JP2014103684A - Portable radio terminal with imaging section - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit to the side of a party a video image of the face captured by an imaging section not in "such an imaging direction so as to image a close-up of the nostrils of the face of a user" like the prior arts but in "such an imaging direction as to image the nose of the face of the user from the upside (such an imaging direction as not to image the nostrils of the user)" when using a video telephone function of a portable radio terminal by providing the imaging section in an antenna section which can be elongated protrusively from a portable radio terminal body, in an upper end of the portable radio terminal or in the vicinity.SOLUTION: A portable radio terminal body includes an antenna section which is mounted so as to be freely elongated/contracted via a support shaft, and an imaging section which is provided in a tip portion of the antenna section or in the vicinity.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable wireless terminal (such as a mobile phone, a portable information terminal (PDA), or a portable notebook personal computer) with an imaging unit (a camera for still images, a video camera for moving images, etc.).

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a mobile phone with an imaging unit has been proposed in order to provide a videophone function and the like.

  FIG. 5 shows a conventional mobile phone with a videophone function. FIG. 5A is taken from FIG. 5 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-124993. In the example of FIG. 5A, the imaging unit indicated by the symbol A is attached to the upper right side of the cellular phone main body C in the figure.

  FIGS. 5B and 5C are cited (partially changed) from FIG. 13 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-134592. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a mode in which a mobile phone is used without using the video phone function, and FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a mode in which the mobile phone is used using the video phone function. . In FIG. 5C, the cord of the earphone is pulled from the mobile phone main body C, and the earphone is inserted into the user's ear so that the mobile phone main body C is separated from the user's face. The user's face is imaged using the imaging unit indicated by A.

  FIG. 5D is cited from FIG. 1 of JP-A-10-75287. In the example of FIG. 5D, an imaging unit (cylindrical camera) denoted by reference numeral 101 is provided at the upper end of the mobile phone body. The imaging unit 101 is “provided so that it can be moved in and out” with respect to the mobile phone body, and is housed in the mobile phone body as shown in the right side of the figure when not in use. It protrudes from the telephone body (in FIG. 5D, for example, it protrudes by about 0.5 to 1 cm). In this publication, the reason for making “in / out freely” as described above is that “when the imaging unit is not used, the imaging unit (including the lens) can be protected, and the image is captured while the image is unknown to the user. It is possible to prevent giving the user anxiety that the message has been transmitted ".

JP-A-8-65647

  (1) In the conventional mobile phone with an image pickup unit, the vertical dimension of the mobile phone body has been shortened from several centimeters to several tens of centimeters, especially with the recent miniaturization of mobile phones. The mobile phone body is provided with a microphone at the lower end or in the middle thereof. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the mobile phone is used (including the case where the videophone function is used) using the microphone D, the microphone (FIGS. 5A and 5B) is used. ) Must be placed at a position facing the user's mouth. Then, when trying to use a videophone function using a conventional mobile phone with an imaging unit, it is necessary to place the part of the microphone D arranged in the lower part of the mobile phone in a position facing the user's mouth Therefore, the imaging unit (camera) A arranged at or near the upper end of the mobile phone body inevitably captures the user's face from below to above. That is, as long as the conventional configuration of “imaging unit A above mobile phone main body C (the total length of main body C is about 10 cm at most) and microphone D below” is used, the videophone function is used. As shown in FIG. 2A, the imaging direction of the inside imaging unit A must be the one that images the user's face from below.

(2) Also, the above is taken by the imaging unit and transmitted to the other party when the user uses his / her videophone function with his / her mouth facing the microphone provided at the center or lower part of the portable wireless terminal. The problem is that the user ’s face image would be “an image of the user ’s nose being enlarged (in many cases, the image of the user ’s nostril being magnified from below)” The same problem may occur when the user uses the videophone function while viewing the display (display panel, display unit) provided at the center or upper part of the portable wireless terminal with his / her own eyes.
That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, by using the earphone cord, when using the mobile phone main body C and the user's face apart, or using the microphone cord (for example, the earphone・ When the microphone is attached to the cord) and the user's mouth and the microphone of the mobile phone body are separated (away from each other), the display provided in the mobile phone body (usually as shown in FIG. 5C) If the user uses the videophone function while viewing with his / her eyes), the user usually does not display the display panel The display panel (display unit) is positioned slightly below the user's eye so that it can be easily seen by the user's own eyes (and the distance between the “display unit” and the “imaging unit” on the conventional mobile terminal is For example, 1 The imaging direction of the imaging unit provided in the upper part of the mobile phone body is still the direction centered around the user's nose (in many cases, the nostril of the user is below it) (Refer to the positional relationship between the display of FIG. 5C and the nose of the user's face).
That is, when a user intends to use a videophone function while viewing a display using a conventional mobile phone with an image pickup unit, the display portion disposed above or in the center of the mobile phone is placed on the user's screen. Since it is necessary to arrange at a position facing the eye, the imaging unit (camera) A arranged at the upper end portion of the mobile phone main body or in the vicinity thereof inevitably moves the user's face upward from below. I'll start imaging. That is, as long as the configuration of the conventional "image pickup unit A above the mobile phone main body C (the total length of the main body C is about 10 cm at most) and a display at the lower center thereof" is employed. As shown in FIG. 2A, the imaging direction of the imaging unit A that is using the camera must be one that images the user's face from below.

