DE10335317A1 - Mobile telecommunication device - Google Patents

Abstract

Mobile phones should continue to be compact and easy to use even when using a large-screen and the equipment with a high-quality camera. Constructive solutions are therefore required which allow the developer of such devices to accommodate the various components in a space-saving manner within a comparatively flat housing. DOLLAR A The proposed mobile phone (1) consists of a keyboard module (2) with integrated camera (8) and a rotatably connected thereto screen module (3), wherein the predetermined by a hinge axis of rotation (7) and the optical axis of the camera (8 ) orthogonal to each other. The installation of the camera (8) transversely to the longitudinal axis of the keyboard module (2) allows the use of high-quality lens systems, in particular those with variable focal length. The free rotatability of the modules (2, 3) relative to one another allows the user to align the camera (8) in a simple manner with the object to be imaged and at the same time capture the respective image section captured by the camera optics on the large screen (4) serving as a viewfinder. of the mobile phone (1).

Description

introduction

modern mobile devices the communication and data technology (mobile phones, handhelds, PDAs, Pocket PC's, Organizer) should an aesthetic possess attractive form, if possible be small, lightweight and compact, but at the same time sufficient size and thus easy-to-use input elements as well as a large, high-resolution screen have. These partially contradictory requirements represent the Developer of mobile devices before significant design problems.

The steady reduction of the terminals has now reached a stage where, for example, the installation a larger screen the for the keyboard and the other input elements remaining housing surface in one the operability and handling impairing or at least aggravating Way reduced. This problem is exacerbated even more, if more components, especially one with a high quality and thus comparatively voluminous imaging optics equipped Digital camera (resolution> 2 megapixels, autofocus, variable magnification, Flash light) in the mobile terminal to be integrated.

Asked are thus constructive solutions, which the developers in terms of aesthetic impact and the Ease of use optimal arrangement and distribution of the various elements and components (screen, keyboard, speakers, camera module etc.) on or within a relatively shallow housing.

the buyer a mobile phone are already today a variety of devices for Selection with which he takes photos or video sequences, as an image file save and this in the form of a multimedia message to third parties can send wirelessly. The methods used in known mobile phones the merge a digital camera with a telecommunications serving mobile terminal suffice the already mentioned Requirements in terms of functionality, ease of use and aesthetics but not or only insufficient.

• – die Kamera als separates Modul zu fertigen und nur bei Bedarf mittels einer Steckverbindung am Gehäuse des Mobiltelefons lösbar und gegebenenfalls um eine Achse drehbar zu befestigen (siehe beispielsweise GB 2 379 828 ),
• – feststehende Kameras in die vordere und/oder hintere Gehäuseschale einzubauen,
• – die Kamera in eine oberhalb des Bildschirms liegenden Ausnehmung des Gehäuses formschlüssig einzupassen und dort um zumindest eine Achse drehbar zu lagern (siehe beispielsweise GB 2 373 668 ) oder
• – das Gehäuse des Mobiltelefons zweiteilig auszuführen (klappbares Mobiltelefon; „Clam-shell design") und die Digitalkamera in das die beiden Gehäuseteile verbindende Drehgelenk zu integrieren, wobei die optische Achse der Kamera entweder senkrecht zur Achse des Drehgelenks oder parallel dazu orientiert sein kann (siehe beispielsweise EP 1 267 576 und Panasonic P 2102 V).

It has been suggested, inter alia,

• - To manufacture the camera as a separate module and solvable only when needed by means of a connector on the housing of the mobile phone and optionally rotatable about an axis to secure (see, for example GB 2 379 828 )
• - install fixed cameras in the front and / or rear housing shell,
• - Fit the camera in a recess lying above the screen of the housing form fit and there to rotate about at least one axis to store (see, for example GB 2 373 668 ) or
• - Carry out the housing of the mobile phone in two parts (folding mobile phone, "clam-shell design") and the digital camera to integrate in the two housing parts pivot, wherein the optical axis of the camera can be either perpendicular to the axis of the rotary joint or parallel thereto ( see for example EP 1 267 576 and Panasonic P 2102 V).

Goal and advantages of invention

aim The invention is the creation of a mobile telecommunication device, in particular one Mobile phones whose image pickup device turns out to be simpler Align way to an object to be imaged. At the same time it should be User possible be, captured by the imaging optics image detail, regardless of each chosen Motif (self-portrait, landscape shot, etc.) with the help of as large format Viewfinder screen. This task will according to the invention by a mobile telecommunication device with the in claim 1 specified characteristics solved. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments and refinements of the invention.

The proposed modular design allows the production comparatively more compact, ergonomically advantageous and at the same time easy to use Mobile phones with integrated digital camera. Because the camera is transverse in one of the two housing parts is arranged, can also high-resolution optics, optics with variable focal length or additional Lens groups (macro function) as image-forming elements at approximately constant Thickness of the housing use. As a camera viewfinder is the already existing screen of the Mobile phones, which the captured by the camera optics image in full Size shows. For the registration the camera to an object to be imaged or the user (self-portrait) needed you just a single, mechanically simple and so also inexpensive to be made rotary joint.

drawings

Embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings. It shows gene:

1 a modular mobile phone with integrated digital camera in perspective view (rotation angle α> 0 °)

2 the mobile phone according to 1 with aligned modules (rotation angle α = 0 °)

3 the internal structure of the two modules of the mobile phone in side view;

4 the internal structure of the two modules of the mobile phone in plan view.

Description of the embodiments

That in the 1 and 2 perspective mobile phone 1 with integrated digital camera 8th consists of one below as a keyboard module 2 designated lower housing part and an upper housing part 3 ("Display Module"), which covers all the radio communication components (antenna, transmission, reception and control electronics, etc.), a large-scale (color) screen 4 , a speaker 5 as well as several operating and input elements or buttons 6 having. Because the modules 2 . 3 via a rotary joint or a rotary coupling (reference numeral 15 in the 3 and 4 ), they can be positioned angularly offset relative to each other. The rotation can take place continuously or in discrete steps both clockwise and counterclockwise, the axis of rotation 7 with the symmetry or longitudinal axis of the mobile phone 1 coincides. A preferably integrated into the rotary joint or the rotary coupling and activated, for example, by exerting a force in the direction of the axis of rotation latching or locking device allows the fixation of the two modules 2 . 3 in preferred angular positions of, for example α = ± 90 ° or α = ± 180 °.

The entrance panel of the transceiver in the keyboard module 2 built-in digital camera 8th is in the illustrated embodiment at the upper end of the narrow right side of the housing. With this camera 8th Both static images (landscape, self-portrait etc.) and video sequences can be recorded. The image section currently captured by the camera optics is conveniently controlled by the user using the large-screen viewfinder LCD screen 4 , The trigger of the camera 8th is for ergonomic reasons on the rear, not visible side surface of the display module 3 , optionally together with other controls and buttons (zoom function) arranged.

In low light conditions, the user can activate a flashlight, its exit window on the right side of the housing of the keyboard module 2 immediately below the entrance panel of the digital camera 8th was placed.

If the digital camera 8th also has the function "autofocus", the required rangefinder can also be on this side surface, for example, between the entrance aperture of the camera optics and the flash 9 Arrange.

• – Mikrocontroller zur Steuerung sowie zur Verarbeitung/Aufbereitung der von der Digitalkamera 8 erzeugten Bild- und/oder Videobilder;
• – Zweites Mikrofon für Videoaufnahmen mit Ton (das bereits vorhandene, beispielsweise ebenfalls am unteren Ende des Moduls 2 angeordnete Mikrofon des Mobiltelefons lässt sich selbstverständlich ebenfalls für diese Zwecke verwenden);
• – Hebel zum Positionieren der Makroaufnahmen ermöglichenden Linse oder Linsengruppe;
• – Speicherkarte zum Abspeichern von Fotos und/oder Videosequenzen;
• – USB- oder IR-Schnittstelle zu PC, Drucker oder anderen Geräten;
• – optischer Sucher;
• – SIM-Karte;
• – Akkumulator als Energiequelle für sämtliche oder auch nur einzelne Komponenten des Mobiltelefons.

Apart from the familiar 12-key keyboard, the module carries 2 possibly further, the operation and control of the mobile phone 1 and / or the digital camera 8th serving input and display elements. Particularly noteworthy here are switches and buttons for setting and activating the various camera functions (flash, autofocus, self-timer) and LEDs for status display (for example, autofocus on, charge status of the flash, etc.). Depending on the size and compactness of the camera optics and the desired equipment (flash, autofocus, rangefinder), that is, depending on the available volume, the following components can also be added to the keyboard module 2 integrate:

• - Microcontroller for control and processing / processing of the digital camera 8th generated image and / or video images;
• - Second microphone for video recording with sound (the already existing, for example, also at the bottom of the module 2 arranged microphone of the mobile phone can of course also be used for these purposes);
• - Lever for positioning the macro shooting enabling lens or lens group;
• Memory card for storing photos and / or video sequences;
• - USB or IR interface to PC, printer or other devices;
• - optical viewfinder;
• - SIM card;
• - Accumulator as an energy source for all or even individual components of the mobile phone.

The in a recess or rail of the right side surface of the display module 3 Guided and movable parallel to this side panel aperture 11 covered, brought to its final position, both the camera optics and the window of the flash 9 and protects them from external influences (see 2 ). At the same time the aperture works 11 in this position also as a mechanical locking device, which is the twisting of the two modules 2 . 3 prevented against each other.

The 3 and 4 show the location of the digital camera 8th , the flash of light 10 as well as the image data capture, processing and caching camera processor 12 in side view and top view. Because the camera 8th across the case of the keyboard module 2 is incorporated, even comparatively complex lens systems, in particular those with variable focal length (zoom) can be used as imaging optics. A high-resolution CCD 13 generates a digital image signal, the camera processor 12 read out and processed further. The data exchange between the in the two modules 2 . 3 existing electronic components via signal lines 14 , which via the rotary joint or via the rotary joint 15 are guided.

Claims (9)

Mobile telecommunication device ( 1 ) having the following features: it has a first and a second module ( 2 . 3 ), where the two modules ( 2 . 3 ) about a longitudinal axis of the telecommunication device ( 1 ) oriented first axis ( 7 ) are rotatably connected to each other relative to each other; the first module ( 3 ) is with a screen ( 4 ) or an optical display unit, the second module ( 2 ) with an image recording device ( 8th ), wherein an optical axis of the image recording device ( 8th ), regardless of the respective angle of rotation, in a substantially perpendicular to the first axis ( 7 ) oriented level lies. Mobile telecommunication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two modules ( 2 . 3 ) via a rotary joint ( 15 ) or a rotary joint are connected to each other Mobile telecommunication device according to claim 2, characterized characterized in that the angle of rotation in the range of α = 0 ° - 360 ° or im Range of at least α = ± 90 ° stepless or change in discrete steps leaves. Mobile telecommunications device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least partial areas of a front surface of the second module ( 2 ) with a keyboard ( 10 ) and / or input or operating elements is occupied Mobile telecommunication device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by an inlet aperture of the image recording unit arranged on a side surface of the second module ( 8th ). Mobile telecommunication device according to claim 5, characterized by a light source arranged on the side surface in the vicinity of the entrance aperture and serving for the brief illumination of an object to be imaged ( 9 ) Mobile telecommunication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a locking device ( 11 ) for fixing the relative position of the two modules ( 2 . 3 ) in a predetermined nominal position or angular position. Mobile telecommunication device according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking device ( 11 ) in which the two modules ( 2 . 3 ) fixing position, at least the image recording device ( 8th ) from the outside. Mobile telecommunications device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by a on a side surface of the first module ( 3 ) and in the direction of the second module ( 2 ) movable diaphragm ( 11 ) as a locking device.