JP4272241B2 - Mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable phone with operability and convenience that is improved, by installing a plurality of operation means provided on the subdisplay surface of a portable phone with a camera so that various settings can be made, changed or adjusted with the portable phone in a folded state without having to open the portable phone. <P>SOLUTION: This portable phone has a first display means 5 on the surface of a first case 2 facing a second case 3 with the portable phone flip folded, and a second display means 20, an imaging means 21 and a plurality of operation means 23, 24a and 24b on the back face of the first display means 5 on the first case 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile phone having a photographing function.

  In recent years, mobile phones have become widespread, but their shapes are roughly classified into three types: straight type, flip type, and clamshell type. Above all, the clamshell type can be miniaturized by folding, so the needs are higher than the other two types.

  Recently, a mobile phone having a liquid crystal sub-display on the back of the liquid crystal display or a camera function has been proposed.

  FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a conventional clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone 100 (model name SH251i, manufactured by Sharp Corporation, released on June 1, 2002). The mobile phone 100 includes a first housing 101 and a second housing 102. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are connected via a hinge 103, and angular displacement is performed about the hinge 103 as an axis. It can be folded by moving freely. As shown in FIG. 17, the mobile phone 100 includes a first display unit 104 in a first housing 101. The first display unit 104 is disposed so as to be located on the inner side when the mobile phone 100 is folded. The first display unit 104 (main display) is realized by a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and displays an image based on image data sent via a first display driver unit provided in the housing. An antenna unit 105 and a vertically movable helical unit 106 are provided on the back surface of the first housing 101, and a second shutter button 107 having a camera function is provided on a side surface of the first housing 101. The first display unit 104 includes a first speaker 108 that is used during a call.

  The open / close detection unit 109 is a detection unit that detects whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded. A small protrusion 109 a is formed near the hinge 103 at the bottom of the first housing 101, and a small hole 109 b is formed near the hinge 103 at the top of the second housing 102. A detection switch (not shown) is provided inside the hole 109b, and the open / close detection unit 109 includes a protrusion 109a, a hole 109b, and a switch. When the cellular phone 100 is folded, the protrusion 109a of the first casing 101 enters the hole 109b of the second casing 102, a detection switch (not shown) is activated, and the cellular phone 100 is controlled by a control unit provided in the casing. Judge that it is folded.

  Next, the second casing 102 of the conventional mobile phone 100 will be described. The input button unit 110 includes a key for inputting numbers and characters. The function button unit 111 is a group of buttons for switching various settings / functions in the mobile phone, a power button 112 for switching power ON / OFF, a first shutter button 113 for a camera function to be described later, a mail function and guidance. A mail / guidance button 114 for displaying, a start / speaker receiving button 115 for starting a call and receiving a speaker, a multi-guide button 116 including a four-way button and a determination button for selecting and determining up / down / left / right on the function selection screen. Consists of In addition, a transmission microphone 117 is provided below the second housing 102.

  As an arrangement configuration of the second casing 102 of a general mobile phone, it is common to arrange the hinge 103, the function button group 111, the input button group 110, and the transmission microphone 117 in this order.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mobile phone 100 shown in FIG. 17 from the back side. FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of the cellular phone 100 in a folded state, and FIG. 20 is an external side view of the cellular phone 100 in a folded state. The back surface of the first housing 101 includes a second display unit 120, a camera unit 121, a light unit 122, and the antenna unit 105 already described.

  The second display unit 120 is disposed so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded. The second display unit 120 (sub-display) is realized by a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and displays an image based on image data sent through a second display driver unit provided in the housing.

  The camera unit 121 includes an imaging lens, an imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and RGB color filters. The camera unit 2 converts the light reflected by the subject and incident on the imaging lens into RGB three-color light through a color filter, and converts the RGB three-color light to the image sensor. As shown in FIG. 18, the camera unit 121 is provided so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded.

  The light unit 122 is used as an auxiliary light source when the camera unit 121 captures an image. In general, there are many that use a xenon tube, but recently, there is also an auxiliary light source that emits white light by simultaneously emitting RGB LEDs.

  The back surface of the second housing includes a battery portion 123 for storing a battery and a second speaker 124 for sounding a ring tone.

  A method of using the camera using the conventional mobile phone 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21A shows a general usage method when a photographer photographs a subject. The cellular phone 100 is opened, the camera unit 121 is directed to the subject, and the photographer uses the first display unit 104 as a viewfinder. FIG. 21B shows a general usage method when the photographer photographs the photographer himself. In this case, the photographer can take a picture while confirming the photographed image by using the second display unit 120 as a viewfinder. In general mobile phones, when displaying on the second display unit 120, in order to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling at the time of screen confirmation, the image is often reversed left and right and displayed like a mirror. In FIG. 21A, either the first shutter button 113 or the second shutter button 107 provided on the side surface of the first housing 101 can be used as the shutter button. In FIG. 21B, shooting is performed using the second shutter button 107 in a state in which the cellular phone 100 is folded, but shooting is possible even in an opened state. In that case, the second shutter button 107 disposed on the side surface of the first housing 101 may be used.

  Even in the clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone provided with the two display means as described above, there remains a problem of effective use of the sub-display by the user.

  In the case of a clamshell type mobile phone, in the folded state, there is no user input means other than the shutter button 107 provided on the side of the first housing 101, and in the camera mode, the sub display 120 is simply used as a finder. there were. In the standby mode, a standby image, clock, incoming mail, etc. are displayed on the sub-display 120, but only those set by the user with the mobile phone opened in advance are automatically displayed.

  Therefore, for example, in the camera mode, in order to adjust the light amount of the light unit 122 provided on the side of the camera unit 121, the mobile phone is opened and the second casing is checked while checking the adjustment amount displayed on the main display 104. 102 key operations had to be performed. Similarly, the setting of the standby image and the clock display must be performed while opening the mobile phone and confirming on the main display 104. Further, even when an incoming mail message is displayed on the sub-display 120, the mobile phone must be opened and checked on the main display 104 in order to refer to the mail contents. In order to perform the display operation while the display is on the outer surface in the folded state in this way, the operation of opening and operating the mobile phone is troublesome for the user.

  Also, when the mobile phone is folded and used and when the mobile phone is opened and used, the orientation of the mobile phone body side is reversed, for example, when the user has folded and used the mobile phone When changing to, it was necessary to change the orientation of the mobile phone.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile phone in which a user can use a sub-display effectively and easily.

  1st invention is equipped with the 1st housing | casing, the 2nd housing | casing, and the connection part which connects the said 1st and 2nd housing | casing, and with the said 1st housing | casing by the said connection part, The second casing is a mobile phone configured to be foldable, and includes a first display unit on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. A mobile phone comprising a second display means, an imaging means, and a plurality of operation means used in a state in which the mobile phone is folded on the back surface of the first display means of one housing.

  According to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, there are a plurality of operation means that are used in a state where the second display means and the mobile phone are folded. Thereby, even in the folded state, the user can perform a plurality of switching such as switching of the photographing function and display switching of the second display means, change of various adjustment amounts, and the like.

  In this way, the user operates a plurality of operation means used in a state in which the cellular phone is folded without opening the cellular phone, thereby switching a plurality of functions such as camera activation, light lighting, pictogram display switching, and the like. It is possible to change the amount of adjustment such as light intensity and brightness adjustment. Therefore, when the cellular phone is used in the closed state, it is not necessary to open the cellular phone when switching or changing the adjustment amount, and operability and convenience are improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mobile phone according to the first aspect, wherein the captured image captured by the imaging unit is displayed.

  According to the present invention, since the image photographed by the photographing means can be displayed by the second display means, the photographing condition can be adjusted and the photographed image can be processed by operating the operation means. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the shooting conditions and process the shot image in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mobile phone according to the first or second aspect, wherein one of the operation means is a shutter button.

  According to the present invention, since one of the operation means is a shutter button, a shooting operation can be performed by operating the shutter button. Therefore, it is possible to take a picture in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mobile phone according to the first or second aspect, wherein the operation means is an adjustment button for adjusting photographing conditions.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means is an adjustment button for adjusting the shooting conditions, the shooting conditions can be adjusted by operating the operation means. Therefore, the shooting conditions can be adjusted in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and operability and convenience are improved.

  The fifth invention is the mobile phone according to the first or second invention, wherein the operation means is an operation button for operating a display of the second display means.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means is an operation button for operating the display of the second display means, the display of the second display means can be operated by operating the operation means. Therefore, the display of the second display means can be operated in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mobile phone according to the fourth to fifth aspects, wherein the operation means serves as both the adjustment button and the operation button.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means serves both as the adjustment button and the operation button, the photographing condition can be adjusted and the display of the second display means can be operated by operating the operation means. . Accordingly, it is only necessary to provide a double-use button on the back surface of the mobile phone without providing an adjustment button for adjusting the photographing conditions and an operation button for performing the display operation of the second display means.

  Thus, by using both the adjustment button and the operation button, it becomes possible to reduce the cost by downsizing the mobile phone and reducing the number of parts. Also, adjustment buttons and operation buttons are generally used as + buttons (feed buttons) and-buttons (return buttons), and the operations are similar. Operability and convenience are improved.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the lighting unit is provided on the same surface as the imaging unit, and when the operation unit is pressed for a short time, light is emitted only when the operation unit is pressed, and the operation unit is predetermined When the mobile phone is continuously pressed for longer than the time, the mobile phone is switched to the constant lighting.

  According to the present invention, when the operation means is pressed for a short time, light is emitted only while the operation means is pressed, and when the operation means is continuously pressed for a long time, the light is switched on constantly. Therefore, depending on whether the operation means is short-pressed or long-pressed, the light emission state of the illumination means can be properly used, and operability and convenience are improved. In addition, by switching control between short press and long press, multiple controls can be performed without increasing the number of operation buttons, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to an increase in the size of the mobile phone and an increase in the number of parts. Become.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the lighting unit can be changed to a plurality of emission colors on the same surface as the imaging unit, and the emission color is switched by pressing the operation unit for a short time. The mobile phone is characterized in that when the means is continuously pressed longer than a predetermined time, it is always turned on.

  According to the present invention, when the operation means is pressed for a short time, the light emission color is switched, and when the operation means is pressed for a long time, it is switched to always lighting. Therefore, depending on whether the operation means is short-pressed or long-pressed, the light emission color of the illumination means and the ON / OFF switching of the illumination means can be used properly, improving operability and convenience. In addition, by switching control between short press and long press, multiple controls can be performed without increasing the number of operation buttons, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to an increase in the size of the mobile phone and an increase in the number of parts. Become.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the portable device is characterized by comprising illumination means and illumination light amount adjustment means, wherein the operation means is a light amount adjustment button for adjusting the light amount of the illumination means. It is a telephone.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means is a light quantity adjustment button for adjusting the light quantity of the illumination means, the light quantity can be adjusted by operating the light quantity adjustment button. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the light amount of the illumination means in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, a tenth aspect of the invention includes the lighting means configured by a plurality of colors of LEDs in the first and second aspects of the invention, and a light emission color changing means for changing the light emitted by the lighting means. A mobile phone characterized by being a light emission color change button for changing the light emission color of the illumination means.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means is a light emission color change button for changing the light emission color of the illumination means, the light emission color can be changed by operating the light emission color change button. Therefore, the light emission color of the illumination means can be changed in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, improving operability and convenience.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is the first or second aspect of the invention, further comprising telephone incoming call history storage means for storing a telephone incoming call history, and the telephone call history displayed on the second display means is stored in another telephone by the operating means. A mobile phone characterized by switching to an incoming call history.

  According to the present invention, the incoming call history displayed on the second display means can be switched to another incoming call history by the operating means. Therefore, it is possible to switch the incoming call history displayed on the second display means in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, improving operability and convenience.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the received mail content is displayed on the second display means, and the display is switched to another received mail content by the operation means. is there.

  According to the present invention, the received mail content displayed on the second display means can be switched to another received mail content by the operation means. Therefore, it is possible to switch the contents of the received mail displayed on the second display means in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, improving operability and convenience.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the first or second aspect of the invention includes an antenna that receives a television broadcast wave, a television tuner, and a television signal processing means, and the second display means is the television signal processing means. The mobile phone is characterized in that it displays a signal-processed video signal, and the operation means is a channel switching button for changing the reception frequency of a television broadcast wave.

  According to the present invention, the second display means displays the video signal processed by the television signal processing means, and the operation means is a channel switching button for changing the reception frequency of the television broadcast wave. Therefore, the reception channel can be switched by operating the operation means.

  As a result, even when watching TV on the second display means, the channel can be changed in a folded state without opening the mobile phone and operating with the numeric buttons when changing the channel. And convenience is improved.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the sound data storage means for storing the sound data and the sound reproduction means for reproducing the sound data are provided, and the operation means is a sound stored in the sound data storage means. A cellular phone characterized in that data can be played back.

  According to the present invention, the operation means can play back the audio data in the audio data storage means. Therefore, the audio data can be played back in a folded state without opening the mobile phone.

  As a result, when listening to audio data on a mobile phone, it is possible to change the playback song in a folded state without opening the mobile phone and operating with the numeric buttons when changing the playback song. Convenience is improved.

  A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the mobile phone according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a speaker, wherein the operation means is a volume button for adjusting the volume of the speaker.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means is a volume button for adjusting the volume of the speaker, the volume of the speaker can be adjusted by the operation means. Therefore, the volume adjustment can be operated in a folded state without opening the mobile phone.

  As a result, when listening to audio data on a mobile phone, the volume can be changed in the folded state without opening the mobile phone and operating with the numeric buttons when changing the volume. Will improve.

  The sixteenth invention includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second housings, and the first housing is connected to the first housing by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are mobile phones configured to be foldable, and include a first display means on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. A mobile phone comprising a second display means, an imaging means, an adjustment item selection means, and an adjustment amount selection means on the back surface of the first display means of the first housing.

  According to the present invention, the second display means, the adjustment item selection means, and the adjustment amount selection means are provided outside when the mobile phone is folded. As a result, even in the folded state, the user can switch various items such as switching the photographing function and switching the display of the second display means, and change various adjustment amounts.

  In this way, the user can select adjustment items such as light intensity and brightness adjustment and change the adjustment amount by operating the adjustment item selection means without opening the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function that allows the adjustment amount to be changed in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  The seventeenth invention is the mobile phone according to the sixteenth invention, wherein the second display means displays a photographed image photographed by the imaging means.

  According to the present invention, since the second display means displays the photographed image photographed by the imaging means, various adjustments can be made while confirming the image photographed by the mobile phone with the second display means. Thereby, even in a folded state, the user can switch various adjustment items, change the adjustment amount, process the image, and the like on the captured image captured by the imaging unit, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  An eighteenth aspect of the invention includes a first casing, a second casing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second casings, and the connecting portion connects the first casing. The body and the second casing are mobile phones configured to be foldable, and include a first display means on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. The second display means capable of displaying the contents of the received mail, the imaging means, and the mail contents displayed on the second display means vertically or horizontally on the back of the first display means of the first housing A mobile phone comprising a scroll button capable of scrolling and a switching button for switching display to other mail contents.

  According to the present invention, the second display means capable of displaying the content of the received mail, the imaging means, and the mail content displayed on the second display means on the back of the first display means of the first housing. Scroll buttons that can be scrolled up and down or left and right, and a switching button for switching the display to other mail contents. Thereby, even when the user is in a folded state, the mail is displayed on the second display means, and the mail can be scrolled and switched to another mail.

  As a result, when viewing the text of an email, it is possible to check / display the email in a folded state without having to bother opening the mobile phone and reading the email on the first display unit and switching the email read with the numeric buttons. It is possible to improve operability and convenience.

  A nineteenth aspect of the invention includes a first casing, a second casing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second casings, and the first casing is connected to the first casing by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are foldable mobile phones, and the antenna, the television tuner, the television signal processing means, and the second casing facing the second casing in a folded state. First display means is provided on the surface of one housing, and second display means capable of displaying a television image on the back surface of the first display means of the first housing, imaging means, and the second display means A mobile phone comprising a channel button for changing a television signal wave to be displayed and a volume button for adjusting the volume.

  According to the present invention, an antenna, a television tuner, a television signal processing means, a second display means capable of displaying a television image on the back surface of the first display means of the first housing, an imaging means, A channel button for changing the television signal wave displayed on the second display means and a volume button for adjusting the volume are provided. Therefore, even when the user is in the folded state, the television image can be displayed on the second display means, and the channel and volume can be changed using the channel button and volume button. Improves.

  A twentieth aspect of the invention includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second housings, and the first housing is connected by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are portable telephones configured to be foldable, and include voice data storage means for storing voice data and playback means for playing back the voice data, and the second casing in a folded state. First display means is provided on the surface of the first casing facing the casing, and second display means, imaging means, and reproduction of the audio data are provided on the back surface of the first display means of the first casing. A cellular phone comprising a reproduction operation means for performing an operation and a volume button for adjusting a volume.

  According to the present invention, the audio data storage unit for storing the audio data and the reproduction unit for reproducing the audio data are provided, the second display unit, the imaging unit, A playback operation means for performing a playback operation of the audio data and a volume button for adjusting the volume are provided. Therefore, even when the user is in a folded state, the user can operate the reproduction / recording of the audio data by operating the reproduction operation unit and the volume adjustment unit, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the first to twentieth mobile phones, the second display means visually displays an adjustment amount changed by a user.

  According to the invention, the second display means visually displays the adjustment amount changed by the user. Therefore, the user can make various adjustments while visually confirming the adjustment amount displayed on the second display means in a folded state without opening the mobile phone. Will improve.

  A twenty-second aspect of the invention includes a first casing, a second casing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second casings, and the first casing is connected by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are mobile phones configured to be foldable, and include a first display means on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. An adjustment mode in which a second display means, an imaging means, and a plurality of operation means are provided on the back surface of the first display means of the first housing, and in the camera shooting mode, an adjustment mode for adjusting shooting conditions using the plurality of operation means is provided. A mobile phone is provided.

  According to the present invention, in the camera shooting mode, an adjustment mode for adjusting shooting conditions using the plurality of operation means is provided. Therefore, the user can operate the brightness adjustment and the light quantity / color adjustment while looking at the second display portion in the camera shooting mode in the folded state, and the shooting can be performed in a good state after the adjustment. It can be carried out. In addition, since the mobile phone can be operated while being folded, operability and convenience are improved.

  The twenty-third invention includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second housings, and the first housing is connected by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are mobile phones configured to be foldable, and include a first display means on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. The second display means, the imaging means, and the plurality of operation means are provided on the back surface of the first display means of the first housing, and in the camera shooting mode, before storing the images taken using the plurality of operation means. A cellular phone characterized by a processing mode for processing an image.

  According to the present invention, in the camera shooting mode, a processing mode is provided in which an image is processed before storing an image shot using the plurality of operation means. Therefore, even in the folded state, the user can process the image before saving the image photographed using the plurality of operation means while looking at the second display unit in the camera photographing mode. Operability and convenience are improved.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the mobile phone according to the third to twenty-third aspects of the invention, the plurality of operation means include a first determination button, a second determination button, and a third determination button. is there.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of operation means includes a first determination button, a second determination button, and a third determination button. Therefore, by using the three buttons, a plurality of switching such as switching of photographing functions and display switching of the second display means, various adjustment amounts, and the like can be performed.

  According to a 25th aspect of the present invention, in the mobile phone according to any of the 3rd to 23rd aspects of the invention, the plurality of operation means include a determination button, a right button, and a left button.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of operation means includes a determination button, a right button, and a left button. Therefore, by using these buttons, it is possible to perform a plurality of switching such as switching of the photographing function and display switching of the second display means, change of various adjustment amounts, and the like.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the mobile phone according to the third to twenty-third aspects of the invention, the plurality of operation means include a first determination button, a second determination button, a third determination button, a fourth determination button, and a fifth determination button. A mobile phone characterized by comprising a decision button.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of operation means include a first determination button, a second determination button, a third determination button, a fourth determination button, and a fifth determination button. Therefore, by using the five buttons, it is possible to perform a plurality of switching such as switching of the photographing function and display switching of the second display means, change of various adjustment amounts, and the like.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the mobile phone according to the third to twenty-third aspects of the invention, the plurality of operation means include a determination button, an upper button, a lower button, a right button, and a left button. is there.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of operation means include a determination button, an upper button, a lower button, a left button, and a right button. Therefore, by using these buttons, it is possible to perform a plurality of switching such as switching of the photographing function and display switching of the second display means, change of various adjustment amounts, and the like.

  According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the mobile phone according to the third to twenty-third aspects of the present invention, the imaging means, the second display means, and the plurality of the plurality of display means are arranged on the rear surface of the first display means of the first housing from the connecting portion side. The mobile phone is arranged in the order of the operation means.

  According to the present invention, since the second display means is disposed between the imaging means and each button, a certain distance can be ensured between the imaging means and each button. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user's hand pressing the button when the user tries to shoot from covering the imaging unit. Therefore, since the user can operate each button without worrying about the position of the image pickup means at various settings related to shooting such as zoom operation, the operability and convenience are improved, and at the same time, the user's finger touches the image pickup means, Scratches and dust can be prevented from being attached to the lens and other parts, and as a result, the durability and performance of the mobile phone can be improved.

  According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the invention, a first casing, a second casing, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second casings are provided, and the first casing is connected to the first casing by the connecting portion. The body and the second casing are mobile phones configured to be foldable, and include a first display means on a surface of the first casing facing the second casing in a folded state. A plurality of numeric buttons and operation buttons on the surface of the second casing facing the first casing in a folded state, and a second display on the back surface of the first display means of the first casing. A mobile phone comprising a means, an imaging means, and a plurality of operation means.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of numeric buttons and operation buttons are provided on the surface of the second casing facing the first casing in a folded state, and the first display means of the first casing A second display means, an imaging means, and a plurality of operation means are provided on the back surface. Therefore, when the cellular phone is folded, the plurality of numeric buttons and operation buttons and the plurality of operation means are directed in the same direction.

  Thus, after the user folds and operates the mobile phone main body, the button surface on the main body side faces the user even when the mobile phone is opened as it is, and the user can smoothly operate the mobile phone without changing the mobile phone.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a clamshell type camera-equipped mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cellular phone 1 includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3, and the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are connected via a hinge 4. The first casing 2 and the second casing 3 are configured to be foldable as shown in FIG. 3 by moving so as to be angularly displaceable about the hinge 4 as an axis.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile phone 1 includes a first display unit 5 in a first housing 2. The first display unit 5 is arranged so as to be located inside when the mobile phone 1 is folded. The first display unit 5 includes a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro Luminescent) display, and the like, and displays an image based on image data given through a first display driver unit 43 described later. The first display unit 5 includes a first speaker 6 that is used during a call.

  Next, the 2nd housing | casing 3 of the mobile telephone 1 which is one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. The second housing 3 includes an input button group 7 including keys for inputting numbers and characters, a function button group 8 for performing various settings / function switching in the mobile phone 1, an ON / OFF power Power button 9 for switching OFF, first shutter button 10 operated to activate the shutter function, mail / guidance button 11 for displaying mail function and guidance, start / speaker for starting a call and receiving a speaker A reception button 12 and a multi-guide button 13 composed of a four-way button and a determination button for selecting and determining up / down / left / right on the function selection screen are provided so that the user can operate. Furthermore, the second casing 3 includes a microphone 14 for calling at the bottom.

  The arrangement of the second casing 3 of the mobile phone 1 is normally arranged in the order of the hinge 4, the function button group 8, the input button group 7, and the transmission microphone 14, but is not limited thereto. It is not a thing.

  As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the camera unit 21 and the light unit 22 are arranged in order from the hinge 4 side on the back surface of the first display unit 5 of the first housing 2. The second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b are subsequently arranged.

  The second display unit 20 is disposed so as to be positioned outside the casing when the mobile phone 1 is folded, and is configured by a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. Here, the displayable area of the second display unit 20 is smaller than that of the first display unit 5, but may be larger or the same size. The second display unit 20 displays image data based on image data provided through a second display driver unit 44, which will be described later, and character image data for notifying time, radio wave intensity, mail reception, and the like. .

  As described above, each of the first display unit 5 and the second display unit 20 has the display screen directed to the outside on the surface presented to the outside of the first housing 2 or the second housing 3 in the opened state. It is provided as follows. In particular, the second display unit 20 is provided such that the display screen faces the outside on the surface presented to the outside of either the first casing 2 or the second casing 3 in a folded state.

  When displaying these images, the image data sent from the second display driver unit 44 to the second display unit 20 is displayed so that the direction of the hinge 4 is upward when displayed. The second display unit 20 displays the image so that the direction of the hinge 4 is upward, so that when the user uses the cellular phone 1 in a folded state, the user uses the hinge upward. The orientation of the second housing 3 does not change whether the user opens or closes the mobile phone 1. In other words, each time the mobile phone 1 is opened or closed, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone 1 or to change it, so that operability and convenience are improved. The image display on the second display unit 20 includes a captured image, and even when the captured image is viewed, it is not necessary to change the direction of the mobile phone 1 or to change it, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  Further, as will be described later, by moving the antenna from the back surface of the first housing 2 to another location, there is no restriction on the back surface of the first housing 2, and the second display means 20 having a size larger than the conventional one. It is possible to display a large amount of information such as text and captured images. Further, by providing the second operation button group 24, various displays such as confirmation of mail contents, reference of address book, and sequential display of a plurality of images can be performed even when the cellular phone 1 is closed. It becomes possible at 20. The image display on the second display unit 20 includes the captured image, and the user can check the large image on the second display unit 20 even when the captured image is folded. Therefore, it is not necessary to open or close the mobile phone 1 when viewing a captured image, and operability and convenience are improved.

  The camera unit 21 includes an imaging lens, an imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and RGB color filters. Here, in order to simplify the description, the camera unit 21 has a CCD image sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as a CCD) 29 as an imaging device. The camera unit 21 converts the light reflected by the subject and incident on the photographing lens into RGB three-color light through a color filter, and the RGB three-color light is incident on the CCD 29. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera unit 21 is provided on the back surface of the first display unit 5 and between the hinge 4 and the second display unit 20 when the mobile phone 1 is folded. When taking a picture with the camera unit 21 with the cellular phone 1 opened, the user takes a picture with the second casing 3.

  As a result, the camera unit 21 is provided near the hinge 4 as a result of the above arrangement, so that when the first housing 2 is held, the camera unit 21 is supported in the vicinity of the camera unit 21. Can be reduced. In addition, the large second display unit 20 obtained by removing the antenna from the back surface of the first housing 2 makes it possible to easily confirm a self-portrait with little camera shake from a subject on a large screen when photographing the subject.

  The light unit 22 is used as an auxiliary light source when the camera unit 21 captures an image. In general, an auxiliary light source often uses a xenon tube, but recently, an RGB LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used. These LEDs can emit light at the same time to obtain white light illumination.

  The second shutter button 23 is disposed at the center of the back surface of the first display unit 5 of the first housing 2 and is located below the second display unit 20 when the cellular phone 1 shown in FIG. 3 is folded. To position. By disposing the second shutter button 23 at this position, the user can easily confirm the position of the shutter button 23 in a folded state and easily operate the shutter.

  In addition, it is not necessary to search for a shutter button that is provided on the side surface of the first housing or the like that is difficult to confirm the position as in the conventional model, and operability and convenience are improved.

  On both sides of the second shutter button 23, second operation buttons 24a and 24b for setting or operating various data while confirming display information on the second display unit 20 are provided. By disposing the second operation button group 24 at this position, the user can easily confirm the positions of the second operation buttons 24a and 24b in a folded state and easily operate the second operation buttons 24a and 24b. can do.

  The second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b are also used as operation buttons for determining ON / OFF of various functions and determination / end of a specific operation by a user operation. In the mobile phone 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, light lighting, light ON / OFF, menu screen switching, pictogram display ON / OFF, camera activation, key lock ON / OFF, selection determination, display end, mail text Used for display, adjustment item switching, MP3 playback / stop, light color change, etc.

  The second operation buttons 24a and 24b are also used as adjustment buttons for changing adjustment amounts (up / down, feed / return, etc.) of various functions by user operations. In the mobile phone 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the selection forward / reverse selection on the menu screen, the forward / backward advance of various display images, the dark / bright light amount of light, the forward / backward change of the light color, Forward / reverse of incoming voice history and mail reception history, TV channel up / down, MP3 playback reverse / fast forward and previous / next song, volume up / down, zoom adjustment zoom in / zoom out, etc. Use. As the adjustment buttons, the second operation buttons 24a and 24b mainly have the meanings of a minus button and a plus button for each adjustment amount. In the present embodiment, the second shutter button 23 is not used as an adjustment button. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second shutter button 23 may be used.

  In this way, the user can use the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b without opening the mobile phone 1 to switch a plurality of functions such as camera activation, light lighting, and pictographic display switching. And adjustment amount can be changed. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone 1 for the function that can be switched in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  In addition, since the image captured by the camera unit 21 can be displayed on the second display unit 20, by adjusting the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b, A photographed image can be processed. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the shooting conditions and process the shot image in a folded state without opening the mobile phone 1, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  In addition, by using both the operation button and the adjustment button as described above, the mobile phone 1 can be reduced in size and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. Also, adjustment buttons and operation buttons are generally used as + buttons (feed buttons) and-buttons (return buttons), and the operations are similar. Operability and convenience are improved.

  On the back surface of the input button group 7 and the function button group 8 of the second housing 3, an antenna unit 25, a helical unit 26 that can be raised and lowered, a battery unit 27 that stores a battery, and a second speaker 28 for ringing a ring tone. Equipped with.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first housing 2 is mechanically connected to the second housing 3 through the hinge 4, and the first housing 2 and the second housing are in the hinge 4. A flexible substrate (not shown) for electrically connecting the housing 3 is incorporated. Near the hinge of the first housing 2, there is a connector for connecting a flexible substrate or cable to various substrates provided in the first housing 2, and the thickness of this connector is the first housing. 2 has the most influence on the thickness. On the other hand, since the camera portion 21 is thinner than the connector, even if the camera portion 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the connector, the thickness of the first housing 2 is not affected. Therefore, in the conventional mobile phone, since the camera unit is disposed near the tip of the first housing 2 (near the lower part in FIG. 3), the first housing excluding the antenna unit depends on the thickness of the camera unit. Although the thickness near the tip of the body 2 has been determined, since the camera unit is disposed between the antenna unit 25 and the second display unit 20, that is, in the vicinity of the hinge 4, the central portion of the first housing 2 is the second display. The thickness of the portion 20 is ensured, and further thinning / miniaturization can be achieved near the tip of the first housing 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness of the first housing 2 is curving from the center to the tip, but the tip of the first housing 2 corresponding to the lower portion of the mobile phone 1 in a folded state. By making the neighborhood thin, the user can easily store the cellular phone 1 in a clothes pocket or the like, and convenience is improved.

  Further, by disposing the second display unit between the camera unit 21 and the second shutter button 23 or the second operation buttons 24a and 24b, the camera unit 21 and the second shutter button 23 or the second operation button 24a. And 24b can be maintained at a constant distance. When the user operates the second shutter button 23 or the second operation buttons 24a and 24b, it is possible to prevent the user's finger from accidentally touching the camera unit 21 or obstructing the field of view of the camera unit 21. Preventing the user's finger from touching the camera unit 21 and scratching or dusting parts such as the lens improves the durability of the mobile phone and maintains the performance as a result.

  Further, by being configured to hold the hinge 4 side up in the folded state, when the user holds the mobile phone 1 in the folded state, the camera unit 21 is not blocked by the user's hand. The mobile phone 1 can be held without worrying about the position 21.

  A usage method in the case of performing camera shooting using the mobile phone 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A, in a general usage method for photographing the subject 30, the user opens the mobile phone 1, photographs the camera unit 21 toward the subject 30, and the user views the first display unit 5 in the viewfinder. Use as Although the first shutter button 10 is used for the shutter operation, the second shutter button 23 provided on the back surface of the first housing 2 can also be used. FIG. 5B shows a general usage method when the user photographs the user himself / herself using the camera unit 21. In this case, the user can operate the shutter by pressing the second shutter button 23 while confirming the captured user's own image by using the second display unit 20 as a viewfinder.

  In general mobile phones, when the image is displayed on the second display unit 20, the image is often displayed like a mirrored image by reversing the image horizontally in order to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling at the time of screen confirmation. It is not limited to that. Note that the mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is convenient because it can shoot the user himself in a folded state. Note that the user's own shooting is not limited to a mode in which the mobile phone 1 is used in a folded state, and the shooting can be performed in an open state.

  In addition, since the buttons are arranged on the same surface of the first casing 2 and the second casing 3 in a state in which the cellular phone 1 is folded, after the user folds and operates the cellular phone 1 When opening and operating, or vice versa, the user can perform a button input operation by simply opening and closing the first housing 2 while holding the second housing 3. It can be operated smoothly without changing.

  Next, the antenna unit 25 of the mobile phone 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second casing 3 of the mobile phone 1. The whip part 30 of the antenna part 25 is configured to be retractable on the left end side in the case 2, and the helical part 26 is exposed outside the case. The whip part 30 and the helical part 26 can be pulled out from the second housing 3 in accordance with the radio wave intensity during a call. Further, the antenna is not necessarily limited to the antenna composed of the whip part 30 and the helical part 26. For example, as shown in FIG. (FIG. 7A) or may be disposed on the upper portion of the first housing 2 (FIG. 7B).

  Next, the internal configuration of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 which is an internal block diagram. The cellular phone 1 includes first and second display units 5 and 20, first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23, a camera unit 21, a light unit 22 including red, green and blue LEDs 22R, 22G and 22B, and an antenna unit. 25, speaker 28, radio unit 50, communication control unit 51, first, second and third memories 42, 48 and 52, first and second display driver units 43 and 44, first and second backlight 45 and 46. Control unit 40 that controls the function of each unit, and includes audio reproduction unit 40A, illumination light quantity adjustment unit 40B, and emission color change unit 40C, image processing unit 41, inversion processing unit 41A, first and second operation buttons Groups 47 and 24 and an open / close detector 49 are provided.

  The control unit 40 controls functions of each unit, for example, a shutter operation function, a backlight function, an auxiliary light source function, a display function, and the like. The image processing unit 41 includes an amplification unit, an A / D (analog / digital) conversion unit, a signal processing unit, and an inversion processing unit 41A (not shown). The amplifying unit receives and amplifies an electrical signal corresponding to RGB from the camera unit 21, and outputs the amplified signal to the A / D conversion unit. The A / D conversion unit converts the electrical signal (analog) corresponding to RGB converted by the amplification unit into a digital signal, and outputs the image data to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit performs signal processing such as pixel interpolation processing on the image data input from the A / D conversion unit and supplies the processed image data to the inversion processing unit 41A. When the inversion processing unit 41A receives image data, when the inversion control signal 55 is given from the control unit 40, the inversion processing unit 41A rotates the output image data by 180 degrees so that the corresponding image is rotated by 180 degrees, and outputs it. When the inversion control signal 55 is not given, the input image data is output as it is. The image data output from the inversion processing unit 41A is given to the first and second memories 42 and 48.

  The camera unit 21 and the image processing unit 41 are imaging units that receive the reflected light from the subject 30, convert it to an electrical signal, and output it as image data in frame units. The first and second memories 42 and 48 temporarily store a plurality of frames of image data given continuously under the control of the control unit 40. For example, when input new image data is input and stored, the image data that has already been stored for a long time among the plurality of image data stored in the first and second memories 42 and 48 is deleted. Or overwritten by new image data that has been input.

  The control unit 40 transmits a control signal to the first and second display driver units 43 and 44, and reads out the image data stored in the first and second memories 42 and 48, so that the first and second display driver units 43 and 44, respectively. The first and second display driver units 43 and 44 are arranged in accordance with the data to be displayed on the first and second display units 5 and 20, that is, according to the data read from the first and second memories 42 and 48. A driving voltage is applied to the pixel electrodes of the second display portions 5 and 20.

  The first and second backlights 45 and 46 are composed of light emitting diodes or the like as light emitting elements, and irradiate the first and second display portions 5 and 20 with light to increase the brightness of the display image. Control of turning on and off the first and second backlights 45 and 46 and brightness adjustment are performed by the control unit 40. The first and second backlights 45 and 46 can be independently controlled. When an image is displayed on the first display unit 5, the first backlight 45 is displayed on the second display unit 20. When displayed, the second backlight 46 is controlled to be lit. The first and second backlights 45 and 46 may be turned on until a predetermined operation for turning off the light is performed by the user, or may be turned off when a predetermined time elapses after turning on.

  The first operation button group 47 includes the input button group 7 and the function button group 8 of the second casing 3 described above. The second operation button group 24 includes operation buttons 24 a and 24 b installed on the first housing 2.

  The first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 are pressed for shutter operation. When the first (second) shutter button 10 (23) is pressed, a shutter instruction 56 (57) is given to the control unit 40. When the control unit 40 inputs the shutter instruction 56 (57), the user desires to save among a plurality of image data continuously written and temporarily stored in the first memory 42 and the second memory 48. Image data is read out and written to the third memory 52 for storage. Thereby, the image data desired by the user is stored in the third memory 52. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the latest image data stored in the first memory 42 and the second memory 48 is read and stored.

  The open / close detection unit 49 detects whether or not the mobile phone 1 is folded. A detection switch (not shown) is provided inside the hinge 4 to detect the open / closed state, and a detection signal 53 corresponding to the detected state (open state or closed state) is output to the control unit 40. . The control unit 40 can determine whether the mobile phone 1 is folded (closed state) or in an open state based on the detection signal 53 input from the detection switch.

  The antenna unit 25, the radio unit 50, and the communication control unit 51 transmit and receive voice data, character data, image data, and the like according to the control of the control unit 40 when performing radio communication with a base station (not shown) via radio waves. . The received data is stored in the third memory 52 by the control unit 40.

  A mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 can also receive a television signal, and a duplexer 58 for separating radio communication radio waves and television broadcast signal waves from an antenna unit 25. It has. The duplexer 58 sends radio communication radio waves to the radio unit 50 and television signal broadcast waves to the tuner 59. The tuner 59 that has received the television signal broadcast wave outputs the received channel signal to the signal processing circuit 60. The signal processing circuit 60 separates the signal input from the tuner 59 into a video signal and an audio signal, and the video signal is sent to the first display unit 5 or the second display unit 20 and the audio signal is sent to the first display unit 20 under the control of the control unit 40. Output from the speaker 8 or the second speaker 28.

  Regarding the change of the reception channel, the user can change to the desired channel by operating the first operation button group 47 or the second operation button group 24. Based on the operation of the first operation button group 47 or the second operation button group 24, the control unit 40 sends a control signal for controlling the change of the reception channel to the tuner 59, and the tuner 59 switches the channel.

  The control unit 40 switches the display unit that displays an image based on the image data temporarily stored in the first memory based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 49. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the cellular phone 1 is folded, the control unit 40 outputs the image data from the first memory 42 to the second display driver unit 44, and the second display unit 20. Display an image on. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is not folded (opened), the control unit 40 outputs the image data from the first memory 42 to the first display driver unit 43, An image is displayed on the first display unit 5.

  As described above, when the mobile phone 1 is folded, the camera unit 21 is provided outside in the direction of shooting. Therefore, when imaging a subject other than the user of the mobile phone 1, the camera unit 21 is shown in FIG. As shown, the user takes an image with the camera unit 21 facing the subject 30 on the opposite side of the user with the cellular phone 1 opened. In this state, an image based on the image data output from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the first display unit 5. As a result, the user can use the first display unit 5 as a viewfinder during imaging.

  On the other hand, when the user himself / herself is imaged as a subject, as shown in FIG. 5B, the user shoots with the camera unit 21 facing the user side with the cellular phone 1 folded. In this state, an image based on the image data output from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the second display unit 20. Accordingly, the user can use the second display unit 20 as a viewfinder at the time of shooting.

  A mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used as a viewfinder during imaging simply by folding or opening the first housing 2 while the user holds the second housing 3 of the mobile phone 1 fixed. Since the display units 5 and 20 are switched appropriately and photographing becomes possible, the user does not need to change the second housing 3 like a conventional mobile phone in order to switch the subject, and the user at the time of switching the subject Can be saved, and operability and convenience are improved.

The control of the first and second backlights 45 and 46 will be described.
The control unit 40 switches on and off of the first and second backlights 45 and 46 based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 49. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is folded, the control unit 40 turns on the second backlight 46 and increases the luminance of the second display unit 20. When the open / close detection unit 49 detects that the mobile phone 1 is open, the control unit 40 turns on the first backlight 45 and increases the luminance of the first display unit 5.

  As described above, when the user images the subject other than the user himself / herself, the first display unit 5 is used as a viewfinder, and the image data captured from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the first display unit 5. At this time, the first backlight 45 is turned on, and the luminance of the first display unit 5 is increased.

  On the other hand, when the user images the subject as the user himself / herself, the second display unit 20 is used as a viewfinder, and the image data captured from the camera unit 21 is displayed on the second display unit 20. At this time, the second backlight 46 is turned on, and the brightness of the second display unit 20 is increased.

  Thus, when the cellular phone 1 is folded or opened, the backlight for supplying light to the display unit used as a finder is turned on, so that the displayed image is easy to see and visibility is improved.

  In addition, the control unit 40 includes an audio reproduction unit 40A that reproduces MP3 data. The MP3 data downloaded or connected to the mobile phone from a personal computer or the like by cable connection is stored in the third memory 52 and can be reproduced by the audio reproduction unit 40A and output from the speaker 28. The MP3 data playback volume adjustment, playback / stop, and music feed / music return operation can be performed by the user by operating the first operation button group 47 or the second operation button group 24. . Based on the operation of the first operation button group 47 or the second operation button group 24, the control unit 40 and the audio reproduction unit 40A change the volume and the reproduction state.

  In addition, the control unit 40 includes an illumination light amount adjusting unit 40B that adjusts the light amount of the light unit 22 and a light emission color changing unit 40C that changes the light emission color of the light unit 22. The illumination light amount adjustment unit 40B can manually adjust the light amount of the light unit when the user operates the first operation button group 47 or the second operation button group 24. Further, the amount of light may be automatically increased or decreased by determining the ambient brightness based on a signal from the camera unit 21. The emission color changing unit 40C generates emission colors other than white light, such as red, green, blue, yellow, purple, and light blue, by combining the LEDs 22R, 22G, and 22B. The light emission color can be changed by the user operating the first operation button group 47 or the second operation button group 24 to emit light of a desired color.

  FIG. 9 shows the operation assignment of the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b in a table format. The mobile phone 1 has two modes, a normal mode and a camera mode. The mobile phone 1 is in the normal mode after the power is turned on, and in order to take a picture with the camera, it is necessary to switch to the camera mode in order to activate the camera function and use the display unit as a finder.

  In the implementation of the present invention, it is not necessary to assign all the function switching and adjustment amount changes shown in FIG. 9 to the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b. A person may assign several switches / changes to the buttons as necessary. In FIG. 9, the shaded portion is used as a determination button for switching functions, and the portion not shaded is used as each direction button for changing the adjustment amount.

  A state in which there is no outgoing / incoming call after the power is turned on is generally called a standby state, and a standby screen such as a standby image or a clock set by the user is displayed on the second display unit 20. The second display unit 20 can perform the pictogram display shown in FIG. 10 together with the standby screen, and the display / non-display of the pictogram can be switched by pressing the second operation button 24a.

  The second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b can be locked by pressing the second operation button 24a for 1 second or longer. The second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b are provided on the surface exposed to the outside even when the cellular phone 1 is folded. By pressing the key lock state, the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b can be invalidated. The key lock is released by pressing the second operation button 24a again for 1 second or longer.

  Further, when the second operation button 24b is pressed, the light unit 22 is turned on only while the second operation button 24b is pressed, and the light unit 22 is switched to the constant lighting state by pressing the button for 1 second or longer. Moreover, the light part 22 can be extinguished by pressing down for 1 second or more when always on. With such a setting, the user can use the light emission state of the light unit 22 properly by manually blinking the light unit 22 or constantly lighting the light unit 22 like a flashlight, thereby improving operability and convenience. improves. In addition, by switching control between short press and long press, multiple controls can be performed without increasing the number of operation buttons, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to an increase in the size of the mobile phone and an increase in the number of parts. Become.

  When the second shutter button 23 is pressed in the standby state, a left arrow display, a selection item, and a right arrow display are sequentially displayed at the bottom of the second display unit 20. Here, the second operation button 24b is a forward selection button, and each time the second operation button 24b is pressed, the selection item area sandwiched between the arrow key displays of the second display unit 20 has a wallpaper setting → image. Confirmation-> Light intensity-> Light color-> Voice incoming-> Mail incoming-> Display end-> Wallpaper setting and selection items are switched in order. Further, the second operation button 24a is a reverse selection button, and the selection items are switched in the order of incoming mail → voice incoming → light color → light quantity → image confirmation → wallpaper setting → display end → mail incoming. After the user selects the second operation button 24a or 24b, when the user presses the second shutter button 23, which means the enter key here, the operation of the item selected by the user is started.

  The wallpaper setting mode is a mode for setting a standby image displayed on the second display unit 20. Here, it is possible to select and set image files such as wallpaper images and captured images stored in the third memory 52 of the mobile phone 1, clock functions, animation display, and JAVA (registered trademark) application display. Every time the user presses the second operation button 24a or 24b, the display content of the second display unit 20 is switched. Here, the setting is completed by pressing the second shutter button 23 which means a determination key, Return to the standby state.

  The image confirmation mode is a mode for confirming and displaying an image captured by the camera unit 21 and stored in the third memory 52. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (forward) or 24b (reverse), the captured images are displayed in order on the second display unit 20. As a method for displaying only a captured image in distinction from other images, the captured image is set in advance to be stored in a predetermined folder in the third memory of the mobile phone 1, and the image stored in the folder is stored. May be displayed sequentially, or a flag may be set for the image file when the camera unit 21 captures and stores the image file, and only the flagged image file may be displayed.

  The light amount mode is a mode for adjusting the light amount of the light unit 22. As shown in FIG. 11A, in the light quantity mode, the left and right arrows and an indicator showing the current quantity are displayed in the horizontal direction on the bottom of the second display unit 20. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (brighter) or 24b (darker), the length of the indicator becomes shorter or longer, and the light amount of the light unit 22 changes accordingly. Further, when the user presses the left button (second operation button 24b) for 1 second or longer, the light emission ends. As described above, by operating the second operation button 24a or 24b, the light amount of the light unit 22 can be adjusted in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  Next, a procedure for adjusting the light amount of the light unit 21 using the buttons 23, 24a, and 24b provided on the back surface of the first housing 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a process from a state in which the light amount adjustment mode is selected from the menu screen on the second display unit 20 after entering a predetermined operation and the light amount adjustment mode is entered will be described.

  First, when the light amount adjustment mode is entered, the control unit 40 reads the light amount data LX from the third memory 52 and turns on the light with the light amount based on the light amount data LX (step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 10. ). At this time, when the light unit 21 is already lit, nothing is changed substantially. Next, it is detected whether or not the user presses the buttons 23, 24a, and 24b provided on the back surface (S11). If the button has been pressed, the control unit 40 detects which button the user has pressed and stores it in the memory (S12). Next, the counter value I is set to 0 in order to determine whether the user has pressed the button normally (short press) or long press (S13). The counter value I is incremented by 1 after 10 msec (S14). While the user is pressing the button, the counter value I is incremented by 1 every 10 msec (S15), and when the user releases the button, the process proceeds to the process corresponding to the pressed button (S16).

  If the user has pressed the right button, the time (counter value I) during which the button has been pressed is detected (S17), and if I is greater than 100, it is determined as “long press”. In this case, since the long press of the right button is not defined, the process proceeds to SLO via S27 (S21). When I is 100 or less, it is determined whether or not the light quantity LX is smaller than the maximum value LX = 10 (S18). If the light quantity LX is 10 or more, the light quantity cannot be increased beyond this, so the process returns to LOOP via S27 (S21). When the light quantity LX is smaller than 10, the value of the light quantity LX is increased by 1 (S19), a bar having a length corresponding to the value of the light quantity LX is displayed on the second display unit, and the light is turned on with the light quantity LX ( S20).

  If the user has pressed the enter button, the time (counter value I) during which the button has been pressed is detected (S22). In this case, since the long press of the decision button is not defined, the process proceeds to SLO via S27 (S21). When I is 100 or less, it means that the user ends the light amount adjustment, and the light amount adjustment mode is ended with the current light amount LX.

  If the user has pressed the left button, the time (counter value I) during which the button has been pressed is detected (S23). In this case, the long press of the left button means that the light is OFF, and the light amount LX is set to 0 (S26). If I is 100 or less, it is determined whether the light quantity LX is 1 or more (S25). If the light quantity LX is 0, the light quantity cannot be reduced below this level, so that the process returns to LOOP via S27 (S21). When the light quantity LX is 1 or more, the value of the light quantity LX is decreased by 1 (S25), a bar having a length corresponding to the value of the light quantity LX is displayed on the second display unit, and the light is turned on with the light quantity LX ( S20).

  When the process proceeds to LOOP (S21), the process proceeds to LOOP (28), and the light quantity adjustment is repeated again.

  FIG. 11B shows a display example when a bar having a length corresponding to the value of the light quantity LX is displayed (S20). Each time the light quantity LX increases by one, the number of display blocks increases by one from the left, and all blocks are displayed with the maximum light quantity LX = 10. A display example actually displayed on the second display unit is shown in FIG. In this way, by arranging the second display unit 22 for visually displaying the adjustment amount and the adjustment button on the same plane, the user can operate the mobile phone 1 while looking at the adjustment amount while being folded, Operability and convenience are improved. In the various adjustment modes described below, the same bar display is performed, and the user can operate the mobile phone 1 while viewing the adjustment amount in a folded state.

  The light color mode is a mode for changing the light emission color of the light unit 22. Since the light unit 22 is composed of a red LED 22R, a green LED 22G, and a blue LED 22B, light emission other than white light, for example, red, green, blue, yellow, purple, and light blue, is possible by a combination of light emission of each LED. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (forward feed) or 24b (reverse feed), the light unit 22 switches the emission color. Further, when the user presses the left button (second operation button 24b) for 1 second or longer, the light emission ends. As described above, by operating the second operation button 24a or 24b, the light emission color of the light unit 22 can be changed in a folded state without opening the mobile phone 1, thereby improving operability and convenience. To do.

  The voice incoming call history mode is a mode for displaying a voice incoming call history. When there is an incoming voice call in the mobile phone 1, the history is stored in the third memory 52, and it is possible to display when and from whom the call is received. The second display unit 20 displays the incoming time and the caller's telephone number or name, and the second display unit 20 every time the user presses the second operation button 24a (new incoming call) or 24b (old incoming call). The incoming call history changes. In this way, the incoming call history displayed on the second display unit 22 can be switched by operating the second operation button 24a or 24b in a folded state without opening the mobile phone 1, which is easy to use and convenient. Will improve.

  The mail display mode is a mode for browsing received mail. The second display unit 20 displays the subject and the sender, and when the user presses the second shutter button 23, the mail text is displayed. Further, every time the user presses the second operation button 24a (new mail) or 24b (old mail), the incoming call history of the second display unit 20 is switched. To end the mail display mode, the user ends when the user depresses the second shutter button 23 for a long time. As described above, the contents of the received mail displayed on the second display unit 22 can be switched by operating the second operation button 24a or 24b in a folded state without opening the mobile phone 1, which is easy to use and convenient. Improves.

  Next, a procedure for displaying the mail contents on the second display unit 20 using the buttons 23, 24a, and 24b provided on the back surface of the first housing 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a process from a state in which the mail content display mode is selected from the menu screen on the second display unit 20 through the predetermined operation and the mail content display mode is entered will be described. Note that. In addition to the selection from the menu screen, when the mobile phone 1 receives a mail, the mail content display mode may be entered by pressing the button within 5 seconds.

  First, when the mail content display mode is entered, the control unit 40 reads the first mail from the third memory 52 and displays the sender and title of the first mail on the second display unit 20. A value MX indicating a mail number is sequentially assigned to the mail box in the memory in order from the first mail. In this case, the mail number MX is set to 1 (S30). Next, it is detected whether or not the user presses the buttons 23, 24a, and 24b provided on the back surface (S31). If the button has been pressed, the control unit 40 detects which button the user has pressed and stores it in the memory (S32). Next, the counter value I is set to 0 in order to determine whether the user has pressed the button normally (short press) or long press (S33). The counter value I is incremented by 1 after 10 msec (S34). While the user is pressing the button, the counter value I is incremented by 1 every 10 msec (S35), and when the user releases the button, the process proceeds to the process corresponding to the pressed button (S36).

  When the user has pressed the right button, the time (counter value I) during which the button has been pressed is detected (S37). In this case, since the long press of the right button is not specified, the process proceeds to SLO via S47 (S41). If I is 100 or less, it is determined whether the mail number MX is smaller than the maximum number of stored mails (S38). If the mail number MX is equal to or greater than the maximum number of stored mails, the next mail does not exist, so the process returns to LOOP via S47 (S41). When the mail number MX is smaller than the maximum number of stored mails, the value of the mail number MX is incremented by 1 (S39), and the second display unit 20 writes the mail sender and title in the display memory so as to display them. (S40).

  If the user has pressed the enter button, the time (counter value I) during which the button has been pressed is detected (S42). In this case, the long press of the enter button means that the user ends the mail display, and the mail display mode ends. When I is 100 or less, the text of the mail with the mail number MX is displayed on the second display unit 20 (S43), and the process returns to LOOP through S47 (S41).

  If the user has pressed the left button, the time (counter value I) during which the button has been pressed is detected (S44). In this case, since the long press of the left button is not defined, the process proceeds to SLO via S47 (S41). If I is 100 or less, it is determined whether the mail number MX is greater than 1 (S45). If the mail number MX is 1 or less, this is the first mail, so the process goes back to LOOP via S47 (S41). If the mail number MX is larger than 1, the value of the mail number MX is decreased by 1 (S46), and the mail sender and title of the mail number MX are written in the display memory so as to be displayed on the second display unit 20 (S40). . When the process proceeds to LOOP (S41), the process proceeds to LOOP (48) and the mail display is repeated again.

  In this way, using the three buttons, it is possible to perform operations of sending / returning the mail sender / title display, displaying the text, and ending the mail display mode.

  In the voice call history mode and the mail display mode, in addition to selecting a selection item from the standby state and entering the mode, when there is a voice call or mail reception, by pressing the second shutter button 23, It is also possible to enter the mode. When a specific display is performed on the second display unit 20 for a predetermined time after the voice call or the mail is received, and the user presses the second shutter button 23 only when there is the specific display, the above-mentioned selection items are displayed. Instead, it can enter the voice incoming call history mode or the mail display mode.

  In addition, since the mobile phone 1 includes the TV tuner 59, the second display unit 20 can display a TV. During television display, the user can perform channel switching and volume adjustment by operating the second operation buttons 24a and 24b. Switching between channel switching and volume adjustment can be switched by pressing the shutter button 23 by the user. As described above, even when viewing the TV on the second display unit 22, the second operation button 24a and the second operation button 24a can be folded in the folded state without opening the mobile phone 1 and operating with the numeric buttons or the like when changing the channel. Since the channel can be changed by operating 24b, operability and convenience are improved. Further, when listening to the sound with the mobile phone 1, the second operation buttons 24a and 24b are operated in the folded state without opening the mobile phone 1 and operating with the number buttons or the like when changing the volume, Since the volume can be changed, operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, the reproduction of the MP3 data stored in the third memory of the mobile phone 1 can be operated with the shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b. In this way, when listening to audio data on the mobile phone 1, the second operation buttons 24a and 24b are opened in the folded state without opening the mobile phone 1 and operating it with the numeric buttons or the like when changing the playback music. Since the playback music can be changed by operating, operability and convenience are improved.

  Next, the operation of the second shutter button 23 and the second operation buttons 24a and 24b in the camera mode will be described. To enter the camera mode, when the user presses the second shutter button 23 for a long time in the standby state, the camera unit 21 is activated to enter the camera mode. The shutter operation is performed by pressing the second shutter button 23 in the camera mode.

  When the user presses the second operation button 24b, the light unit 22 changes the emission color each time the button is pressed (white → red → green → blue → yellow → purple → light blue → white). Only when it is turned on and is pressed for 1 second or longer, the light unit 22 is switched to the always-on state according to the emission color at that time. Moreover, the light part 22 can be extinguished by pressing down for 1 second or more when always on. In this way, depending on whether the second operation button 24b is short-pressed or long-pressed, the light emission color of the light unit 22 and the ON / OFF switching of the light unit 22 can be used properly, improving operability and convenience. To do. In addition, by switching control between short press and long press, multiple controls are possible without increasing the number of operation buttons, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to an increase in the size of the mobile phone 1 and an increase in the number of parts. become.

  Further, when the user presses the second operation button 24a, the setting in the camera mode becomes possible. In the example shown in FIG. 8, when the user presses the second operation button 24 a once, the characters “zoom” are displayed at the bottom of the second display unit 20. When the shutter button 23 is pressed, the zoom adjustment mode is entered. If the second operation button 24a is continuously pressed without pressing the second shutter button 23, the zoom switching, brightness adjustment, light quantity mode, light color mode, and adjustment end are switched. When a desired adjustment item is displayed, the user presses the second shutter button 23 which means a determination key to enter each adjustment mode.

  The zoom adjustment mode is a mode for adjusting the zoom during camera shooting. Similar to the light intensity mode described above, left and right arrows and an indicator indicating the current zoom state are displayed in the horizontal direction on the bottom of the second display unit 20. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (zoom in) or 24b (zoom out), the length of the indicator is shortened or lengthened, and the zoom is adjusted accordingly. After the zoom adjustment, pressing the second shutter button 23 ends the adjustment mode. The shutter operation can be performed by pressing the second shutter button 23.

  The brightness adjustment mode is a mode for adjusting the brightness of the captured image. Similar to the light intensity mode described above, left and right arrows and an indicator indicating the current intensity are displayed in the horizontal direction on the bottom of the second display section 20. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (brighter) or 24b (darker), the length of the indicator becomes shorter or longer, and the brightness of the display image is adjusted by the control unit 40 in conjunction therewith.

  Here, the brightness is adjusted before the shutter operation, but a user confirmation screen is displayed on the second display section as to whether to adjust the brightness of the captured image after shooting or whether to save the image as it is, When the user desires brightness adjustment, the brightness adjustment mode may be entered. In that case, the adjusted image can be stored in the third memory 52 after the user completes the brightness adjustment. If image adjustment is performed before image storage after image capture, the second shutter button 23 and the second operation button 24 can be used for image decoration such as color tone, touch, and frame in addition to brightness adjustment of the captured image. Can be set using. In this manner, by performing camera shooting and processing the image while viewing the second display unit 20 before storing the captured image, it is possible to store the image after the user performs image adjustment or processing. it can. Therefore, when the user wants to adjust / process the captured image immediately after shooting, there is no need to read out the image once stored and adjust / process the image, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  The light amount mode is a mode for adjusting the light amount of the light unit 22. In the light amount mode, left and right arrows and an indicator indicating the current amount of light are displayed in the horizontal direction on the bottom of the second display unit 20. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (brighter) or 24b (darker), the length of the indicator becomes shorter or longer, and the light amount of the light unit 22 changes accordingly.

  The light color mode is a mode for changing the light emission color of the light unit 22. Since the light unit 22 is composed of a red LED 22R, a green LED 22G, and a blue LED 22B, light emission other than white light, for example, red, green, blue, yellow, purple, and light blue, is possible by a combination of light emission of each LED. Each time the user presses the second operation button 24a (forward feed) or 24b (reverse feed), the light unit 22 switches the emission color.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In the mobile phone 70 shown in FIG. 14, the camera unit 21 and the light unit 22 are arranged in order from the hinge 4 on the back surface of the first casing 71, and then the second display unit 20 is arranged. Subsequent to the second display unit 20, a multi-button 72 that is a feature of the mobile phone 70 is arranged. The multi button 72 is an integrated unit of five buttons: a shutter / decision button 72a, an up button 72b, a down button 72c, a right button 72d, and a left button 72e. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same thing as the mobile telephone 1 demonstrated previously.

  FIG. 15 shows the operation assignment of the multi button 72 in a table format. The mobile phone 70 has two modes, a normal mode and a camera mode. The mobile phone 70 is in the normal mode after the power is turned on. In order to take a picture with the camera, it is necessary to switch to the camera mode in order to activate the camera function and use the display unit as a viewfinder.

  The multi-button 72 enables selection of various adjustment items by pressing the up button 72b and the down button 72c, and the up button 72b and the down direction by pressing the left button 72e and the right button 72d. The adjustment amount can be changed in various setting modes selected by the button 72c. As an example, when the down button 72c is pressed once in the standby mode of the normal mode, the light ON / OFF setting is set, and when the button is pressed twice, the image confirmation mode is set. When the right button 72d is pressed in the image confirmation mode, images captured by the camera unit 21 and stored in the third memory 52 are displayed on the second display unit 20 in order. On the contrary, when the button is pressed, the image is displayed on the second display unit 20 in reverse.

  In this way, the user selects the adjustment items such as the light ON / OFF and the image confirmation mode by operating the up button 72b and the down button 72c without opening the mobile phone, and the right button 72d and the left button The adjustment amount can be changed by operating the direction button 72e. By making the selection of the adjustment item and the selection of the adjustment amount independent, the user can easily operate. Further, the adjustment item can be selected and the adjustment amount can be changed in the closed state, so that it is not necessary to open the mobile phone, and the operability and convenience are improved. In addition, since the second display unit 20 displays a captured image captured by the camera unit 21, even when the user is in a folded state, various adjustment items can be switched with respect to the captured image captured by the camera unit 21. The adjustment amount can be changed or processed, and operability and convenience are improved.

  In the present embodiment, the up button 72b and the down button 72c have been described as buttons for changing adjustment items. However, all the buttons (72a to 72e) of the multi button 72 can be switched on / off for pictographic display. Operations may be assigned as decision buttons such as key lock and light ON / OFF.

  FIG. 16 shows the operation assignment of the multi-button 72 improved from FIG. 15 in the form of a table. In addition to the normal mode and the camera mode, the mail display mode, the TV mode, and the MP3 playback mode can be independently set as the operation mode when setting the mobile phone 70.

  The mail display mode can enter the mail display mode immediately after the mail is received by the mobile phone 70 or by a specific operation by the user (for example, by double-clicking the decision button 72a). When the user presses the enter button 72 a in the mail display mode, the text of the latest mail is displayed on the second display unit 20. When the mail text is long and not all the text can be displayed on the second display unit 20, a part of the text is displayed on the second display unit 20, but by pressing the down button 72c, the screen of the second display unit 20 is displayed. You can scroll down to see the rest of the mail. Further, by pressing the up button 72b, the screen of the second display unit 20 can be scrolled upward to display the head of the mail. When the left button 72e is pressed, the mail one older than the currently displayed mail is displayed, and when the right button 72d is pressed, one new mail is displayed than the currently displayed mail. Can be displayed. To end the mail display mode, the mobile phone 70 returns to the standby mode by double-clicking the decision button 72a, and a standby image is displayed on the second display unit 20. As described above, even when the user is in the folded state, the mail is displayed on the second display unit 22 and the mail can be scrolled and switched to another mail. As a result, when viewing the mail text, the right button 72d is displayed in the folded state without opening the mobile phone 70 and reading the mail on the first display unit 5 and switching the mail to be read with the numeric buttons. And the left button 72e can be used to switch mail, and the up button 72b and the down button 72c can be used to scroll the mail, improving operability and convenience.

  The TV mode can enter the TV mode by a specific operation by the user. In the operation assignment of the multi button 72 described in FIG. 15, the right direction button 72d and the left direction button 72e are also used for switching the reception channel and adjusting the volume, and the reception channel is switched by pressing the enter button 72a. Here, the right direction button 72d and the left direction button 72e are assigned to switch the reception channel, and the up direction button 72b and the down direction button 72c are assigned to adjust the volume, thereby simplifying the operation. ing. As described above, even when the user is in the folded state, the user can display the television image on the second display unit 20 and can change the channel and the volume using the channel button and the volume button. And convenience are improved.

  The MP3 playback mode can enter the MP3 playback mode by a specific operation by the user. In the operation assignment of the multi button 72 described in FIG. 15, the right direction button 72d and the left direction button 72e are used for both the reproduction operation and the volume adjustment, and the reproduction operation and the volume adjustment are performed by pressing the enter button 72a. In this example, the right button 72d and the left button 72e are assigned to the reproduction operation, and the up button 72b and the down button 72c are assigned to adjust the volume, thereby simplifying the operation. As described above, even when the user is in a folded state, the user operates the right button 72d and the left button 72 as playback operation means, and operates the up button 72b and the down button 72c as volume control means. Playback / recording can be operated, and operability and convenience are improved.

  As described above, by providing the mobile phone 1 (70) with a determination button or direction button as a plurality of operation means, various adjustments, settings and switching can be performed even when the mobile phone 1 (70) is folded. Thus, the operation of opening and operating the mobile phone 1 (70) is not necessary. Further, since the cellular phone 1 (70) can be used for various purposes in a compact state, the convenience is improved. In addition, the user operability is improved by devising the button arrangement.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the mobile phone is folded, the second display means and a plurality of operation means used in a state where the mobile phone is folded are provided. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the user can perform a plurality of switching such as switching of photographing functions and display switching of the second display means.

  As described above, the user can switch a plurality of functions such as camera activation, light lighting, and pictographic display switching by using the operation means without opening the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function that can be switched in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the image captured by the imaging unit can be displayed on the second display unit, the shooting conditions can be adjusted and the captured image can be processed by operating the operation unit. . Therefore, it is possible to adjust the shooting conditions and process the shot image in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since one of the operation means is a shutter button, the user can perform a photographing operation by operating the shutter button. Therefore, it is possible to take a picture in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and since the second display means and the shutter button are on the same surface, it is possible to easily take a picture by operating the shutter button. And convenience is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the operation means is an adjustment button for adjusting the shooting conditions, the shooting conditions can be adjusted by operating the operation means. Therefore, the shooting conditions can be adjusted in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means is an operation button for operating the display of the second display means, the display of the second display means can be operated by operating the operation means. it can. Therefore, the display of the second display means can be operated in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the operation means serves both as the adjustment button and the operation button, the shooting condition is adjusted and the display of the second display means is operated by operating the operation means. Can do. Accordingly, it is only necessary to provide a double-use button on the back surface of the mobile phone without providing an adjustment button for adjusting the photographing conditions and an operation button for performing the display operation of the second display means.

  Thus, by using both the adjustment button and the operation button, it becomes possible to reduce the cost by downsizing the mobile phone and reducing the number of parts. Also, adjustment buttons and operation buttons are generally used as + buttons (feed buttons) and-buttons (return buttons), and the operations are similar. Operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the operation means is pressed for a short time, light is emitted only while the operation means is pressed, and when the operation means is continuously pressed for a long time, the light is constantly turned on. Therefore, depending on whether the operation means is short-pressed or long-pressed, the light emission state of the illumination means can be properly used, and operability and convenience are improved. In addition, by switching control between short press and long press, multiple controls can be performed without increasing the number of operation buttons, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to an increase in the size of the mobile phone and an increase in the number of parts. Become.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the operation means is pressed for a short time, the light emission color is switched, and when the operation means is pressed for a long time, it is switched to constantly lighting. Therefore, depending on whether the operation means is short-pressed or long-pressed, the light emission color of the illumination means and the ON / OFF switching of the illumination means can be used properly, improving operability and convenience. In addition, by switching control between short press and long press, multiple controls can be performed without increasing the number of operation buttons, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost due to an increase in the size of the mobile phone and an increase in the number of parts. Become.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means is a light quantity adjustment button for adjusting the light quantity of the illumination means, the light quantity can be adjusted by operating the light quantity adjustment button. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the light amount of the illumination means in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, and operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the operation means is a light emission color change button for changing the light emission color of the illumination means, the light emission color can be changed by operating the light emission color change button. Therefore, the light emission color of the illumination means can be changed in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, improving operability and convenience.

  According to the present invention, the incoming call history displayed on the second display means can be switched to another incoming call history by the operating means. Therefore, it is possible to switch the incoming call history displayed on the second display means in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, improving operability and convenience.

  Further, according to the present invention, the received mail content displayed on the second display means can be switched to another received mail content by the operation means. Therefore, it is possible to switch the contents of the received mail displayed on the second display means in a folded state without opening the mobile phone, improving operability and convenience.

  According to the invention, the second display means displays the video signal signal-processed by the television signal processing means, and the operation means is a channel switching button for changing the reception frequency of the television broadcast wave. Therefore, the reception channel can be switched by operating the operation means.

  As a result, even when watching TV on the second display means, the channel can be changed in a folded state without opening the mobile phone and operating with the numeric buttons when changing the channel. And convenience is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the operation means can reproduce and operate the sound data in the sound data storage means. Therefore, the audio data can be played back in a folded state without opening the mobile phone.

  As a result, when listening to audio data on a mobile phone, it is possible to change the playback song in a folded state without opening the mobile phone and operating with the numeric buttons when changing the playback song. Convenience is improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the operation means is a volume button for adjusting the volume of the speaker, the volume of the speaker can be adjusted by the operation means. Therefore, the volume adjustment can be operated in a folded state without opening the mobile phone.

  As a result, when listening to voice on a mobile phone, the volume can be changed in a folded state without opening the mobile phone and operating with the number buttons etc. when changing the volume. improves.

  Further, according to the present invention, the second display means, the adjustment item selection means, and the adjustment amount selection means are provided outside when the mobile phone is folded. As a result, even in the folded state, the user can switch various items such as switching the photographing function and switching the display of the second display means, and change various adjustment amounts.

  As described above, the user operates the adjustment item selection unit without opening the mobile phone, thereby selecting the adjustment item such as the light amount and the brightness adjustment, and operating the adjustment amount selection unit to change the adjustment amount. It becomes possible. By making the selection of the adjustment item and the selection of the adjustment amount independent, the user can easily operate. Further, the adjustment item can be selected and the adjustment amount can be changed in the closed state, so that it is not necessary to open the mobile phone, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the second display means displays the photographed image taken by the imaging means, so that various adjustments can be made while confirming the image photographed by the mobile phone with the second display means. it can. Thereby, even in a folded state, the user can switch various adjustment items, change the adjustment amount, process the image, and the like on the captured image captured by the imaging unit, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the present invention, the second display means capable of displaying the content of the received mail, the imaging means, and the second display means are displayed on the back of the first display means of the first housing. A scroll button capable of scrolling the mail content up and down or left and right and a switching button for switching the display to other mail contents are provided. Thereby, even when the user is in a folded state, the mail is displayed on the second display means, and the mail can be scrolled and switched to another mail.

  As a result, when viewing the text of an email, it is possible to check / display the email in a folded state without having to bother opening the mobile phone and reading the email on the first display unit and switching the email read with the numeric buttons. It is possible to improve operability and convenience.

  According to the invention, the antenna, the television tuner, the television signal processing means, the second display means capable of displaying a television image on the back surface of the first display means of the first casing, and the imaging means. And a channel button for changing the television signal wave displayed on the second display means, and a volume button for adjusting the volume. Therefore, even when the user is in the folded state, the television image can be displayed on the second display means, and the channel and volume can be changed using the channel button and volume button. Improves.

  Further, according to the present invention, the audio data storing means for storing the audio data and the reproducing means for reproducing the audio data are provided, and the second display means and the imaging means are provided on the back surface of the first display means of the first casing. And a playback operation means for performing the playback operation of the audio data, and a volume button for adjusting the volume. Therefore, even when the user is in a folded state, the user can operate the reproduction / recording of the audio data by operating the reproduction operation unit and the volume adjustment unit, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the invention, the second display means visually displays an adjustment amount changed by the user. Therefore, the user can perform various adjustments while visually confirming the adjustment amount displayed on the second display means in a folded state without opening the mobile phone. Thus, by arranging the second display means for visually displaying the adjustment amount and the operation means on the same plane, the user can operate the mobile phone while looking at the adjustment amount in a folded state. And convenience is improved.

  According to the present invention, in the camera shooting mode, an adjustment mode for adjusting shooting conditions using the plurality of operation means is provided. Therefore, the user can operate the brightness adjustment and the light quantity / color adjustment while looking at the second display portion in the camera shooting mode in the folded state, and the shooting can be performed in a good state after the adjustment. It can be carried out. In addition, since the mobile phone can be operated while being folded, operability and convenience are improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the camera shooting mode, a processing mode is provided in which an image is processed before storing an image shot using the plurality of operation means. Therefore, the user can process the image before saving the image photographed using the plurality of operation means while looking at the second display unit in the camera photographing mode in the folded state.

  As described above, by performing camera shooting and processing the image while looking at the second display unit before storing the captured image, the image after the user performs image adjustment and processing can be stored. . Therefore, when the user wants to adjust / process the captured image immediately after shooting, there is no need to read out the image once stored and adjust / process the image, thereby improving operability and convenience.

  According to the invention, the plurality of operation means includes a first determination button, a second determination button, and a third determination button. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the user can perform a plurality of switching such as switching of photographing functions and display switching of the second display means.

  In this way, the user can switch between a plurality of functions such as camera activation, light lighting, and pictographic display switching by pressing the first to third determination buttons without opening the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function that can be switched in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of operation means include a determination button, a right button, and a left button. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the adjustment amount can be changed by using the right button and the left button in the adjustment of the photographing condition and the display setting of the second display means.

  As described above, the user can change the adjustment amount such as adjustment and setting by pressing the enter button, the right button, and the left button without opening the mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function of changing the adjustment amount in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the invention, the plurality of operation means include a first determination button, a second determination button, a third determination button, a fourth determination button, and a fifth determination button. Thereby, even when the user is in the folded state, the user can perform a plurality of switching such as switching of photographing functions and display switching of the second display means.

  As described above, the user presses the first to fifth decision buttons without opening the mobile phone, thereby enabling a plurality of menu modes, key locks, light ON / OFF, camera activation, light lighting, pictogram display switching, and the like. Function switching becomes possible. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function that can be switched in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of operation means include a determination button, an upper button, a lower button, a left button, and a right button. Thus, even when the user is in the folded state, the user selects an adjustment item using the up button and the down button in the adjustment of the shooting conditions and the display setting of the second display means, and uses the right button and the left button. The amount of adjustment can be changed and confirmed with the OK button.

  In this way, even if the user does not open the mobile phone, he presses the up button, down button, right button, left button, and enter button to select items such as adjustment and setting, change the adjustment amount, and confirm It becomes possible to do. Therefore, it is not necessary to open the mobile phone for the function of changing the adjustment amount in the closed state, and the operability and convenience are improved. In addition, since the setting item selection button and the adjustment amount change button are independent, the user can easily perform the setting operation.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the second display unit is disposed between the imaging unit and each button, a certain distance can be secured between the imaging unit and each button. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user's hand pressing the button when the user tries to shoot from covering the imaging unit. Therefore, since the user can operate each button without worrying about the position of the image pickup means at various settings related to shooting such as zoom operation, the operability and convenience are improved, and at the same time, the user's finger touches the image pickup means, Scratches and dust can be prevented from being attached to the lens and other parts, and as a result, the durability and performance of the mobile phone can be improved.

  In addition, according to the present invention, a plurality of numeric buttons and operation buttons are provided on the surface of the second casing facing the first casing in a folded state, and the first display of the first casing is provided. A second display means, an imaging means, and a plurality of operation means are provided on the back of the means. Therefore, when the cellular phone is folded, the plurality of numeric buttons and operation buttons and the plurality of operation means are directed in the same direction.

  Thus, after the user folds and operates the mobile phone main body, the button surface on the main body side faces the user even when the mobile phone is opened as it is, and the user can smoothly operate the mobile phone without changing the mobile phone.

1 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone according to an embodiment. It is an external perspective view from the back side of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view in the state where the cellular phone concerning this embodiment was folded up. It is an external appearance side view in the state where the cellular phone concerning this embodiment was folded up. It is explanatory drawing which shows the utilization method of the mobile telephone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the mobile phone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the mobile telephone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a button operation allocation table of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is a pictogram display screen of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is the light quantity adjustment screen of the mobile phone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the light quantity adjustment procedure of the mobile telephone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the mail confirmation procedure of the mobile telephone which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an external appearance front view in the state where another cellular phone concerning this embodiment was folded up. It is a button operation allocation table of another mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is a button operation allocation table of still another mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of the conventional mobile telephone. It is an external appearance perspective view from the back side of the conventional mobile telephone. It is an external appearance perspective view in the state in which the conventional mobile telephone was folded. It is an external appearance side view in the state where the conventional mobile phone was folded. It is explanatory drawing which shows the utilization method of the conventional mobile telephone.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone 2 1st housing | casing 3 2nd housing | casing 4 Hinge 5 1st display part 10 1st shutter button 20 2nd display part 21 Camera part 22 Light part 23 2nd shutter button 24 2nd operation Button group 28 Speaker 40 Control unit 40A Audio reproduction unit 40B Illumination light quantity adjustment unit 40C Light emission color change unit 47 First operation button group 49 Open / close detection unit 52 Third memory 72 Multi button.

Claims (11)

A mobile phone,
A first housing, a second housing,
A connecting portion that connects the first housing and the second housing, and the first housing and the second housing are configured to be foldable by the connecting portion,
Display means positioned on the outer surface of the first housing in a folded state;
A key that is arranged on the surface of the second housing facing the first housing in a folded state, and that accepts input of numbers and characters;
An imaging means and a shutter button that are arranged on the outer surface of the cellular phone in a folded state and can be photographed in the folded state ;
At least one operating means disposed on the outer surface of the cellular phone in a folded state and capable of adjustment in at least two directions ;
A television tuner and television signal processing means for processing a signal selected by the television tuner;
Control means for controlling the operation of the mobile phone,
The operation mode of the mobile phone includes a camera mode and a television mode that can be operated with the mobile phone folded.
In the camera mode,
The mobile phone can be photographed by the imaging means in a folded state,
The display means displays a finder image captured from the imaging means,
The operation means accepts an operation for adjusting zoom in / zoom out of an image displayed on the display means in a state where the mobile phone is folded;
The captured image taken by the imaging means can be stored while being folded by the control means,
During the TV mode,
The mobile phone can display the video signal of the channel selected from the television signal processing means on the display means with the mobile phone folded.
The operation means receives an operation for adjusting up / down of an output volume of an audio signal of a selected channel from the television signal processing means in a state in which the cellular phone is folded. Mobile phone. A mobile phone,
A first housing, a second housing,
A connecting portion that connects the first housing and the second housing, and the first housing and the second housing are configured to be foldable by the connecting portion,
Display means positioned on the outer surface of the first housing in a folded state;
A key that is arranged on the surface of the second housing facing the first housing in a folded state, and that accepts input of numbers and characters;
An imaging means and a shutter button that are arranged on the outer surface of the cellular phone in a folded state and can be photographed in the folded state;
At least one operating means disposed on the outer surface of the cellular phone in a folded state and capable of adjustment in at least two directions;
A television tuner and television signal processing means for processing a signal selected by the television tuner;
Control means for controlling the operation of the mobile phone,
The operation mode of the mobile phone includes a camera mode and a television mode that can be operated with the mobile phone folded.
In the camera mode,
The mobile phone can be photographed by the imaging means in a folded state,
The display means displays a finder image captured from the imaging means,
The operation means accepts an operation for adjusting zoom in / zoom out of an image displayed on the display means in a state where the mobile phone is folded;
The captured image taken by the imaging means can be stored while being folded by the control means,
During the TV mode,
The mobile phone can display the video signal of the channel selected from the television signal processing means on the display means with the mobile phone folded.
The mobile phone is characterized in that it receives an operation for switching channel up / down for changing a channel selection in the television tuner in a state in which the mobile phone is folded . 3. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a disabling unit that invalidates a function of the operation unit when the mobile phone is folded. 4. 4. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein in the camera mode, the display unit displays an indicator indicating the zoom state in a state in which the mobile phone is folded. In the camera mode, the control means can adjust the brightness of the display means in a state in which the mobile phone is folded. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein an indicator to be displayed is displayed. The camera mode is assigned to a function for processing the captured image by the operation unit before storing the captured image captured by the imaging unit. The mobile phone described. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is disposed between a tip of the first casing and the display unit. The imaging unit, the display unit, and the operation unit are arranged in this order from the connecting unit side on the outer surface of the first casing in a state in which the cellular phone is folded. The mobile phone according to any one of 1 to 7. The mobile phone is
Audio data storage means for storing audio data in a predetermined format compressed audio file format;
Audio reproduction means for reproducing audio data in a compressed audio file format of a predetermined format,
The operation mode of the mobile phone further includes an audio data playback mode that can be operated with the mobile phone folded.
During the audio data playback mode,
The voice reproduction means is capable of playing voice based on voice data stored in the voice data storage means in a state in which the mobile phone is folded.
The operation means receives an operation for adjusting an increase / decrease in a reproduction volume of audio data stored in the audio data storage means in a state where the mobile phone is folded. The mobile phone according to any one of -8. The mobile phone according to claim 9, wherein the audio data in the predetermined format of the compressed audio format is downloadable. The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising display means disposed on a surface of the first housing facing the second housing in a folded state. .

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