U.S. patent application number 11/185823 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for method for controlling a camera mode in a portable terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sung-Hwa Gong, Jong-Kerl Lee.
Application Number | 20060017833 11/185823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35457169 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060017833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gong; Sung-Hwa ; et
al. |
January 26, 2006 |
Method for controlling a camera mode in a portable terminal
Abstract
Disclosed is a camera control method for a portable terminal, by
which a lens unit of a camera of the portable terminal can be
automatically drawn into or out of the portable terminal when a
call is received in a camera mode of the portable terminal. The
method comprises the steps of: determining if a call is received in
the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable terminal has
been drawn out of the portable terminal; controlling the lens unit
to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal while
reporting call reception when the call is received; shifting the
portable terminal into a communication mode and performing
communication when a communication key is input; shifting the
portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the initial
camera mode is selected after the communication is performed and
shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera mode when the
previous camera mode is selected after the communication is
performed; and interrupting call reception and controlling the lens
unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable terminal while
maintaining the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
Inventors: |
Gong; Sung-Hwa; (Gumi-si,
KR) ; Lee; Jong-Kerl; (Gumi-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROYLANCE, ABRAMS, BERDO & GOODMAN, L.L.P.
1300 19TH STREET, N.W.
SUITE 600
WASHINGTON,
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
35457169 |
Appl. No.: |
11/185823 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/335 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23203 20130101;
H04M 1/724 20210101; H04N 5/23206 20130101; H04M 1/72484 20210101;
H04N 7/183 20130101; G03B 17/04 20130101; H04M 1/0264 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/335 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 21, 2004 |
KR |
2004-56885 |
Jul 21, 2004 |
KR |
2004-56886 |
Jul 8, 2005 |
KR |
2005-61582 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal while reporting call reception when the call is
received.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the steps
of: shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode and
performing communication when a communication key is input when the
call is received; and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn out of the portable terminal and shifting the portable
terminal into an initial camera mode when the camera mode is
selected after the communication is performed.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the steps
of: shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode and
performing communication when a communication key is input when the
call is received; and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn out of the portable terminal and shifting the portable
terminal into a previous camera mode when the camera mode is
selected after the communication is performed.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the steps
of: shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode and
performing communication when a communication key is input when the
call is received; selecting the camera mode while assigning a type
of the camera mode after the communication is performed; shifting
the portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the assigned
type of camera mode is the initial camera mode; and shifting the
portable terminal into a previous camera mode when the assigned
type of camera mode is the previous camera mode.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the steps
of: shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode and
performing communication when a communication key is input when the
call is received; controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn out of the portable terminal and shifting the portable
terminal into an initial camera mode when the camera mode is
selected after the communication is performed; and interrupting
call reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn out of the portable terminal while maintaining the camera
mode when a cancel key is selected.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the steps
of: shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode and
performing communication when a communication key is input when the
call is received; controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn out of the portable terminal and shifting the portable
terminal into a previous camera mode when the camera mode is
selected after the communication is performed; and interrupting
call reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn out of the portable terminal while maintaining the camera
mode when a cancel key is selected.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the steps
of: shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode and
performing communication when a communication key is input when the
call is received; shifting the portable terminal into an initial
camera mode when the initial camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed and shifting the portable terminal into
a previous camera mode when the previous camera mode is selected
after the communication is performed; and interrupting call
reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn
out of the portable terminal while maintaining the camera mode when
a cancel key is selected.
8. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
while reporting call reception when the call is received; shifting
the portable terminal into a communication mode and performing
communication when a communication key is input; and controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal and shifting the portable terminal into an initial camera
mode when the camera mode is selected after the communication is
performed.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when the answering-during-photographing mode has
been set up; and displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out, when the
answering-during-photographing mode has not been set up.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when a particular
key is input during the step of displaying call reception while
maintaining the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn
out.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when the type of canceling set up
in order to cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is
manual canceling; and reporting call reception while maintaining
the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out of the
portable terminal when the type of canceling set up in order to
cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is automatic
canceling.
12. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
while reporting call reception when the call is received; shifting
the portable terminal into a communication mode and performing
communication when a communication key is input; and controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal and shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera
mode when the camera mode is selected after the communication is
performed.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when the answering-during-photographing mode has
been set up; and displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out, when the
answering-during-photographing mode has not been set up.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when a particular
key is input during the step of displaying call reception while
maintaining the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn
out.
15. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when the type of canceling set up
in order to cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is
manual canceling; and reporting call reception while maintaining
the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out of the
portable terminal when the type of canceling set up in order to
cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is automatic
canceling.
16. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
while reporting call reception when the call is received; shifting
the portable terminal into a communication mode and performing
communication when a communication key is input; selecting the
camera mode while assigning a type of camera mode after the
communication is performed; shifting the portable terminal into an
initial camera mode when the assigned type of camera mode is the
initial camera mode; and shifting the portable terminal into a
previous camera mode when the assigned type of camera mode is the
previous camera mode.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when the answering-during-photographing mode has
been set up; and displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out, when the
answering-during-photographing mode has not been set up.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when a particular
key is input during the step of displaying call reception while
maintaining the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn
out.
19. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when the type of canceling set up
in order to cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is
manual canceling; and reporting call reception while maintaining
the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out of the
portable terminal when the type of canceling set up in order to
cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is automatic
canceling.
20. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
while reporting call reception when the call is received; shifting
the portable terminal into a communication mode and performing
communication when a communication key is input; controlling the
lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable terminal
and shifting the portable terminal into an initial camera mode when
the camera mode is selected after the communication is performed;
and interrupting call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal while maintaining
the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
21. The method as claimed in claim 20, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when the answering-during-photographing mode has
been set up; and displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out, when the
answering-during-photographing mode has not been set up.
