U.S. patent application number 12/379733 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-09 for portable information terminal equipped with camera.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Satoshi Machida, Norihisa Mitsuyu, Masaaki Nishino, Masakatsu Takizawa, Shuji Yamaguchi.
Application Number | 20090174803 12/379733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27341761 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090174803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nishino; Masaaki ; et
al. |
July 9, 2009 |
Portable information terminal equipped with camera
Abstract
The information terminal body may be designed to foldably pivot
a pair of flat cases each having a display unit through a hinge
which is equipped with a photographing optical system for the
camera function unit of which optical axis of lens is perpendicular
to an axial center of the hinge. The display units display
information from communication channels and images taken in by the
camera. The cases may have the display units such that the display
units face outside in a folded state. At least one of the two
display units may be a finder for photographers, while the other
may be a finder for the subject persons. The terminal is equipped
with a shutter button and a terminal operation button. The terminal
operation button works also as a shutter button. The information
terminal is also equipped with a viewfinder for the camera lens
system.
Inventors: |
Nishino; Masaaki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Takizawa; Masakatsu; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Mitsuyu; Norihisa; (Tokyo, JP) ; Yamaguchi;
Shuji; (Tokyo, JP) ; Machida; Satoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER LLP;SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
NEC CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
27341761 |
Appl. No.: |
12/379733 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11338769 |
Jan 25, 2006 |
|
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12379733 |
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09733033 |
Dec 11, 2000 |
7046287 |
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11338769 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/333.06 ;
348/E5.022 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/2251 20130101;
H04M 2250/16 20130101; H04M 1/0216 20130101; H04N 5/225251
20180801; H04N 5/782 20130101; H04N 5/23293 20130101; H04M 1/0218
20130101; H04N 7/142 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/333.06 ;
348/E05.022 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/222 20060101
H04N005/222 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 24, 1999 |
JP |
11-367810 |
Dec 24, 1999 |
JP |
11-367811 |
Dec 24, 1999 |
JP |
11-367812 |
Claims
1. A portable information terminal which comprises: a camera unit;
a shutter button for said camera; a viewfinder of which optical
axis is parallel to that of lens of said camera; and a display unit
for displaying information from transmission channels or image
taken in by said camera, wherein said lens and said viewfinder on
the front side of said portable information terminal are directed
to a subject and said display unit is placed on the rear side.
2. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:
said viewfinder is retractable; and said viewfinder is positioned
at an upper corner of the information terminal, while said shutter
button is positioned at the another upper corner.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of application Ser. No.
11/338,769, filed Jan. 25, 2006, which is a division of application
Ser. No. 09/733,033, filed Dec. 11, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,046,287, and is based on Japanese Patent Applications Nos.
11-367810, 11-367811, and 11-367812, all filed Dec. 24, 1999, by
Masaaki Nishino, Masakatsu Takizawa, Norihisa Mitsuyu, Shuji
Yamaguchi and Satoshi Machida. This application claims only subject
matter disclosed in the parent application and therefore presents
no new matter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a portable information
terminal equipped with camera which is applied to a portable
television telephone and other general purposes.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Conventional portable information terminal with camera of
this type is provided with a camera function unit which is arranged
on an information terminal body, and a display unit is used as a
finder in a photographing optical system of the camera function
unit. In this manner, when the portable information terminal is
equipped with the camera and used as a digital camera, it is
desired that the portable information terminal has operability
equal to that of a normal camera and consumes less electric
power.
[0006] Further, in a portable information terminal with camera of
this type, an information terminal body is equipped with a camera
function unit, and a shutter button arranged in a photographing
optical system of the camera function unit is arranged on the
information terminal body. In this manner, when the portable
information terminal is equipped with the camera, high operability
equal to that of a normal camera and the operability of the camera
when the portable information terminal is used as a portable
information terminal are desirably compatible. In general, in order
to secure the operability of the camera, it may be effective that
the position of the shutter is arranged at a shoulder portion of a
case.
[0007] Furthermore, as a portable information terminal with camera
of this type, for example, devices disclosed in JP 8-22343 (1996)
and JP 11-69214 (1999) are known. In particular, in the device
disclosed in JP 11-69214 (1999), an information terminal is
equipped with a camera function unit, and the information terminal
body is designed to foldably pivot a pair of flat cases each having
a display unit through a hinge portion, and the hinge portion has a
photographing optical system of the camera function unit, having a
lens opening in a direction perpendicular to the axial center of
the hinge portion. In this case, when the portable information
terminal is equipped with the camera, the photographing optical
system of the camera must be attached to an end of the device body
for the sake of a screen arrangement. For this reason, the hinge
portion for folding the cases of the device is designed to form a
lens opening for the optical system. In addition, since the lens
opening can be headed in a free direction ranged to some extent,
the cases can be switched from a folded state to open states of
several steps, and the usage of the portable information terminal
is designed in various modes.
