MXPA01009082A

MXPA01009082A - Portable electronic apparatus.

Info

Publication number: MXPA01009082A
Application number: MXPA01009082A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Quentin Phillipps John
Original assignee: Quentin Phillipps John
Priority date: 1999-03-09
Filing date: 2000-01-25
Publication date: 2002-09-18
Also published as: KR20010105380A; GB2347813A; CA2366849A1; BR0008839A; ID30308A; EP1159666A1; WO2000054129A1; AU3067500A; JP2002539516A; GB9905384D0; CN1346456A; GB2347813B; HK1045578A1

Abstract

A charge coupled device camera (7) is incorporated into one wing (2) of a portable personal computer (1). A document (16), such as a business card, is placed on the other wing (3), secured by means of clips (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) or transparent ribbons (125a, 125b, 125c, 125d) and photographed. Blurring of the captured image is reduced because the camera and the document are mounted to the same substrate. Also, optimal positioning of the document is achieved more quickly and easily using this arrangement than using a separate stand to mount the document.

Description

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC APPLIANCE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a portable electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION JP-A-10164414 discloses a known portable electronic device, which comprises an optical sensor. A digital camera unit is placed adjacent to a panel screen of a notebook-type personal computer. The digital camera unit comprises an elongated opaque barrel that is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis and has a slit window cut from the cylindrical surface, giving the barrel a mailbox appearance. A circular mirror is placed inside the barrel behind the window and can be tilted in such a way that the light passing through the window is reflected down the axis of the barrel and is focused by an axially mounted lens. the surface of a device coupled to load, placed at the base of the barrel. The camera unit can rotate so that a document can be viewed, supported on a vertical platform and an image captured. This arrangement has REF: 132737 several disadvantages. First, the camera and the document are mounted on separate surfaces so that if either the notebook-type computer or the platform is struck or vibrated then the captured image will be blurred. Second, the user must carefully align the document and the camera before the image is captured; This is a process that takes time and involves the placement of the document platform by trial and error. Third the platform must be carried separately, thus increasing the number of items that the user must carry. In US-A-5610730 a notebook computer comprising an image sensor is described. A digital camera is used to capture the image of a document that is on a table or some other surface on which the computer also rests. However, as with the arrangement described in JP-A-10164414, this configuration can cause the deterioration of the quality of the image, due to the vibration or misalignment of the document in relation to the camera. The present invention seeks to improve these problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising first and second fins coupled with hinge to each other and an optical sensor mounted to the first fin, wherein the optical sensor is configured to perceive a document that is against the second fin. Accordingly, the optical sensor can be configured to be directed perpendicular to the second fin and to be focused substantially thereon. A keyboard can be carried by the second flap and a display screen can be carried by the first flap. Alternatively, a keyboard can be carried by the first flap and a display screen can be carried by the second flap. Preferably, the portable electronic device may include a photographic flash (flash) device. This has the advantage that the document lights up evenly. The direction in which the optical sensor is directed can be changed relative to the first fin. The document can be secured to the second fin by an assurance means. Preferably, the securing means comprises an operable fastening means for retaining the £ U¡ £ a ... t .. fj & • Document between the second flap and the fastener means. Accordingly, the fastening means can comprise a tape and can be removed from a reel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2a is a plan view of a large document held against a panel screen of a personal, portable computer; Figure 2b is a plan view of a small document held against the panel screen of a personal, portable computer; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a camera unit used in the first embodiment; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a flash unit used in the first mode; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective unit of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the mechanism for storing and removing a transparent plastic tape; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a mechanism for sliding a securing tape from side to side through the surface of a fin of a personal computer; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12a is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12b is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is a sectional view of a camera unit used in the eighth embodiment; Figure 15a is a sectional view of an alternative camera unit used in the eighth embodiment, and Figure 15b is a plan view of the alternative camera unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES First Mode With reference to Figures 1 and 2, in a first embodiment of the present invention, a portable personal computer 1 comprises a first fin 2 and a second fin 3, coupled by the members 4a, 4b of hinge along a first longitudinal edge 4. This arrangement allows fins 2, 3 to fold together when the personal computer is not in use. The inwardly directed surface of the first fin 2 has a keypad 5, a tracking pad control 6, a camera unit 7 and flash units 8a, 8b. The first fin 2 also has a power supply plug 9, the input / output ports 10, a disk unit 3 and a half inch (8.89 cm), a hard drive unit 12 and a motherboard 13 The inwardly directed surface of the second fin 3 has a display panel 14 and a securing means 15 for securing a document 16, e.g., a trading card, to the surface directed inwardly of the second fin 3. The 15 of securing comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d securing, elongated planes, made of plastic resin material. A bra 15 of securing is attached to each corner of the surface facing downwardly of the second fin 3, so that they are flat against the surface directed inwardly. The unattached ends of the fasteners 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d can be lifted from the surface but, on release, they quickly recover to lie flat against the surface once again. The securing fasteners 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d can be rotated around their point of attachment. When not in use, the securing fasteners are rotated, so that they point parallel to one edge of the second flap 3 and do not cover the display panel 14. Documents of different sizes can be secured to the surface of the second flap 3 by holding the edges or corners of the document using the securing fasteners 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d. Figure 2a shows a large document, for example, a piece of paper 16a of size A5, which is held by its edges using the securing fasteners 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d. Figure 2b shows the same securing fasteners 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d securing a smaller document, eg, a business card 16b, to the surface of the second fin 3. The hinges 4a, 4b are of the support type by friction and allow the second fin 3 to pass quickly t i,,,,,----través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través través char char char char char char char char char char char Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las Las. they are equipped with a stop at an angle of about 50 ° C to indicate to the user that the second flap 3 is in the correct position for the document 16 to be photographed with reference to Figure 3, the camera unit 7 comprises a sensor 17 image of the charge-coupled device and a lens 18. The charge-coupled device 17 and the lens 18 are placed at the opposite ends of an elongated frame-like unit 19. The lens 18 focuses the passing light through it on the load-coupled device 17. When the camera unit 7 is not in use, the hinged unit 19 sits within a depression 20 placed in the first fin 2. This is the "down" position. The folding unit 19 is coupled to the first flap 2 within the depression 20 by means of a support hinge 21 In order to use the camera unit 7, the uppermost surface 22 of the folding unit 19 is lowered and an extension / retraction mechanism (not shown) lifts the unit 19 in an "up" position in this position, the folding unit 19 is angled with respect to the first fin 2 by approximately 40 ° and the lens 18 points to the center of the second fin 3 when it is in the it my nESÉir * "'• -» - **** »**'" position for photographing With reference to Figure 4, the first flash unit 8a has a first electronic flash bulb 24a placed in a flip-up unit 25a In the form of a frame, elongated When the flash unit 8a is not in use, the folding unit 25a rests within a depression 26a placed in the first flap 2. This is the "downward" position. the first flap 2 is engaged within the depression 26a by means of a frictional support flap 27. To use the flare unit 8a, the uppermost surface 28a of the flap unit 25a is lowered and an extension / retraction mechanism ( not shown) raises the unit 25a to an "up" position in this position, the electronic flash bulb 24a can illuminate the second letter 3. Now, the placement of a document and the capture of its image will be described. computer perso When the portable door opens and is operating, the user lifts the camera and the flip-down units 19, 25a, 25b in the "up" position. The user selects and runs the computer program to control the camera unit 7, capturing an image and saving the captured image to a file. The computer program may also allow the edition of the captured image. The user selects, from a selection menu, the size of the image to be captured. The computer program instructs the user to hold the document 16 to the second flap 3 using the securing clips 15, to place the second flap in the photographing position and then press a key to capture the image. When the key is pressed, the computer program blanks the panel screen 14 behind the document 16 and drives the flash units 8a, 8b as long as the image is captured by the camera unit 7. The image is saved to a file and displayed on the panel screen 14 to be seen by the user. The user returns the panel screen 14 to a position for viewing, removes the document 16 and sees the image captured on the panel screen 14.

Second Mode With reference to Figure 5, in a second embodiment of the present invention, a portable personal computer 31 comprises a first fin 32 and a second fin 33, coupled by hinge members 34a, 34b along a longitudinal edge 34. This arrangement allows fins 32, 33 to be folded together when the personal computer is not in use. The surface directed into the first flap 32 has a membrane keyboard 35, a tracking pad control 36, an securing means 37 for securing a document 38, e.g. a trading card, to the surface directed inwardly of the first flap 32. The first flap 32 it also has a power supply plug 39, the input / output ports 40, a disk unit 41 of three and a half inch (8.89 cm), a hard drive unit 42, a 43 motherboard. The addressed surface into the second flap 33 comprises a display panel 44, a camera unit 45, flash units 46a, 46b and a membrane control button 47. The securing means 37 comprises securing fasteners 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d identical to those in the first embodiment. A securing fastener 37 is attached to each corner of the inwardly facing surface of the first flap 33, so that they are flat against the surface. The camera unit 45 is identical in construction as the one shown in Figure 3, except that the unit is housed in the second flap 33. The placement of a document and the capture of its image will now be described. Assuming that the laptop opens and is operating, the user lifts the folding units 45, 46a, 46b of camera and flash in the "up" position. The user selects and runs the computer program to control the camera unit 45, capturing an image and saving the captured image to a file. The computer program may also allow editing of the captured image. The user selects, from a selection menu, the size of the image to be captured. The computer program instructs the user to fasten the document 38 to the first flap 32 using the fasteners 10 37 for securing, to place the second letter 33 to the photographing position and then press the membrane control button 47 to capture the image. When the button is pressed, the computer program blanks the panel screen 36 behind document 38 and operates the 15 flash units 46a, 46b while the image is captured by the camera unit 45. The image is saved to a file and displayed on the panel screen 44 for viewing by the user. The user returns the second flap 33 to a position to see, removes the 20 document 38 and sees the image captured on the panel screen 44.

Third Modality With reference to Figure 6, in a third embodiment of the present invention, an electronic book 61, comprises a fin 62 and a second fin 63, coupled by hinge members 64a, 64b along a longitudinal edge 64. This arrangement allows the fins 62, 63 to be folded together when the electronic book is not in use. The inwardly directed surface of the first letter 62 has a first display panel 64, first membrane control pads 65, securing means 66 for securing a document 67, for example a business card, to the surface directed into the first flap 62. The first flap 62 also has a power supply plug 68, the input / output ports 69, a memory unit and a logic circuit board. The inwardly directed surface of the second fin 63 has a second display panel 70 and a camera unit 71, the flash units 72a, 72b and the second membrane control pads 73. The securing means 66 comprises securing fasteners 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, rectangular, planar. A securing fastener 66 is attached to the midpoint of each edge of the inwardly facing surface on the first fin 62, so that it is flat against the surface. Alternatively, the securing means 66 may be identical to those used in the first embodiment.

The camera unit 71 is identical in construction as that shown in Figure 3 except that the unit is housed in the second wing 63. Now the placement of a document and the capture of its image will be described. is open and operating, the user lifts the collapsible units of the camera and flash units 71, 72a, 72b to the "up" position, the user selects and runs the computer program to control the camera unit 71, capturing a image and saving the captured image to a file The user selects, from a selection menu, the size of the image to be captured.

The computer program instructs the user to attach the document 67 to the first flap 62 using the fasteners 66, to adjust the angle of the second fin 63 to the photograph position and then press the second membrane control pads 73 to capture the image. When the pad is pressed, the computer program blanks the first and second panel screen 64, 70 and activates the flash units 72a, 72b while the image is captured by the camera unit 71. The image is saved to the file and displayed on the first screen 64 of the panel to be seen by the user. The user returns the second fin 63 to a tAé l? Mkte.¿ vision position, remove the document 67 and see the image captured on the first screen 64 of the panel.

Fourth Mode With reference to Figures 7 and 8, in a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a portable personal computer 91 comprises a first fin 92 and a second fin 93, coupled by hinge members 94 a, 94 b along a first longitudinal edge 94. Second flap 93 has securing means 95 and a panel screen 96. The personal computer is identical to that in Figure 1except that the securing means 95 comprises a transparent, expandable first, second, third and fourth tape 95a, 95b, 95c, 95d. The securing tapes 95a, 95b, 95c, 95d are made of transparent plastic resin material. The tapes are wound on the first, second, third and fourth spools 97a, 97b, 97c, 97d positioned on a ledge 98 that runs between a panel screen 96 and the edge of the second tab 93. Seeing the surface directed inward of the second fin 93, the first and second reels 97a, 97b are mounted on the upper flange 98a running along the upper edge of the second fin 93. The third and fourth reels 97c, 97d are mounted on the left flange 98b which runs along the left edge of the second fin 93. Considering the arrangement of the first reel 97a in more detail. The securing belt 95a is fixed at one end to the axis of the spool and rolled up. The spool 97a is carried at an angle 98a around which the spool freely rotates. A spring 99a of constant, spiral, flat force is attached at its outer end to the edge of the spool 97a. The inner end of the spring 99a is fixed to the shaft 98a. The shaft 98a having the spool 97a and the spring 99a in a press fit in the receiving grooves 100a, either side of a cavity, 101a in the projecting rim 98. A fastening means 102a is fixed to the free end of the belt. The fastening means 102a comprises a rectangular metal plate with a curved edge backward on itself. In the cross section, the fastener has the shape of a "J" flap. The free end of the tape is removed by the user, from one edge of the flap, across the surface, to the other parallel edge, where a grip means 103a is positioned to receive and engage the fastener means 102a. In this way, the securing belt 95a runs through the surface of the second fin 91 that It stays in place. The second, third and fourth reels 97b, 97c, 97d are positioned within the rim 98 in a manner identical to the first reel 97a. Similarly, the second, third and fourth tapes 95b, 95c, 95d are fitted with fastening means 102b, 102c, 102d that are received and engaged with gripping means 103b, 103c, 103d. The securing of the document 104 will now be described. The user places the document 104 flat against the second fin 93 and takes the first securing tape 95a by the fastener 102a and unrolls the tape 95a from the spool 97a. The fastener 102 is attached to the grip 103a. Any loose part in the belt 95a is pulled by the spring 99a and thus the belt pulls through the surface of the second fin 96. This holds the document 104 to the surface of the second fin 93. The user does the same. same for the second, third and fourth assurance tape 95b, 95c, 95d. In this way, the entire document is held against the second fin 93 by a mesh of securing tapes 95 Fifth Mode With reference to Figures 9 and 10, in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a computer 4, a personal, portable device comprises a first fin 122 and a second fin 123, coupled by hinge members 124 a, 124 b along a first longitudinal edge 124. The second fin 123 has means 125. of securing and a panel display 126. The personal computer is identical to that of Figure 7, except that securing means 125 comprises a first, second, third and fourth transparent tape 125a, 125b, 125c, 125d, which extend permanently, the securing tapes 125a, 125b 125c, 125d are made of transparent plastic resin material The first and second tape 125a, 125b, run parallel to each other and are joined to the first and third bars 127a, 127c placed in a protruding flange 128 running between a panel screen 126 and the edge of the second fin 123. The third and fourth ribbons 125c, 125d running perpendicular to the first and second ribbons 125a, 125b are joined to the second and second ribs 125a, 125b. arta bars 127b, 127d. The document 130 is held against the second flap 123, by sliding the document 130 below at least two parallel securing tapes 125. Viewing the first tape 125a in more detail, one end of the first tape 125a is rolled and glued on a cover 129a which freely slides up and down the first bar 127a. The other end of the td-iAJE-L *, .. ^ ..

First set 125th tape unites in a manner similar to the third bar 127c. In this way, the first belt 125a can be moved across the surface of the second fin 123. Similarly, the second belt 125b can move through the surface of the second fin 123. As a consequence, the separation between the first and second tape 125a, 125b is variable, so that different document sizes can be adjusted. The third and fourth tape 125a, 125b can be moved in a similar manner. The assurance of the document and the capture of an image of the document is similar to that described in the fourth modality.

Sixth Mode With reference to Figure 11, in a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a portable personal computer 151, comprises a first fin 152 and a second fin 153, coupled by hinge members 155a, 155b along the first longitudinal edge. 155. This arrangement allows fins 152, 153 to close when the personal computer is not in use. The inwardly directed surface of the first fin 152 has a display screen 156, a first and a second control lever 157a, 157b operated with the thumb, a first and a second control button 158a, 158b, a - ~ .MA A- ^. ¿TA ?. camera unit 159 and first and second flash units 160a, 160b. The first fin 151 also has power supply plugs 161, the input / output ports 162, a memory module (not shown), a motherboard (not shown), a first and a second microphone 163a, 163b and a first and second loudspeaker 164a, 164b. The inwardly directed surface of the second fin 153 comprises a securing means 165 for securing a document 166, for example a trading card, to the inwardly directed surface of the second fin 153. The adjacent edges further to the left of the first and second fin 152, 153 are bridged by a first protection means 167a comprising a folding fan. Similarly, adjacent edges further to the right of the first and second fin 152, 153 are bridged by a second protection means 167b comprising a folding fan. The first and second means 167a, 167b of protection are made of plastic resin material, opaque, durable. The securing means 165 may be similar to those used in the first, third, fourth or fifth modes.

Seventh Modality With reference to Figures 12a and 12b, in a seventh embodiment of the present invention, a combined videophone 181 comprises a first fin 182 and a second fin 183 coupled by a hinge 184 of support with friction. The inwardly directed surface of the first flap 182 has a touch pad pad 185 and a fastener 186 for securing a business card 187. The inwardly directed surface of the second flap 183 has a panel display 188 and a first display unit 189. camera. The outwardly directed surface of the second fin 183 has a second chamber unit 190. The second fin 183 also has an antenna 191. The first and second camera units 189, 190 comprise a fixed convex lens placed in front of an optical sensor of a charge-coupled device.

Eighth Mode With reference to Figures 13 and 14, in an eighth embodiment of the present invention, a personal, portable computer 211 comprises a first fin 212 and a second fin 213, engaged by hinge members 214a, 214b along a first longitudinal edge 214. This arrangement allows fins 212, 213 to be folded ittJtAa & a jointly when the personal computer is not in use. The first fin contains a chamber unit 215. The personal computer is identical to that of Figure 1, except that the camera unit 215 is permanently placed within the body of the first flap 213. The camera unit comprises an optical sensor 216 of charge coupled device placed at the bottom of the camera. a tree or axis irr.1ina ±) 217. The shaft 217 is inclined at an angle of approximately 40 degrees with respect to the first fin 212. A lens 218 is placed on the shaft to push the light to the device 216 coupled to load. A removable plug 219 covers the opening of the shaft when the chamber unit 215 is not in use. In order to make the camera unit 215 more compact, the shaft or shaft 127 can be of an "L" shape with a mirror 220 located at its elbow. It will be appreciated that many modifications can be made to the embodiments described above. For example, the securing means may comprise a transparent plastic sheet placed in front of a fin such that the document can be slid between the fin and the transparent plastic sheet. Instead of using flip-down units, flash units can be set inside the fin of the computer. tJ bMíá .M.ékíi ?? á ^ Instead of the flash units, a black light from an LCD screen can be used to illuminate the document. The surface on which a document is placed can be marked with the contours of the documents in different ways (for example, business card A4 or A5) to assist in the alignment of the document. Motorized magnifying lenses may be used instead of fixed focus lenses. Instead of a mirror in the tree elbow or "L" shaped shaft a prism can be used. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the present invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A portable electronic device comprising first and second fins coupled with hinge to each other and an optical sensor mounted to the first fin, characterized in that the optical sensor is configured to sense a document that is against the second fin.
2. A portable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical sensor is configured to be directed perpendicular to the second fin and to be substantially focused on it.
3. A portable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a keyboard is carried by the second flap.
4. A portable electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that a display screen is carried by the first flap.
5. A portable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a keyboard is carried by the first flap.
6. A portable electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that a display screen is carried by the second flap.
7. A portable electronic device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a photographic flash (flash) device.
8. A portable electronic device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direction in which the optical sensor is directed can be changed relative to the first flap.
9. A portable electronic device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the document is secured to the second fin by an securing means.
10. A portable electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that the securing means comprises an operable holding means for holding the document between the second fin and the fastening means.
11. A portable electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that the fastening means comprises a belt.
12. A portable electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that it includes a reel in which the tape is wound onto the reel so that it can be removed to secure the document. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A load-coupled device camera (7) is incorporated into a fin (2) of a personal, portable computer (1). A document (16), such as a business card, is placed to the other flap (3), secured by means of fasteners (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) or transparent tapes (125a, 125b, 125c, 125d) and Photography. The distortion of the captured image is reduced due to the camera and the documents are mounted on the same substrate. Also, optimal document placement is achieved more quickly and easily using this arrangement than using a separate platform to mount the document. °? / Qo 9 Z