22. The method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when a particular
key is input during the step of displaying call reception while
maintaining the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn
out.
23. The method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when the type of canceling set up
in order to cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is
manual canceling; and reporting call reception while maintaining
the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out of the
portable terminal when the type of canceling set up in order to
cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is automatic
canceling.
24. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
while reporting call reception when the call is received; shifting
the portable terminal into a communication mode and performing
communication when a communication key is input; controlling the
lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable terminal
and shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera mode when
the camera mode is selected after the communication is performed;
and interrupting call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal while maintaining
the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
25. The method as claimed in claim 24, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when the answering-during-photographing mode has
been set up; and displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out, when the
answering-during-photographing mode has not been set up.
26. The method as claimed in claim 25, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when a particular
key is input during the step of displaying call reception while
maintaining the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn
out.
27. The method as claimed in claim 25, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when the type of canceling set up
in order to cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is
manual canceling; and reporting call reception while maintaining
the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out of the
portable terminal when the type of canceling set up in order to
cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is automatic
canceling.
28. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
while reporting call reception when the call is received; shifting
the portable terminal into a communication mode and performing
communication when a communication key is input; shifting the
portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the initial
camera mode is selected after the communication is performed and
shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera mode when the
previous camera mode is selected after the communication is
performed; and interrupting call reception and controlling the lens
unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable terminal while
maintaining the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
29. The method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when the answering-during-photographing mode has
been set up; and displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out, when the
answering-during-photographing mode has not been set up.
30. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when a particular
key is input during the step of displaying call reception while
maintaining the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn
out.
31. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when the type of canceling set up
in order to cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is
manual canceling; and reporting call reception while maintaining
the camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out of the
portable terminal when the type of canceling set up in order to
cancel the answering-during-photographing mode is automatic
canceling.
32. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; reporting
call reception when the call is received; and controlling the lens
unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal and
shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode when a
communication key is input when the call is received.
33. The method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the step
of controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into an
initial camera mode when the camera mode is selected after
communication is performed in the communication mode.
34. The method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the step
of controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into a
previous camera mode when the camera mode is selected after
communication is performed in the communication mode.
35. The method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the steps
of: selecting the camera mode while assigning a type of the camera
mode after communication is performed in the communication mode;
shifting the portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the
assigned type of camera mode is the initial camera mode; and
shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera mode when the
assigned type of camera mode is the previous camera mode.
36. The method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the steps
of: controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into an
initial camera mode when the camera mode is selected after
communication is performed in the communication mode; and
interrupting call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal while maintaining
the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
37. The method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the steps
of: controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into a
previous camera mode when the camera mode is selected after
communication is performed in the communication mode; and
interrupting call reception and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal while maintaining
the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
38. The method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the steps
of: shifting the portable terminal into an initial camera mode when
the initial camera mode is selected after communication is
performed in the communication mode and shifting the portable
terminal into a previous camera mode when the previous camera mode
is selected after communication is performed in the communication
mode; and interrupting call reception and maintaining the camera
mode when a cancel key is selected.
39. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; reporting
call reception when the call is received; controlling the lens unit
to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal, shifting the
portable terminal into a communication mode, and performing
communication, when a communication key is input when the call is
received; and controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn
out of the portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal
into an initial camera mode when the camera mode is selected after
the communication is performed.
40. The method as claimed in claim 39, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception while
temporarily interrupting the camera mode when the
answering-during-photographing mode has been set up; and displaying
call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which the lens
unit has been drawn out, when the answering-during-photographing
mode has not been set up.
41. The method as claimed in claim 39, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception while temporarily interrupting the
camera mode when a particular key is input during the step of
displaying call reception while maintaining the camera mode in
which the lens unit has been drawn out.
42. The method as claimed in claim 39, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception while temporarily interrupting the camera mode when
the type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is manual canceling; and
reporting call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which
the lens unit has been drawn out of the portable terminal when the
type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is automatic canceling.
43. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; reporting
call reception when the call is received; controlling the lens unit
to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal, shifting the
portable terminal into a communication mode, and performing
communication, when a communication key is input when the call is
received; and controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn
out of the portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal
into a previous camera mode when the camera mode is selected after
the communication is performed.
44. The method as claimed in claim 43, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception while
temporarily interrupting the camera mode when the
answering-during-photographing mode has been set up; and displaying
call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which the lens
unit has been drawn out, when the answering-during-photographing
mode has not been set up.
45. The method as claimed in claim 44, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception while temporarily interrupting the
camera mode when a particular key is input during the step of
displaying call reception while maintaining the camera mode in
which the lens unit has been drawn out.
46. The method as claimed in claim 44, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception while temporarily interrupting the camera mode when
the type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is manual canceling; and
reporting call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which
the lens unit has been drawn out of the portable terminal when the
type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is automatic canceling.
47. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; reporting
call reception when the call is received; controlling the lens unit
to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal, shifting the
portable terminal into a communication mode, and performing
communication, when a communication key is input when the call is
received; selecting the camera mode while assigning a type of the
camera mode after the communication is performed; shifting the
portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the assigned
type of camera mode is the initial camera mode; and shifting the
portable terminal into a previous camera mode when the assigned
type of camera mode is the previous camera mode.
48. The method as claimed in claim 47, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception while
temporarily interrupting the camera mode when the
answering-during-photographing mode has been set up; and displaying
call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which the lens
unit has been drawn out, when the answering-during-photographing
mode has not been set up.
49. The method as claimed in claim 48, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception while temporarily interrupting the
camera mode when a particular key is input during the step of
displaying call reception while maintaining the camera mode in
which the lens unit has been drawn out.
50. The method as claimed in claim 48, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception while temporarily interrupting the camera mode when
the type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is manual canceling; and
reporting call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which
the lens unit has been drawn out of the portable terminal when the
type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is automatic canceling.
51. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; reporting
call reception when the call is received; controlling the lens unit
to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal, shifting the
portable terminal into a communication mode, and performing
communication, when a communication key is input; controlling the
lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable terminal
and shifting the portable terminal into an initial camera mode when
the camera mode is selected after the communication is performed;
and interrupting the call reception and maintaining the camera mode
when a cancel key is selected.
52. The method as claimed in claim 51, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception while
temporarily interrupting the camera mode when the
answering-during-photographing mode has been set up; and displaying
call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which the lens
unit has been drawn out, when the answering-during-photographing
mode has not been set up.
53. The method as claimed in claim 52, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception while temporarily interrupting the
camera mode when a particular key is input during the step of
displaying call reception while maintaining the camera mode in
which the lens unit has been drawn out.
54. The method as claimed in claim 52, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception while temporarily interrupting the camera mode when
the type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is manual canceling; and
reporting call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which
the lens unit has been drawn out of the portable terminal when the
type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is automatic canceling.
55. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; reporting
call reception when the call is received; controlling the lens unit
to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal, shifting the
portable terminal into a communication mode, and performing
communication, when a communication key is input; controlling the
lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable terminal
and shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera mode when
the camera mode is selected after the communication is performed;
and interrupting the call reception and maintaining the camera mode
when a cancel key is selected.
56. The method as claimed in claim 55, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception while
temporarily interrupting the camera mode when the
answering-during-photographing mode has been set up; and displaying
call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which the lens
unit has been drawn out, when the answering-during-photographing
mode has not been set up.
57. The method as claimed in claim 56, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception while temporarily interrupting the
camera mode when a particular key is input during the step of
displaying call reception while maintaining the camera mode in
which the lens unit has been drawn out.
58. The method as claimed in claim 56, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception while temporarily interrupting the camera mode when
the type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is manual canceling; and
reporting call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which
the lens unit has been drawn out of the portable terminal when the
type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is automatic canceling.
59. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining if a call is
received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable
terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal; reporting
call reception when the call is received; controlling the lens unit
to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal, shifting the
portable terminal into a communication mode, and performing
communication, when a communication key is input; shifting the
portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the initial
camera mode is selected after the communication is performed and
shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera mode when the
previous camera mode is selected after the communication is
performed; and interrupting the call reception and maintaining the
camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
60. The method as claimed in claim 59, further comprising the steps
of: determining if an answering-during-photographing mode has been
set up when the call is received; reporting call reception while
temporarily interrupting the camera mode when the
answering-during-photographing mode has been set up; and displaying
call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which the lens
unit has been drawn out, when the answering-during-photographing
mode has not been set up.
61. The method as claimed in claim 60, further comprising the step
of reporting the call reception while temporarily interrupting the
camera mode when a particular key is input during the step of
displaying call reception while maintaining the camera mode in
which the lens unit has been drawn out.
62. The method as claimed in claim 60, further comprising the steps
of: determining a type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode when a particular key is input
during the step of displaying call reception while maintaining the
camera mode in which the lens unit has been drawn out; reporting
call reception while temporarily interrupting the camera mode when
the type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is manual canceling; and
reporting call reception while maintaining the camera mode in which
the lens unit has been drawn out of the portable terminal when the
type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is automatic canceling.
63. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; and controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
when the camera mode is terminated.
64. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; and
interrupting the camera mode and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when no operation is
performed during a predetermined time interval in the camera
mode.
65. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; interrupting
the camera mode and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when no operation is performed
during a predetermined time interval in the camera mode; and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when a camera-mode-end key is selected in the
camera mode.
66. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; and controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
while maintaining the camera mode when no operation is performed
during a predetermined time interval in the camera mode.
67. The method as claimed in claim 66, further comprising the step
of controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal when a particular key is input in the camera mode
in which the lens unit has been retracted in the portable
terminal.
68. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; controlling the
lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
while maintaining the camera mode when no operation is performed
during a predetermined time interval in the camera mode; and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when a camera-mode-end key is selected in the
camera mode.
69. The method as claimed in claim 68, further comprising the step
of controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal when a particular key is input in the camera mode
in which the lens unit has been retracted in the portable
terminal.
70. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: determining a status of a
sliding key input unit of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; activating only
keys for a camera operation when the sliding key input unit is
closed; and activating all keys when the sliding key input unit is
open.
71. The method as claimed in claim 70, wherein the keys for the
camera operation include a menu key and a direction key.
72. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; and determining
a status of a sliding key input unit of the portable terminal when
the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode;
activating only keys for a camera operation when the sliding key
input unit is closed; activating all keys when the sliding key
input unit is open; and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when the camera mode
is terminated.
73. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; determining a
status of a sliding key input unit of the portable terminal;
activating only keys for a camera operation when the sliding key
input unit is closed; activating all keys when the sliding key
input unit is open; and interrupting the camera mode and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when no operation is performed during a
predetermined time interval in the camera mode.
74. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; determining a
status of a sliding key input unit of the portable terminal;
activating only keys for a camera operation when the sliding key
input unit is closed; activating all keys when the sliding key
input unit is open; interrupting the camera mode and controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal
when no operation is performed during a predetermined time interval
in the camera mode; and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when a
camera-mode-end key is selected in the camera mode.
75. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; determining a
status of a sliding key input unit of the portable terminal;
activating only keys for a camera operation when the sliding key
input unit is closed; activating all keys when the sliding key
input unit is open; and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal while maintaining
the camera mode when no operation is performed during a
predetermined time interval in the camera mode.
