JPH1118184A - Electronic device, camera and/or microphone - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To mount a camera and/or microphone on an electronic device having a monitor section, without the need for wires in a single-action operation, to provide the electronic device where the camera and/or microphone is an accessory and to allow the camera and/or microphone to be mounted in the direction of a user, facing the monitor section or in an opposite direction thereto. SOLUTION: A connector 5 for connect a camera and/or microphone which is connected electrically to an internal electronic circuit is provided to a monitor section 4. Furthermore, the connector 5 is connected in a direction facing the user confronting the monitor section 4 or in an direction opposite thereto and so that the electrical connection between the camera and/or microphone 6 and the electronic device 1 is the same in any direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device having at least a monitor, and a camera and / or a microphone detachably connected to the electronic device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many electronic devices have a monitor section. For example, personal computers (so-called "PCs") such as a desktop type, a lap type, and a notebook type, a word processor (a so-called "word processor"), a television receiver, and a videophone are examples thereof.

Some of such electronic devices include a built-in microphone or a camera (still camera or video camera), and the number of such electronic devices tends to increase. .
For example, the number of personal computers capable of issuing commands by voice is increasing, and the technology of inputting data by voice is also in practical use. Of course, electronic devices need a microphone to capture audio.

In some cases, a personal computer or the like is used to form a video conference system. A personal computer or the like used in such a system naturally requires a microphone and a camera for photographing the user.

[0005] A conventional electronic device provided with such a microphone and a camera includes a camera and / or a microphone connected to a place where the microphone or the camera is attached to an upper portion of the monitor section or not related to the monitor section. Or a connector for use.

[0006]

By the way, a conventional electronic device including a microphone and a camera is mounted on a monitor or a monitor which does not have a specific positional relationship with the microphone or the camera. A camera and / or microphone connection connector is provided, and the camera and / or microphone is detachably attached to the connector. When the camera and / or microphone is attached to the upper part of the monitor, the electronic device is connected to the camera. And / or a microphone, which naturally increases the manufacturing cost of the electronic device. Therefore, the product price of the electronic device becomes a price including the camera and / or the microphone, and becomes high. This causes a consumer's willingness to purchase an electronic device to be hindered. This is because it is not possible to position the camera and / or microphone as an option with respect to the electronics, and after using the electronics without the option and increasing the need for the camera and / or microphone, the camera and / or microphone Because it becomes impossible to purchase and use.

[0007] Further, when the camera and / or the microphone are completely provided in the electronic device, there is a problem that the usage form of using the camera and / or the microphone separately cannot be taken. That is, for example, a notebook personal computer or the like is often used in a car or on a business trip or the like, and in such a case, it is required to be compact and lightweight.
Or, if a microphone is provided, the electronic device becomes larger and heavier than the camera and / or microphone even though the camera and / or microphone are not used.
Compact and lightweight demands cannot be met. This is a problem that cannot be overlooked.

Further, in the case of an electronic device provided with a camera and / or microphone connection connector at a position which is not in a specific positional relationship with the monitor section, a wiring is provided between the connection connector and the main body (computer portion) of the electronic device. A connection is required, and wiring must be routed. This again becomes a factor that hinders the downsizing of the electronic device and a factor that deteriorates usability of the electronic device. Further, in this case, even if the user of the electronic device adjusts the position and orientation of the monitor unit so that the monitor unit faces the user properly, the camera and / or the microphone do not move accordingly. The camera and / or microphone must be adjusted in the direction and position of the camera and / or microphone separately from the monitor so that the best imaging and / or recording can be performed, which is inconvenient. In this case, no matter how good the electronic characteristics and performance of the electronic device are, there is a possibility that the electronic device will be turned away from the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and enables a camera and / or a microphone to be attached to an electronic device having a monitor unit with one touch without wiring. The present invention can be used with or without a camera and / or microphone attached, and can be provided with an electronic device in a form in which the camera and / or microphone is optional, thereby reducing the price of providing the electronic device. In addition, when the user adjusts the position of the monitor unit so as to face himself, the position and orientation of the camera and / or microphone are naturally adjusted, and the position and orientation of the camera and / or microphone need to be adjusted. Camera when the user faces the monitor. Allowing the camera and / or microphone connection to be turned about 180 degrees so that the microphone can be pointed at the user or vice versa. Aim.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising:
A camera and / or microphone connector electrically connected to an internal electronic circuit is provided on the monitor. Therefore, according to the electronic device of the first aspect, the camera and / or microphone connection connector is provided in the monitor section, and the camera and / or microphone is attached to the camera and / or microphone connection connector to thereby provide the electronic device. It is possible to connect a camera and / or a microphone with one touch without routing the wiring. Therefore, it is possible to use the camera and / or microphone with or without a microphone attached thereto, and to provide an electronic device in an optional form of the camera and / or microphone. It is possible to reduce the provision price of electronic devices. Further, when the user adjusts the position and orientation of the monitor unit so that the user turns himself / herself, the position and orientation of the camera and / or microphone are naturally adjusted, thereby eliminating the need to adjust the position and orientation of the camera and / or microphone. be able to.

