JP2003018276A - Portable communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To mount a camera function which realizes optical zooming while photographing in parallel with confirmation of display on a display device. SOLUTION: A camera unit 5 provided with a sensor IC and a zooming mechanism is arranged so that its optical axis is directed along a first face on which the transmitter 12 of a first casing is provided. Then, incident light from the side of a prescribed third face being a side face of the first face is photographed. A second casing 2 is connected with the first casing via a connection member 3 so that a second face on which a receiver 22 is provided can be faced optionally at least in the same direction as a third face or a direction opposite to it and in the same direction as the first face.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a mobile communication terminal is equipped with a camera function, the shooting direction may be completely opposite depending on whether the user himself is assumed to be the main subject or the non-user is the main subject. Since it is necessary to perform shooting while confirming the shooting state by the display on the display, the shooting direction is set to be along the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display. And to realize that shooting direction,
The optical system is arranged such that its optical axis is along a direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display.

Some cameras have a rotatable camera unit, which is capable of photographing in either of the above two directions, and the photographing direction is along the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display. .

By the way, portable communication terminals have been reduced in size in order to improve portability, and the width of the housing, that is, the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display has become very thin. . Therefore, it is difficult to secure a sufficient optical path length for the optical path arranged along this direction, and it is extremely difficult to mount a zoom mechanism that realizes optical zoom.

Therefore, it is conceivable to adopt a zoom function by digital processing, but such a zoom function has a problem that the image quality is inferior to the case where an optical zoom mechanism is used.

[0006]

As described above, the prior art is as follows.
Since the optical system is arranged so that its optical axis is along the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the display, it is difficult to secure a sufficient optical path length and it is difficult to adopt an optical zoom mechanism. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and is equipped with a camera function capable of performing optical zoom while enabling photographing while confirming the display on the display. To provide a mobile communication terminal.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention is to provide either one of a mouthpiece for inputting a transmission voice and an earpiece for outputting a reception voice. A first housing provided on a predetermined first surface and one of the mouthpiece and the earpiece not provided on the first housing is provided on a predetermined second surface, and the second surface A second housing provided with a display so that the display surface is located at,
An image sensor that generates an image signal corresponding to an optical image formed by the imaged light, and light incident from a predetermined third surface side corresponding to the side surface with respect to the first surface is directed to an optical axis along the second surface. And a zoom mechanism that forms an image at a variable magnification on the image pickup element, and the second surface is arbitrarily oriented in at least one of the same direction and the opposite direction to the third surface and the same direction as the first surface. So that the first housing and the second housing can be connected together.

By taking such means, the first
With the optical axis arranged in the direction along the first surface, which is the main surface of the housing, a camera having an optical zoom function is mounted, and the second housing is relative to the first housing. The second surface on which the display surface of the display is located can be directed to at least one of the same direction and the opposite direction to the third surface which is the photographing direction of the camera. Therefore, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the zoom mechanism, and it is possible to mount a camera equipped with an optical zoom function, and display a photographed image on the display in the same direction or in the opposite direction. Confirmation is possible.

In order to achieve the above object, a second aspect of the present invention provides the connecting mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention so that the first casing and the second casing form a two-fold structure. And the zoom mechanism is arranged in the vicinity of the rotation axis along the optical axis of the rotation axis.

By taking such means, the first
The camera is mounted using the inside of the structure for connecting the housing and the second housing so that they can be folded in two, and a new space to be secured for mounting the camera can be minimized. .

In order to achieve the above object, the third aspect of the present invention is that a mouthpiece for inputting a voice transmission and a mouthpiece for outputting a voice reception are provided on a predetermined surface, and the predetermined surface is provided. A case in which a display is provided so that the display surface is located in the case, and an image pickup device that is provided inside the case and that generates an image signal according to an optical image formed by the imaged light;
A zoom mechanism which is provided inside the housing and forms an image of light at a variable magnification along the optical axis along the predetermined surface onto the image pickup device; And a mirror that allows light entering from one of the opposite sides of the predetermined surface to enter the zoom mechanism along the optical axis.

By taking such means, the first
A camera having an optical zoom function is mounted with the optical axis arranged in a direction along the first surface, which is the main surface of the housing, and the camera is mounted on the predetermined surface side or on the opposite side of the predetermined surface. Light incident from one side is reflected by the mirror and enters the camera. Therefore, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the zoom mechanism, and it is possible to mount a camera having an optical zoom function, and the photographing direction is set to either the predetermined surface side or the opposite side of the predetermined surface by the mirror. It is possible to confirm the photographed image by the display device that faces either the same direction or the opposite direction.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a fourth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the casing has a first casing, a second casing, and the first casing and the second casing are folded in two. It is composed of a connecting mechanism that connects so as to form a predetermined rotation axis,
In addition, the zoom mechanism is arranged near the rotation axis with the optical axis along the rotation axis.

By taking such measures, the first
The camera is mounted using the inside of the structure for connecting the housing and the second housing so that they can be folded in two, and a new space to be secured for mounting the camera can be minimized. .

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a mobile communication terminal according to the present embodiment.

As shown in this figure, the mobile communication terminal of this embodiment has a first housing 1 and a second housing 2. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected via a connecting member 3. The connecting member 3 is axially supported by the shaft member 4 with respect to the first housing 1 with the straight line A1 shown in FIG. The second housing 2 is fixed to the connecting member 3 with respect to the rotation direction around the axis A1, and is rotatable with the connecting member 3 around the axis A1. Like this first
The housing 1 and the second housing 2 include a connecting member 3 and a shaft member 4.
They are connected by a hinge-like connecting mechanism so as to form a two-fold structure.

On the other hand, the second housing 2 is supported by the connecting member 3 so as to be rotatable about a direction orthogonal to the axis A1, that is, the direction of the straight line A2. This makes the second
It is possible to rotate the housing 2 around the axis A2.

Now, the first housing 1 has one surface (hereinafter,
The main operation unit 11 and the mouthpiece 12 are provided on the first surface). Here, the main operation unit 11 includes most of the operation keys for receiving the instruction operation by the user. Further, the mouthpiece 12 inputs a voice to be transmitted.

In the second housing 2, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as LCD) 21 and an earpiece 22 are provided on a surface (hereinafter, referred to as second surface) facing the first surface in a folded state. It is provided. Here, the LCD 21 visually displays various information including an image captured by a camera unit, which will be described later, to the user. Further, the earpiece 22 outputs a received voice.

A camera unit 5 is arranged inside the shaft member 4.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the camera unit 5.

As shown in this figure, the camera unit 5 is
With the optical axis substantially aligned with the axis A1 of the shaft member 4,
A lens 51, a zoom mechanism 52, and a sensor IC 53 as an image sensor are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lens 51 is provided so as to be exposed on the side surface with respect to the first surface of the housing 1, and external light coming from this direction is taken into the camera unit 5.
The zoom mechanism 52 has a well-known configuration including a plurality of lenses and a mechanism for changing the relative positions of the lenses with respect to the sensor IC 53. Then, the zoom mechanism 52 uses the sensor IC 53 to receive the external light incident from the lens 51.
An image is formed on the light receiving surface of. The sensor IC 53 is, for example, CC
It is a well-known one using D etc., and generates an electric signal, that is, an image signal according to the formed optical image.

Thus, according to the mobile communication terminal configured as described above, the photographing using the camera unit 5 can be performed laterally with respect to the first surface which is the operation surface as the photographing direction.

Now, in the standard state as shown in FIG. 1, the LCD is set in the shooting direction of the camera unit 5.
Since 21 is turned sideways, it is difficult to perform shooting while checking the shot image on the LCD 21.

Therefore, if the user himself / herself is to be photographed, the user can rotate the second casing 2 about the axis A2 with respect to the first casing 1 to bring about the state shown in FIG. It is possible to perform shooting while checking the shot image on the LCD 21. If the subject facing the user is to be photographed, by rotating the second casing 2 about the axis A2 with respect to the first casing 1 and setting the state as shown in FIG. The user can perform shooting while checking the shot image on the LCD 21.

The camera unit 5 has a zoom mechanism 52.
It is possible to perform zoom photography by utilizing this.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the camera unit 5
Since the shaft is disposed inside the shaft member 4, it is possible to effectively use the space, and it is possible to minimize the size increase of the device by including the camera unit 5.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a mobile communication terminal according to this embodiment. Note that FIG.
The same parts as those of the above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in this figure, the mobile communication terminal of this embodiment has a first housing 1 and a second housing 2. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected by a shaft member 4 so as to form a two-fold structure.

A camera unit 6 is arranged inside the shaft member 4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the structure of the camera unit 6. The same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals,
Detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in this figure, the camera unit 6 is
In addition to the zoom mechanism 52 and the sensor IC 53 which are arranged so that their optical axes are substantially aligned with the axis A1 of the shaft member 4, a lens 61 and a mirror 62 are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lens 61 is provided so as to be exposed on the first surface side of the housing 1, and external light coming from this direction is taken into the camera unit 5. Mirror 62
Causes external light incident from the lens 61 to be reflected at an appropriate angle to be incident on the zoom mechanism 52.

Thus, according to the portable communication terminal configured as described above, the photographing using the camera unit 6 can be performed with the first surface side, which is the operation surface, as the photographing direction.

The camera unit 6 has a zoom mechanism 52.
It is possible to perform zoom photography by utilizing this.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the camera unit 6
Since it is arranged inside the shaft member 4, it is possible to effectively use the space, and it is possible to minimize the increase in size of the apparatus by providing the camera unit 6.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the camera units 5 and 6 are arranged inside the shaft member 4, but they may be arranged at other places.

The camera units 5 and 6 may be arranged in any orientation as long as the optical axis of the zoom mechanism 52 is oriented along the first surface.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the two-fold structure is formed, but the present invention can be applied to a portable communication terminal having a so-called straight type structure.

In the first embodiment, the second housing 2 can be placed in either of the two states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but only one of the two states is allowed. Is also good.

In the second embodiment, the lens 61 is provided on the first surface side and the first surface side is the photographing direction. However, the lens 61 is provided on the rear surface of the first surface and the rear surface side is the photographing direction. Is also good.

Besides, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the optical axis is arranged in the direction along the first surface, which is the main surface of the first housing,
A camera having an optical zoom function is attached, and a second surface of the second housing on which the display surface of the display is located is a third surface which is a shooting direction of the camera with respect to the first housing. Since it is possible to point to at least one of the same direction and the opposite direction, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the zoom mechanism, and it is possible to mount a camera equipped with an optical zoom function. It is possible to check the captured image with the display device that faces the same direction as the shooting direction or the opposite direction, and as a result, it is possible to shoot while checking the display on the display device while also performing optical zoom. It becomes a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera function.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the camera is mounted by utilizing the inside of the structure for connecting the first housing and the second housing so that they can be folded in two. The new space to secure will be minimized,
As a result, the size increase due to the mounting of the camera can be minimized.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the camera having the optical zoom function is mounted while the optical axis is arranged in the direction along the first surface which is the main surface of the first housing. Since the light incident from either the predetermined surface side or the opposite side of the predetermined surface is reflected by the mirror to enter the camera, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the zoom mechanism. A camera having an optical zoom function can be mounted, and a photographing direction is set to one of the predetermined surface side and the opposite side of the predetermined surface by a mirror, and the shooting direction is the same direction or the opposite direction. It is possible to check the captured image with the facing display, and as a result, it is possible to shoot while checking the display on the display while also carrying a camera function that can perform optical zoom It made.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the camera is mounted by utilizing the inside of the structure for connecting the first housing and the second housing so as to be capable of being folded in two. The new space to secure will be minimized,
As a result, the size increase due to the mounting of the camera can be minimized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a mobile communication terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a camera unit 5 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of a second housing 2 in FIG. 1 in a state of photographing a user himself.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of the second housing 2 in FIG. 1 in a state where a subject facing the user is photographed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a mobile communication terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a camera unit 6 in FIG. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st housing 2 ... 2nd housing 3 ... Connection member 4 ... Shaft members 5, 6 ... Camera unit 11 ... Main operation part 12 ... Earpiece 21 ... Liquid crystal display (LCD) 22 ... Earpiece 51 ... Lens 52 ... Zoom mechanism 53 ... Sensor IC 61 ... Lens 62 ... Mirror

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Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A first housing in which either one of a mouthpiece for inputting a transmission voice and an earpiece for outputting a reception voice is provided on a predetermined first surface, the mouthpiece, and A second casing of the earpiece that is not provided in the first casing is provided on a predetermined second surface, and a display is provided so that the display surface is located on the second surface; An image pickup element that generates an image signal according to an optical image formed by the imaged light, and light incident from a predetermined third surface side corresponding to the side surface with respect to the first surface on an optical axis along the second surface. And a zoom mechanism for forming an image on the image sensor at a variable magnification, and arbitrarily orienting the second surface in at least one of the same direction and the opposite direction as the third surface and the same direction as the first surface. To connect the first housing and the second housing so that Mobile communication terminals, characterized in that Bei was. 2. The connecting mechanism is for connecting the first casing and the second casing so as to form a predetermined rotation axis so as to form a folded structure, and the zoom mechanism. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein is arranged near the rotation axis with an optical axis along the rotation axis. 3. A mouthpiece for inputting a transmitted voice and an earpiece for outputting a received voice are provided on a predetermined surface, and a display is provided so that the display surface is located on the predetermined surface. A casing, an image pickup element that is provided inside the casing and that generates an image signal according to an optical image formed by light that is formed, and an optical axis that is provided inside the casing and that extends along the predetermined surface. And a zoom mechanism that forms an image of light at a variable magnification on the image sensor along with, and a light provided inside either of the predetermined surface side and the opposite side of the predetermined surface. A mobile communication terminal, comprising: a mirror which is incident on the zoom mechanism along the optical axis. 4. The first housing, the second housing, and the first housing and the second housing are connected to each other so as to form a predetermined rotation axis so as to form a folded structure. 4. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 3, wherein the mobile communication terminal is composed of a coupling mechanism, and the zoom mechanism is arranged near the rotation axis with an optical axis along the rotation axis.