 is inserted
The first connector section 15 (see FIG. 3) and the connector section 11 are electrically connected. Then, an image or the like photographed by the card-type camera can be output to the display unit 2 of the terminal body 1. The details will be described later.

A light guide path 13 for optically connecting the front photographing window 6, the rear photographing window 12, and the card slot 9 is formed inside the terminal body 1.
Further, a mirror 14 for switching the light beam direction to the front or back in the light guide 13 is provided in the light guide 13 in conjunction with the photographing direction switching knob 7.

The front photographing window 6 and the rear photographing window 1 described above.
Reference numeral 2 serves as a window for inputting subject light to the card-shaped imaging device, and is formed of a material having sufficiently high transmittance and water resistance, such as glass, comb or plastic, and a terminal body. 1 and are integrated by bonding or the like without any gap.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where a card type camera is inserted into the information communication terminal device of the first embodiment.

When a card-shaped imaging device such as a card-type camera 101 is inserted into the terminal body 1 through the opening of the card slot 9 and the cover 10 is closed, the card-type camera 101 is moved from the terminal body 1 as shown in the figure. It is built in without protruding. As a result, the outer shape of the terminal body 1 does not change at all regardless of whether the card-shaped imaging device is mounted or not.

Next, the concept of the image pickup section of the card type camera 101 in the state shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

First, assuming that the subject is in front of the terminal body 1, light rays from the subject (indicated by dashed lines in the figure)
Enters through the front photographing window 6 of the terminal body 1, enters the photographing window 102 of the card type camera 101 after being reflected by the mirror 14. The incident light beam passes through a photographic lens system 103 inside the card-type camera 101 and is imaged by a photoelectric conversion imager 104 so as to be output from a cable 105 as an imaging signal.

The image signal is then transmitted to the card type camera 10.
1 is converted into data by a signal processing circuit unit (not shown),
After being processed by a data processing circuit unit (not shown) of the terminal body 1 through the connector 15, it is displayed on the display unit 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing details of the mirror 14 and its peripheral portion in the information communication terminal device of the first embodiment.

The mirror 14 is rotatable about an axis indicated by reference numeral AA in the figure, and a gear 18 which rotates integrally with the mirror 14 is provided on an upper end surface of the mirror 14.
Are arranged coaxially with the rotation axis AA. On the other hand, the photographing direction switching knob 7 is rotatable around an axis indicated by reference numeral BB in the drawing, and a part of the peripheral surface thereof is provided for a knob formed on one side surface of the terminal body 1. It is arranged so as to protrude from the window 16. On the lower surface of the photographing direction switching knob 7, a gear 17 that rotates integrally with the photographing direction switching knob 7 is provided coaxially with the rotation axis BB. And are arranged so as to mesh with each other.

When an object (not shown) is in front of the terminal body 1, a light beam a (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure) from the object enters the front photographing window 6 of the terminal body 1. At this time, the mirror 14 is located at the position indicated by the reference numeral 14a in the figure, and reflects the incident light from the front photographing window 6 in the direction of the arrow. Then, the reflected light a enters the photographic lens system 103 inside the card type camera 101.

On the other hand, when the subject is on the back side of the terminal body 1, a light beam b (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) from the subject enters from the back side photographing window 12 of the terminal body 1. At this time, the photographer switches the photographing direction switching knob 7
Is rotated in the direction of arrow P in the figure, the photographing direction switching knob 7 rotates about the rotation axis BB, and the gear 1
The mirror 14 rotates around the rotation axis AA in the direction of arrow Q in the figure via the switches 7 and 18. And the mirror 14 is
In the figure, rotation is performed from the position indicated by reference numeral 14a to the position indicated by reference numeral 14b. As a result, the reflected light b enters the photographic lens system 103 inside the card type camera 101.

The above-described operation of the mirror 14 may of course use a mechanism such as a link to realize the same operation.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if a card-type camera is connected, the card-type camera does not hinder the shape, can be used even with wet hands, and shoots either the communication person or another object. An information communication terminal device having a possible form can be provided.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information communication terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The information communication terminal device according to the second embodiment comprises:
Card slot 9 equivalent to the first embodiment (not shown)
A photographing direction changeover switch 52 having the same function as the photographing direction changeover knob 7 is provided on one side surface of the terminal body 51. Then, the photographer sets the switch 5
By operating the camera 2, for example, as shown in the figure, an object 201 on the back side of the terminal body 51 can be photographed by a card-type camera 101 (not shown) mounted in the internal card slot 9.