The camera and / or microphone connection connector can be connected to a user of the electronic device facing the monitor unit in a direction in which the camera and / or the microphone is directed or in the opposite direction. If the electrical connection relationship between the camera and / or the microphone and the electronic device is the same even when the microphone and the microphone are changed in direction and connected, the camera and / or the And / or with the microphone facing away, suitable for imaging and recording the user's face and voice, or conversely suitable for imaging or recording the sound of the user's field of view or the user's ear. Or you can. Moreover, switching between the two states can be performed with one touch.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera and / or microphone of an electronic apparatus having a monitor and electrically connected to an internal electronic circuit and having a camera and / or microphone connector provided on the monitor. The camera and / or the microphone are detachably connected to the camera and / or the microphone connection connector by the electronic device connection connector.

Therefore, according to the camera and / or microphone of the fourth aspect, since the camera and / or the microphone are detachable from the electronic device, it can be provided as an option of the electronic device. Also,
The electronic device can be used in a camera and / or microphone mounted state or in a camera and / or microphone separated state, and can be used in a suitable state according to the usage form of the electronic device.

In particular, a connector for connecting an electronic device can be used to connect a camera and / or a microphone of an electronic device to a user of an electronic device facing a monitor of the electronic device, regardless of whether the camera and / or microphone is facing the opposite direction. A connection is made to the connector, and furthermore, even if the connection direction of the camera and / or microphone at the time of connection changes, the electrical connection relationship between the camera and / or microphone and the electronic device becomes the same. Then, the camera and / or the microphone are oriented so as to face the user heading toward the monitor unit, so as to be in a state suitable for capturing and recording the face and voice of the user, or conversely, the user's view or the user's field of view. It is possible to set a state suitable for capturing or recording sound entering the ear. Moreover, switching between the two states can be performed with one touch.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An electronic apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a connector for connecting a camera and / or a microphone electrically connected to an internal electronic circuit is provided with the monitor section. The electronic device may be any device having a monitor unit. For example, a personal computer (so-called “PC”) such as a desktop type, a lap type, a notebook type,
Similarly, a word processor (a so-called “word processor”), a television receiver, a videophone, and the like are examples thereof. Of course, electronic devices such as a personal computer in a video conference system using a personal computer or the like as a terminal device are preferable examples. The electronic device of the present invention can be applied to all devices to which a camera and / or a microphone can be detachably attached. More specifically, the present invention can be applied to any of a camera that can be attached only to a camera, a camera to which only a microphone can be attached, and a camera to which both a camera and a microphone can be attached.

In the electronic device of the present invention, a connector for connecting a camera and / or a microphone can be connected to a user of the electronic device facing the monitor unit in a direction in which the camera and / or the microphone is directed or in the opposite direction. Furthermore, even when the camera and / or the microphone are changed in direction and connected, the electrical connection relationship between the camera and / or the microphone and the electronic device may be the same. It is possible.

