KR100346156B1 - Multifunctional pc camera - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-function PC camera, having a panel shape and a light-transmitting window and a cylindrical shaft receiving portion formed between the viewing window to allow light to pass along the thickness direction on one side, and along the axis direction of the shaft receiving portion. A main body having a cutout cut out from one plate surface to the other plate surface on one side of the viewing window; A support shaft rotatably housed in the shaft receiving portion with at least one optical lens disposed corresponding to the viewing window and passing light; In the PC camera mode, an optical axis line is formed in parallel with the plate surface direction of the main body, and in the digital still camera mode, the optical axis line is rotatable about the support axis so that the optical axis can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the plate direction of the main body. It characterized in that it comprises a camera unit coupled to the area corresponding to the cutout. Thereby, there is provided a multifunctional multifunctional PC camera which is relatively inexpensive, durable and at least has the functions of a digital still camera and a PC camera to facilitate user convenience.

Description

Multifunctional PC Camera {MULTIFUNCTIONAL PC CAMERA}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction PC camera, and more particularly, to a multifunction PC camera that is relatively inexpensive and durable, and has at least user convenience by having at least the functions of a digital still camera and a PC camera.

With the development of semiconductor and computer technology, PC communication using PC communication network becomes possible. In recent years, PC is equipped with a so-called PC computer (Personal Computer Camera) and video communication that communicates or communicates while looking at the other party through PC camera. The use of is increasing.

Such a PC camera is a kind of camera that forms a subject in a solid-state image pickup device called a charge coupled device (CCD) and converts it into an electrical signal to output an image as a digital value.

On the other hand, a digital steel camera is devised by using a CCD camera like a PC camera, which not only can store images as digital values but also output them through a PC monitor or printer. And / or editable.

In recent years, the audio compression standard called MP3 (MP3; MPEG Audio Layer-3) is used to reproduce sound from MP3 files stored by compressing them to approximately 1/11 capacity with almost no loss of sound quality. MP3 Player is developed. If you want to make a computer voice file from a normal music CD to a WAVE file, assuming that it takes about 50MB per song, you can compress it to 4.5MB, which is relatively small when using MP3's technology. This enables MP3 Players to be spotlighted by many music lovers.

However, such a conventional PC camera has a problem in that the use rate is very low since it is actually left except when the user performs video communication through the PC. In addition, a digital still camera is a relatively expensive product, and if a user wants to have both a PC camera, a digital still camera, and an MP3 player, it is not only economically burdensome, but also brings a lot of inconvenience when carrying them at the same time. There is a problem.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional PC camera which is relatively inexpensive, durable and at least has the functions of a digital still camera and a PC camera for user convenience.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a multifunctional PC camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 and 3 are front and rear views of the PC camera of FIG. 1, respectively;

4 to 7 are side views of the PC camera of FIG. 1, respectively;

8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 4;

9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 4;

10 is a side view of the support shaft of FIG. 9.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

10: main body 11: front housing

13: rear housing 14: bearing part

18: clamp 20: fixing protrusion

19a ~ 19d: Operation Button 21: Viewing Window

22: cutting portion 23: battery receiving portion

25: USB connector 27: mode switch

29: Hold key 31: Volume control key

33a: Repeat key 33b: Frame size selection key

33c: timer setting key 35: support rib

40: support shaft 41: rib receiving groove

43: button for imaging 47: earphone jack

60: camera portion 61: lens portion

63: solid state imaging element 64: projection

66: protrusion receiving 70: support

71: base portion 73: stand portion

75: rotating support 76: clamp receiving portion

78 incision

The object is, according to the present invention, has a panel shape and the light-transmitting portion formed between the see-through window and the sight-winding window to allow light to pass along the thickness direction on one side, and the axis-receiving portion along the axis direction A main body having a cutout cut out from one plate surface to the other plate surface on one side of the viewing window; A support shaft rotatably housed in the shaft receiving portion with at least one optical lens disposed corresponding to the viewing window and passing light; In the PC camera mode, an optical axis line is formed in parallel with the plate surface direction of the main body, and in the digital still camera mode, the optical axis line is rotatable about the support axis so that the optical axis can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the plate direction of the main body. It is achieved by a multifunctional PC camera, characterized in that it comprises a camera unit coupled to the area corresponding to the cutout.

Here, the camera portion is preferably coupled to the support shaft so as to protrude horizontally in the axial direction of the support shaft from the circumferential surface of the support shaft.

In addition, it is effective to further include a camera position fixing means interposed between the main body and the support shaft to fix the camera portion at a plurality of positions along the circumferential direction of the support shaft.

The camera position fixing means includes at least one protrusion formed on one of the main body and the support shaft so as to protrude and withdraw along the axial direction of the support shaft, and at the position of the protrusion on the other of the main body and the support shaft. It is preferable to include a plurality of protrusion accommodating parts formed to correspond to each other and elastically engaged with the protrusion.

The main body is configured to form a mode switching switch to selectively switch to any one of a plurality of modes including at least a PC camera mode and a digital still camera mode, wherein the mode switching switch further comprises a digital audio playback mode Is effective.

For imaging in the digital still camera mode, it is preferable that one side of the support shaft is formed with a shutter disposed to protrude and retract along the axial direction of the support shaft.

In addition, it is effective that an earphone jack recessed along the axial direction of the support shaft is formed on one side of the support shaft to electrically connect the earphone plug in the digital audio playback mode.

On the other hand, according to another field of the present invention, having a panel shape so that light can be transmitted along the thickness direction on one side, a cylindrical shaft receiving portion formed between the viewing window, and one side of the viewing window from one side of the viewing window A main body having a cutout portion cut along the other side of the plate; A support shaft rotatably housed in the shaft receiving portion with at least one optical lens disposed corresponding to the viewing window and passing light; In the PC camera mode, an optical axis line is formed in parallel with the plate surface direction of the main body, and in the digital still camera mode, the optical axis line is rotatable about the support axis so that the optical axis can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the plate direction of the main body. A camera unit coupled to an area corresponding to the cutout unit; Clamps spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals on one side of the main body; There is provided a multifunctional PC camera comprising a support on which a clamp receiving portion is formed to detachably receive the clamp.

Here, the support includes a base portion in contact with the support surface, a stand portion protruding from the base portion, and a rotation support portion coupled to one side of the stand portion so as to be relatively rotatable, wherein the clamp accommodating portion includes the rotation support portion. It is preferable to configure to be formed.

In addition, at least one fixing protrusion protruding toward the main body is formed at an end portion of the clamp portion in the protruding direction of the clamp, and the clamp accommodating portion is formed to have a cutout portion through which the fixing protrusion is passed when the clamp is coupled. It is effective.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail with respect to the present invention.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-function PC camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figures 2 and 3 are respectively a front view and a rear view of the PC camera of Figure 1, Figures 4 to 7 are each of the PC of Figure 1 Each side view of the camera. As shown in these figures, the multifunctional PC camera is a circuit component in which various programs are built so as to selectively perform at least one of a function as a digital audio player and a function as a digital still camera in addition to the function as a basic PC camera. A main body 10 forming a receiving space for receiving a back, a support shaft 40 accommodated rotatably at one side edge of the main body 10, and a camera unit coupled to be rotatable integrally with the support shaft 40. 60 and a support 70 coupled to the main body 10 to support the main body 10.

The support base 70 includes a plate-shaped base portion 71 which is in contact with a PC monitor or a desk, a stand portion 73 having one end coupled to the base portion so as to protrude upward from the base portion 71, and one side of the support base 70. It is coupled to the other end of the portion 73, the other side is coupled to the main body 10, the rotation support portion 75 for supporting the main body 10, and interposed between the base portion 71 and the stand portion 73, the stand portion The first hinge portion 72 supporting the base portion 71 so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the base portion 71, and the stand portion 73 and the rotation support portion 75 are interposed between the rotational support portion 75 and the stand portion ( And a second hinge portion 74 for supporting relative rotation with respect to 73).

The pivot support portion 75 is formed with a clamp receiving portion 76 to accommodate the clamp formed on the back of the main body 71 to be described later, the incision cut along the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the clamp receiving portion 76 The part 78 is formed.

The main body 10 has a relatively thin panel shape and is configured to include a front housing 11 and a rear housing 13 which are coupled to face each other along a thickness direction to form a receiving space therein. On one side of the front housing 11 and the rear housing 13 is formed a receiving portion 14 having a cylindrical shape to accommodate the support shaft 40, the opposite side of the receiving portion 14 is semi-circular It is formed to have.

The front housing 11 is coupled to the liquid crystal display panel 17 so as to output predetermined information, and the peripheral area of the liquid crystal display panel 17 plays, stops, fast forwards and A plurality of operation buttons 19a to 19d for rewinding are arranged radially, respectively. Here, each operation button 19a to 19d serves as a resolution adjusting key for adjusting the resolution and the like in the digital still camera mode.

In the central area of the rear housing 13, a clamp 18 protruding from the plate surface and extending in the longitudinal direction so as to be received and coupled to the clamp receiving portion 76 formed on the support 70 has a substantially reverse “L” shape. In the free end region of the clamp 18, a fixing protrusion 20 protruding toward the rear housing 13 is formed. Here, the clamp 18 is formed so that the free end region is elastically deformable with respect to the rear housing 13, the fixing projection 20 is fixed by hanging the clamp 18 to a fixing member such as a pocket or a waist belt (waist belt). In this case, the clamp 18 is restrained from being elastically contacted with the fixing member by the elastic force of the clamp 18.

Openings are formed in the front housing 11 and the rear housing 13 to penetrate the plate surface to correspond to the accommodating portion 14 formed therein. Each opening blocks the inflow of foreign substances from the outside and simultaneously transmits light. Perspective window 21 is formed to allow. One side of the see-through window 21 is formed with a cutout portion 22 cut off from the edge of the bearing portion 14 side to the opposite side so as to allow the camera portion 60 to be rotated in a single time.

On the left edge of the front housing 11 and the rear housing 13, a battery accommodating part 23 is formed to accommodate a battery, and a universal serial bus connector for connection with PC is formed at the side edge of the round area. Serial Bus Connector (hereinafter, USB Connector) 25 is formed.

A mode switching switch 27 is provided between the USB connector 25 and the battery accommodating part 23 so as to select one of a PC camera mode, a digital still camera mode, and a digital audio playback mode. One side of the changeover switch 27 is provided with a hold key 29 which prevents the operation of each function button or function key used when selecting one of the plurality of modes. One side of the hold key 29 is provided with a volume control key 31 to adjust the volume output in the digital audio playback mode.

A repeat key 33a is provided at the opposite edge of the battery accommodating portion 23 of the main body 10 in a digital audio playback mode and a repeat function can be selected, and at one side of the repeat key 33a in a digital still camera mode. A frame size selection key 33b is provided to select a frame size of a memory in which image information is stored. On one side of the frame size selection key 33b, a timer setting key 33c is provided so as to set a time including an imaging time and the like in the digital audio reproduction mode.

8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 4, FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 4, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the support shaft region of FIG. 9. As shown in these figures, the support shaft 40 having a cylindrical cross-sectional shape is accommodated in the shaft receiving portion 14, and the support shaft 40 is fixed to the shaft receiving portion 14 in the axial direction. A plurality of support ribs 35, which are retained and support to be rotatable along the circumferential direction, protrude toward the center region. Correspondingly, the support shaft 40 has rib receiving grooves 41 recessed in the radial direction from the circumferential surface so as to accommodate the support ribs 35, respectively.

One end of the support shaft 40 is provided with an imaging button 43 formed so as to protrude and retract along the axial direction of the support shaft 40 in the digital still camera mode. At the rear, a switch 45 which contacts the imaging button 43 and outputs an imaging start signal is arranged. At the opposite end of the image capturing button 43, the earphone jack 47 is recessed along the axial direction so that the plug of the earphone (or headphone) (not shown) can be connected in the digital audio reproduction mode.

On one side of the earphone jack 47, through-holes 49 are formed in the axial direction of the support shaft 40 so as to be able to communicate with the viewing window 21 of the front housing 11 and the rear housing 13, respectively. The inside of the support shaft 40 is provided with a barrel portion 51 disposed in communication with each of the through holes 49 and supporting the plurality of optical lenses 53.

The camera unit 60 is coupled to one side of the image capturing button 43 along the axial direction of the support shaft 40, and the camera unit 60 includes a lens unit 61 and an optical axis line of the lens unit 61. And a solid-state imaging element section 63 disposed behind the lens section 61 to form an image of a subject input through the lens section 61. The lens unit 61 is formed to protrude from the circumferential surface of the support shaft 40, and in the PC camera mode, the optical axis along the plate surface direction of the main body 10, that is, the front housing 11 or the rear housing 13. When the line is disposed and in the digital still camera mode, the optical axis line is disposed relative to the main body 10 with the support shaft 40 so that the optical axis may be disposed perpendicularly to the plate direction of the front housing 11.

On the other hand, a pair of projections 64 are formed on the side of the inner image button 43 of the bearing portion 14 so as to elastically protrude and withdraw along the axial direction of the support shaft 40. At the end portion of the support shaft 40 at the imaging button 43 side, a projection receiving member 65 having a plurality of projection accommodation holes 66 is coupled to accommodate each projection 64. Here, the end of the support shaft 40 may be configured such that a plurality of projection accommodation grooves or projection accommodation holes are formed along the circumferential direction.

With this configuration, in the case of video communication, first, the mode switching switch 27 formed at the side edge of the main body 10 is switched to the PC camera mode position, and the clamp 18 formed on the rear housing 13 is replaced. It is inserted into the clamp receiving portion 76 of the support 70. Next, the lens unit 61 of the camera unit 60 is held, and as shown in FIG. 1, the optical axis is rotated so as to be arranged along the plate surface direction of the main body 10. Then, the projections 64 accommodated in the projection accommodation hole 66 formed at one end of the support shaft 40 are contacted with the edges of the projection accommodation hole 66 and are retracted while being compressed along the axial direction of the support shaft 40. The rotation of the support shaft 40 is allowed.

When the support shaft 40 is rotated so that the next protrusion receiving hole 66 reaches the corresponding protrusion 64, the protrusion 64 is received into the protrusion receiving hole 66 by its elastic force to support the supporting shaft 40. This is fixed so as not to rotate unintentionally. When the support shaft 40 is continuously rotated in the rotational direction, the projections 64 allow the support shaft 40 to rotate while repeating the above-described operation.

When the optical axis of the lens unit 61 is aligned with the plate surface direction of the front housing 11, the rotation of the support shaft 40 is stopped. Then, each projection 64 is accommodated in the projection accommodation hole 66 at the corresponding position to prevent the support shaft 40 from being unintentionally rotated. Next, the USB connector 25 of the main body 10 and the USB connector (not shown) of the PC may be connected to each other.

And, when using as a digital still camera, the main body 10 is separated from the support 70, and the mode switching switch 27 formed on the side edge of the main body 10 is switched to the digital still camera mode. Next, the lens unit 61 is grasped and rotated forward so that the optical axis of the lens unit 61 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the plate surface direction of the main body 10 as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4. Then, the barrel portion 51 formed on one side of the support shaft 40 pivots integrally with the support shaft 40 to communicate with the see-through window 21 formed on the front housing 11 and the rear housing 13 so as to be light. Will pass.

In addition, when the music file stored in the main body 10 is to be played back, the mode switching switch 27 is switched to the digital audio reproduction mode, and each operation button 19a to 19d including a play button provided in the main body 10 is provided. ) Can be operated properly.

In the above-described and illustrated embodiments, the case in which the protrusions 64 are provided on the main body 10 and the protrusion accommodation holes 66 are formed to accommodate the protrusions 64 at one end of the support shaft 40 is provided. Although described with an example, a projection accommodation hole or a projection accommodation groove may be formed in the main body 10 and a projection portion may be formed at an end portion of the support shaft 40 correspondingly.

Also, in the above-described and illustrated embodiments, the camera unit 60 can be rotated relative to the main body 10 in the PC camera mode and the digital still camera mode, and the camera unit 60 can be fixed at a predetermined position. Although the case where the protrusion part 64 and the protrusion accommodation hole 66 are formed so that it may be described as an example is described, the camera part 60 is inserted between the support shaft 40 and the main body 10 through a bushing etc. Can be configured to suppress the relative rotation relative to the main body 10 at random.

In the above-described and illustrated embodiments, the case where the mode switching switch 27 is configured to select any one of the PC camera mode, the digital still camera mode, and the digital audio reproduction mode is described as an example. The switching switch 27 may be configured to select one of the PC camera mode and the digital still camera mode, and may be configured to have a separate operation key to select the digital audio playback mode when any one of them is selected. have.

As described above, according to the present invention, the user has a relatively low cost by providing the functions of a PC camera, a digital still camera, and a digital audio player in a single main body and allowing the user to select the corresponding mode by simple operation of the mode switching switch. It comes with a multifunctional PC camera that allows you to select various functions.

In addition, according to the present invention, the support shaft for supporting the camera unit to be rotatable relative to the main body in the PC camera mode and the digital still camera mode to be accommodated in the main body, it is possible to suppress the easily deformed or damaged by external force, so that durability An improved multifunctional PC camera is provided.

In addition, according to the present invention, by forming a clamp on the main body and by providing a clamp receiving portion to detachably receive the clamp on the support, when using the digital still camera or MP3 player, the clamp is a pocket or a waistband (waistband) If you want to use it as a PC camera, simply insert the clamp into the clamp receiving part of the support.

Claims (11)

It has a panel shape and one side of the see-through window, a cylindrical bearing portion formed between the see-through window to allow light to pass along the thickness direction on one side, and one side of the see-through window along the axial direction of the see-through portion from the other plate surface. A main body formed with a cutout portion cut over; A support shaft rotatably housed in the shaft receiving portion with at least one optical lens disposed corresponding to the viewing window and passing light; In the PC camera mode, an optical axis line is formed in parallel with the plate surface direction of the main body, and in the digital still camera mode, the optical axis line is rotatable about the support axis so that the optical axis can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the plate direction of the main body. Multifunctional PC camera, characterized in that it comprises a camera unit coupled to the area corresponding to the cutout. The method of claim 1, The camera unit is coupled to the support shaft so as to project a predetermined horizontally in the axial direction of the support shaft from the circumferential surface of the support shaft. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And a camera position fixing means interposed between the main body and the support shaft to fix the camera portion at a plurality of positions along the circumferential direction of the support shaft. The method of claim 3, The camera position fixing means includes at least one protrusion formed on one of the main body and the support shaft so as to protrude and withdraw along the axial direction of the support shaft, and at the position of the protrusion on the other of the main body and the support shaft. Multifunctional PC camera, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of projection receiving portion is formed correspondingly and mutually elastically engaged with the projection. The method of claim 1, The main body is a multi-function PC camera, characterized in that the mode switching switch is formed to selectively switch to any one of a plurality of modes, including at least a PC camera mode and a digital still camera mode. The method of claim 5, The mode switching switch further comprises a digital audio playback mode. The method of claim 1, Multi-function PC camera, characterized in that the shutter is arranged to protrude and retract along the axial direction of the support shaft on one side of the support shaft for imaging in the digital still camera mode. The method of claim 1, One side of the support shaft is a multifunction PC camera, characterized in that the earphone jack recessed along the axial direction of the support shaft so that the earphone plug is electrically connected in the digital audio playback mode. A see-through window, a cylindrical bearing portion formed between the see-through window and a cutout portion cut from a plate from one side to the other side on one side of the see-through window so as to have a panel shape and allow light to pass along the thickness direction on one side thereof. A main body; A support shaft rotatably housed in the shaft receiving portion with at least one optical lens disposed corresponding to the viewing window and passing light; In the PC camera mode, an optical axis line is formed in parallel with the plate surface direction of the main body, and in the digital still camera mode, the optical axis line is rotatable about the support axis so that the optical axis can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the plate direction of the main body. A camera unit coupled to an area corresponding to the cutout unit; Clamps spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals on one side of the main body; Multifunctional PC camera, characterized in that it comprises a support which is formed to receive the clamp detachably clamp. The method of claim 9, The support includes a base portion in contact with a support surface, a stand portion protruding from the base portion, and a rotation support portion coupled to one side of the stand portion so as to be relatively rotatable, wherein the clamp accommodating portion is formed in the rotation support portion. Multifunctional PC camera, characterized in that. The method of claim 9 or 10, At least one fixing protrusion protruding toward the main body is formed at an end of the clamp along the protruding direction of the clamp, and the clamp accommodating portion is formed with an incision cut through the fixing protrusion so as to pass through when the clamp is coupled. Multifunctional PC camera, characterized in that.