That is, when the subject 201 is on the back side of the terminal body 51 as shown in the figure, by pressing the "B" key on the above-mentioned shooting direction switch 52, the back side shooting window 12 (not shown) (see FIG. 2). ) Is transmitted to the mounted card-type camera 101. On the other hand, when the subject is on the front side of the terminal body 51, the “F”
By pressing the key, the subject light from the front photographing window 6 is similarly transmitted to the card type camera 101.

The image captured by the card-type camera 101 is simultaneously displayed on a display 53 provided on the front of the terminal body 51. At this time, in the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, the photographing direction is displayed together with the image of the subject.

On the other hand, a switch 54 (indicated as "L" in the figure) is provided in the vicinity of the photographing direction changeover switch 52. As described later, when a switch is pressed, an image from another communication device is pressed. It is designed to receive data. In addition,
Details will be described later.

Further, a mirror 14 (not shown) having the same function as in the first embodiment is disposed inside the terminal body 51. In this embodiment, the mirror 14 is In conjunction with the operation of the photographing direction switch 52, the direction is changed by an actuator such as a motor.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the information communication terminal device according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the circuit will be described along the flow of signals.

When a communication circuit with a communication destination is connected and the information communication terminal device of this embodiment is in a state capable of transmitting data, a photographing direction switch 52 provided on the terminal body 51 (see FIG. 5). When the "F" key in ()) is pressed,
The system controller 302 (abbreviated as syscon in the figure) sends a command to the mirror switching circuit 303 to
4 moves the mirror 14 to the front side of the terminal body 51 (forward).
Is rotated to the incident angle.

Thus, the light beam from the front side is
And is imaged on an imager 402 through a lens system 401 of the mounted card type camera 101 to be converted into an imaging electric signal.

This image signal is further processed by a signal processing unit 403.
Is converted into a required video signal, is digitized by the data processing unit 404, and is transmitted to the card I / F 306 of the terminal body 51 via a card connector (not shown).

At this time, the card I / F 306 is controlled to the receiving state by the system controller 302, and the received image data is input to the data processing unit 307, and similarly controlled by the system controller 302 to display the display unit 53 ( (See FIG. 5).

At the same time, the image data is input from the data processing unit 307 to the transmission unit 309 and is controlled by the system controller 302 and transmitted from the antenna 5 to the communication destination (listener) device.

Therefore, in this state, it is possible to simultaneously output an image substantially the same as the image monitored by the display unit 53 to the display device of the communication destination.

Next, when the "B" key of the photographing direction switch 52 is pressed, the system controller 3
02 sends a command to the mirror switching circuit 303 and the motor 30
4 rotates the mirror 14 to an angle at which light rays from the back side (Back) of the terminal main body 51 are incident.

In this case, the transmission and reception from the image pickup processing to the image data is the same as in the above-described front-side photographing, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the switch 54 (“L” key) is pressed in a state where the information communication terminal device of the present embodiment can communicate, the system controller 302 controls the data processing unit 307 to set the communication destination. On the other hand, a transmission request signal is transmitted to transmit data such as an image to the terminal body 51.

Then, the system controller 302
Controls the receiving unit 311 and the data processing unit 302,
For example, if image data is being communicated from the mounted card-type camera 101, the image data is temporarily suspended, and data such as an image transmitted by the communication destination is received from the antenna 5,
The data is output to the display unit 53. In this case, if the user wants to send the image captured by the card-type camera 101 to the communication destination again, the system controller 302 presses the “F” key or the “B” key of the shooting direction switch 52, and the system controller 302 Can be returned to the above-described front side or back side photographing state.