The camera and / or microphone of the present invention is removably attached to the electronic device of the present invention. The electronic device connection connector detachably attached to the camera and / or microphone connection connector of the electronic device. Have. Then, the electronic device connection connector is connected to the camera and / or microphone connection connector of the electronic device regardless of the direction in which the camera and / or microphone faces the electronic device user facing the monitor of the electronic device. In this embodiment, connection is possible, and the camera and / or microphone are configured to have the same electrical connection relationship with the electronic device even when the connection direction of the camera and / or microphone is changed. Implementation is possible.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. 1A to 1C show a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device, a camera and a microphone, and FIG. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a connection between a connector for use and a connection terminal thereof, and FIG. In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an electronic device composed of a desktop personal computer, for example, 2 a main body thereof, 3 a keyboard thereof, and 4 a monitor unit composed of a CRT display.
Are mounted so as to be rotatable (rotation about a substantially vertical center line) and tiltable (rotation about a center line extending in the left-right direction toward the personal computer 1).

Reference numeral 5 denotes a camera and microphone connection connector provided on the upper edge of the monitor unit 4.
It has a configuration as shown in FIG. 1Pa, 2P
a, 3Pa, 4Pa, 5Pa and 1Pb, 2Pb, 3P
Reference numerals b, 4Pb, and 5Pb denote connection terminals of the camera and microphone connection connector 5, and connection terminals 1Pa, 2Pa on the back side (the upper side in FIG. 1B) from the center line BB.
3Pa, 4Pa, and 5Pa are center lines B in order from left to right.
Connection terminals 1Pb, 2Pb, 3Pb, 4Pb, and 5Pb are arranged in order from right to left on the front side (lower side in FIG. 1B) than -B. And the connection terminals 1Pa and 1P
b, 2Pa and 2Pb, 3Pa and 3Pb, 4
Pa and 4Pb are connected to 5Pa and 5Pb, respectively (see the lower right part in FIG. 1B), and these are connected to the electronic circuit in the personal computer main body 2.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a camera / microphone integrated unit which is detachably attached to the camera / microphone connection connector 5 of the monitor unit 4 of the electronic device 1, 7 denotes a camera portion, 8 denotes a microphone portion, and 9 denotes the electronic device 1 And a connector for electronic equipment mounted on the camera / microphone connection connector 5, and is inserted into the camera / microphone connection connector 5. 1Pc, 2P
c, 3Pc, 4Pc, 5Pc and 6Pi, 6Pi, 6P
i, 6Pi, 6Pi are connection terminals of the camera and microphone connection connector 5, and the connection terminals 1Pc, 2Pc, on the back side [the upper side in FIG. 1B] from the center line BB.
3Pc, 4Pc, and 5Pc are center lines B in order from left to right.
On the front side (lower side in FIG. 1B) than −B, play (dummy) connection terminals 6Pi, 6Pi, 6Pi, 6Pi,
6Pi are provided.

The camera / microphone integrated unit 6 (the camera 7 and the microphone 8) is connected to the monitor unit 4
The electronic device 1 can be connected to the camera and microphone connection connector 5 by the connection connector 9 in a direction facing the user, and conversely, in the same direction as the user (the direction facing the user's field of view). ). When the camera / microphone integrated unit 6 is connected to the electronic device 1 in a direction facing the user of the electronic device 1, the connection terminal 1 Pc of the connection connector 9 is set to 1 Pa of the camera / microphone connection connector 5, similarly to 2 Pc. Is 2Pa, 3Pc is 3Pa, 4Pc and 4Pa
And 5Pc are connected to 5Pa, respectively, and when the camera and microphone integrated unit 6 are connected in the opposite direction, the connection terminal 1Pc of the connection connector 9 is connected to 1Pb of the camera and microphone connection connector 5.
Similarly, 2Pc is 2Pb, 3Pc is 3Pb, 4P
c, 4Pb, and 5Pc are respectively connected to 5Pb. However, in the camera and microphone connection connector 5 of the electronic device 1, the connection terminal 1 Pa
And 1Pb, 2Pa and 2Pb, 3Pa and 3Pb, 4Pa and 4Pb, and 5Pa and 5Pb, respectively, so that the camera and microphone unit 6 can be oriented in any direction. The electrical connection relationship between the integrated unit 6 and the electronic device 1 remains unchanged.

According to the electronic device 1 and the camera / microphone integrated unit 6, first, the camera / microphone connection connector 5 is provided in the monitor unit 4, so that the camera / microphone connection connector 5 is provided.
By attaching the camera / microphone integrated unit 6 to the electronic device connection connector 9, the camera / microphone integrated unit 6 can be connected to the electronic device 1 with one touch without wiring. Therefore, it can be used with or without the camera / microphone integrated unit 6 attached.