76. The method as claimed in claim 75, further comprising the step
of controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal when a particular key is input in the camera mode
in which the lens unit has been retracted in the portable
terminal.
77. A method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal when the portable
terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode; determining a
status of a sliding key input unit of the portable terminal;
activating only keys for a camera operation when the sliding key
input unit is closed; activating all keys when the sliding key
input unit is open; controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal while maintaining the camera mode
when no operation is performed during a predetermined time interval
in the camera mode; and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal when a
camera-mode-end key is selected in the camera mode.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)
of priority to application Serial Nos. 2004-56885 and 2004-56886
filed in the Korean Industrial Property Office on Jul. 21, 2004,
and Serial No. 2005-61582 filed in the Korean Industrial Property
Office on Jul. 8, 2005, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a camera control method for
a portable terminal. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a method for controlling a camera mode of a portable
terminal, by which a lens unit of a camera of the portable terminal
can be automatically drawn into or out of the portable terminal
when a call is received in a camera mode of the portable terminal
and movement of the lens unit and the sliding key input unit can be
controlled.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Portable or mobile communication terminals are currently
being developed to support high speed data transmission in addition
to a voice communication function. Specifically, by constructing a
mobile communication network of the International Mobile
Telecommunication (IMT) 2000, it is expected to be possible to
realize high speed data transmission in addition to the voice
communication function through a portable terminal. The data which
can be processed by a portable terminal capable of performing the
high speed data communication may include packet data and image
data. Further, current portable terminals are equipped with a
camera or a TV receiver so as to display a moving picture.
Therefore, such a portable terminal having a camera can take and
display either a moving picture or a still picture and can transmit
the picture. Further, the portable terminal having a camera may
have a zoom function in order to magnify or reduce an image prior
to photographing the image.
[0006] The portable terminal having a zoom function usually has a
lens unit which can be drawn into or out of the portable terminal.
In a camera mode of the portable terminal, the lens unit is drawn
out of the portable terminal and takes a picture. However, if a
call is received while the portable terminal is in the camera mode,
it is inevitable for the user to answer the call in the state where
the lens unit has been drawn out or to do a manual operation to put
the camera module into the terminal.
[0007] Further, there is a limit to the amount of magnification or
reduction of an image by the zoom function of the portable terminal
because the lens unit can move only within the camera. Moreover,
while a user takes a picture by using the portable terminal having
a camera, the user may press or input a key having no relation to
the photographing operation and interrupt the photographing
process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve
the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art and to
provider other advantages. An object of the present invention is to
provide a camera control method for a portable terminal, by which a
lens unit of a camera of the portable terminal can be automatically
drawn into or out of the portable terminal when a call is received
in a camera mode of the portable terminal.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
camera control method for a portable terminal, by which a lens unit
of a camera of the portable terminal can be automatically drawn
into the portable terminal when a communication key is input while
a call is received in a camera mode of the portable terminal.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
camera control method for a portable terminal, in which a lens unit
of a camera of the portable terminal is automatically drawn out of
the portable terminal and the portable terminal mode is
transitioned into the camera mode when the camera mode is selected
after a call is received in the camera mode and communication is
performed.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
camera control method for a portable terminal, in which a lens unit
of a camera of the portable terminal is automatically drawn out of
the portable terminal and the portable terminal mode is
transitioned into the previous camera mode when the camera mode is
selected after a call is received in the camera mode and
communication is performed.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
camera control method for a portable terminal, by which a lens unit
of a camera of the portable terminal can be automatically drawn out
of the portable terminal when the portable terminal mode is
transitioned into the camera mode.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
camera control method for a portable terminal, by which a lens unit
of a camera of the portable terminal can be automatically drawn
into the portable terminal when the camera mode is terminated.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
camera control method for a portable terminal, in which a lens unit
of a camera of the portable terminal is automatically drawn out of
the portable terminal and the camera mode is terminated when no
operation is performed during a predetermined time interval in the
camera mode.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
camera control method for a portable terminal, in which a lens unit
of a camera of the portable terminal is automatically drawn out of
the portable terminal when no operation is performed during a
predetermined time interval in the camera mode.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
camera control method for a portable terminal, in which only keys
for a camera operation are activated when a sliding key input unit
is closed and all keys are activated when a sliding key input unit
is open in a camera mode of the portable terminal.
[0017] In order to accomplish this object, there is provided a
method for controlling a camera mode of a portable terminal, the
method comprising the steps of determining if a call is received in
the camera mode in which a lens unit of the portable terminal has
been drawn out of the portable terminal; and controlling the lens
unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal while
reporting call reception when the call is received.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal while reporting a call reception when the call is
received; shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode
and performing communication when a communication key is input; and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into an
initial camera mode when the camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal while reporting a call reception when the call is
received; shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode
and performing communication when a communication key is input; and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into a
previous camera mode when the camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed.
[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal while reporting a call reception when the call is
received; shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode
and performing communication when a communication key is input;
selecting the camera mode while assigning a type of camera mode
after the communication is performed; shifting the portable
terminal into an initial camera mode when the assigned type of
camera mode is the initial camera mode; and shifting the portable
terminal into a previous camera mode when the assigned type of
camera mode is the previous camera mode.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of: determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal while reporting a call reception when the call is
received; shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode
and performing communication when a communication key is input;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into an
initial camera mode when the camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed; and interrupting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal while maintaining the camera mode when a cancel
key is selected.
[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal while reporting a call reception when the call is
received; shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode
and performing communication when a communication key is input;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into a
previous camera mode when the camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed; and interrupting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal while maintaining the camera mode when a cancel
key is selected.
[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal while reporting call reception when the call is
received; shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode
and performing communication when a communication key is input;
shifting the portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the
initial camera mode is selected after the communication is
performed and shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera
mode when the previous camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed; and interrupting call reception and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal while maintaining the camera mode when a cancel
key is selected.
[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
reporting a call reception when the call is received; and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into a
communication mode when a communication key is input while the call
is received.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
reporting a call reception when the call is received; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal,
shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode, and
performing communication, when a communication key is input while
the call is received; and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal and shifting the
portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the camera mode
is selected after the communication is performed.
[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
reporting a call reception when the call is received; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal,
shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode, and
performing communication, when a communication key is input while
the call is received; and controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn out of the portable terminal and shifting the
portable terminal into a previous camera mode when the camera mode
is selected after the communication is performed.
[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
reporting a call reception when the call is received; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal,
shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode, and
performing communication, when a communication key is input while
the call is received; selecting the camera mode while assigning a
type of the camera mode after the communication is performed;
shifting the portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the
assigned type of camera mode is the initial camera mode; and
shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera mode when the
assigned type of camera mode is the previous camera mode.
[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
reporting a call reception when the call is received; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal,
shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode, and
performing communication, when a communication key is input;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into an
initial camera mode when the camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed; and interrupting the call reception and
maintaining the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
reporting a call reception when the call is received; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal,
shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode, and
performing communication, when a communication key is input;
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the
portable terminal and shifting the portable terminal into a
previous camera mode when the camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed; and interrupting the call reception and
maintaining the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining
if a call is received in the camera mode in which a lens unit of
the portable terminal has been drawn out of the portable terminal;
reporting a call reception when the call is received; controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal,
shifting the portable terminal into a communication mode, and
performing communication, when a communication key is input;
shifting the portable terminal into an initial camera mode when the
initial camera mode is selected after the communication is
performed and shifting the portable terminal into a previous camera
mode when the previous camera mode is selected after the
communication is performed; and interrupting the call reception and
maintaining the camera mode when a cancel key is selected.
[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when the camera mode is
terminated.
[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; and interrupting the camera mode and controlling the
lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal when
no operation is performed during a predetermined time interval in
the camera mode.
[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; interrupting the camera mode and controlling the lens
unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal when no
operation is performed during a predetermined time interval in the
camera mode; and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when a camera-mode-end key is
selected in the camera mode.
[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal, the method comprising the steps of: controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal while maintaining the camera mode
when no operation is performed during a predetermined time interval
in the camera mode.
[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn
into the portable terminal while maintaining the camera mode when
no operation is performed during a predetermined time interval in
the camera mode; and controlling the lens unit to be automatically
drawn into the portable terminal when a camera-mode-end key is
selected in the camera mode.
[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of determining a
status of a sliding key input unit of the portable terminal when
the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the camera mode;
activating only keys for a camera operation when the sliding key
input unit is closed; and activating all keys when the sliding key
input unit is open.
[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; and determining a status of a sliding key input unit
of the portable terminal when the portable terminal mode is
transitioned into the camera mode; activating only keys for a
camera operation when the sliding key input unit is closed;
activating all keys when the sliding key input unit is open; and
controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when the camera mode is terminated.
[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; determining a status of a sliding key input unit of
the portable terminal; activating only keys for a camera operation
when the sliding key input unit is closed; activating all keys when
the sliding key input unit is open; and interrupting the camera
mode and controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into
the portable terminal when no operation is performed during a
predetermined time interval in the camera mode.
[0039] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; determining a status of a sliding key input unit of
the portable terminal; activating only keys for a camera operation
when the sliding key input unit is closed; activating all keys when
the sliding key input unit is open; interrupting the camera mode
and controlling the lens unit to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal when no operation is performed during a
predetermined time interval in the camera mode; and controlling the
lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal when
a camera-mode-end key is selected in the camera mode.
[0040] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; determining a status of a sliding key input unit of
the portable terminal; activating only keys for a camera operation
when the sliding key input unit is closed; activating all keys when
the sliding key input unit is open; and controlling the lens unit
to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal while
maintaining the camera mode when no operation is performed during a
predetermined time interval in the camera mode.
[0041] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a camera mode of a
portable terminal. The method comprising the steps of controlling
the lens unit to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal when the portable terminal mode is transitioned into the
camera mode; determining a status of a sliding key input unit of
the portable terminal; activating only keys for a camera operation
when the sliding key input unit is closed; activating all keys when
the sliding key input unit is open; controlling the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal while maintaining
the camera mode when no operation is performed during a
predetermined time interval in the camera mode; and controlling the
lens unit to be automatically drawn into the portable terminal when
a camera-mode-end key is selected in the camera mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal
having a camera according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal according to the
first embodiment of the present invention when a call is
received;
[0045] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal according to the
second embodiment of the present invention when a call is
received;
[0046] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal according to
another embodiment of the present invention when a call is
received;
[0047] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit and the sliding key input unit in the camera mode of the
portable terminal according to the second embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0049] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the
sliding key input unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar elements,
features and structures are represented by the same reference
numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0052] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal
having a camera according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0053] In the portable terminal shown in FIG. 1, a radio frequency
(RF) unit 123 performs a wireless communication function. The RF
unit 123 comprises a RF transmitter (not shown) for upconverting
the frequency of a transmitted signal and amplifying the
transmitted signal and an RF receiver (not shown) for low
noise-amplifying a received signal and downconverting a frequency
of the received signal. A modem 120 comprises a transmitter (not
shown) for coding and modulating the transmitted signal and a
receiver (not shown) for demodulating and decoding the received
signal. An audio processor 125 may have a codec which comprises a
data codec (not shown) for processing packet data, and the like and
an audio codec (not shown) for processing an audio signal such as
voice. The audio processor 125 converts a digital audio signal
received from the modem 120 into an analog signal by using the
audio codec and then reproduces the converted analog signal through
a speaker or converts an analog signal generated by a microphone
into a digital audio signal by using the audio codec and then
transmits the converted digital signal to the modem 120. The codec
may be either separately provided or integrated into the controller
110.
[0054] A memory 130 may comprise a program memory, a data memory,
and so on. The program memory may store programs for controlling
general operations of the portable terminal. The memory 130 may
store programs for controlling the lens unit according to a call
reception in a camera mode according to an embodiment of the
present invention and programs for controlling the lens unit 145
and the sliding key input unit in the camera mode. Further, the
data memory temporarily stores data produced during execution of
the programs as described above.
[0055] The controller 110 controls general operations of the
portable terminal. Further, the controller 110 may comprise the
modem 120 and a codec. Further, when a call is received in the
camera mode, the controller 110 controls the lens unit to be
automatically drawn into the portable terminal while reporting the
call reception. When the user selects a cancel key after receiving
a report of a call reception in the camera mode, the controller 110
interrupts the call reception and controls the retracted lens unit
to be automatically drawn out while maintaining the camera mode.
When the user selects a communication key after receiving a report
of a call reception in the camera mode, the controller 110 controls
the protruded lens unit to be automatically retracted into the
wireless terminal. When the user selects the cancel key, the
controller 110 interrupts the call reception and maintains the
camera mode. When the user selects a camera mode after performing
the communication, the controller 110 changes the mode of the
portable terminal to an initial camera mode or a previous camera
mode.
[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
controller 110 controls the lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn
into or out of the portable terminal whenever a mode transition
into or termination of the camera mode occurs. Also, when there is
no operation in the camera mode during a predetermined time
interval, the controller 110 may end the camera mode and controls
the lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn into the portable
terminal. The controller 110 may maintain the camera mode while
controlling the lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn into the
portable terminal, when there is no operation in the camera mode
during a predetermined time interval. Further, according to an
embodiment of the present invention, when the sliding key input
unit is closed in the camera mode, the controller 110 activates
only the keys for the camera function. When the sliding key input
unit is open in the camera mode, the controller 110 activates all
of the keys.
[0057] The camera module 140 comprises a lens unit 145 which can be
drawn into or out of the portable terminal and takes an image data
through the lens unit 145. The camera module 140 comprises a camera
sensor (not shown) for converting a captured optical signal into an
electrical signal and a signal processor for converting the analog
image signal supplied from the camera sensor into a digital data.
The camera sensor may be a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) sensor and
the signal processor may be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).
Further, the camera sensor and the signal processor may be either
included in one integrated device or separately arranged.
[0058] An image processor 150 generates a screen data in order to
display the image signal output from the camera module 140. The
image processor 150 processes by the frame the image signal output
from the camera module 140 and outputs the frame image data in
accordance with the characteristics and the size of the display
unit 160. Further, the image processor 150 comprises an image codec
by which the image processor 150 compresses the frame image data
displayed on the display unit 160 according to a predetermined
scheme or restores the compressed image data to the original frame
image data. The image codec may be a Joint Picture Experts Group
(JPEG) codec, a Moving Picture Experts Group 4 (MPEG4) codec, a
Wavelet codec, and so on. It is assumed that the image processor
150 has an On Screen Display (OSD) function by which the image
processor 150 can output OSD data according to the size of the
screen under the control of the controller 110.
[0059] A display unit 160 receives an image signal from the image
processor 150 and displays an image corresponding to the image
signal and user data output from the controller 110 on a screen.
Here, the display unit 160 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
unit which comprises a LCD controller, a memory capable of storing
an image data, an LCD device, and so on. When the LCD is a touch
screen type LCD, the LCD unit may function as an input unit.
[0060] The key input unit 127 comprises keys for the input of
number and character information and function keys for setting up
of various functions. The key input unit 127 according to an
embodiment of the present invention comprises a fixed sliding key
input unit and a sliding key input unit. When the sliding key input
unit has slid and been opened, the keys of the sliding key input
and the fixed key input unit located under the sliding key input
unit are activated. When the sliding key input unit has slid and
been closed, only predetermined keys of the sliding key input unit
can be used. Hereinafter, an operation for controlling the lens
unit according to a call reception in the camera mode of the
portable terminal will be described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 2 through 4.
[0061] Further, an operation for controlling the lens unit and the
sliding key input unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal
will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 through
7.
[0062] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal according to a
first embodiment of the present invention when a call is
received.
[0063] In the following description about the first embodiment of
the present invention, reference will be made to FIG. 1.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, when the user of the portable terminal
selects a photographing key on the menu or inputs a hot key for the
camera mode for more than a predetermined time interval, the
controller 110 detects the selection of the camera mode, controls
the lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal, and changes the mode of the portable terminal into the
camera mode at step 201.
[0065] When a call is received in the camera mode, the controller
110 detects the call reception at step 202 and reports the call
reception and automatically draws the lens unit 145 into the
portable terminal at step 203. At step 203, the controller 110 may
temporarily interrupt the camera mode and report the call reception
by outputting an audible alarm or displaying a message.
[0066] When the user inputs a communication key, the controller 110
detects the key input at step 204 and changes the mode of the
terminal into the communication mode at step 205. When the user
inputs a communication completion key after performing the
communication, the controller 110 detects the completion of the
communication and changes the mode of the terminal into a waiting
mode at step 206. When the user selects the camera mode while in
the waiting mode, the controller 110 detects the selection at step
207 and changes the mode of the terminal into the camera mode.
Then, the portable terminal enters into the initial camera mode,
the previous camera mode, or a selected camera mode. When the user
selects the previous camera mode, the controller 110 detects the
selection at step 208 and proceeds to step 209. At step 209, the
controller 110 controls the lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn
out and changes the mode of the portable terminal to the previous
camera mode in which the portable terminal is set up in the same
manner as in the previous camera mode. When the user selects the
initial camera mode, the controller 110 detects the selection at
step 210 and changes the mode of the terminal to the initial camera
mode at step 211. In the previous camera mode or initial camera
mode, the controller 110 performs the corresponding camera
operation according to the user's key input operation at step 214.
When the user inputs the camera-mode-end key, the controller
detects the key input at step 215 and ends the camera mode.
[0067] However, when the user inputs the cancel key while the call
is received, the controller 110 detects the key input at step 212
and proceeds to step 213. At step 213, the controller 110
interrupts the call reception and controls the lens unit 145 to be
automatically drawn out of the terminal while maintaining the
camera mode. Then, the controller 110 performs the corresponding
camera operation according to the user's key input operation at
step 214. When the user inputs the camera-mode-end key, the
controller detects the key input at step 215 and ends the camera
mode.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal according to the
second embodiment of the present invention when a call is
received.
[0069] In the following description on the second embodiment of the
present invention, reference will also be made to FIG. 1.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, when the user of the portable terminal
selects a photographing key on the menu or inputs a hot key for the
camera mode for at least a predetermined time interval, the
controller 110 detects the selection of the camera mode, controls
the lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn out of the portable
terminal, and changes the mode of the portable terminal into the
camera mode at step 301.
[0071] When a call is received in the camera mode, the controller
110 detects the call reception at step 302 and reports the call
reception at step 303. At step 303, the controller 110 may
temporarily interrupt the camera mode and report the call reception
by outputting an audible alarm or displaying a message.
[0072] When the user inputs a communication key, the controller 110
detects the key input at step 304, controls the lens unit 145 to be
automatically drawn into the terminal at step 305, and changes the
mode of the terminal into the communication mode at step 306. When
the user inputs a communication completion key after performing the
communication, the controller 110 detects the completion of the
communication, ends the communication mode, and changes the mode of
the terminal into the waiting mode at step 307. When the user
selects the camera mode while in the waiting mode, the controller
110 detects the selection at step 308 and changes the mode of the
terminal into the camera mode. Then, the portable terminal enters
into the initial camera mode, the previous camera mode, or a
selected camera mode. When the user selects the previous camera
mode, the controller 110 detects the selection at step 309 and
proceeds to step 310. At step 310, the controller 110 controls the
lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn out and changes the mode of
the portable terminal to the previous camera mode in which the
portable terminal is set up in the same manner as in the previous
camera mode. When the user selects the initial camera mode, the
controller 110 detects the selection at step 311 and changes the
mode of the terminal to the initial camera mode at step 312. In the
previous camera mode or initial camera mode, the controller 110
performs the corresponding camera operation according to the user's
key input operation at step 315. When the user inputs the
camera-mode-end key, the controller detects the key input at step
316 and ends the camera mode.
[0073] However, when the user inputs the cancel key while the call
is received, the controller 110 detects the key input at step 313
and proceeds to step 314. At step 314, the controller 110
interrupts the call reception and maintains the camera mode. Then,
the controller 110 performs the corresponding camera operation
according to the user's key input operation at step 315. When the
user inputs the camera-mode-end key, the controller detects the key
input at step 316 and ends the camera mode.
[0074] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal according to
another embodiment of the present invention when a call is
received.
[0075] In the following description, reference will also be made to
FIG. 1.
[0076] When the user of the portable terminal selects a
photographing key on the menu or inputs a hot key for the camera
mode for at least a predetermined time interval, the controller 110
detects the selection of the camera mode, controls the lens unit
145 to be automatically drawn out of the portable terminal, and
changes the mode of the portable terminal into the camera mode at
step 401.
[0077] When a call is received in the camera mode, the controller
110 detects the call reception at step 402 and determines if an
answering-during-photographing mode has been set up at step
403.
[0078] When the answering-during-photographing mode has been set up
in the portable terminal, the controller 110 detects the setup of
the answering-during-photographing mode at step 403 and proceeds to
step 203 of FIG. 2 or step 303 of FIG. 3.
[0079] However, when the answering-during-photographing mode has
been canceled in the portable terminal, the controller 110 detects
the cancellation of the answering-during-photographing mode at step
404 and displays the call reception while maintaining the camera
mode in which the lens unit 145 has been drawn out at step 405. At
step 405, the controller 110 reports the call reception by
controlling the display unit 160 to display a message reporting the
call reception (e.g. caller's information) on a predetermined part
of the screen displaying the image data input through the protruded
lens unit 145. At step 405, the keys for communication (e.g. the
communication key) are deactivated.
[0080] When a particular key is input at step 405, the controller
110 detects the key input at step 406 and determines the type of
canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode. In this case, the particular
key may be input for more than a predetermined time interval, so
that the corresponding function can be performed.
[0081] When the type of canceling set up in order to cancel the
answering-during-photographing mode is manual canceling, the
controller 110 detects it at step 407 and proceeds to step 203 of
FIG. 2 or step 303 of FIG. 3. However, when the type of canceling
set up in order to cancel the answering-during-photographing mode
is automatic canceling, the controller 110 detects it at step 408
and maintains the camera mode in which the lens unit 145 has been
drawn out while displaying the call reception as in step 405.
[0082] Instead, when a particular key is input at step 405, the
controller 110 detects the key input and may proceed to step 203 of
FIG. 2 or step 303 of FIG. 3.
[0083] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] In the following description, reference will also be made to
FIG. 1.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, when the user of the portable terminal
selects a photographing key on the menu or inputs a hot key for the
camera mode for more than a predetermined time interval, the
controller 110 detects the selection of the camera mode at step 501
and changes the mode of the portable terminal to the camera mode.
Simultaneously with the mode transition into the camera mode, the
controller 110 controls the lens unit 145 of the camera module 140
to be automatically drawn out of the terminal at step 502.
[0086] When no operation (e.g. key input) is performed during more
than a predetermined time interval in the camera mode in which the
lens unit 145 has been drawn out, the controller 110 detects it at
steps 503 and 504 and ends the camera mode and controls the lens
unit 145 to be automatically retracted at step 505. However, when
an operation (e.g. key input) is performed before a predetermined
time interval passes in the camera mode in which the lens unit 145
has been drawn out, the controller 110 detects it at step 503 and
allows a corresponding camera operation at step 506. When a
camera-mode-end key is input while the corresponding camera
operation is performed, the controller 110 detects it at step 507
and ends the camera mode while controlling the lens unit 145 to be
automatically retracted at step 505.
[0087] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the lens
unit and the sliding key input unit in the camera mode of the
portable terminal according to the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0088] In the following description, reference will also be made to
FIG. 1.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, when the user of the portable terminal
selects a photographing key on the menu or inputs a hot key for the
camera mode for more than a predetermined time interval, the
controller 110 detects the selection of the camera mode at step 601
and changes the mode of the portable terminal to the camera mode.
Simultaneously with the mode transition into the camera mode, the
controller 110 controls the lens unit 145 of the camera module 140
to be automatically drawn out of the terminal at step 602.
[0090] When no operation (e.g. key input) is performed during more
than a predetermined time interval in the camera mode in which the
lens unit 145 has been drawn out, the controller 110 detects it at
steps 603 and 604 and controls the lens unit 145 to be
automatically retracted while maintaining the camera mode at step
605. When a particular key is input in the camera mode in which the
lens unit 145 has been retracted, the controller 110 detects it at
step 606, controls the lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn out
of the terminal at step 607, and then returns to step 603 in which
the controller 110 waits for a camera operation. In the camera mode
in which the lens unit 145 is retracted also, the controller 110
can perform the camera operation. When the user selects the
camera-mode-end key in the camera mode in which the lens unit 145
has been retracted, the controller 110 detects the key input at
step 608 and then ends the camera mode at step 609.
[0091] However, when an operation (e.g. key input) is performed
before a predetermined time interval passes in the camera mode in
which the lens unit 145 has been drawn out, the controller 110
detects it at step 603 and allows a corresponding camera operation
at step 610. When the camera-mode-end key is input while the
corresponding camera operation is performed, the controller 110
detects it at step 611 and ends the camera mode while controlling
the lens unit 145 to be automatically retracted at step 612.
[0092] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the
sliding key input unit in the camera mode of the portable terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] In the following description, reference will also be made to
FIG. 1.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 7, when the user of the portable terminal
selects a photographing key on the menu or inputs a hot key for the
camera mode for more than a predetermined time interval, the
controller 110 detects the selection of the camera mode at step 701
and changes the mode of the portable terminal to the camera mode.
Simultaneously with the mode transition into the camera mode, the
controller 110 controls the lens unit 145 of the camera module 140
to be automatically drawn out of the terminal at step 702. In the
camera mode, the controller 110 determines the status of the
sliding key input unit of the key input unit 127.
[0095] When the sliding key input unit has slid and been closed,
the controller 110 detects the closing at step 703 and proceeds to
step 704. At step 704, the controller 110 may activate only the
keys for the camera mode operation in the camera mode (e.g. a menu
key and a direction key) from among the keys in the sliding key
input unit, so that only the activated keys can be operated. The
menu key may display various kinds of effects which can be set up
in the camera mode. Via the menu key, the kinds of effects can be
selected by operating the direction key. However, when the sliding
key input unit has slid and been opened, the controller 110 detects
the opening at step 705 and then activates all keys in the sliding
key input unit and the fixed key input unit located under the
sliding key input unit at step 706.
[0096] When an operation such as key input is performed after the
status of the sliding key input unit is determined, the controller
110 detects the operation at step 707 and performs a corresponding
camera operation at step 708. When the camera-mode-end key is input
while the corresponding camera operation is performed in the camera
mode, the controller 110 detects the key input at step 709 and
controls the lens unit 145 to be automatically drawn into the
terminal while ending the camera mode at step 710.
[0097] According to the present invention, a use can select keys to
be activated based on the status of the sliding key input unit in
the camera mode. The user may activate only the keys for the camera
operation regardless of the status of the sliding key input
unit.
[0098] The embodiments of the present invention described above are
based on various cases in which a call for communication is
received. However, the embodiments of the present invention can be
applied to the cases where reception of a message is reported.
[0099] Therefore, according to embodiments of the present
invention, the lens unit is automatically controlled according to a
call reception in a camera mode of a portable terminal, thereby
eliminating such an inconvenience to manually retract the lens unit
into the portable terminal in order to communicate. Further, if the
user selects the camera mode after the communication, the lens unit
is automatically drawn out of the terminal. In this case, the user
can select either the previous camera mode or the initial camera
mode.
[0100] Further, by controlling the lens unit according to the types
of camera modes in the portable terminal, the lens unit can be
automatically drawn out of the terminal when the mode of the
terminal is shifted to the camera mode and automatically drawn into
the terminal when the camera mode is ended. Further, when the
sliding key input unit is closed in the camera mode of the portable
terminal, only the keys for the camera operation can be activated,
so as to prevent unwanted keys from being input.
[0101] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *