KR20100013420A - Digital camera and portable terminal comprising it - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A digital camera and a portable terminal with the same are provided to perform photographing using a proximity sensing function of a touch screen. CONSTITUTION: A touch screen(230) senses proximity touch. A camera module(220) generates image data using a light receiving element. A photographing control module(229) controls an operation of the camera module according to proximity touch. A storage unit(260) stores photographed image data.

Description

DIGITAL CAMERA AND PORTABLE TERMINAL COMPRISING IT}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera having a proximity touch sensing means such as a touch screen and / or a portable camera with built-in camera, and more particularly, to a digital camera and / or a portable terminal performing a photographing operation for a proximity touch operation.

In general, a portable terminal is a portable device that is portable and has one or more functions such as voice and video calling, input and output of information, and a function of storing data.

As the functions are diversified, the mobile terminal is equipped with complex functions such as taking a picture or a video, playing a music or video file, playing a game, receiving a broadcast, and the like as a comprehensive multimedia player. Is being implemented. In particular, the portable terminal to which the photo / video photographing function is added is close to a digital camera in which the photographing performance is common.

Many new attempts are being applied to these multimedia devices in terms of hardware or software to implement complex functions. A user interface environment is provided for a user to search for or select a function easily and conveniently. As a device for this, a touch screen combining a display device and a pointing device into one is applied.

On the other hand, with the development of technology for the elements constituting the digital camera, the digital camera can be significantly reduced in weight to increase the portability, and as a result, it is possible to embed a high-performance digital camera in the portable terminal.

However, as described above, the light weight digital camera is susceptible to shaking when the user presses the shutter. This is because when the object held in the hand is too light due to the body structure, the entire hand is easy to move even with the operation of the small finger, because a predetermined pressing operation is required to drive the shutter.

Therefore, in the case of an extremely lightweight digital camera or a camera embedded in a portable terminal, an effective means for preventing shaking is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and to provide a means for preventing a shake caused by a shutter operation of a light weight digital camera or a camera built in a portable terminal.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera or a portable terminal including the same, including: proximity touch sensing means for distinguishing and detecting a proximity touch and a direct touch, which are actions of approaching a pointing object within a predetermined distance; A camera module for generating image data using the light receiving element; And a photographing control module that controls the operation of the camera module according to the proximity touch.

According to the digital camera and the portable terminal having the same according to the present invention configured as described above, there is an advantage of preventing the shaking of the picture by the shutter operation of the camera.

Although the idea of the present invention can be applied to a digital camera as an independent device, the advantage of the present invention is that it is applied to a digital camera embedded in a mobile communication terminal for which a touch screen can be usefully used.

The portable terminal may be wirelessly connected to a computing device constituting a wireless communication network of a company that provides a communication service, and may be connected to an Internet service providing server that provides various Internet services such as a messenger via the wireless communication network.

The portable terminal described herein includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable terminal related to the present invention will be described in terms of components according to functions.

1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The illustrated mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, an operation unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a storage unit 160, The interface unit 170 may include a controller 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. It should be noted that the above components may be combined into one or more components, or one component may be subdivided into two or more components as necessary when implemented in actual application.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in turn.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, a GPS module 115, and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server (not shown) through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a previously generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal having a data broadcast signal combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

Meanwhile, the broadcast related information may be provided through a mobile communication network, and in this case, may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast related information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals using various broadcasting systems, and in particular, digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), and media forward link (MediaFLO). Digital broadcast signals can be received using digital broadcasting systems such as only), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 is configured to be suitable for all broadcast systems providing broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcast system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the storage 160.

In addition, the mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a radio signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access, and the wireless internet module 113 may be internal or external.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. As a short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like may be used.

In addition, the GPS module 115 receives navigation information from a plurality of satellites.

Meanwhile, the A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera module 121 and a microphone module 122. The camera module 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display module 151.