Second, since the camera and microphone integrated unit 6 can be detachably attached to the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1 can be sold as an optional camera and microphone integrated unit 6, and the electronic device 1 can be sold. 1 can be set lower. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the consumer's willingness to purchase the electronic device 1 due to the selling price. The consumer may purchase the electronic device 1 with the option of the camera and microphone integrated unit 6 or without the option according to his own economic circumstances. The purchaser may purchase the optional camera and microphone integrated unit 6 at a point in time when economic circumstances change, such as saving money.

Third, since the camera and microphone unit 6 is attached to the monitor unit 4, if the user adjusts the position of the monitor unit 6 so that he or she faces himself, the position and orientation of the camera and microphone unit 6 are naturally adjusted. Is done.
Therefore, the necessity of adjusting the position and the direction of the camera / microphone integrated unit 6 can be eliminated.

Fourth, the camera and microphone connection connector 5 can be connected to the user of the electronic device facing the monitor unit in the direction in which the camera and microphone unit 6 is directed or in the opposite direction. Is
Even when the connection is changed, the electrical connection between the camera and microphone integrated unit 6 and the electronic device 1 is set to be the same. In a state suitable for imaging and recording the face and voice of the user, and conversely, in a state suitable for imaging or recording the sound that enters the user's field of view or the user's ear. be able to. Moreover, switching between the two states can be performed with one touch.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A shows a camera and a microphone connector of an electronic apparatus, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the connector for electronic devices connection of a camera and a microphone side. Electronic device connector 9a in this example
Are connection pins 1Pc, 2Pc, as shown in FIG.
3Pc, 4Pc, and 5Pc are arranged in order from left to right (provided that the camera 7 and the microphone 8 face each other toward the monitor unit), and the camera and the microphone on the electronic device 1 side. Connector 5a for connection
Are the connection pins 1Pc and 2P as shown in FIG.
Connection receiving hole 1P for receiving c, 3Pc, 4Pc, 5Pc
a, 2Pa, 3Pa, 4Pa, 5Pa, 5Pb, 4P
b, 3Pb, 2Pb, 1Pb in order from left to right (however,
(When the camera 7 and the microphone 8 face each other toward the user toward the monitor unit).

Further, the connector 5a for connection is shown in FIG.
, The connection pins 1Pa and 1Pb correspond to 2Pa and 2Pb, 3Pa and 3Pb correspond to 4Pa
And 4Pb are connected to 5Pa and 5Pb, respectively, and these are connected to an electronic circuit in the personal computer main body 2. The camera and microphone unit is connected to the connection pin 1Pc in the direction in which the camera 7 and microphone 8 face the user heading for the monitor unit.
Is the connection hole 1Pa for the camera and microphone connection connector 5a, and 2Pa is 2Pc, 3Pa is 3Pc, 4Pa is 4Pc, and 5Pa is 5Pc. Conversely, when the camera 7 and the microphone 8 face the user's field of view toward the monitor section, the connection pin 1Pc is connected to the connection receiving hole 1Pb of the connector 5a, and 2Pc is also set to 2
Pb, 3Pc is 3Pb, 4Pc is 4Pb, 5Pc
Can be connected to the electronic device 1 while being connected to 5Pb. In the camera and microphone connection connector 5a of the electronic device 1, the connection pins 1Pa and 1Pb correspond to 2Pa and 2Pb, and 3P corresponds to 3P.
a and 3Pb are 4Pa and 4Pb are 5Pa and 5Pb
Are connected to each other, so that the electrical connection between the camera and microphone integrated unit 6a and the electronic device 1 remains unchanged regardless of the orientation of the camera and microphone integrated unit 6a.

In the above embodiment, the connection relationship between the camera and microphone unit 6 and the electronic device 1 is the same regardless of the orientation of the camera and microphone connector and the microphone unit 6 on the electronic device 1 side. The connection between the connection terminals or between the connection receiving holes is made for the connection, but the above-mentioned connection relationship is the same in the electronic device connection connectors 9 and 9a on the camera and microphone integrated portion 6 side. The connection between the connection terminals or between the connection pins may be performed to achieve the above.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an application of the present invention to a so-called notebook personal computer. As described above, the present invention can be applied to a notebook personal computer, but is not limited to a desktop personal computer or a notebook personal computer, and is generally applied to electronic equipment having a monitor unit and possibly having a camera and / or a microphone connected thereto. be able to.