  (3) As shown in FIG. 2A, when the imaging unit A captures the user's face from below while using the videophone function of the cellular phone, the user's image captured by the imaging unit A is displayed. The image of the face will be "the user's nose (nose hole) is projected greatly from below". That is, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), when using a conventional mobile phone with an imaging unit, the focus of the imaging unit A is just around the nostril of the user's face. The hole will become a close-up. That is, when the videophone function is used with a conventional mobile phone, as shown in FIG. 2A, the imaging direction of the imaging unit A is “imaging direction in which the nostril of the user's face is enlarged from below”. (See arrow α in FIG. 2B). The main users of current mobile phones are young women in their 10s or 20s, but in light of the aesthetics of such young women, they are sent to the other party, especially when using videophone functions with lovers. The image of your face is “Your nose is a large image at the center of the screen (in many cases, the image of your nose hole is greatly projected from below)” , "It is hard to endure from my aesthetic sense."

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image pick-up by the image pick-up unit when a user uses the videophone function with his / her mouth facing a “microphone” provided at the center or lower part of the portable wireless terminal. The image of the user's face sent to the other party is “an image in which the user's nose is enlarged (in many cases, an image in which the user's nostril is enlarged from below)” (conventional image) In the portable terminal, since the distance between the “microphone” and the “imaging unit” is as short as about 10 to 13 cm, such a situation can be prevented). An object is to provide a wireless terminal.

  The present invention also provides an image pick-up by the image pick-up unit when the user uses the videophone function while looking at the “display part” provided in the center or upper part of the portable wireless terminal with his “eye”. The image of the user's face that is sent to the other party is “an image in which the user's nose is greatly projected in the center of the screen (in many cases, an image in which the user's nostril is enlarged from below)” (In a conventional portable terminal, this occurred because the distance between the “display unit” and the “imaging unit” is as short as about 1 to 3 cm). An object of the present invention is to provide a portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit.

(Explanation of terms of the present invention)

In the present invention, (a) “the entire imaging unit including the optical system and the signal processing part” may be provided in the support unit or the antenna unit, or (b) “only the optical system” may be provided in the support unit or the antenna unit. In preparation for the antenna unit, the “parts other than the optical system, for example, the signal processing unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit)” are built in the main body of the portable wireless terminal instead of the support unit or the antenna unit. May be.
In the present invention, the “imaging optical system or imaging unit including the optical system” is preferably provided at the tip of the “support unit” (the part farthest from the main body of the portable wireless terminal). .
In the present invention, the “supporting portion” is “extendable / contractible in the vertical direction as viewed from the user relative to the body of the portable wireless terminal (movable in the vertical direction relative to the portable wireless terminal body)”. It is desirable.
In the present invention, the “support portion” is “at least a part of the portable wireless terminal main body can appear and disappear” = “at least a part of the portable wireless terminal main body can be stored in the main body of the portable wireless terminal. It is desirable that the portion housed in the main body can protrude upward from the main body ".
In the present invention, the “support portion” may include an “antenna portion”.
In the present invention, the “support unit” or “support unit including the antenna unit” is extendable in the vertical direction when viewed from the user with respect to the main body at the upper part of the portable wireless terminal main body (and a part thereof is the main body). And at least about 2.5 cm or more with respect to the portable wireless terminal body (terminal housing for housing semiconductor chips and electronic circuits). (Alternatively, about 3 cm or more, about 4 cm or more, about 5 cm or more, about 6 cm or more, about 7 cm or more, about 8 cm or more, about 9 cm or more, or about 10 cm or more) It is desirable that it is attached “protrusively”.
In the present invention, the “support portion” or the “support portion including the antenna portion” is at least about 2. with respect to the portable wireless terminal main body (the housing of the terminal for housing a semiconductor chip or an electronic circuit). 5cm or more (or about 3cm or more, about 4cm or more, about 5cm or more, about 6cm or more, about 7cm or more, about 8cm or more, about 9cm or more, or about 10cm or more) is "movable up and down as seen from the user" It is desirable to be attached to.
The “antenna unit” is for transmitting and receiving voice and other data to and from the outside. In the conventional example, the antenna portion is substantially rod-shaped and supported by an elongated support portion (see reference numeral 113 in FIG. 5D) (the antenna portion is substantially rod-shaped and inserted into the elongated support portion). . In addition, when the antenna is used, part or all of the support part can protrude from the main body, and when the antenna is not used, part or all of the support part is inside the main body. It can be accommodated.
In the present invention, a “portable wireless terminal” (synonymous with “wireless portable terminal”) is a mobile phone (of a type in which a numeric keypad, a microphone, a display, etc. are provided in one casing, and two casings. Are connected in a foldable manner, one housing is provided with a numeric keypad and a microphone, and the other housing is provided with a display and a speaker (for example, as shown in FIG. 5D of the present application). Etc.), portable information terminals (PDA (including PDA type mobile phones, ie, PDAs with built-in mobile phone functions)), portable personal computers (notebook personal computers with wireless communication functions) ), Etc.
Further, in the present invention, the “portable wireless terminal” is a type in which when a user outputs sound information, not only the sound is output from a speaker but also from an earphone attached to his / her ear via an earphone cord. Is also included. “Earphone” is one form of “speaker”, and the technical term “speaker” generally includes “earphone”. Also in this specification, the term “speaker” includes “earphones”.
(Content of the present invention)

  1st this invention is as the invention described in the claim of this application.

Second In the present specification, the following invention is also disclosed.
1. A portable wireless terminal having an imaging unit such as a camera or a video camera, the portable wireless terminal being provided so as to be able to protrude upward by a distance of at least about 2.5 cm from the main body of the portable wireless terminal and at least with respect to the main body A support unit provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction by a distance of about 2.5 cm or more, and an “imaging optical system unit including an imaging lens” provided at or near the upper end of the support unit; And a portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit.
2. A portable wireless terminal including an imaging unit such as a camera or a video camera, which is provided at an upper part of a main body of the portable wireless terminal, and is an “antenna unit for transmitting and receiving voice and other data to and from the outside” The upper end of which is protruded upward from the main body by a distance of at least about 2.5 cm or more and is vertically extended by a distance of at least about 2.5 cm or more from the main body. An imaging unit comprising: a support unit provided movably; and an “imaging optical system unit including an imaging lens” provided at or near the upper end of the support unit. Portable wireless terminal with.
3. 3. The portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit according to 1 or 2, wherein a microphone is provided in a central portion or a lower portion of the main body of the portable wireless terminal.
4). 3. The portable radio terminal with an imaging unit according to 1 or 2, wherein the main body of the portable radio terminal is provided with a display unit at a central part or an upper part thereof.
5. Any one of 1 to 4 above, wherein the support portion is formed in a substantially rod shape.
6). In any one of 1 to 5 above, when imaging by the imaging unit is performed, the upper end portion of the support portion is automatically moved so that the upper end portion of the support portion automatically protrudes away from the main body. A portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit, comprising an automatic moving unit for moving upward.
7). The imaging unit according to any one of 2 to 6 above, wherein the support unit including the antenna unit is provided at “a substantially central position in the left-right direction above the portable wireless terminal main body”. Portable wireless terminal with.

  The third aspect of the invention disclosed in this specification is that “the optical system part of the imaging unit is provided at the upper end of the antenna configured to be freely projectable from the main body, and when the imaging by the imaging unit is performed, The mobile radio with an imaging unit is provided with an automatic moving unit for automatically moving the upper end of the antenna upward so that the tip of the antenna unit protrudes in a direction away from the main body. Also includes “terminal”. That is, the present application is an independent invention that does not depend on the invention of each claim of the application at the time of filing of the present application. And an automatic moving unit for automatically moving the upper end of the antenna upward so that the tip of the antenna unit protrudes in a direction away from the main body automatically when imaging by the imaging unit is performed. In addition, a portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit, which is characterized by the above-described features.

(1) As described above, according to the present invention, the “support portion or the support portion including the antenna portion” can be extended from the portable wireless terminal main body at or near the upper end portion of the portable wireless terminal. ”Is equipped with an“ imaging unit (or an optical system part as a part of the imaging unit) ”, so that when a user uses a videophone function of a portable wireless terminal, Rather than from the imaging direction that projects the nostrils of the user's face in a prominent manner, the imaging direction is such that the nose of the user's face is projected from above (imaging that the user's nostrils are hardly imaged. Direction) ”can be transmitted to the other party.
That is, in the present invention, in a state where the “support portion or the support portion including the antenna portion” is protruded upward from the main body, the imaging unit (the support portion including the support portion or the antenna portion) ( Or, the distance between the optical system unit as a part of the imaging unit) and the microphone provided at the center or lower part of the portable wireless terminal main body is sufficiently longer than in the past ”(FIG. 1 ( b) (refer to the distance between the microphone 3 and the antenna upper end portion 9), so that even when the user uses the videophone function while talking to the microphone (with his mouth facing the microphone) The imaging direction of the imaging unit is not "direction in which the nostril of the user's face is projected so as to be noticeable (in many cases, the direction in which the nostril of the user becomes a large image from below)"User's face nose on it It is possible to direction "to copy from.
In the present invention, in the state where “the support portion or the support portion including the antenna portion” protrudes upward from the main body of the portable wireless terminal, the “support portion or the support portion including the antenna portion” is provided. The distance between the obtained imaging unit (or the optical system unit as a part of the imaging unit) and the display screen provided in the central part or the upper part of the portable wireless terminal main body is sufficiently longer than the conventional one. ”(Refer to the distance between the display screen 10 and the antenna upper end 9 in FIG. 1B), so that the user looks down on the display screen with his / her eyes (facing his / her eyes above the display screen) Even when using the videophone function, the imaging direction of the imaging unit is set to “the direction in which the nostril of the user's face is projected so that it is conspicuous (in many cases, the nostril of the user is below it) Direction to become a close-up shot) ” No, it is possible to "direction Projecting nose user's face from above."

  (2) Further, according to the present invention, not only when the videophone function is used using the portable wireless terminal, for example, the user is provided with an image including his / her face in the portable wireless terminal. Even when taking an image using the imaging unit and sending it to an acquaintance by e-mail or trying to print on the back side of a New Year's card, the user can say, `` An image where his nostril is greatly projected from below '' Can be prevented from being photographed and sent to the other party by e-mail or printed on the back of the New Year's card.

  (3) Further, according to the present invention, the imaging unit (or the support unit or the antenna unit) that can be extended from the portable wireless terminal main body at or near the upper end of the portable wireless terminal. As a part of it, the optical system part) is provided, so even in places where humans can not easily enter, such as “under the floor of a house” or “inside the mechanism of an automobile, other machines” The "support part or antenna part (antenna support shaft)" is extended from the portable wireless terminal main body, and is provided in the "support part or antenna part (antenna upper end part ahead of the antenna support axis)" By inserting the image pickup unit into the “place where it cannot be easily entered” and taking an image of the place, it is possible to easily find the state inside the place.

  (4) In the present invention, when imaging is performed by the optical system unit of the imaging unit provided in the “support unit or antenna unit”, the “support unit or antenna unit” is the main body (housing). The "automatic moving part" for automatically extending the "supporting part or antenna part" upward (in the user's overhead direction) so as to protrude in a direction away from the When using the videophone function, it is possible to save the trouble of having to pull up the “supporting portion or antenna portion” upward with one's hand.

  (5) In the present invention, the “antenna unit (supporting unit including the antenna unit)” provided with the imaging unit (or the optical system unit as a part thereof) is the “right and left of the portable wireless terminal body”. When it is arranged at “substantially in the middle of the direction”, the imaging unit is arranged at a position substantially opposite to the “center in the left and right direction of the user's face” using the terminal body. The imaging unit naturally captures the user's face from the front direction without the user having to bother to point his / her face in the direction of the imaging unit.

The perspective view which shows Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the effect | action of this Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure for demonstrating this Embodiment 2. FIG. The figure for demonstrating this Embodiment 3. FIG. The figure which shows the conventional mobile telephone with a videophone function.

  The embodiment of the present invention is as shown in the following Example 1, for example.

  FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a mobile phone with an imaging unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a mobile phone main body (a housing for housing a semiconductor chip and an electronic circuit), 1a denotes an upper surface of the mobile phone main body (housing) 1 (a surface facing the user side when in use), 2 For example, a speaker for outputting the voice from the other party of the call, 3 is a voice from the user (voice for the call, or voice for inputting data such as operation information / control information (text data by the voice recognition device) Including a voice data that can be converted), 4 is a key for inputting a telephone number and the like, 5 is a call button used to call a call partner, and 6 is a call disconnect. This is the disconnect button used.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 denotes a data communication service using a network such as NTT Docomo's i-mode (registered trademark) (Internet homepage browsing, e-mail, chat, instant message, Internet electronic mall and PC banking) A menu button for displaying a top menu of the communication service on the display panel 10 when using the service), and 8 is an individual service selected by the user from the top menu of the communication service. This is a clear button for returning to the original top menu screen when the menu data is being displayed on the screen of the display panel 10. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 20 denotes a pointer or cursor (not shown) displayed in the shape of an arrow on the screen 10 displayed on the liquid crystal display panel, and at the position of the moved pointer. Pointing device (also called Accu Pointer, Tracking Pointer, etc.) for indicating / selecting / deciding a certain icon (pictogram) or character. In addition to this Accu Pointer, a pointing device such as a trackball or slice pad is used. Is good).

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a display screen displayed by the liquid crystal display panel. Reference numeral 10a denotes a window (child window) -shaped child screen formed in the display screen 10 (a child screen in a picture-in-picture screen). is there.

  In the present embodiment, the sub-screen 10a displays on the sub-screen 10a, “When using the videophone function, the face image of the user (user himself) captured by the imaging unit 11 and transmitted to the other party of the call. "Is displayed. As a result, the user who uses this mobile phone always confirms the “contents of his / her face image transmitted to the other party” in real time by looking at the “my face image” displayed on the child screen 10a. It is possible to talk (call) while checking (checking whether the face image transmitted to the other party is a “funny image”).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the microphone 3 (in the example of FIG. 1, the microphone 3 is the mobile phone) in order from the lower side as viewed from the user on the surface 1 a facing the user of the mobile phone body (housing) 1. The display panel 10, the speaker 2, and the antenna upper end portion 9 are provided. The display panel 10, the speaker 2, and the antenna upper end portion 9 are provided.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 9 denotes an antenna upper end for exchanging radio waves with an external radio base station. The external shape of the antenna upper end 9 is a cylinder having a circular or elliptical cross section. The antenna upper end portion 9 is formed so as to be movable in the illustrated vertical direction with respect to the main body 1 (can protrude in the overhead direction of the user with respect to the main body 1).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), the antenna upper end portion 9 is connected to a mobile phone by a "support shaft 9a that is freely retractable (can be retracted and retracted) with respect to the main body 1". It is attached to the main body 1 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (can protrude in the overhead direction of the user) (in this specification, as a matter of terminology, the support shaft 9a is also referred to as “part of the antenna. That is, in this embodiment, an “antenna” is constituted by two elements of “antenna upper end portion 9” and “support shaft 9a.” In this embodiment, “antenna upper end portion”. The “portion” is referred to as “antenna upper end portion 9” and the “lower portion of the antenna” is referred to as “support shaft 9a”).

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the antenna upper end portion 9 is provided with an imaging unit 11 for imaging a user's face and the like. In the first embodiment, the antenna upper end portion 9 may be provided with “an optical system portion including a lens or the like as a part of the imaging portion”. That is, the portion provided on the upper end portion 9 of the antenna is not “the entire imaging unit 11”, but “only a component (optical system unit) such as a lens that is a part of the imaging unit”. Components other than the optical system, that is, other components (signal processing unit) such as a CPU (central processing unit) may be provided in the mobile phone body (housing) 1.

  In the present embodiment, antenna parts (antenna code, etc.) and wiring parts for exchanging data signals (radio waves) such as voice with the other party of the call are also inserted into the support shaft 9a. Yes. In addition, a transmission code for transmitting an image data signal captured by the lens of the imaging unit 11 to the main body 1 side is also inserted in the support shaft 9a (imaged by the imaging unit 11 of the antenna upper end 9). The user's face image data is transmitted to the main body 1 and processed by an electronic circuit in the main body 1 to be transmitted to the other party or displayed on the sub-screen 10a of the display panel of the main body 1). In the first embodiment, the image picked up by the image pickup unit 11 is not a wired cord in the support shaft 9a, but wireless such as an electric wave or an infrared signal, and is displayed on the mobile phone body 1 side. You may make it transmit.

  In the first embodiment, when the user does not use the videophone function, the user should use the support shaft 9a of the antenna upper end portion 9 as shown in FIG. 1 (a) without extending the support shaft 9a. (When using in an area where radio waves are difficult to reach, it is preferable to extend the antenna upper end portion 9 even when the videophone function is not used because radio wave reception sensitivity increases.) When the user uses the videophone function, the support shaft 9a of the antenna upper end portion 9 is extended (for example, the user picks up the antenna upper end portion 9 in FIG. By pulling upward, the support shaft 9a is extended, and the antenna upper end 9 protrudes upward (in the user's overhead direction) to the state shown in FIG. 1B. In this embodiment, the distance a (see a in FIG. 1B) at which the antenna upper end 9 protrudes (is extended) with respect to the mobile phone body (housing) 1 is about 2.5 cm to about 2.5 cm. Within a range of up to 20 cm, more desirably from about 5 cm (or about 7 cm) to about 15 cm.

  In the case of FIG. 1 (b), as shown in FIG. 2 (b), even if the mobile phone body 1 is arranged so that the microphone 3 is located at the position facing the user's mouth, the imaging unit 11 (or The “optical system part that is a part of the imaging unit 11”) is provided on the antenna upper end 9 that protrudes upward from the mobile phone body 1, and the imaging unit 11 captures the face of the user. When shooting from the top of the user's nose, not from the top of the user's nose, not from the bottom of the user's nose. (Or the imaging direction in which the user's nostrils are not imaged) "(see arrow β in FIG. 2B).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when using the videophone function of a mobile phone, from the “imaging direction from below the nose, which makes a close-up of the nostril of the user's face” as in the past. Rather, it is possible to transmit the face image captured from “the imaging direction from above the nose of the user's face (the imaging direction from which the user's nostril is not captured)” to the other party. It becomes like this.

  FIG. 3A shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B shows a comparative example (conventional example). In FIG. 3A, 31 is a PDA main body (portable information terminal main body) incorporating a mobile phone function, 32 is a keyboard section, 33 is a display section (display), and 33a is a display screen. The display unit 33 is connected to the keyboard unit 32 via the connection unit 30 so as to be foldable and foldable.

  Further, in FIG. 3A, an antenna upper end 34 is protruded and accommodated with respect to the casing of the display 33 (movable in the vertical direction in the figure) at the right end of the display 33 at the right side of the figure. The support shaft 34a "configured freely is movable up and down with respect to the display unit 33 (the housing of the display unit 33) of the PDA main body 31 (can protrude upward from the main body 31 (above the user's head)). ).

  The upper end 34 of the antenna has a structure in which the support shaft 34a is inserted into the display unit 33 of the main body 31 so as to be “insertable / removable” (can be stored and protruded = movable in the vertical direction in the figure). The main body 31 is “protrudable upward”. Further, in this embodiment, an imaging unit 35 such as a small CCD camera (or an optical system part such as a lens of a CCD camera) is provided on the side of the antenna upper end portion 34 facing the user.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the upper end portion of the antenna in which the imaging unit 35 (or the optical system unit 35 that is at least a part of the imaging unit) is extended so as to protrude upward with respect to the main body 31. 34, the image capturing direction when the image capturing unit 35 (the optical system unit 35 of the image capturing unit) captures an image of the user is “user's nose” as indicated by the broken line arrow β in FIG. Is an imaging direction in which the image is taken from above. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the image of the user's face captured by the imaging unit 35 is prevented from becoming an “image in which the user's nostril is a close-up” (in the case of FIG. 3B). Can do.