The image frame processed by the camera module 121 may be stored in the storage 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more camera modules 121 may be provided according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone module 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output in the call mode. The microphone module 122 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The operation unit 130 generates key input data input by the user for controlling the operation of the terminal. The operation unit 130 may be configured of a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like. In particular, when the touch pad forms a mutual layer structure with the display module 151 described later, this may be referred to as a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 detects a current state of the mobile terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile terminal 100, a position of the mobile terminal 100, presence or absence of a user contact, and controls the operation of the mobile terminal 100. Generate a sensing signal. For example, when the portable terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, whether the slide phone is opened or closed may be sensed. In addition, it is responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power or whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. For example, wired / wireless headsets, external chargers, wired / wireless data ports, card sockets (e.g. memory cards, SIM / UIM cards), audio input / output (I / O) terminals, video I / O (Input / Output) terminal, earphone, etc. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits the data to each component inside the mobile terminal 100 or transmits the data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device.

The output unit 150 is for outputting an audio signal, a video signal, or an alarm signal. The output unit 150 may include a display module 151, a sound output module 152, an alarm output module 153, and the like.

The display module 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in a call mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a photographed and / or received image, a UI, or a GUI.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the display module 151 and the touch pad have a mutual layer structure and constitute a touch screen, the display module 151 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The display module 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, or a three-dimensional display. 3D display). In addition, two or more display modules 151 may exist according to the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the external display module (not shown) and the internal display module (not shown) may be simultaneously provided in the portable terminal 100.

The sound output module 152 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the storage unit 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. In addition, the sound output module 152 outputs a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm output module 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the portable terminal 100. Examples of the event generated in the mobile terminal 100 include a call signal reception requesting a phone call, a message reception, a key signal input, an alarm for notifying a predetermined time, and the like. The alarm output module 153 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event in a form other than an audio signal or a video signal. For example, the signal may be output in the form of vibration. When a call signal is received or a message is received, the alarm output module 153 may output a vibration to notify this. Alternatively, when a key signal is input, the alarm output module 153 may output a vibration in response to the key signal input. Through the vibration output as described above, the user can recognize the occurrence of the event. Of course, the signal for notification of event occurrence may be output through the display module 151 or the sound output module 152.

The storage unit 160 may store a program for processing and control of the controller 180, and a function for temporarily storing input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). You can also do

The storage unit 160 may include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (eg, SD or XD memory), It may include a storage medium of at least one type of RAM and ROM. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may operate a web storage that performs a storage function of the storage unit 150 on the Internet.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. In addition, the controller 180 may include a multimedia playback module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia playback module 181 may be configured in hardware in the controller 180 or may be configured in software separately from the controller 180.

In addition, the controller 180 may identify an operation in which an object (for example, a user's finger) touches the touch screen in close proximity or directly, thereby changing the size or area of the screen displayed on the touch screen. . To this end, the controller 180 may form a scroll bar or a mini map for adjusting the size or area of the screen displayed on the touch screen. Detailed functions of the controller 180 will be described in more detail below.

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component.

In the above, the portable terminal related to the present invention has been described in terms of components according to functions. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the portable terminal related to the present invention will be further described in terms of components according to appearance. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a touch screen type mobile terminal is described as an example among various types of mobile terminals such as a folder type, a bar type, a swing type, a slider type, and the like. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the touch screen type portable terminal, but can be applied to all types of portable terminals including the above-described type.

2 is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;

The portable terminal 100 of the present invention includes a first body 100A and a second body 100B configured to be slidable in at least one direction on the first body 100A.

A state in which the first body 100A is disposed to overlap with the second body 100B may be referred to as a closed configuration, and as shown in the drawing, the first body 100A is referred to as the second body 100B. The exposed state of at least a portion of the may be referred to as an open configuration (open configuration).

Although the portable terminal 100 operates mainly in the standby mode in the closed state, the standby mode may be released by a user's manipulation. In addition, the portable terminal 100 operates mainly in a call mode or the like in an open state, but may be switched to a standby mode by a user's manipulation or a lapse of a predetermined time.

The case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming the exterior of the first body 100A is formed by the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2.

The cases may be formed by injecting a synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

In the first body 100A, specifically, the first front case 100A-1, the display module 151, the first sound output module 152-1, the first camera module 121-1, or the first manipulation unit ( 130-1) may be disposed.

The display module 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), and the like, which visually express information.

In addition, since the touch pad is superimposed on the display module 151 in a layer structure, the display module 151 may operate as a touch screen to enable input of information by a user's touch.

The first sound output module 152-1 may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker.

The first camera module 121-1 may be implemented to be suitable for capturing an image or a video of a user.

Like the first body 100A, the case forming the external appearance of the second body 100B is formed by the second front case 100B-1 and the second rear case 100B-2.

The second manipulation unit 130-2 may be disposed on the front surface of the second body 100B, specifically, the second front case 100B-1.

The third manipulation unit 130-3, the microphone module 122, and the interface unit 170 may be disposed on at least one of the second front case 100B-1 or the second rear case 100B-2).

The first to third manipulation units 130-1, 130-2, and 130-3 may be collectively referred to as manipulating portions 130, and may be manipulated while the user gives a tactile feeling. Can be employed in any manner.

For example, the operation unit 130 may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch pad that may receive a command or information by a user's push or touch operation, or may be operated by a wheel or jog method or a joystick that rotates a key. Or the like.

In the functional aspect, the first operation unit 130-1 is for inputting a command such as start, end, scroll, etc., and the second operation unit 130-2 is for inputting numbers, letters, symbols, and the like. will be.

In addition, the third operation unit 130-3 may operate as a hot-key for activating a special function in the mobile terminal.

The microphone module 122 may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface unit 170 serves as a passage for allowing the portable terminal 100 according to the present invention to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface unit 170 is wired or wirelessly, a connection terminal for connecting with an earphone, a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA port), a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN) Port (wireless Lan port, etc.), or at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to each component inside the portable terminal 100.

The interface unit 170 may be a card socket that accommodates an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) and a memory card for storing information.

The power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the portable terminal 100 is mounted on the second rear case 100B-2.

The power supply unit 190 may be detachably coupled for charging, for example, as a rechargeable battery.

3 is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, a second camera module 121-2 may be additionally mounted on the rear surface of the second rear case 100B-2 of the second body 100B. The second camera module 121-2 may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera module 121-1 (see FIG. 1), and may have different pixels from the first camera module.

For example, the first camera module 121-1 has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the counterpart in case of a video call, and the second camera module 121-2 is a general subject. It is preferable to have a high pixel because it is not often photographed and transmitted immediately.

The flash 121-3 and the mirror 121-4 may be further disposed adjacent to the second camera module 121-2. The flash 121-3 illuminates the light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera module 121-2. The mirror 121-4 allows the user to see his / her face or the like when the user wants to photograph himself (self-photographing) using the second camera module 121-2.

The second sound output module 152-2 may be further disposed on the second rear case 100B-2.

The second sound output module 152-2 may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output module 152-1 (see FIG. 2), and may be used for a call in a speakerphone mode.

In addition, an antenna 111-1 for receiving a broadcast signal may be disposed on one side of the second rear case 100B-2 in addition to an antenna for a call. The antenna 111-1 may be installed to be pulled out of the second body 100B and 2.

A portion of the slide module 100C for slidably coupling the first body 100A and the second body 100B to the first rear case 100A-2 side of the first body 100A is disposed.

The other part of the slide module 100C may be disposed on the side of the second front case 100B-1 of the second body 100B and may not be exposed to the outside as shown in the drawing.

In the above description, the second camera module 121-2) and the like are disposed on the second body 100B, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

For example, at least one of the elements 111-1, 121-2 to 121-3, and 152-2 described as disposed on the second rear case 100B-2, such as the second camera module 121-2. At least one may be mounted to the first body 100A, mainly the first rear case 100A-2. In such a case, there is an advantage that the configuration (s) arranged in the first rear case 100A-2 in the closed state are protected by the second body 100B. Furthermore, even if the second camera module 121-2 is not separately provided, the first camera module 121-1 is formed to be rotatable so that shooting can be performed up to the shooting direction of the second camera module 121-2. May be

As shown in FIG. 4, the display module 151 according to the present invention forms a mutual layer structure with the touch pad 400 and is configured as a touch screen 500.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the touch pad 400 includes a quadrangular conductive film 411 made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and metal electrodes formed at each corner of the conductive film 411. 412-1 to 412-4). The passivation layer 420 may be formed on the conductive layer 411.

The touch pad 400 is a capacitive sensing type position detecting apparatus, and the transmitting side metal electrode is applied by an alternating voltage applied to the transmitting side metal electrodes T: 412-1 and 412-4. Electrical field lines are formed between the electrodes T: 412-1 and 412-4 and the receiving metal electrodes R: 412-2 and 412-3. The formed electric line of force extends to the outside of the touch panel 400 through the passivation layer 420. Accordingly, when the object (for example, a user's finger) approaches the touch pad 400 or directly touches the touch pad 400, the reception side metal electrodes R 412 by partially blocking the electric line of force. -2, 412-3) changes in the phase and magnitude of the current flowing. This is because the human body has a capacitance of several pF with respect to the ground, and thus distorts electric force lines formed on the touch panel 400 when the user approaches or touches the finger with the touch panel 400.

In addition, the processors (not shown) configured in the portable terminal 100 use the current change of the receiving metal electrodes R 412-2 and 412-3 in response to a touch operation of the object. The distance and the location where the touch is generated can be detected.

In addition, the object includes not only a user's finger, but also any object that the portable terminal 100 can recognize a touch input by distorting an electric force line formed on the touch pad 400.

5 is a diagram illustrating a principle of detecting a proximity distance of an object using the touch screen of FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the AC voltage 430 is applied to the transmitting side metal electrode 412-1 among the metal electrodes 412-1 to 412-4 formed on the transparent conductive film 411, thereby transmitting the above-described voltage. Electrical force lines 501 to 503 are formed between the side metal electrode 412-1 and the receiving side metal electrode 412-2. The electric field lines 501 to 503 extend in a vertically upward direction (ie, z direction) of the touch screen 500.

In addition, the amount of electric field lines 501 to 503 that the finger 510 blocks varies according to the distance that the user's finger 510 is close to the touch screen 500. That is, the closer the finger 510 is to the touch screen 500, the greater the influence of the finger 510 on the electric field lines 501 to 503.

As described above, the influence applied to the electric field lines 501 to 503 by the finger 510 may affect the current applied to the current detectors 440-1 and 440-2 connected to the metal electrodes 412-1 and 412-2. The current detectors 440-1 and 440-2 detect the change in the current and provide it to an analog-digital converter (ADC) 450. Then, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 450 converts the amount of change of the current input in the form of an analog signal into a digital value, and provides it to the touch time measuring unit 460.

Then, the touch time measuring unit 460 may recognize that the finger 510 is close to the touch screen 500 from the information on the amount of current change provided from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 450. The time that the finger 510 stays within the touch recognition effective distance (ie, 'd1' in FIG. 5) is measured. Accordingly, when the finger 510 stays within the proximity touch recognition effective distance (ie, 'd1' in FIG. 5) for more than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), the touch time measuring unit 460 according to the present invention. It may be recognized that the proximity touch or direct touch operation according to the present invention is performed. On the other hand, the touch time measuring unit 460 may keep the finger 510 within a proximity touch recognition effective distance (ie, 'd1' in FIG. 5) for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). In this case, it may be determined that the proximity touch or the direct touch operation according to the present invention is not performed.

As such, when it is determined by the touch time measuring unit 460 that the finger 510 has a touch input based on a proximity touch or a direct touch operation on the touch screen 500, the touch time measuring unit 460 ) Provides the distance detection unit 470 with information about the touch input generation information and the current change amount.

Then, the distance detection unit 460 is a distance between the finger 510 and the touch screen 500 from the information on the amount of current change, that is, the finger 510 is vertically upward from the touch screen 500 ( That is, the distance spaced in the z direction) is calculated.

Specifically, when the finger 510 is located closer than d1 (eg, 30 mm) and farther than d2 (eg, 20 mm) from the vertical upward direction (ie, z direction) of the touch panel 400. The distance detection unit 460 determines that the finger 510 is within a touch recognition effective distance at which the touch screen 500 starts to detect whether an external object is touched. Thus, a function corresponding to the proximity touch operation according to the present invention can be provided. Here, the proximity touch refers to a state in which an object (for example, a user's finger) is located within the touch recognition effective distance of the touch screen 500 to input a user command, and the proximity touch means that the object is located on the touch screen. The object is distinguished from a direct touch operation in which the object directly touches the touch screen 500 in that it does not directly touch 500.

Further, when the finger 510 is located closer than d2 (for example, 20 mm) and farther than d3 (for example, 10 mm) from the vertical upward direction (ie, z direction) of the touch screen 500 ( That is, when the distance is between d2 and d3), the distance detector 460 may determine that the finger 510 is very close to the touch screen 500.

Further, when the finger 510 is positioned at a distance closer to d3 (eg, 10 mm) from the vertically upward direction (ie, z direction) of the touch screen 500 (ie, located within d3) or the finger ( When the 510 directly touches the surface of the touch screen 500, the distance detector 460 determines that the finger 510 directly touches the touch screen 500 within an error range.

In FIG. 5, the touch operation of the finger 510 is divided into three steps according to the distance between the finger 510 and the touch screen 500, but the touch operation is more precisely performed in four or more steps. Can be distinguished.

Next, the position detector 480 determines the position on the touch screen 500 indicated by the finger 510, that is, the horizontal coordinates in the x and y directions on the touch screen 500, from the information on the amount of change of the current. Calculate The y direction is a direction perpendicular to the x and z directions shown in FIG. 5.

The measured vertical distance between the finger 510 and the touch screen 500 and the horizontal coordinates of the finger 510 on the touch panel 400 are provided to the controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 determines a user's command according to the vertical distance and the horizontal coordinate, performs a control operation according to the user command, and also has a predetermined graphical user interface (GUI) on the display module 151. ).

According to the present invention, a concept in which a certain pointing object such as a finger or a touch pen is directly touched by the proximity touch sensing means is contrasted with the concept of 'direct touch', and the pointing object does not directly contact the proximity touch sensing means by a predetermined distance. It is defined as 'proximity touch'.

However, when the proximity touch detecting means is a button capable of detecting a proximity touch, 'direct touch' refers to a case in which a finger touches a button to apply a predetermined pressure (pressure that can be detected as a switch-on state). it means.

Prior to describing the idea of the present invention, a general operation process of a digital camera and a camera embedded in a portable terminal will be described.

As the user presses the shutter button located outside the digital camera, the mechanical and / or electronic shutter in the camera module including the light receiving element such as the CMOS sensor and the CCD sensor is operated to be opened for a predetermined time, so that Shooting is performed to acquire corresponding image data.

However, before the operation of operating the shutter, the exposure time of the shutter, the opening value of the aperture, and the focal length must be set in advance so as to be suitable for the object to be photographed. This process is generally referred to as 'half shutter operation'.

On the other hand, the operation of opening and closing the shutter for a predetermined time while resetting the light receiving element to cause the light receiving element to acquire an image is called a "shutter operation".

The term 'preview' used as a preview operation, a preview image, etc., refers to displaying a video input to a light receiving element in real time on a display device of a digital camera as a reference screen for the shutter operation.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the spirit of the present invention is implemented from the perspective of a digital camera will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

The illustrated digital camera includes a touch screen 230 as proximity touch sensing means for sensing a proximity touch, which is an act of approaching a pointing object within a predetermined distance; A camera module 220 for generating image data using the light receiving element; A shooting control module 229 for controlling an operation of the camera module 220 according to the proximity touch; A storage unit 260 for storing the captured image data; And a controller 280 that controls operations of the storage unit 260, the touch screen 230, and the photographing control module 229.

The camera module 220 is for photographing to be performed directly, the light receiving element 221 for generating an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light detected, the shutter for intermittent supply of light to the light receiving element 221 ( 222, an aperture 223 for adjusting the amount of light supplied to the light receiving element 221 when the shutter 222 is opened, and a lens 224 for adjusting the focus of light reaching the light receiving element 221. ).

The photographing control module 229 is to adjust mechanical operations of the shutter 222, the aperture 223, and the lens 224. The photographing control module 229 receives the aperture opening value, the exposure time by the shutter, and the focal length from the controller 280, so that the shutter 222, the aperture 223, and the input value are applied. The lens 224 is operated.

If the light receiving element 221 is a CMOS sensor using an electronic shutter, the photographing control module 229 may be implemented to adjust an electronic operation functioning as the electronic shutter.

The controller 280 is for controlling the overall operation of the digital camera. The controller 280 controls each component such as the photographing control module 229 and performs image processing on the image data received from the camera module 220. Can be.

The control unit 280 requiring a calculation operation may be implemented as a CPU. In the case of a digital camera with a portable terminal, one of a plurality of processor chips included in the portable terminal may perform the function of the controller along with other functions for wireless communication. It can also be implemented.

The controller 280 may store the image data received from the camera module 220 as it is or after performing predetermined image processing in the storage unit 260. The storage unit 260 may be a RAM which functions as a main memory of a digital camera, or may be a separate independent storage medium such as a CF card or an SD card. In the case of a digital camera embedded in the portable terminal, the storage unit may be a storage medium in the portable terminal provided for recording a telephone book.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the touch screen 230 may identify a direct touch and a proximity touch.

On the other hand, from the perspective of a portable terminal with a digital camera will be described the components necessary for the implementation of the spirit of the present invention.

The portable terminal may include proximity touch sensing means for distinguishing and detecting a proximity touch and a direct touch, which are actions of moving a pointing object within a predetermined distance; A camera module for generating image data using the light receiving element; And a photographing control module that controls an operation of the camera module according to the proximity touch.

Here, as the proximity touch sensing means, it is preferable to apply a touch screen on which call related information and a message are output. In addition, the touch screen may be used as a main input means of a portable terminal. For example, a virtual dial pad or a virtual keyboard may be displayed and used as an input means for a phone number or text.

Alternatively, as the proximity touch sensing means, a proximity sensing button capable of sensing a pressed state and proximity behavior may be applied. The proximity detection button may be implemented to serve as a role of some buttons among keys used as a call key, an end key, and a numeric key of a mobile terminal. In this case, the shutter operation is controlled according to the proximity touch on the proximity detection button, and the original function (function as a call key, an end key, or a numeric key) is performed according to the pressing operation on the proximity detection button.

When the photographing control module is implemented in the portable terminal of FIG. 1, the photographing control module may be implemented as an internal module of the controller 180 or in the A / V input unit 120.

Hereinafter, when a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention is implemented as a built-in camera of a portable terminal, examples of display contents and operations of a touch screen will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 8A illustrates a shutter operation according to the prior art, and FIG. 8B illustrates a shutter operation according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

In the case of a built-in camera of a conventional portable terminal having a touch screen and a camera module shown in FIG. 8A, a virtual shutter button is represented on a touch screen, and a user takes a picture when the user touches the virtual shutter button. In this case, the built-in camera continuously performs the half shutter operation and the shutter operation immediately after the virtual shutter button is touched, or continuously performs the half shutter operation on the rectangular area displayed in the drawing in the preview state, Shooting is performed with the setting values of the latest half shutters.

On the other hand, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B, when the user moves the finger in a V shape at a distance (within 1.5 cm in the illustrated embodiment) in which the user can detect the proximity touch, the digital camera that senses the same Performs a shoot.

In this case, the built-in camera continuously performs the half shutter operation and the shutter operation immediately after the virtual shutter button is touched, or continuously performs the half shutter operation on the rectangular area displayed in the drawing in the preview state, Photographing can be performed with settings made by the recent half shutter.

In the above embodiment, the user operates the shutter in response to the V-shaped movement of the thumb positioned on the touch screen on which the preview screen is output while the user holds the portable terminal with the camera embedded therein for photographing. The shutter operation is performed in a posture with little burden on the user. As a result, it is possible to prevent the shaking of the user's hand during the slow operation.

In the drawing, the V-shaped motion instructing the right-hander movement is performed on the right side of the screen, but the V-shaped motion indicative of the motion of the shutter may be performed on the left side or the bottom of the screen.

9 illustrates an embodiment in which the surrogate is activated by proximity touch and stop operations.

According to the illustrated embodiment, after a user places a finger at a distance (up to 1.5 cm in the illustrated embodiment) that the user can detect a proximity touch on the touch screen, the predetermined time is set to a stationary state (in the illustrated embodiment, 1). After the elapse of 2 seconds, the shutter is operated to take a picture.

In this case, the built-in camera may be implemented to continuously perform a half shutter operation and a shutter operation immediately after the predetermined time elapses. However, when the finger is positioned at a distance capable of detecting the proximity touch, the internal camera is displayed in the center of the screen in the preview state. It is preferable to implement so as to perform the half-shutter operation in advance with respect to the blind area.

10A and 10B illustrate an embodiment of performing a half shutter operation and a shutter operation according to a movement pattern of a finger in a proximity touch state.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10A, when the user moves the finger in a V shape at a distance (within 1.5 cm in the illustrated embodiment) where the user can detect a proximity touch, the digital camera that detects this is half Perform a shutter operation and a shutter operation.

In this case, when the built-in camera detects the first linear movement pattern L1 (the first movement pattern) forming the V-shaped pattern, the internal camera performs a half shutter operation on the rectangular area displayed in the center of the screen in the preview state, and the V When the second linear movement pattern (L2, the second movement pattern) constituting the child pattern is detected, the shutter is operated with the set values by the half shutter operation.

In the drawing, the V-shaped motion instructing the right-hander movement is performed on the right side of the screen, but the V-shaped motion indicative of the motion of the shutter may be performed on the left side or the bottom of the screen.

Fig. 10B shows an example of finger movement of a user instructing a shutter operation in the above embodiment. As shown, it is preferable to set the V-shaped pattern formed in the oblique direction in which the user can freely move the thumb as an instruction for the shutter operation.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment in which a half shutter operation is performed when a user stops a finger in a proximity touch region for a predetermined time and a shutter operation is performed according to a predetermined finger movement pattern.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the user places a finger at a point within a distance (less than 1.5 cm in the illustrated embodiment) at which the user can sense a proximity touch on the touch screen, and a predetermined time (1 second in the illustrated embodiment). When stopped, the digital camera that detects this performs a half shutter operation on the rectangular area displayed in the center of the screen in the preview state.

If the user moves his / her finger in a V-shaped shape while maintaining a distance to detect the proximity touch while the half-shutter is performed, the detected digital camera shutters with the set values by the half-shutter operation. Perform the action.

In the drawing, the V-shaped motion instructing the right-hander movement is performed on the right side of the screen, but the V-shaped motion indicative of the motion of the shutter may be performed on the left side or the bottom of the screen.

12 illustrates an embodiment in which a half shutter operation is performed when a user stops a finger for a predetermined time in a proximity touch state, and a shutter operation is performed according to a direct touch operation.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the user places a finger at a point within a distance (less than 1.5 cm in the illustrated embodiment) at which the user can sense a proximity touch on the touch screen, and a predetermined time (1 second in the illustrated embodiment). When stopped, the digital camera that detects this is in a preview state, and a blind spot M is formed near the spot where the finger is located, and a half shutter is performed on the blind spot. That is, a focal length, an aperture opening value, and a shutter exposure time are determined based on the blind spot.

When the user presses a finger directly at the position in the state in which the half shutter is performed, the digital camera that senses this performs the shutter operation with the set values of the half shutter operation.

In the case of the above embodiment, there is an advantage of providing additional convenience to perform the half-shutter operation to any point desired by the user.

As another embodiment, not shown, in the case of FIG. 11, the user may position the blind spot for the half shutter operation near the point where the user stops the finger for a predetermined time and, as a result, perform the half shutter action on the blind spot. It can also be implemented.

As another embodiment, not shown, simply performing a half shutter operation when a proximity touch occurs with respect to the touch screen and a shutter operation when a direct touch occurs.

13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of performing a reproduction operation on a picture taken by a motion pattern formed in a proximity touch area.

According to the illustrated embodiment, when the user moves the finger in an O shape at a distance (up to 1.5 cm in the illustrated embodiment) of the touch screen, the detected digital camera is previously moved to the touch screen. Play back the recorded picture.

According to the implementation, when the user moves the finger away from the distance at which the user can detect the proximity touch while playing the previous photograph on the touch screen, the user may return to the preview screen for photographing again.

Fig. 13B shows an example of finger movement of a user instructing reproduction of a photograph taken in the above embodiment. Although forming the O-type pattern may cause a slight burden on the user's thumb, shaking may occur, but the problem caused by the shaking is not large because the playback mode of the picture.

Meanwhile, the embodiment of FIG. 13A may be implemented with the idea of another embodiment for the shutter / half shutter operation, and may be configured to instruct to play back the photographed picture in a pattern different from a finger movement pattern indicating the shutter / half shutter operation. It is desirable to set a finger movement pattern.

14 illustrates an embodiment of performing a reproduction operation on a picture taken by a proximity touch.

According to the illustrated embodiment, when the user places the finger within a distance (within 1.5 cm in the illustrated embodiment) that the user can detect the proximity touch on the upper part of the virtual button (ablum button) instructing the reproduction of the photograph taken on the touch screen. The digital camera, which detects this, plays back the previously taken picture on the touch screen.

In some embodiments, when a user moves a finger away from the virtual button in a state where a previous photograph is photographed on the touch screen, the user may return to the preview screen for photographing again.

As described above, the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments may not be limitedly applied to the digital camera for controlling the surfer using the proximity touch, and the embodiments may be modified in various ways. All or some of the embodiments may be optionally combined.

In addition, although the technical idea of the present invention has been described in detail according to the above preferred embodiment, it should be noted that the above embodiment is for the purpose of description and not for the limitation thereof. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a view showing the structure of a touch screen related to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a principle of detecting a proximity distance of an object using the touch screen of FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a position detection principle of an object using the touch screen of FIG. 4. FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing the structure of a digital camera related to one embodiment of the present invention;

8A and 8B are display screens of a portable terminal showing a shutter driving process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a display screen of a portable terminal showing a shutter driving process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

10A and 10B are conceptual views illustrating a display screen and a motion of a portable terminal showing a shutter driving process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a display screen of a portable terminal showing a shutter driving process related to another embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a display screen of a portable terminal showing a shutter driving process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

13A and 13B are conceptual views illustrating a display screen and a motion of a mobile terminal showing a picture reproduction process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a display screen of a mobile terminal showing a picture reproducing process related to another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (14)

Proximity touch sensing means for discriminating and detecting a proximity touch and a direct touch, which are actions of moving a pointing object within a predetermined distance; A camera module for generating image data using the light receiving element; And A shooting control module for controlling an operation of the camera module according to the proximity touch Digital camera comprising a. The method of claim 1, The proximity touch sensing means is a digital camera, characterized in that a touch screen for outputting a preview image for shooting. The method of claim 1, The photographing control module, And a shutter operation is performed when a predetermined movement pattern is applied while the pointing object is in close proximity. The method of claim 1, The photographing control module, And a shutter operation when the pointing object is stopped for a predetermined time while the pointing object is in close proximity. The method of claim 1, The photographing control module, When the proximity touch occurs, a half shutter operation is performed. And a shutter operation when the direct touch occurs. The method of claim 1, The photographing control module, If a predetermined first movement pattern is applied while the pointing object is in close proximity, a half shutter operation is performed. And a shutter operation is performed when a predetermined second movement pattern is applied while the pointing object is in close proximity. The method of claim 1, The photographing control module, When the pointing object stops for a predetermined time while the proximity object is in close contact, a half shutter operation is performed. And a shutter operation is performed when a predetermined movement pattern is applied while the pointing object is in close proximity. The method according to claim 6 or 7, The proximity touch sensing means is a touch screen, And the half shutter operation is performed based on a region near the point where the pointing object is stopped. The method of claim 2, A storage unit for storing the captured image data; And And a controller for controlling operations of the storage unit, the touch screen, and the photographing control module. The method of claim 9, The control unit, And when a predetermined movement pattern is applied while the pointing object is in close proximity touch, an image stored in the storage unit is displayed on the touch screen. The method of claim 9, The proximity touch sensing means is a touch screen, The control unit, And displaying an image stored in the storage unit on the touch screen when a proximity touch occurs on a predetermined portion of the touch screen. Proximity touch sensing means for discriminating and detecting a proximity touch and a direct touch, which are actions of moving a pointing object within a predetermined distance; A camera module for generating image data using the light receiving element; A shooting control module for controlling an operation of the camera module according to the proximity touch Mobile terminal comprising a. The method of claim 12, The proximity touch sensing means is a mobile terminal, characterized in that a touch screen on which call-related information is output. The method of claim 12, The proximity touch sensing means is a mobile terminal, characterized in that a proximity sensing button capable of detecting a proximity touch.

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