[0008] However, a power for screen display must be switched on to
perform photographing while the display unit of the portable
information terminal is used as a finder. For this reason, a power
consumption increases, and the portable information terminal can
not be used for many hours. In addition, when a subject is
photographed without using display finder, the photographing cannot
be performed at a good camera angle.
[0009] Further, when the portable information terminal is operated
as a portable information terminal, and when a shutter is arranged
at the shoulder portion of the case, every camera photographing,
the device must be changed in holding state such that the shutter
operation can be easily performed, and a finger placed on the
terminal operation button must be moved to the position of the
shutter arranged at the shoulder of the case. This action is a
considerable disadvantage to operability. In addition, when the
display screen is used as a vertically long screen or a
horizontally long screen, if a shutter release button is arranged
at a convenient position, the operability is improved. Therefore,
on the operations obtained when the portable information terminal
is used as a camera and a portable information terminal, the
shutter must be always located at a proper position where the
shutter does not degrade the operability. However, the increase in
the number of shutter release buttons must be avoided because the
cost increases by increasing the number of parts and because the
number of times of action that a user changes her/his finger
position cannot be reduced by increasing the number of shutter
release buttons.
[0010] Furthermore, when this portable information terminal
equipped with camera is used in video recording, the display unit
(liquid-crystal display unit) display, for a photographer, a
subject image by the lens. Therefore, the subject person can not
know the present camera angle. This is because the displayed image
cannot be seen from the subject side.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable
information terminal with camera which is equipped with a
viewfinder corresponding to a photographing optical system of a
camera function unit independently of a display unit, used as a
viewfinder, for an information terminal when the portable
information terminal is used in a photographing mode of a camera,
which does not degrade the operability of the camera, which
suppresses a power consumption, and which can be used for many
hours.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
portable information terminal with camera which can always acquire
proper and comfortable operability of a camera without increasing
the number of parts and complication of structure.
[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a portable information terminal with camera including an
information terminal body having display units arranged in a pair
of cases folded through a hinge portion, wherein the portable
information terminal is designed such that photographing can be
performed while an image is also checked from a subject side by
effectively using the two display units.
[0014] There is provided a portable information terminal with
camera in which an information terminal body is equipped with a
camera function unit, and a display unit of the information
terminal is used as a viewfinder in a photographing optical system
of the camera function unit, characterized in that the information
terminal body is equipped with a viewfinder for the photographing
optical system such that the viewfinder is adjusted to a direction
of an optical lens of the photographing optical system. The
viewfinder may be arranged in the information terminal body such
that the viewfinder can be retracted in the information terminal
body. The information terminal body may be designed to foldably
pivot a pair of flat cases at least one of which has a display unit
through a hinge portion, and the hinge portion is preferably
equipped with the photographing optical system of the camera
function unit and the viewfinder corresponding to the photographing
optical system
[0015] Further, there is provided a portable information terminal
with camera in which an information terminal body is equipped with
a camera function unit, and an operation button for a shutter
arranged in the photographing optical system is arranged on the
information terminal body, characterized in that the same function
as that of the operation button for the shutter is set in one
function operation of a terminal operation button arranged on the
information terminal body. The information terminal body may be
designed to foldably pivot a pair of flat cases at least one of
which has a display unit through a hinge portion, and it is
practically preferable that the hinge portion is equipped with the
photographing optical system of the camera function unit. It is
effective that the terminal operation button is a scroll button
related to the display unit of the information terminal body, it is
effective that the scroll button has a vertically pressing
function, and the function is caused to correspond to the function
of the operation button for the shutter, and it is effective that
the terminal operation button causes one function operation to
correspond to the function of the operation button for the shutter
by function mode switching on the information terminal body
side.