In the second embodiment, a case where another photographing direction switch 52 is interrupted and pressed during the processing of each state by interposing a memory unit before the input of the data processing unit 307. In addition, functions such as interrupting the processing and immediately regenerating the data at the time of the interruption to restore the processing are incorporated.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Appendix] According to the embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained. (1) Voice input / output means, operating means for designating a communication destination, storage means for storing a card-shaped image pickup device incorporating an image pickup means, and display based on information from the stored card-shaped image pickup apparatus. Display means for performing, and a window portion arranged at a position corresponding to the imaging range of the stored card-shaped imaging device, and inputting subject light to the card-shaped imaging device,
The storage means is an information communication terminal device that stores the entire card when the card-shaped imaging device is stored.

(2) a lid member disposed at the opening of the storage means for sealing the stored card-shaped imaging device;
The information communication terminal device according to the above (1), comprising: a transparent exterior material covering the window.

(3) The window is disposed on substantially the same plane as the display means and on both sides substantially opposite to each other, and selects input light from different windows to guide the light to a card-shaped image pickup device housed therein. Information communication terminal device having means.

According to the information communication terminal device of the above item (1), it is not necessary to incorporate an image pickup means in the terminal body of the information communication terminal device, so that the terminal body does not need to be enlarged, and a mobile phone or the like can be used. But it is feasible. Therefore, it is possible to easily transmit an image shot at a place where the user is going out and receive an image from the other party. Further, since communication can be performed in a state of being integrated with the image pickup means, not only the image can be read out from the storage medium from which the image has been captured and transmitted, but also the captured image during communication can be transmitted simultaneously with the voice. Alternatively, since there is no need to connect another imaging device and the terminal body of the information communication terminal device with a cable, the terminal device can be used easily and does not impair portability.

Further, even when the card-shaped imaging device is connected, it does not protrude from the main body, and does not have a system form that hinders the holding of the terminal main body and the storage in the pocket. It does not affect usability.

According to the information communication terminal device of the above item (2), the terminal body can be provided with a drip-proof function including a card slot, and the stored card-shaped imaging device can also be drip-proof. it can. Therefore, even a wet hand at the time of cooking, bathing, or the like can perform communication including an image with peace of mind. Further, since it is not necessary to provide the card-shaped imaging device itself with a drip-proof function, the exterior structure of the device can be simplified, and the cost as a system can be reduced.

According to the information communication terminal device of the above item (3), the photographing direction is directed in the same direction as the display means of the terminal body or in the opposite direction. Therefore, not only the caller (communicator) holding the terminal body but also a subject other than the caller can be photographed, and the photographed image can be transmitted while being confirmed on the display means.

[0069]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information communication terminal device which is small in size, excellent in portability, and capable of easily transmitting and receiving photographing information.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information communication terminal device that exhibits a waterproof / drip-proof function regardless of the type of card-shaped imaging device.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, an information communication terminal capable of easily and quickly switching between photographed image information of a user and a subject located in the other direction of the user and transmitting the information. An apparatus can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an information communication terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a top view, and FIG. 2C is a side view showing a detailed configuration of the information communication terminal device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where a card-type camera is inserted into the information communication terminal device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing details of a mirror and its peripheral portion in the information communication terminal device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information communication terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the information communication terminal device of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Terminal body 2 ... Display part 6 ... Front photographing window 7 ... Shooting direction switching knob 9 ... Card slot 10 ... Cover 12 ... Back photographing window 14 ... Mirror

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-292195 (JP, A) JP-A-6-169455 (JP, A) JP-A 1-220979 (JP, A) JP-A-8-98076 (JP) , A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04M 1/02-1/23 H04M 11/00-11/10 H04N 7/14-7/173 H04N 5/222-5 / 257 H04B 7/24-7/26 H04Q 7/00-7/38

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An operation means for designating a communication destination, a storage means having a slot portion and capable of storing the entire card-shaped imaging device, and subject light to the card-shaped imaging device stored in the storage means. An information communication terminal device, comprising: a window for inputting; and display means for displaying information from the stored card-shaped imaging device. 2. The information communication terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sealing member for sealing the storage means, and a transparent member for covering the window. 3. The window is provided at at least two places on the side where the display means is provided and on the opposite side thereof, and selects input light from different windows and guides the input light to the card-shaped imaging device. 3. The information communication terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising control means.