  On the other hand, FIG. 3B is a comparative example (conventional example) of the second embodiment. In FIG. 3B, the same reference numerals are given to the portions common to FIG. In FIG. 3B, the imaging unit 35 a is not “the antenna upper end 34 b that is supported by the support shaft 34 c so as to be stretchable with respect to the main body 31”, but above the housing of the display unit 33 (the display screen 33 a In the vicinity of the upper side). When using the apparatus shown in FIG. 3B, a user using a PDA or a notebook computer generally uses the display screen 33a while looking into the display screen 33a from above, so that the position of the user's nose during use is " In general, the position is a position considerably above the display screen 33a. Therefore, when the user's face is imaged by the imaging unit 35a arranged on the upper side of the display screen 33a, the imaging direction is “the user's nose is shown” as indicated by the broken arrow α in FIG. The imaging direction is such that the image is projected from below. Therefore, in this comparative example, the image of the user's face imaged by the imaging unit 35a becomes “an image that is projected so that the user's nostril is conspicuous”.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given to the portions common to FIG. In the third embodiment, the support shaft that supports the antenna upper end portion 34 provided with the imaging unit 35 (or the optical system unit 35 as a part of the imaging unit) so as to be extendable and retractable (protrusable) with respect to the main body 31. 34a is disposed at a substantially central position in the left-right direction (horizontal direction as viewed from the user) of the upper portion of the display unit 33 of the main body 31. That is, in Example 3, the distance m between the illustrated left end 33b of the display unit 33 and the support shaft 34a, and the distance n between the illustrated right end 33c of the display unit 33 and the support shaft 34a. And the support shaft 34a and the antenna upper end 34 are arranged so that they are substantially equal.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the antenna upper end 34 provided with the imaging unit 35 is disposed at “approximately the center position of the PDA main body 31 (display unit 33) in the horizontal direction in the drawing”. The imaging unit 35 is arranged at a position substantially opposite to the “center in the left-right direction of the user's face” using the PDA main body 31. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, the imaging unit 35 allows the user's face to be naturally viewed from the front direction without the user having to “specify his / her own face in the direction of the imaging unit 35”. An image is taken. (On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, the antenna unit 34 provided with the imaging unit 35 is positioned at the “right side position of the PDA main body 31 (display unit 33) in the right and left direction in the drawing”). In the case of being arranged, the imaging unit 35 is positioned in the “right direction of the user's face” using the PDA main body 31, so that the user bothers to point his / her face toward the imaging unit 35. If the user does not perform such actions, the imaging unit 35 cannot capture the user's face from the front direction).

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the support shaft 34a shown in FIG. 4 is automatically extended (from the casing of the display unit 33) by an “automatic extension unit” (not shown) provided in the casing of the display unit 33. Projecting upward). That is, in the fourth embodiment, an image is picked up by the optical system unit 35 of the image pickup unit provided in the antenna upper end part 34 configured to protrude upward from the housing of the display unit 33 (from the main body 31 of the wireless portable terminal). When performed (when the user operates to perform imaging or preparation for the imaging unit 35), the antenna upper end 34 protrudes in a direction away from the housing of the display unit 33 (upward in the figure) An “automatic moving unit” for automatically moving the antenna upper end 34 upward is provided. Thereby, when using the videophone function, the user can save the trouble of having to pull up the antenna upper end 34 (and the support shaft 34a) of FIG. 4 with his / her hand.

  This “automatic movement unit” (not shown) is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and a motor, and when a user performs an operation of desired imaging of his / her face by the imaging unit 35, a signal indicating that is provided. On the basis, the microcomputer can be realized by driving a motor for moving the support shaft 34a upward by a predetermined distance.

  Further, the “automatic movement unit” of the fourth embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment and the like. That is, the “automatic movement unit” automatically moves the support shaft 9 a provided so as to be freely projectable from the main body 1 of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 upward from the main body 1 when the imaging unit 11 performs imaging. In order to make it protrude, you may make it incorporate in the main body (housing | casing) 1 of FIG.

  In each of the first to fourth embodiments, the “imaging unit (or an optical system unit including a lens that is a part of the imaging unit)” is moved up and down as viewed from the user. "Supporting shafts 9a and 34a and antenna upper end portions 9 and 34 constituting the antenna" are shown as "supporting portions" for projecting upward by a predetermined distance from the upper end of the wireless terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a "supporting part that is separate from the antenna (not related to the antenna)" may be used. It may be the same as the support shaft 9 or the support shaft 34a of FIG. Further, in the present invention, when imaging is performed by the optical system unit of the imaging unit provided in the “support unit”, the “support unit” protrudes in a direction away from the main body (housing) (above the user's head). As described above, it is also possible to provide an “automatic moving part” for automatically extending the “supporting part”.

  In the first embodiment, the antenna upper end portion 9 (including the imaging unit 11 or “an optical system part as a part of the imaging unit”) is configured to always protrude from the main body 1. In the present invention, when the imaging unit 11 is not used, the antenna upper end 9 (including the imaging unit 11 or “an optical system part as a part of the imaging unit”) itself is accommodated in the main body 1 (main body 1, the antenna upper end portion 9 itself including the imaging unit or the optical system unit may be buried and accommodated).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, C Cell-phone main body 2 Speaker 3, D Microphone 9, 34 Antenna upper end part 9a, 34a Support shaft 10 Display screen (display panel)
10a Child screen 11, 35, 35a, A Image pickup unit 30 Connection unit 31 Main body 32 Keyboard unit 33 Display unit 33a Display screen 34, 34b Antenna upper end 34a, 34c Support shaft

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the video call function of the mobile terminal is used, the user is able to receive “the face image in which the nostril of the user's face is clearly visible” during the video call as in the past. A mobile phone with a video call function with an imaging unit that can easily prevent transmission and can send "a face image in which the user's nostrils are almost invisible or inconspicuous" to the other party. The purpose is to provide.

In the present invention, (a) “the entire imaging unit including the optical system and the signal processing part” may be provided in the support unit or the antenna unit, or (b) “only the optical system” may be provided in the support unit or the antenna unit. In preparation for the antenna unit, the “parts other than the optical system, for example, the signal processing unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit)” are built in the main body of the portable wireless terminal instead of the support unit or the antenna unit. May be.
In the present invention, the “imaging optical system or imaging unit including the optical system” is preferably provided at the tip of the “support unit” (the part farthest from the main body of the portable wireless terminal). .
In the present invention, the “supporting portion” is “extendable / contractible in the vertical direction as viewed from the user relative to the body of the portable wireless terminal (movable in the vertical direction relative to the portable wireless terminal body)”. It is desirable.
In the present invention, the “support portion” is “at least a part of the portable wireless terminal main body can appear and disappear” = “at least a part of the portable wireless terminal main body can be stored in the main body of the portable wireless terminal. It is desirable that the portion housed in the main body can protrude upward from the main body ".
In the present invention, the “support portion” may include an “antenna portion”.
In the present invention, the “support unit” or “support unit including the antenna unit” is extendable in the vertical direction when viewed from the user with respect to the main body at the upper part of the portable wireless terminal main body (and a part thereof is the main body). And at least about 2.5 cm or more with respect to the portable wireless terminal body (terminal housing for housing semiconductor chips and electronic circuits). (Alternatively, about 3 cm or more, about 4 cm or more, about 5 cm or more, about 6 cm or more, about 7 cm or more, about 8 cm or more, about 9 cm or more, or about 10 cm or more) It is desirable that it is attached “protrusively”.
In the present invention, the “support portion” or the “support portion including the antenna portion” is at least about 2. with respect to the portable wireless terminal main body (the housing of the terminal for housing a semiconductor chip or an electronic circuit) . 5cm or more (or about 3cm or more, about 4cm or more, about 5cm or more, about 6cm or more, about 7cm or more, about 8cm or more, about 9cm or more, or about 10cm or more) is "movable up and down as seen from the user" It is desirable to be attached to.
The “antenna unit” is for transmitting and receiving voice and other data to and from the outside. In the conventional example, the antenna portion is substantially rod-shaped and supported by an elongated support portion (see reference numeral 113 in FIG. 5D) (the antenna portion is substantially rod-shaped and inserted into the elongated support portion). . In addition, when the antenna is used, part or all of the support part can protrude from the main body, and when the antenna is not used, part or all of the support part is inside the main body. It can be accommodated.
In the present invention, a “portable wireless terminal” (synonymous with “wireless portable terminal”) is a mobile phone (of a type in which a numeric keypad, a microphone, a display, etc. are provided in one casing, and two casings. Are connected in a foldable manner, one housing is provided with a numeric keypad and a microphone, and the other housing is provided with a display and a speaker (for example, as shown in FIG. 5D of the present application). Etc.), portable information terminals (PDA (including PDA type mobile phones, ie, PDAs with built-in mobile phone functions)), portable personal computers (notebook personal computers with wireless communication functions) ), Etc.
Further, in the present invention, the “portable wireless terminal” is a type in which when a user outputs sound information, not only the sound is output from a speaker but also from an earphone attached to his / her ear via an earphone cord. Is also included. “Earphone” is one form of “speaker”, and the technical term “speaker” generally includes “earphone”. Also in this specification, the term “speaker” includes “earphones”.
(Content of the present invention)

