KR20060026154A - Apparatus for covering a built-in camera of a personal portable device and method of setting a personal portable device in a picture-taking mode by using the apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a camera cover device for a personal portable terminal and a shooting mode switching method using the cover device. The camera cover device is to protect the built-in camera, and is mounted adjacent to the camera to move the shutter drive along a predetermined path, interlocked with the shutter drive, and an operating lever exposed to the outside of the personal portable terminal to move the shutter drive, and to the camera. It includes a shutter rotatably mounted adjacently and selectively covering the front of the camera while interlocking with the shutter driver. When the user moves the operation lever, the shutter driver moves along the predetermined path along with the operation lever, and the shutter physically connected to the shutter driver rotates to protect the lens or the transparent window of the camera. In addition, by mounting a switch sensor for detecting the movement of the operation lever in the camera cover device, the user can use the camera function more conveniently by switching to the camera shooting mode.

Built-in camera, personal digital assistant, cover device, shutter

Description

Camera cover device for personal portable device and method of switching shooting mode using the cover device

1 is a perspective view showing a conventional mobile phone with a camera.

2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a camera built in a conventional mobile phone.

3 is a perspective view of a camera cover device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an exploded perspective view showing a camera cover device according to the first embodiment by cutting a portion of the housing of the mobile phone.

5 is a front view for explaining an operation between the shutter driver and the shutter in the camera cover device according to the first embodiment.

6 is a front view for explaining an operation between the shutter driver and the shutter in the camera cover device according to another embodiment of the present invention similar to the first embodiment.

7 is a perspective view of a camera cover device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is an exploded perspective view of the camera cover device according to the second embodiment.

9 and 10 are front views for explaining the operation between the shutter driver and the shutters in the camera cover device according to the second embodiment.

11 is a partial cutaway view for explaining an internal configuration of the camera cover device according to the second embodiment.

12 is a configuration diagram illustrating a camera cover device according to a second embodiment.

13 is a flowchart for describing a method of switching a shooting mode according to a second embodiment.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100, 300 ： camera cover device

120, 320: Shutter drive part 122, 322, 324: Operation protrusion

130, 330: Operation lever 140, 340, 350: Shutter

142, 342, 352: working slit 310: first housing

315 ： second housing 360 ： switch sensor

The present invention relates to a built-in camera of a personal portable terminal of the present invention, and more particularly, to a cover device for protecting a lens of a built-in camera and a camera operating method for turning on / off the built-in camera using the cover device.

As wireless communication technology develops, various types of personal portable terminals applying wireless communication technology have been produced. Conventional personal digital assistants are used for communication purposes with external network servers. For example, a mobile phone can be wirelessly connected to an external telephone network to communicate with a third party by voice, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) can wirelessly connect to an external internet to upload an Internet homepage and related materials. You can download it.

These personal portable terminals are increasingly used and built-in functions. Recently, personal portable terminals include camera functions and image storage functions as well as communication functions, and thus also include functions as digital cameras.

1 is a perspective view of a conventional mobile phone with a built-in camera, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a camera built in a conventional mobile phone.

1 and 2, the mobile phone 10 is a slide type mobile phone and includes an upper body 20 and a lower body 30. The upper body 20 and the lower body 30 are connected by a hinge, the camera 40 is mounted on the rear top of the lower body 30. An image may be obtained through the camera 40, and the obtained image may be confirmed through an LCD mounted on the upper body 20. The user can store the image obtained from the camera 40 by pressing a designated button while checking the image through the LCD.

However, as shown in FIG. 2, the lens 42 of the camera 40 is exposed to the outside with the transparent window 44 interposed therebetween. Since the transparent window 44 is directly exposed to the outside, foreign matters or scratches, etc., are likely to occur on the surface of the transparent window, and the transmittance of the camera is remarkably inferior due to foreign matters or scratches. In particular, the mobile phone has a poor use environment because the user puts it in a pocket and the like, and the camera embedded in the mobile phone has a small lens so that a decrease in transmittance due to foreign substances or scratches appears to be greater than that of a general camera.

In addition, the mobile phone 10 is generally for making a phone call, and in order to use the camera function in the mobile phone 10, the user must set the camera shooting mode by pressing a menu key. You may feel uncomfortable.

The present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention to provide a camera cover device that can protect the lens or the transparent window of the built-in camera from poor use conditions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera cover device that can be switched directly to the camera shooting mode without menu surfing.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a camera operating method using a cover device that can switch to a camera shooting mode in a personal portable terminal without menu surfing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object of the present invention, the camera cover device for protecting the camera in a personal portable terminal is mounted adjacent to the camera and moving along a predetermined path, the shutter drive unit and And an operating lever which is interlocked and exposed to the outside of the personal portable terminal to move the shutter driver, and is rotatably mounted adjacent to the camera, and selectively shutters the front of the camera while interlocking with the shutter driver. When the user moves the operation lever, the shutter driver moves along the predetermined path together with the operation lever, and the shutter is physically connected to the shutter driver to open and close the lens or the transparent window of the camera.

Therefore, the user can protect the camera by closing the shutter while not using the camera function, and can prevent foreign substances from getting on the camera lens or the like to reduce the transmittance or cause scratches. In addition, by protecting the camera module as a whole, the built-in camera can be prevented from being broken by the impact.

Generally, the shutter driver and the operation lever are integrally formed, but both parts may be formed separately in consideration of mounting conditions, and the shutter driver may move along an arc or a straight path around the camera.

The camera cover device includes a first housing mounted adjacent to the camera and a second housing covering a front surface of the first housing. The first and second housings protect the camera cover device, provide a path for the shutter driver to move, and the shutter is rotatably mounted to the first or second housing. The actuation lever is then exposed to the outside of the first and second housings.

In addition, by mounting a switch sensor for detecting the movement of the operation lever in the camera cover device, it is possible to use the camera function more conveniently. The switch sensor is disposed adjacent to the operation lever or the shutter drive unit and electrically connected to the control unit of the personal portable terminal. In the process of moving the shutter driving unit by the user by turning the operation lever, the switch sensor may detect this and generate a signal corresponding to the opening of the shutter. The controller may immediately switch the personal portable terminal to the shooting mode according to the opening signal, and the user may conveniently switch between the shooting mode and the recovery using the cover device.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object of the present invention, the camera cover device installed in the personal portable terminal is formed integrally with the shutter drive unit, the shutter drive unit to rotate along the periphery of the camera and the personal An operating lever exposed to the outside of the mobile terminal to move the shutter driver, a first shutter rotatably mounted about a point between the camera and the shutter driver, and selectively interposing the front of the camera while interlocking with the shutter driver; And a second shutter rotatably mounted around another point between the shutter drivers and selectively covering the front surface of the camera together with the first shutter while interlocking with the shutter driver. The first and second shutters simultaneously move as the shutter driver rotates, and simultaneously opens and closes the front of the camera.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of the present invention is not limited or limited by the following embodiments.

Example 1

3 is a perspective view of the camera cover device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the camera cover device according to the first embodiment by cutting a portion of the housing of the mobile phone.

3 and 4, the camera cover device 100 includes a shutter driver 120, an operation lever 130, and a shutter 140. The camera cover device 100 is installed around the camera lens unit L, and as shown, other elements other than the operation lever 130 are disposed inside the housing of the mobile phone HP.

The shutter driver 120 is a rotator formed in a ring shape and is mounted in the housing of the mobile phone HP. Since the shutter driver 120 is integrally formed with the operation lever 130, the shutter driver 120 rotates along the periphery of the camera lens part L as the operation lever 130 moves. The operation lever 130 is partially exposed outside the housing of the mobile phone HP, and can move up and down within a predetermined angle by a hole formed in the housing.

The shutter 140 is rotatably mounted inside the housing of the mobile phone HP. The axis of rotation of the shutter 140 is located between the camera lens portion L and the shutter driver 120. For this purpose, the shaft 144 is mounted inside the housing, and the receiving groove of the shutter 140 opens the shaft 144. By accommodating, the shutter 140 is rotatably mounted.

The actuating protrusion 122 and the actuating slit 142 are used to bind the shutter 140 and the shutter driver 120 to each other. The actuating protrusion 122 is formed in the shutter driver 120, and the actuating slit 142 is formed in the shutter 140 in correspondence with the actuating protrusion 122. While one end of the operating slit 142 is open in this embodiment, in another embodiment of the present invention, both ends of the operating slit 142 may also be used in a closed form.

5 is a front view for explaining an operation between the shutter driver and the shutter in the camera cover device according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the operation slit 142 of the shutter 140 is engaged with the operation protrusion 122 of the shutter driver 120, and the operation protrusion 122 remains engaged with the operation slit 142. While moving within the limited range relative to the working slit 142.

Even when the operation lever 130 is in the open position A, the operation protrusion 122 of the shutter driver 120 remains engaged with the operation slit 142 of the shutter 140. In this case, the shutter 140 Does not cover the camera lens portion (L).

However, when the operation lever 130 is moved to the closed position (B), the shutter driver 120 also rotates in the clockwise direction, and the operation protrusion 122 pushes the shutter 140 through the operation slit 142. The shutter 140 hides the camera lens part L by turning off.

The user can open and close the camera lens part L through a simple process of moving the operation lever 130. Since the closed shutter 140 covers the camera lens unit L, foreign matters can be prevented from being caught in the camera lens unit L even when the mobile phone is placed in a pocket, or the camera module can be safely protected against a harsh environment. have. In addition, since the camera lens portion L can be protected by the shutter 140 while the camera function is not used, scratches can be prevented from occurring and the life of the camera can be extended.

6 is a front view for explaining an operation between the shutter driver and the shutter in the camera cover device according to another embodiment of the present invention similar to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the camera cover device according to the present embodiment also includes a shutter driver 220, an operation lever 230 integrally formed with the shutter driver 220, and a shutter 240 interlocked with the shutter driver 220. Include.

Since the shutter driver 220 is formed in a bar shape and is integrally formed with the operation lever 230, the shutter driver 220 is moved by the movement of the operation lever 230. Round trip along a straight path around. The operating lever 230 is also partially exposed out of the housing of the mobile phone HP, and can be moved up and down within a predetermined length by a hole formed in the housing.

Unlike the shutter driver 220, in the present embodiment, the shutter 240 is rotatably mounted in the mobile phone HP housing. The axis of rotation of the shutter 240 is located between the camera lens unit L and the shutter driver 220.

The actuating protrusion 222 and the actuating slit 242 are used to bind the shutter 240 and the shutter driver 220 to each other. The actuating protrusion 222 is formed in the shutter driver 220, and the actuating slit 242 is formed in the shutter 240 in correspondence with the actuating protrusion 222. When the operation lever 230 moves up and down, the shutter driver 220 moves up and down as well, and the operation protrusion 222 of the shutter driver 220 pushes the shutter 240 through the operation slit 242. The shutter 240 opens and closes the camera lens part L while performing a rotational motion. Unlike the previous embodiment, the shutter driver 220 according to the present embodiment performs a linear motion, and the linear motion of the shutter driver 220 is controlled by the shutter 240 through the actuating protrusion 222 and the actuating slit 242. Switch to rotary motion.

Example 2

7 is a perspective view of a camera cover device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the camera cover device according to a second embodiment.

7 and 8, the camera cover device 300 includes a first housing 310, a second housing 315, a shutter driver 320, an operation lever 330, a first shutter 340, and a first shutter. Two shutters 350 and a switch sensor 360. Components of the shutter driver 320 to the second shutter 350 may be mounted between the first and second housings 310 and 315, and the first housing 310 may be attached to the camera cover device 300 so as to provide a mobile phone ( HP).

The first housing 310 and the second housing 315 accommodate the components of the camera cover device 300, and the first and second housings 310 and 315 are used to guide the movement of the shutter driver 320. It has a guide structure. Receiving groove is formed in the mobile phone (HP) corresponding to the position where the camera cover device 300 is installed, the camera cover device 300 is fixed to the receiving groove. The camera cover device 300 is installed in front of the camera lens unit L, and elements other than the operation lever 330 are disposed in the first and second housings 310 and 315.

The shutter driver 320 is a rotator formed in a ring shape, and since the shutter driver 320 is integrally formed with the operation lever 330, the shutter driver 320 is moved to the camera lens unit according to the movement of the operation lever 330. Rotate along the periphery of (L).

The first shutter 340 is rotatably mounted in the second housing 315. The first shaft 344 is used as the axis of rotation of the first shutter 340, and the first shaft 344 is mounted to correspond between the camera lens unit L and the shutter driver 320.

Similarly, the second shutter 350 is rotatably mounted inside the second housing 315 at a position opposite to the first shutter 340. The second shaft 354 is used as a rotation axis of the second shutter 350, and the second shaft 354 is also disposed between the camera lens part L and the shutter driver 320 at a position opposite to the first shaft 344. Is mounted on.

The first actuating protrusion 322 and the first actuating slit 342 are used to bind the first shutter 340 and the shutter driver 320 to each other. The first actuating protrusion 322 is formed in the shutter driver 320, and the first actuating slit 342 is formed in the first shutter 340 in correspondence with the first actuating protrusion 322. The second shutter 350 also includes a second operating slit 352, and the shutter driver 320 includes a second operating protrusion 324 corresponding to the second operating slit 352.

The first shutter 340 and the second shutter 350 are mounted symmetrically with each other, and open and close the camera lens unit L while symmetrically moving with respect to the movement of the shutter driver 320. The actuating slit of the shutters is engaged with the actuating projection of the shutter driver, and the actuating projection can move within a limited range with respect to the actuating slit while remaining engaged with the actuating slit.

9 and 10 are front views for explaining the operation between the shutter driver and the shutters in the camera cover device according to the second embodiment, FIG. 9 shows the shutters open, and FIG. 10 shows the shutters closed. It is shown.

Referring to FIG. 9, the operation lever 330 and the shutter driver 320 are in a counterclockwise direction, and the first and second shutters 340 and 350 also rotate in a counterclockwise direction to maintain the open state. Keeping up.

As the operating lever 330 and the shutter driver 320 rotate, the first and second operating protrusions 322 and 324 rotate the first and second operating slits 342 and 352 in a counterclockwise direction, and the first And the second shutters 340 and 350 also rotate the first and second shafts 344 and 354 axially, respectively, so that the camera lens part L is opened.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the operation lever 330 and the shutter driver 320 rotate in the clockwise direction with the shutters 340 and 350 open, the first and second shutters 340 and 350 may also be rotated. Rotate clockwise to switch to closed state.

As the actuation lever 330 and the shutter driver 320 rotate, the actuation protrusions 322, 324 rotate the actuation slits 342, 352 clockwise, and the first and second shutters 340, 350. Each of them rotates clockwise to close the camera lens portion L. FIG.

At this time, since the first and second shutters 340 and 350 move in symmetry with each other, the first and second shutters 340 and 350 also contact each other in response to the clockwise rotation of the operation lever 330. The lens part L is covered.

The user may open and close the camera lens part L through a simple process of moving the operation lever 330. Since the closed first and second shutters 340 and 350 cover the camera lens portion L, foreign matters can be prevented from contacting the camera lens portion L even when the mobile phone is placed in a pocket or the like. You can also secure the camera module. In addition, since the camera lens portion L can be protected by the shutter 340 while the camera function is not used, scratches can be prevented from occurring and the life of the camera can be extended.

11 is a partial cutaway view for explaining an internal configuration of the camera cover device according to the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the operation lever 330 extends into the mobile phone, and the switch sensor 360 is mounted adjacent to the movement path of the operation lever 330. The switch sensor 360 is disposed so as to correspond to the case in which the operation lever 330 is clockwise, that is, the first and second shutters 340 and 350 are closed. Thus, while the actuation lever 330 is in the closed state, the actuation lever 330 depresses the switch sensor 360.

When the user rotates the operation lever 330 counterclockwise, the shutters 340 and 350 are opened with the rotation of the operation lever 330, and the operation lever 330 is also released from the switch sensor 360. In this case, the switch sensor 360 generates an open signal corresponding to the opening of the shutters 340 and 350, and the opening signal is transmitted to the controller.

Hereinafter, a method of switching the photographing mode of the camera using the camera cover device according to the second embodiment will be described.

12 is a configuration diagram illustrating a camera cover apparatus according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a photographing mode switching method according to a second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the switch sensor 360 of the camera cover device 300 is electrically connected to the control unit C, and the control unit C is connected to the shooting mode switching circuit to control the driving of the shooting mode switching circuit. You can do it.

Referring to FIG. 13, the switch sensor 360 is installed adjacent to the operation lever 330. When the operation lever 330 is in the closed position, the switch sensor 360 is pressed, and the operation lever 330 is closed. The actuation lever 330 is disengaged from the switch sensor 360 while moving from the position to the open position. Through this process, the switch sensor 360 detects whether the operation lever 330 is separated (S10). While in the closed position on the operation lever 330, the controller C may indirectly monitor whether the shutters 340 and 350 are opened or closed through the switch sensor 360 (S20).

When the user moves the operation lever 330 to the open position, it is checked whether the shutters 340 and 350 are open, and the switch sensor 360 generates an open signal (S30). The generated open signal is transmitted to the controller C. The controller C drives the photographing mode switching circuit in response to the opening signal, and the mobile phone is switched to the photographing mode by the photographing mode switching circuit (S40). In detail, the image obtained from the camera module is displayed on the LCD display while switching to the shooting mode, and the mobile phone waits for the user's next work in the shooting mode.

Through the above-described processes (S10 ~ S40), the process of switching the shooting mode is completed first. After switching to the shooting mode, the user can record a picture or a video, and can check the already recorded picture or a video.

In addition, the switching to the shooting mode in response to the movement of the operation lever 330 in the cover device may vary depending on the user's setting. To this end, the mobile phone maintains a setting memory in which user setting values are stored, and the controller checks the shooting mode switching setting using the camera cover device from the setting memory before switching to the shooting mode, and captures the mobile phone according to the shooting mode switching setting. You can select whether to switch modes.

Referring to FIG. 13 again, the switch sensor 360 continuously detects the position of the operation lever 330 while the mobile phone is switched to the photographing mode (S50). If the operation lever 330 returns from the open position to the closed position, the switch sensor 360 is pressed again, and the control unit C may check whether the shutters 340 and 350 are closed through the switch sensor 360. There is (S60). In response to the closing of the shutters 340 and 350, the switch sensor 360 generates a closing signal (S70). The generated closing signal is transmitted to the control unit C, and the control unit C may stop driving of the photographing mode switching circuit in response to the closing signal and return the mobile phone to a state before switching to the photographing mode (S80). ). To this end, the control unit C may store a state before switching using a memory. The process after switching to the shooting mode (S50 to S80) is a secondary process, which can be implemented differently according to the user's setting, and is designed or set to perform only the previous processes according to the user's setting. Can be different.

The camera cover device of the present invention can safely protect the lens or the transparent window of the built-in camera from poor use conditions, can maintain a good transmittance of the built-in camera to obtain a clean image, and to clean the camera transparent window every time You can reduce the hassle.

In addition, the camera cover device is equipped with a switch sensor for checking whether the shutter is opened, and by connecting the switch sensor to the controller of the personal portable terminal, the personal portable terminal can be switched to the camera shooting mode without cumbersome menu surfing.

As described above, although described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art various modifications and variations of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below I can understand that you can.

Claims (13)

In the camera cover device for protecting the built-in camera in a personal portable terminal, A shutter driver mounted adjacent to the camera and moving along a predetermined path; An operation lever interlocked with the shutter driver and exposed to the outside of the personal portable terminal to move the shutter driver; And And a shutter rotatably mounted adjacent to the camera and selectively covering a front surface of the camera while interlocking with the shutter driver. The method of claim 1, And the shutter driver and the operation lever are integrally formed with each other. The method of claim 1, And the shutter driver is a rotator rotating along the periphery of the camera. The method of claim 1, An operating protrusion is formed in the shutter driving unit, and an operating slit is formed in the shutter to bind with the operating protrusion, and the movement of the operating protrusion is converted into rotation of the shutter through the operating slit. Device. According to claim 1, The camera cover device includes a first housing mounted adjacent to the camera and a second housing covering a front surface of the first housing, wherein the shutter driver and the shutter are mounted between the first and second housings. And the operation lever is exposed to the outside of the first and second housings. According to claim 1, And a switch sensor for detecting a movement of the operation lever, wherein the switch sensor is electrically connected to a controller of the personal portable terminal and outputs a different signal depending on whether the shutter is opened or closed. . In the camera cover device for protecting the built-in camera in a personal portable terminal, A shutter driver rotating along the periphery of the camera; An operation lever formed integrally with the shutter driver and exposed to the outside of the personal portable terminal to move the shutter driver; A first shutter rotatably mounted about a point between the camera and the shutter driver and selectively covering a front surface of the camera while interlocking with the shutter driver; And And a second shutter rotatably mounted about another point between the camera and the shutter driver and selectively covering a front surface of the camera with the first shutter while interlocking with the shutter driver. The method of claim 7, wherein The shutter driver is formed in a ring shape, the shutter driver includes a first operating protrusion and a second operating protrusion facing each other, and the first and second shutters respectively engage with the first and second operating protrusions. And first and second actuating slits are formed, and the movement of the first and second actuating projections is converted to rotation of the first and second shutters through the first and second actuating slits, respectively. Camera cover device. The method of claim 7, wherein The camera cover device includes a first housing mounted adjacent to the camera and a second housing covering a front surface of the first housing, wherein the shutter driver, the first shutter, and the second shutter are the first and second shutters. 2 is mounted between the housing, the operation lever is a camera cover device, characterized in that exposed to the outside of the first and second housing. The method of claim 7, wherein And a switch sensor for detecting a movement of the operation lever, wherein the switch sensor is electrically connected to a controller of the personal portable terminal and outputs a different signal depending on whether the shutter is opened or closed. . A method for switching a personal portable terminal having a camera to a shooting mode using the camera cover device of claim 6 or 10, Detecting a movement of the operation lever using the switch sensor; Generating, by the switch sensor, an opening signal in response to opening of the shutter; And And the controller converting the personal portable terminal into a photographing mode in response to the opening signal. The method of claim 11, The switch sensor generates a closing signal in response to the closing of the shutter, and the control unit returns the personal portable terminal in a photographing mode to a step before switching in response to the closing signal. How to switch shooting mode. The method of claim 11, Maintains a setting memory in which user setting values of the personal portable terminal are stored, and the controller checks a shooting mode switching setting using the camera cover device from the setting memory, and photographs the personal portable terminal according to the shooting mode switching setting. Shooting mode switching method using a camera cover device, characterized in that for selecting whether to switch modes.

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