[0016] Furthermore, there is provided a portable information
terminal with camera in which an information terminal body is
equipped with a camera function unit, the information terminal body
is designed to foldably pivot a pair of flat cases each having a
display unit through a hinge portion, and the hinge portion is
equipped with a photographing optical system for the camera
function unit having a lens opening in a direction perpendicular to
an axial center of the hinge portion, characterized in that the
cases have the display units such that the display units face
outside in a folded state. The hinge portion may have a structure
in which the cases are pivoted by two parallel shafts with respect
to a housing equipped with the photographing optical system, the
display units are designed to select two states such that the
display units face inside of the information terminal body in a
folded state and face outside in a developed state, and the display
units can be selected and switched with respect to a normal image
such that one of the display units facing the subject side displays
an inverted image through image inversion means to display the
horizontal inverted image of a photographed image. The display
units arranged in the cases may have use modes which can be
switched such that the cases are opposite to each other in the
folded state of the cases and face the same side when the display
units are developed about the hinge portion at 180.degree., and a
housing equipped with the photographing optical system for the
camera function unit is pivotally supported by the two parallel
shafts, is rotated at 360.degree. through the cases such that the
display units can be located inside or outside the information
terminal in a folded state, and can be developed such that the
display units can be located on the same side in the middle of the
rotation. The information terminal body is equipped with a camera
function unit, the information terminal body has two display units
and is equipped with a photographing optical system, having a lens
opening, for the camera function unit, and one of the display units
is designed to be used as a viewfinder of the camera.
[0017] According to the present invention a viewfinder which is
arranged in a conventional camera is arranged in an information
terminal body, a subject can be correctly captured even though the
display unit of the information terminal is not used as a
viewfinder. Since the display unit is not powered on, it is
advantageous that a power consumption can be reduced.
[0018] Further, according to the present invention, a shutter
release button is located at a position similar to the position of
a shutter release button of a conventional camera, operability
equal to that of a conventional camera can be realized even in the
portable information terminal, and camera shake in photographing or
difficulty in performing the operation can be canceled. In
addition, even though a shutter operation function is added to the
terminal operation button (for example, posture without any
excessive actions such as a change in holding state of the device
and a motion or change in the positions of fingers.
[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention, an image
displayed on a display unit can also be checked by a subject
person, when a camera function is operated. Images can be
photographed on the basis of the demands from the subject
person.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1A is a rear view of a first example of the first
embodiment. Viewfinder 4 may be retracted, when display unit is
used as a finder.
[0021] FIG. 1B is a front view of the first example of the first
embodiment. Viewfinder 4 is extracted, when display unit 5 is not
used as a finder.
[0022] FIG. 2A is a front view of a second example of the first
embodiment. Viewfinder 4 is extracted, when display unit is not
used as a finder.
[0023] FIG. 2B is a front view during unfolding the apparatus of
the second example of the first embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2C is a front view of the second example of the first
embodiment. Viewfinder 4 is retracted, when display unit 1b on flat
case 1x is used as a finder.
[0025] FIG. 3A is a front view of a third example of the first
embodiment. Viewfinder 4 is fixed.
[0026] FIG. 3B is a front view during unfolding of the third
example of the first embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the
first embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 5A is an illustration how to take a picture, by using a
viewfinder 4 and a shutter 3.
[0029] FIG. 5B is an illustration how to take a picture, by using a
display unit 5 and a scroll button 6 as a shutter.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a first example of the second
embodiment. Display unit 1b is used as a finder, while scroll
button 6 also functions as a shutter button.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a front view schematic perspective view showing a
second example of the second embodiment. Shutter button 3 is placed
as conventional optical cameras.
[0032] FIG. 8 is an unfolded view of the second example as shown in
FIG. 7.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the
second embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 10A is a front view of a first example of the third
embodiment. Display unit 1c is a finder for a subject person.
[0035] FIG. 10B is an unfolded view of the first example as shown
in FIG. 10A.
[0036] FIG. 11A is a rear view of a second example of the third
embodiment. Shutter button 3 is placed as conventional optical
cameras.
[0037] FIG. 11B is an unfolded view of the second example as shown
in FIG. 11A.
[0038] FIG. 11C is a front view of the second example of the third
embodiment. Display unit 1c is a finder for a subject person.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the
third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0040] In a first example of the first embodiment as shown in FIG.
1A, the information terminal body 1 is equipped with a camera
function unit (not shown), and an operation button 3 for a shutter
arranged in a photographing optical system 2 (optical lens system,
electric eye photocell or the like) is arranged on a shoulder
portion 1a (upper side) of a case of the information terminal body
1.
[0041] In particular, according to the present invention, a
viewfinder 4 is arranged in the shoulder portion 1a in alignment
with the operation button 3 to cause a user to peek in, for
example, a direct image from an optical path of the optical system
2 such that the viewfinder can be retracted in the information
terminal body 1. In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 5 denotes a display
unit (liquid crystal screen) arranged on one surface of the
information terminal body 1, and a terminal operation button 6
serving as a scroll button related to the display unit 5 is
arranged beside the display unit 5.
[0042] The terminal operation button 6 is designed such that two
operation functions are added by pressing the terminal operation
button 6 in two steps independently of a tilting operation for a
scroll operation (to be described later).
[0043] The information terminal body 1 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C
is designed to foldably pivot a pair of flat cases 1X and 1Y at
least one (two, in this example) of which has display units 1b and
1c through a hinge portion 1Z. A housing 7 equipped with the
photographing optical system 2 (lens opening is shown outside) of
the camera function unit is arranged on the hinge portion 1Z such
that the housing 7 can be pivoted about the rotation center of the
hinge portion 1Z.
[0044] Here, the viewfinder 4 is arranged in an optical system
storage unit (large-diameter portion which can be rotated about the
shaft) of the hinge portion 1Z such that the viewfinder can be
retracted in the optical system storage unit.
[0045] In a third example as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3-B, the
viewfinder 4 is directly and fixedly arranged in the optical system
storage unit.
[0046] Here, the positions of the shutter button 3 for the shutter
and the viewfinder 4 are set at the positions shown in FIG. 2 or 3.
However, the shutter button 3 and the viewfinder 4 may be located
any positions where the shutter button 3 and the viewfinder 4 can
be easily operated as buttons of a camera.
[0047] In these examples, each of the shutter button 3 (shutter
release button) and the scroll button 6 has a button switch
structure of a two-step pressing type. When each button is pressed
in the first step, like a conventional camera, the camera function
unit is activated to set the device in a photographing preparation
stage. When the button is pressed in the second step, the shutter
is released.
[0048] In this case, when the shutter button 3 or the scroll button
6 is pressed down by one step, as shown in FIG. 4, a control
circuit 11 controls a lens drive unit 12 to adjust a focal point
and an exposure of the photographing optical system 2 (optical lens
system), and the control circuit 11 controls an image signal
processing circuit 13 and a photographing circuit 14 to perform
such an adjustment that a proper image can be photographed and
completes preparation for photographing.
[0049] When the shutter button 3 or the scroll button 6 is pressed
down by two steps, the signal is input to the control circuit 11,
and the shutter (not shown) of the photographing optical system 2
is released. Image information focused by the photographing circuit
14 is converted into digital image data by the image signal
processing circuit 13 to be stored in a memory 15.
[0050] In this case, the control circuit 11 is connected to a main
circuit of the portable information terminal. Digital image data
stored in the memory 15 is transferred to the main circuit through
the control circuit 11. In this case, an image may be displayed on
the display unit 1b.
[0051] In the portable information terminals having the
configurations shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the following configuration
may be used. That is, for example, the case 1Y is developed at
360.degree. with respect to the case 1X, image display is performed
on the display unit 1b as a viewfinder. The display unit 1c is
caused to face a subject side, and the same screen display is
performed on the display unit 1c, so that the image (so-called
camera angle) as a subject can be watched from the subject
side.
[0052] In this configuration, when photographing is performed with
a vertically long or horizontally long screen as a camera by
changing the holding state of the terminal body 1 (see FIGS. 5A and
5B), it is advantageous that the shutter button 3 serving as a
shutter release button and the scroll button 6 are easily
selectively operated even if a user peeks in the viewfinder 4 or
even if the user watches the display unit 5 (or 1c).
[0053] In this example, the scroll button 6 is designed to be used
in not only a shutter operation function (press down) but also a
screen scroll operation or a menu selection operation which is an
original function. For this reason, the scroll button 6 is
connected to the control circuit 11 and also connected to the main
circuit of the portable information terminal. In the portable
information terminal, in order to make it possible to also set the
function when the scroll button 4 is vertically pressed down in a
function except for the shutter operation function, a scroll button
control circuit 16 which can perform an operation such as a
function mode switching operation may be arranged. However, when
the function when the scroll button is vertically pressed down is
set in only the shutter operation function, the scroll button
control circuit 16 may be omitted.
[0054] The portable information terminal can achieve the function
of a television telephone or the like which is the original
function. For example, in the case of the configuration shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, in the folded state shown in FIG. 2A or 3A, only a
reception state (which can also be actively turned off by the
switching operation) and a camera function are set. The function of
the information terminal is set such that a reception signal of the
information terminal can be notified by generating a predetermined
sound, and the shutter operation of the camera function unit is
performed by a pressing operation of the shutter button 3.
[0055] In this case, a user arbitrary selects whether the display
unit 1b is used as a viewfinder or the viewfinder 4 is directly
used. A switching operation for this selection may be performed by
a switch (not shown) arranged on the terminal body. When the
viewfinder 4 is directly used, the screen display (output display
as the function of the viewfinder) of the display unit 1b is
stopped, unnecessary power is prevented from being consumed.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, in a developed state of the
cases 1X and 1Y (for example, a mode turnover switch function for
converting the mode from a camera function mode to an information
terminal function mode is achieved), functions (switching function
to a transmission/reception state, function for turning on the
display units 1b and 1c, and the like) of the information terminal
are set.
[0057] Here, a function switch such as a keyboard display is
displayed on a part of the display unit 1b, while a call is made by
the scroll button 6.
[0058] In this state, the transmission and reception of sound can
be realized, and the camera function unit is operated to
continuously or intermittently photograph the image of a user
herself/himself through the photographing optical system 2. For
example, an image is displayed on a part of the display unit 1b,
and an image signal is digitized and then it is transmitted to a
person on the opposite end of line. An image of the person on the
opposite end of line is also displayed on the display unit 1c.
[0059] On the demand of the called person or calling person, the
camera function is achieved by using the photographing optical
system 2, and the image can also be immediately transmitted to the
other end. Such a mode switching operation may be performed by a
function switch displayed on a part of the display unit 1b or the
like.
[0060] In the portable information terminal with camera according
to the present invention, when the camera function is mainly
operated, even if the display unit 1b of the portable information
terminal is powered on to be used as a viewfinder, the viewfinder 4
which is independently arranged can be used in correspondence with
the photographing optical system 2 of the camera function unit. For
this reason, a power for powering the display unit 1b can be
prevented from being consumed.
[0061] In these examples, the vertical press switch function set in
the scroll button 6 can also be used in a function except for the
shutter operation button (multiple function) to the taste of a
user.
Second Embodiment
[0062] The outlines of two examples of the second embodiment are
shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. In the first example as shown in FIG.
6, an information terminal body 1 is equipped with a camera
function unit (not shown), an shutter operation button 3 for a
shutter arranged in a photographing optical system 2 (optical lens
system, electric eye photocell, and the like) is arranged on a
shoulder portion 1a (located on a surface perpendicular to a
surface having a display unit to be described later) of a case of
the information terminal body 1.
[0063] In particular, the same function as that of the shutter
operation button 3 for the shutter is set in one function operation
of a terminal operation button 6 arranged on the information
terminal body 1, so that the terminal operation button 6 and the
shutter operation button 3 can be used by switching. In this
example, the terminal operation button 6 is a scroll button related
to the display unit 1b of the information terminal body 1. This
scroll button has not only a scroll function obtained by a normal
tilting operation but also a vertical pressing function, and the
function is caused to correspond to the function of the shutter
operation button 3 for the shutter (the terminal operation button 6
and the shutter operation button 3 have the same functions).
[0064] The second example of information terminal body 1 as shown
in FIGS. 7 and 8 is designed to foldably pivot a pair of flat cases
1X and 1Y at least one (two, in this example) of which has display
units 1c and 1d through a hinge portion 1Z. The hinge portion 1Z is
equipped with the photographing optical system 2 of the camera
function unit. The characteristic feature of the present invention
is the same as that of the configuration shown in FIG. 6.
[0065] Here, the positions of the shutter operation button 3 for
the shutter and the scroll button 6 are set at the positions shown
in FIG. 8.
[0066] However, the shutter operation button 3 and the scroll
button 4 may be located at any positions. The shutter operation
button 3 may be located at a position where the information
terminal is easily operated as a camera, and the scroll button 6
may be located at a position where the scroll button is is easily
operated as the shutter release button of the camera and is easily
operated as the operation button of the portable information
terminal.
[0067] Each of the shutter operation button 3 (shutter release
button) and the scroll button 6 has a button switch structure of a
two-step pressing type. As for the former, when each button is
pressed in the first step, like a conventional camera, the camera
function unit is activated to set the device in a photographing
preparation stage. When the button is pressed in the second step,
the shutter is released.
[0068] In this case, when the shutter operation button 3 or the
scroll button 6 is pressed down by one step, as shown in FIG. 9, a
control circuit 11 comprising of a CPU and the like controls a lens
drive unit 12 to adjust a focal point and an exposure of the
photographing optical system 2 (optical lens system), and the
control circuit 11 controls an image signal processing circuit 13
and a image-pickup circuit 14 to perform such an adjustment that a
proper image can be photographed and completes preparation for
photographing.
[0069] When the shutter operation button 3 or the scroll button 6
is pressed down by two steps, the signal is input to the control
circuit 11, and the shutter (not shown) of the photographing
optical system 2 is released. Image information focused by the
image-pickup circuit 14 is converted into digital image data by the
image signal processing circuit 13 to be stored in a memory 15.
[0070] n this case, the control circuit 11 is connected to a main
circuit of the portable information terminal. Digital image data
stored in the memory 15 is transferred to the main circuit through
the control circuit 11. In this case, an image may be displayed on
the display unit 1b.
[0071] In the portable information terminals having the
configurations shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the following configuration
may be used. That is, for example, the case 1Y is developed at
360.degree. with respect to the case 1X, image display is performed
on the display unit 1b as a viewfinder. The display unit 1c is
caused to face a subject side, and the same screen display is
performed on the display unit 1c, so that the image (so-called
camera angle) as a subject can also be watched from the subject
(person to be photographed) side. In this manner, the image of the
person to be photographed can be checked.
[0072] In this example, the scroll button 6 is designed to be used
in not only a shutter operation function (press down) but also a
screen scroll operation or a menu selection operation which is an
original function. For this reason, the scroll button 6 is
connected to the control circuit 11 and also connected to the main
circuit of the portable information terminal. In the portable
information terminal, in order to make it possible to also set the
function when the scroll button 4 is vertically pressed down in a
function except for the shutter operation function, a scroll button
control circuit 16 which can perform an operation such as a
function mode switching operation may be arranged. However, when
the function when the scroll button is vertically pressed down is
set in only the shutter operation function, the scroll button
control circuit 16 may be omitted.
[0073] In this example, the scroll button 6 is designed to be used
in not only a shutter operation function (press down) but also a
screen scroll operation or a menu selection operation which is an
original function. For this reason, the scroll button 6 is
connected to the control circuit 11 and also connected to the main
circuit of the portable information terminal. In the portable
information terminal, in order to make it possible to also set the
function when the scroll button 6 is vertically pressed down in a
function except for the shutter operation function, a scroll button
control circuit 16 which can perform an operation such as a
function mode switching operation may be arranged. However, when
the function when the scroll button is vertically pressed down is
set in only the shutter operation function, the scroll button
control circuit 16 may be omitted.
[0074] The portable information terminal can achieve the function
of a television telephone or the like which is the original
function. For example, in the case of the configuration shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8, in the folded state shown in FIG. 7, only a
reception state (which can also be actively turned off by the
switching operation) and a camera function are set. The function of
the information terminal is set such that a reception signal can be
notified by generating a predetermined sound, and the shutter
operation of the camera function unit is performed by a pressing
operation of the operation button 3.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, in a developed state of the cases 1X and
1Y (for example, a mode turnover switch function for converting the
mode from a camera function mode to an information terminal
function mode is achieved), functions (switching function to a
transmission/reception state, function for turning on the display
units 1b and 1c, and the like) of the information terminal are
set.
[0076] Here, for example, a function switch such as a keyboard
display is displayed on a part of the display unit 1b, while a call
is made by using scroll button.
[0077] In this state, the transmission and reception of sound can
be realized, and the camera function unit is operated to
continuously or intermittently photograph the image of a user
herself/himself through the photographing optical system 2. For
example, an image is displayed on a part of the display unit 1b,
and an image signal is digitized and then transmitted to a person
on the other end of line. An image of the person on the other end
of line can also be displayed on the display unit 1c.
[0078] On the demand of a calling person or a called person, the
photographing optical system 2 is activated, and the image can also
be immediately transmitted to the other end. Such a mode switching
operation may be performed by a function switch serving as a touch
sensor displayed on a part of the display unit 1b or the like.
[0079] In the portable information terminal with camera according
to the present invention, even though the camera function is mainly
operated, or when the original function of the portable information
terminal is mainly used, an advantage that a button (for example,
scroll button) operated by a user is used as an operation button
for a shutter operation can be achieved. In addition, the
vertically pressing switching function set in the scroll button can
also be used in a function except for the shutter operation button
(multiple function) to the taste of a user.
[0080] In many conventional portable information terminals with
camera, shutter release buttons are independent of other buttons.
Therefore, when a user wants to photograph a subject with the
camera while a scroll button is being operated, the user changes
the holding state of the device body or the user must separate
her/his finger from the scroll button and move the finger to the
operation button for the shutter. Furthermore, when a photographing
operation is performed with a vertically long screen or a
horizontally long screen, the same actions as described above must
be performed to change the position of the camera.
[0081] Although a shutter operation function is added to the scroll
button serving as a terminal operation button, a shutter operation
can also be realized without using the scroll button. The shutter
operation can also be achieved by operating a plurality of buttons
5 as shown in FIG. 6.
Third Embodiment
FIRST EXAMPLE
[0082] In this example, the information terminal body 1 is designed
such that, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, a pair of flat cases 1X and
1Y having display units 1b and 1c are foldably pivoted through a
hinge portion 1Z, and the hinge portion 1Z is equipped with a
photographing optical system 2 (lens opening is shown outside) for
the camera function unit. One case 1X is equipped with a terminal
operation button 6 as a scroll button for a screen of the display
unit 1b, and the terminal operation button 6 is aligned to another
terminal operation button 5. The terminal operation button 5 is
designed (to be described later) such that not only a tilting
operation for a scroll operation in a normal state but also two
operation functions obtained by pressing the button in two
steps.
[0083] In particular, here, the cases 1X and 1Y have the display
units on the outside surfaces such that the display units 1b and 1c
face outside (the display units 1b and 1c are back to back on the
opposite side) in a folded state. The hinge portion 1Z is designed
to pivot a hinge portion 1d arranged on the case 1X and a hinge
portion 1e arranged on the case 1Y with respect to the axial center
(not shown) of a housing which accommodates the optical system 2
therein.
[0084] Here, the position of the operation button 3 for the shutter
is located at the shoulder portion 1a shown in FIG. 10. However,
the information terminal body 1 may be arranged at any position
where the portable information terminal can be easily operated.
[0085] In these examples, each of the shutter operation button 3
(shutter release button) and the scroll button 6 has a button
switch structure of a two-step pressing type. When each button is
pressed in the first step, like a conventional camera, the camera
function unit is activated to set the device in a photographing
preparation stage. When the button is pressed in the second step,
the shutter is released.
[0086] In this case, in the state in FIG. 10A (folded state), when
the shutter operation button 3 or the scroll button 6 is pressed
down by one step, as shown in FIG. 12, a control circuit 11
controls a lens drive unit 12 to adjust a focal point and an
exposure of the photographing optical system 2 (optical lens
system), and the control circuit 11 controls an image signal
processing circuit 13 and a photographing circuit 14 to perform
such an adjustment that a proper image can be photographed and
completes preparation for photographing.
[0087] When the shutter operation button 3 or the scroll button 6
is pressed down by two steps, the signal is input to the control
circuit 11, and the shutter (not shown) of the photographing
optical system 2 is released. Image information focused by the
photographing circuit 14 is converted into digital image data by
the image signal processing circuit 13 to be stored in a memory
15.
[0088] In this case, the control circuit 11 is connected to a main
circuit of the portable information terminal. Digital image data
stored in the memory 15 is transferred to the main circuit through
the control circuit 11. In this case, the image of a subject is
displayed on the display unit 1b in place of a viewfinder.
[0089] Here, Images are displayed on the display unit 1b as a
finder, and the display unit 1c is caused to face the subject. The
same image is displayed on the display unit 1c, so that an image
(so-called camera angle) which is a subject can be viewed from the
subject side. In this case, a horizontally inverted image (for
example, this is obtained by operating a line memory as so-called
First in last out) of the photographed image may be displayed on
the display unit 1c facing the subject side. For this reason, the
portable information terminal may have a selectable and switchable
configuration (not shown) such as switching means for a normal
image such that an inverted image is displayed through image
inversion means 16.
[0090] In this example, the scroll button 6 is designed to be used
in not only a shutter operation function (press down) but also a
screen scroll operation or a menu selection operation which is an
original function. For this reason, the scroll button 6 is
connected to the control circuit 11 and also connected to the main
circuit of the portable information terminal. In the portable
information terminal, in order to make it possible to also set the
function when the scroll button 6 is vertically pressed down in a
function except for the shutter operation function, a scroll button
control circuit 17 which can perform an operation such as a
function mode switching operation may be arranged. However, when
the function when the scroll button is vertically pressed down is
set in only the shutter operation function, the scroll button
control circuit 17 may be omitted.
[0091] The portable information terminal can achieve the function
of a television telephone or the like which is the original
function. For example, in the folded state shown in FIG. 10A, only
a reception state (which can also be actively turned off by the
switching operation) and a camera function are set. The function of
the information terminal is set such that a reception signal of the
information terminal can be notified by generating a predetermined
sound, and the shutter operation of the camera function unit is
performed by a pressing operation of the shutter operation button
3. In this case, the display unit 1b is used as a finder.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 10B, in a developed state of the cases 1X
and 1Y (for example, a mode turnover switch function for converting
the mode from a camera function mode to an information terminal
function mode is achieved), functions (switching function to a
transmission/reception state, function for turning on the display
units 1b and 1c, and the like) of the information terminal are
set.
[0093] Here, for example, a function switch such as a keyboard
display is displayed on a part of the display unit 1b, while the
scroll button 6 is operated to make a call.
[0094] In this state, the transmission and reception of sound can
be realized, and the camera function unit is operated to
continuously or intermittently photograph the image of a user
herself/himself through the photographing optical system 2. For
example, an image is displayed on a part of the display unit 1b,
and an image signal is digitized and then transmitted to a person
on the other end of line, or radio communication channel. An image
of the person on the other end can also be displayed on the display
unit 1c.
[0095] In a communication process, on the demand from the calling
side or called side, the camera function is achieved for a subject
on the other side, a desired photographing operation is performed
by using the photographing optical system 2, and the image can also
be immediately transmitted from one end to the other end. Such a
mode switching operation may be performed by a function switch
displayed on a part of the display unit 1b or the like. In this
case, as shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 11C, when the display unit 1c
is caused to face a subject to perform a photographing operation,
for example, so that the shutter can be released after a user
causes a person (person to be photographed), which is a subject, to
check the image. The photographing operation can be performed at a
preferable camera angle, and the image can be transmitted.
[0096] In the portable information terminal with camera, when the
camera function is mainly operated, an image to be photographed can
be checked, and an image on which the intention, e.g., a camera
angle or the like, of a person to be photographed is reflected can
be received.
SECOND EXAMPLE
[0097] In this example, a hinge portion 1Z has a structure in which
cases 1X and 1Y are pivoted by parallel shafts 1f and 1g (indicated
by dotted lines) with respect to a housing 6 equipped with a
photographing optical system 2. As the folded states, two states
can be selected such that display units 1b and 1c face outside and
inside the device.
[0098] More specifically, when the portable information terminal is
not used, as shown in FIG. 11A, the device is designed such that
the display units 1b and 1c are opposite to each other and are not
exposed to the outside. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the portable
information terminal is used as an information terminal, one case
1X is developed at 180.degree. about the parallel shaft if with
respect to the other case 1Y (state indicated by a solid line), or,
furthermore, when the cases 1X and 1Y are horizontally drawn as
indicated by a straight arrow to rotate the housing 6 at 90.degree.
about an intermediate point between the parallel shafts 1f and 1g
(state indicated by an imaginary line). In this state, as in the
first example, for example, the portable information terminal can
be used as a television telephone.
[0099] In particular, in this example, when the cases 1X and 1Y are
pivoted by the two parallel shafts 1f and 1g, the housing 6 is more
rotated at 90.degree. (rotated at 180.degree. from the state shown
in FIG. 11A) from the state shown in FIG. 11a through the state
shown in FIG. 11b. In addition, the case 1Y is rotated at
180.degree. about the parallel shaft 1g (i.e., rotated at
360.degree. as a whole), so that the display units 1b and 1c can be
made opposite to each other as shown in FIG. 11C. Therefore, the
image of a subject can be displayed on the display unit 1b as a
viewfinder, and the same image or a horizontally inverted image can
be displayed to be opposite to the display unit 1b used as a finder
on the opposite side can be displayed on the display unit 1c facing
the subject. For this reason, a photographing operation can be
performed with an image on which a demand, related to a camera
angle, of a person to be photographed is reflected.
[0100] In these examples, the vertical press switch function set in
the scroll button 6 can also be used in a function except for the
shutter operation button (multiple function) to the taste of a
user. In addition, the following method of using the portable
information terminal can be achieved. That is, the camera function
is operated when the cases are developed at 180.degree., a live
image serving as a viewfinder is displayed on one display unit, and
the image which is previously photographed is displayed.
* * * * *