The first aspect of the present invention is as described in the claims of the present application.
1. “An imaging unit that acquires an image or an optical system unit for imaging including an imaging lens that is a part of the imaging unit” (hereinafter referred to as “imaging unit”), and the imaging unit provided in the portable terminal The imaging unit capable of imaging a user is defined as “a first position on the upper end side of the casing of the mobile terminal” and “a user about 2.5 to 20 cm from the first position” And a support part that supports the image pickup part so as to be movable between the first position and the second position. In order to prevent the face image in which the user's nostril is conspicuous during a video call from being transmitted to the other party, the support unit is configured to move the imaging unit from the first position to “ The imaging unit is a user's face, and the imaging unit is the first. Compared with the user's face image that is imaged when in a position, the user's nostril can be moved to a “second position where the image is captured at a less conspicuous angle”. By moving the image pickup unit from the first position to the second position, a “face image of the user whose face of the nose is visible conspicuously” is transmitted to the other party of the video call during the video call. A mobile terminal with a video calling function, characterized in that the mobile phone can be prevented .
2. “An imaging unit that acquires an image or an optical system unit for imaging including an imaging lens that is a part of the imaging unit” (hereinafter referred to as “imaging unit”), and the imaging unit provided in the portable terminal The imaging unit capable of imaging a user is defined as “a first position on the upper end side of the casing of the mobile terminal” and “a user about 2.5 to 20 cm from the first position” A second position away from the top as viewed from the imaging unit, wherein the imaging unit compares the user's face with a user's face image that is captured when the imaging unit is disposed at the first position, A support portion that supports the image pickup unit in a movable manner between the first position and the second position, and supports the image pickup unit at a second position where the user's nostril is picked up from an angle where the user's nostril is more inconspicuous. It comprises a, the imaging unit by the configuration of the supporting part By moving from the first position to the second position, during the video call, a "face image of the user's face that makes his nostrils appear conspicuously" is transmitted to the other party of the video call. A portable terminal with a video calling function, characterized in that it can be prevented .
3. A first housing that houses or holds at least the “operation unit and / or display unit” of the portable terminal, and at least “an imaging unit that acquires an image, or an imaging lens that is a part of the imaging unit” A second casing that houses or holds an “optical system section” (hereinafter referred to as an “imaging section”), and a support section that is provided in the first casing, and the second casing includes the first casing The first housing on the upper end side of the casing and the second position separated from the first position by about 2.5 to 20 cm upward from the user, and the second casing. A support unit that supports the body so that the body is movable between the first position and the second position. The support unit is configured such that a user's nostril is conspicuous during a video call. In order to prevent the face image that is visible from being transmitted to the other party " From the first position, “the imaging unit compares the face of the user with the face image of the user that images the user's face when the second housing is in the first position. Can be moved to a “second position at which an image is captured at a more inconspicuous angle”, and the second housing is moved from the first position to the second position by the configuration of the support unit, thereby A mobile phone with a video call function, which can prevent the “face image of the user's nose from being visible clearly” during a call from being sent to the other party of the video call. Terminal.
4). A first housing that houses or holds at least the “operation unit and / or display unit” of the portable terminal, and at least “an imaging unit that acquires an image, or an imaging lens that is a part of the imaging unit” A second casing that houses or holds an “optical system section” (hereinafter referred to as an “imaging section”), and a support section that is provided in the first casing, and the second casing includes the first casing "The first position on the upper end side of the housing" and "the second position that is about 2.5 to 20 cm away from the first position when viewed from the user upward, and the imaging unit is the user's face In the second position where the user's nostril is imaged at an angle that is less conspicuous than the image of the user's face that is imaged when the second housing is disposed at the first position . And supporting each of the second housings between the first position and the second position. A support portion for movably supporting includes a by moving the second housing by the configuration of the support unit to the second position from the first position, the "user during a video call, the A mobile terminal with a video calling function, characterized in that it is possible to prevent a “face image in which a nostril is visible conspicuously” from being transmitted to a video call partner .
5. Any one of the above 1 to 4, further comprising a moving unit that is configured by a motor and moves the imaging unit or a housing that houses or holds the imaging unit from the first position to the second position. A mobile terminal with a video call function.

According to the present invention, when the video call function of the mobile terminal is used, the user can receive “the face image in which the nostril of the user's face is greatly conspicuous” during the video call as before. It is possible to easily prevent the transmission, and it is possible to transmit “a face image in which the user's nostril is hardly visible or inconspicuous” to the other party .

In the first embodiment, when the user does not use the videophone function, the user should use the support shaft 9a of the antenna upper end portion 9 as shown in FIG. 1 (a) without extending the support shaft 9a. (When using in an area where radio waves are difficult to reach, it is preferable to extend the antenna upper end portion 9 even when the videophone function is not used because radio wave reception sensitivity increases.) When the user uses the videophone function, the support shaft 9a of the antenna upper end portion 9 is extended (for example, the user picks up the antenna upper end portion 9 in FIG. By pulling upward, the support shaft 9a is extended, and the antenna upper end 9 protrudes upward (in the user's overhead direction) to the state shown in FIG. 1B. In this embodiment, the distance a (see a in FIG. 1B) at which the antenna upper end 9 protrudes (is extended) with respect to the mobile phone body (housing) 1 is about 2.5 cm to about 2.5 cm. Within a range of up to 20 cm , more desirably from about 5 cm (or about 7 cm) to about 15 cm .

Claims (7)

A portable wireless terminal having an imaging unit such as a camera or a video camera,
A support provided to be able to project upward from the main body of the portable wireless terminal by a distance of at least about 2.5 cm or more and to be vertically movable relative to the main body by a distance of at least about 2.5 cm And
“The optical system part for imaging consisting of an imaging lens” provided at or near the upper end of the support part;
A portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit. A portable wireless terminal having an imaging unit such as a camera or a video camera,
A support part including an “antenna part for transmitting and receiving voice and other data to and from the outside” provided at an upper part of the main body of the portable wireless terminal, the upper end part of which is at least about 2 from the main body A support portion provided to be able to project upward by a distance of 5 cm or more and to be movable up and down by a distance of at least about 2.5 cm with respect to the main body;
“The optical system part for imaging consisting of an imaging lens” provided at or near the upper end of the support part;
A portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit. 3. The portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein a microphone is provided at a center portion or a lower portion of the main body of the portable wireless terminal. 3. The portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the main body of the portable wireless terminal is provided with a display unit at a central part or an upper part thereof. In any one of Claim 1-4,
The portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit, wherein the support unit is formed in a substantially rod shape. In any one of Claim 1 to 5,
An automatic moving unit for automatically moving the upper end of the support unit upward so that the upper end of the support unit automatically protrudes in a direction away from the main body when imaging is performed by the imaging unit; A portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit. In any one of Claim 2 to 6,
The portable wireless terminal with an imaging unit, wherein the support unit including the antenna unit is provided at “a substantially central position in the left-right direction above the portable wireless terminal body”.

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