[0030]

According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, a camera and / or a microphone connection connector is provided in the monitor section, so that the camera and / or the microphone connection connector is provided with the camera and / or the microphone. It is possible to connect a camera and / or a microphone to the device with a single touch without routing the wiring. Accordingly, it is possible to use the camera and / or microphone with or without the camera and / or microphone attached, to provide the electronic device with the camera and / or microphone as an option, and to reduce the provision price of the electronic device. When the position of the monitor unit is adjusted so that the user faces himself, the position and orientation of the camera and / or microphone are adjusted, and the position and orientation of the camera and / or microphone are adjusted. The need can be eliminated.

Further, the camera and / or microphone connection connector can be connected to the user of the electronic device facing the monitor in the direction in which the camera and / or the microphone is directed or in the opposite direction.
If the electronic device connection relationship between the camera and / or the microphone and the electronic device is the same even when the camera and / or the microphone are changed in direction and connected, the camera for the user heading to the monitor unit And / or suitable for imaging and recording the face and voice of the user, or conversely, for capturing or recording the sound that enters the user's field of view or the user's ear. State. Moreover, switching between the two states can be performed with one touch.

According to the camera and / or microphone of the present invention, since the camera and / or the microphone are detachable from the electronic device, it can be provided as an option of the electronic device. Further, the electronic device can be used in a camera and / or microphone mounted state or in a camera and / or microphone separated state, and can be used in a suitable state according to the usage form of the electronic device.

In particular, it is possible to connect the connection connector to the camera and / or microphone of the electronic device regardless of whether the camera and / or microphone faces the user of the electronic device facing the monitor of the electronic device or vice versa. Further, if the camera and / or microphone are connected so that the electrical connection between the camera and / or microphone and the electronic device is the same even when the direction of the camera and / or microphone at the time of connection is changed, the user who goes to the monitor unit With the camera and / or microphone facing away from the camera, making it suitable for capturing and recording the user's face and voice, and conversely capturing or recording sound that enters the user's field of view or the user's ear. Or it can be in a state suitable for doing so. Moreover, switching between the two states can be performed with one touch.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1A to 1C show a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device and a camera and / or a microphone, and FIG. 1B is a camera of the electronic device; FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a connection between a microphone connection connector and a connection terminal thereof, and FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a connection connector on the camera and / or microphone side.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A shows a camera and / or microphone connector of an electronic apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connector for connection on a camera and / or microphone side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic equipment, 4 ... Monitor part, 5 ... Connector for camera and / or microphone connection, 6 ...
Camera and / or microphone, 7 ... camera, 8
... microphone, 9 ... connector for electronic device connection on the camera and / or microphone side.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An electronic device having at least a monitor portion, wherein the monitor portion is provided with a connector for connecting a camera and / or a microphone electrically connected to an electronic circuit inside the electronic device. 2. The camera and / or microphone connection connector can be connected to a user of an electronic device facing a monitor unit in a direction in which the camera and / or the microphone is directed or in the opposite direction. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The electrical connection between the camera and / or the microphone and the electronic device even when the direction of the connection of the camera and / or the microphone changes. 2. The electronic device according to 2. 4. A camera and / or microphone connection connector of an electronic device having a monitor portion and electrically connected to an internal electronic circuit and having a camera and / or microphone connection connector provided on the monitor portion. A camera and / or microphone detachably connected by an electronic device connection connector. 5. The electronic device connection connector according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device connector is provided to a user of the electronic device facing a monitor of the electronic device.
5. The camera and / or microphone according to claim 4, wherein the camera and / or microphone can be connected to the camera and / or microphone connection connector of the electronic device regardless of the direction of the microphone. 6. The electronic device connection connector is configured such that the electrical connection relationship between the camera and / or microphone and the electronic device is the same even when the orientation of the camera and / or microphone when connected is changed. The camera and / or microphone according to claim 5, characterized in that: