HK1075340B - Mobile communication device with enhanced image communication capability - Google Patents

Description

Mobile communication device with enhanced image communication capability

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a mobile communication device for allowing a user to perform image communication, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal for allowing a user to transmit and receive high-quality image information to and from another user by performing a simple operation during image communication.

Background

Mobile terminals are commonly used for wireless voice communication. As mobile terminals have become more advanced, there are functions of receiving images and multimedia transmission through the internet in addition to voice communication functions. Camera phones have been widely used, which have various shapes of cameras for taking pictures of subjects and storing the captured images as image files.

In addition, a rotary type camera may be mounted on the mobile terminal, and the camera may be rotated at a predetermined angle, so that a user can photograph a subject more conveniently. The mobile terminal supports image communication using a rotary type camera.

Fig. 1 shows a conventional mobile terminal 1. The mobile terminal 1 includes a main body 20, a circuit unit (not shown) installed in the main body 20 for controlling communication, a battery 22 detachably installed at the rear side of the main body, a folder 30 hinged to the main body by a hinge 40, an auxiliary display panel 31 and a main display panel (not shown) installed at the front and rear sides of the folder, respectively, and a camera unit 10 installed at the hinge 40.

As shown in fig. 2, the camera unit 10 is a rotary type camera that can be rotated according to different positions of a subject to photograph the subject. The camera unit 10 includes a rotating cylinder 13 rotatably mounted on the hinge device 40, a bracket 14 fixed to the body 20 to support the rotating cylinder 13, a camera lens 11a mounted on the rotating cylinder, and an FPCB 12 to transmit signals by connecting the camera lens to the circuit unit.

To photograph a subject, the user adjusts the photographing lens 11a to face the subject by rotating the rotating cylinder 13 in the circumferential direction 16 according to an image displayed on the main display panel, and operates the camera through the photographing button when the subject displayed on the main display panel is located at a desired position. However, during image communication, when the user intends to transmit his/her own image and surrounding images to another user, the user must control the camera lens 11a to face himself/herself by rotating the rotating cylinder 13.

On the one hand, it is desirable to produce high quality captured images with high pixel cameras. On the other hand, in order to facilitate transmission of photographed images during image communication, it is desirable to produce low-quality images having a small size with a low-pixel camera.

However, the existing mobile terminal has only one camera. Therefore, if a camera with high pixels is provided, image data transmission is deteriorated, and a camera with low pixels cannot obtain a high-quality photographed image.

Accordingly, there is a need for a mobile communication device that facilitates image data transmission while allowing a high quality captured image to be captured in a manner that allows a user to more easily view the captured subject. The present invention addresses these and other needs.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication device that allows a user to easily perform synchronous voice communication and image communication, and that allows the user to transmit and receive high-quality image information to and from another user.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained as particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention is embodied in a mobile communication device that provides a plurality of cameras and/or display screens that allow a user to easily photograph a subject and view images received from the cameras within the device. In particular, the camera and/or the display screen are located on the mobile communication device so that the user can more easily view the display screen while the user is shooting the object with the camera. Although the present invention is described with respect to a mobile terminal, the present invention is applicable to any mobile communication device that provides voice and image communications.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile communication device including a body having a keypad disposed on one surface thereof; a folding portion mounted on the main body such that the folding portion has an open and closed configuration; a first camera mounted on the folding portion; a hinge portion configured to rotatably couple the folding portion to the main body; a first display unit mounted on the folding portion; and a second display unit mounted on the main body and having a touch pad thereon for inputting information, and a screen exposing portion formed on the folded portion so as to be opened corresponding to the second display unit for exposing the second display unit to the outside even when the folded portion is in the closed configuration, wherein the first display unit has a first display screen area on which an image captured by the first camera is displayed and a second display screen area on which an image captured or transmitted by another mobile communication device is displayed when in an image communication mode, wherein the second display unit is formed on the surface of the main body or mounted on the surface of the main body at an inclined angle, wherein during an image communication or notepad function, an image input through the touch pad of the second display unit in the open configuration is displayed on the first display unit At least one of textual information and graphical information.

In the first embodiment, the display unit located on the main body has a display screen inclined toward the user. Preferably, when the folder is opened, an inclination angle between the display panel and the main body is substantially the same as an inclination angle between the folder and the main body, and an angle range of the inclination angle is expected to be about 40 ° to 55 °.

In the second embodiment, the display unit located on the main body has a display screen formed on the same plane as the main body. It is contemplated that the display screen may be adjustable so that it can be tilted toward the user.

It is contemplated that the display unit located on the main body is adjustable so that the user can view the display screen when the folder is closed. Preferably, the display on the main body includes a transparent protection window covering the display screen of the display unit when the folder portion is closed.

The display unit, which is intended to be located on the body, can comprise a touch panel, which enables a user to input textual and/or graphical information. It is contemplated that information input by the user on the touch pad may be displayed on a display screen of the display unit located on the folder portion, and stored in the mobile communication device and/or transmitted to another mobile communication device.

It is contemplated that the user can select on which display unit the image captured by the camera is displayed. It is further contemplated that the display unit located on the folded portion can have multiple display screen areas such that the user can select the content and attributes of the display screen areas. Moreover, it is contemplated that the user can display the image captured by the camera in one display screen area while displaying other images and/or information in a second display screen area.

It is further contemplated that the information displayed in the second display screen area may be information input by a touch panel located on a display screen of the display unit of the main body.

It is contemplated that the camera located on the body is either on the same side as the display unit or on the opposite side of the display unit. It is further contemplated that the camera on the folded portion is either on the same side as the display unit or on the opposite side of the display unit.

The mobile communication device may include a flash unit located in the same portion as the camera. Also, the mobile communication device may include a slider on the camera that may be opened and closed.

The mobile communication device may also include a second camera. It is contemplated that the mobile communication device also includes a second flash unit co-located with the second camera. Moreover, it is contemplated that the first camera and the second camera may include Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs), and the number of pixels of the charge coupled devices of the first camera may be significantly different from the number of pixels of the charge coupled devices of the second camera.

It is contemplated that the second camera is located on the body, either on the same side as the display unit or on the opposite side of the display unit. The camera, which is located on the folded portion, is either on the same side as the display unit or on the opposite side of the display unit. Preferably, the second camera is located on the opposite side of the main body on which the display unit is provided, so that when the folder is closed and the second camera is activated, the display unit located on the main body can be viewed and image data captured by the second camera is automatically displayed on the display screen of the display unit of the main body.

It is contemplated that the user may select on which display unit the images captured by the first camera and the second camera are displayed. It is further contemplated that the user may also simultaneously display images captured by the first camera and the second camera in different areas of the display unit if the display unit located on the folding portion includes multiple display screen areas so that the user can select the content and attributes of the display screen areas.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrate by way of example the nature of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, and aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional mobile terminal.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a camera of the mobile terminal shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the mobile terminal shown in fig. 3 when the folder is closed.

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the mobile terminal shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the mobile terminal shown in fig. 3 when the folder is partially opened.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the mobile terminal having a touch pad on a display shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for realizing synchronous voice communication and image communication, which allows a user to transmit and receive high-quality image information to and from another user. Although the present invention is described with respect to a mobile terminal, it is contemplated that the present invention may be used whenever it is desired to facilitate simultaneous voice communication and high quality image communication within a mobile communication device.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Fig. 3-8 illustrate a mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal 100 includes a main body 110, a circuit unit (not shown) mounted on the main body, a folder portion 120 rotatably coupled to the main body, and a first display unit 122 located on the folder portion 120.

The folder 120 includes a folder housing 121 having a first display unit 122 mounted thereon, a first camera 124 mounted above the first display unit 122, a first flash unit 125 mounted below the first display unit 122, a pair of lead wires 127 extending outward from both ends of the bottom of the folder housing 121 to form a display screen exposing portion 126, and a hinge shaft 128.

The first camera 124 and the first flash unit 125 enable a user to conveniently photograph a subject located in the direction of the user. The display screen exposing portion 126 allows a user to conveniently view the display screen of the second display unit 116 when the folding portion 120 covers the main body 110.

The main body 110 further includes a main body case 111 formed to surround the circuit unit; a key 112 located at the front side of the main body case; a microphone unit 113; a second display unit 116 on the protrusion unit 115 of the main body case; hinge holes 115a formed at both sides of the protrusion unit, into which the hinge shaft 128 of the folding portion 120 is rotatably inserted; a battery 114 detachably mounted at the rear side of the main body case by a locking means 114 a; a second camera 118 located in a recess 11gb formed on the rear side of the main body case; a second flash 119 mounted in the recess adjacent the second camera; and a slide cover 11ga slidably installed at the opening of the recess.

A circuit unit (not shown) controls a communication function of the mobile terminal 100. Keys 112 enable a user to enter information. The microphone unit 113 enables a user to input voice. The first display unit 122 and the second display unit 116 provide various images and information according to a user's selection. The protrusion unit 115 facilitates tilting the display screen of the second display unit 116 with respect to the main body 111. The second camera 118 enables the user to photograph an object located in the opposite direction of the user. The slide cover 118a conveniently opens and closes the recess 118b to expose the second camera 118 and the second flash 119.

The hinge shaft 128 of the folder 120 is inserted into the hinge hole 115a of the protrusion unit 115 of the main body 110 to connect the folder to the main body. As shown in fig. 7, in order to prevent interference between the protection window and the inclined protrusion unit 115 when the folder portion 120 is opened or closed, the longest distance 12 between the center of the hinge shaft 128 to the display screen of the second display unit 116 is preferably smaller than the shortest distance 11 between the center of the hinge shaft to the protection window. The FPCB serves as a signal line for transmitting a signal from the main body 110 to the folder 120, and is connected to the circuit unit on the main body and the LCD on the folder 120 through the hinge hole 115a of the inclined protrusion unit 115 and the hollow portion of the hinge shaft 128.

When the folder 120 covers the main body 110, the display screen of the second display unit 116 is exposed through the display screen exposing part 126, so that the user can view the display screen of the second display unit when the folder is closed. Preferably, a transparent protection window 126a is installed on the display screen exposed portion 126 to protect the second display unit 116.

As shown in fig. 7, the second display unit 116 is tilted so that the user can view the display screen at a convenient viewing angle. Preferably, the display screen of the second display unit 116 is tilted relative to the main body 110 such that the viewing angle ang3 between the user and the display screen of the second display unit is substantially vertical. When the viewing angle is substantially vertical, the user can clearly recognize the information displayed on the display screen of the second display unit 116.

Preferably, a viewing angle ang2 between the display screen of the second display unit 116 and the main body 110 is substantially the same as a viewing angle ang1 between the folder 120 and the main body when the folder is fully opened. When the folded portion 120 is fully closed, the display screen of the second display unit 116 and the display screen of the first display unit 122 are in the same plane, or at least parallel to each other.

The angular range of viewing angle ang1 is approximately 40 deg. to 55 deg. when the folded section 120 is unfolded. Therefore, the angular range of the viewing angle ang2 between the display screen of the second display unit 116 and the main body 110 is preferably about 40 ° to 55 °.

It is contemplated that the first camera 124 is primarily used for image communication for the user to take a picture of himself, and the second camera 118 is used to photograph objects in the vicinity of the user. Thus, the first camera 124 has a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) mounted thereon having a relatively small number of pixels, and the second camera 118 has a charge coupled device mounted thereon having a relatively large number of pixels.

Preferably, the image captured by the first camera 124 is displayed on the display screen of the first display unit 122, and the image captured by the second camera 118 is displayed on the display screen of the second display unit 116. However, the image captured by the first camera 124 may also be displayed on the display screen of the second display unit 116, and the image captured by the second camera 118 may also be displayed on the display screen of the first display unit 122.

The display screen of the first display unit 122 may be divided into a first display screen area 122a and a second display screen area 122b so that an image captured by the first camera 124 may be displayed in the first display screen area 122a and an image captured by the second camera 118 may be displayed in the second display screen area 122 b. The user can control the shape and size ratio of the first display screen region 122a and the second display screen region 122 b. In use, the first display screen area 122a can display images of the user taken by the first camera 124, and the second display screen area 122b can display either images of other users or images captured and transmitted by other mobile communication devices.

It is contemplated that when the folded portion 120 covers the main body 110, the image captured by the second camera 118 may be displayed on the display screen of the second display unit 116. Since the display screen of the second display unit 116 can be viewed even when the folded portion 120 is closed, the user can photograph the subject without opening the folded portion. Preferably, when the sliding cover 118a is moved to expose the recess 118b in which the second camera 118 is disposed, an image captured by the second camera 118 is automatically displayed on the display screen of the second display unit 116.

As shown in fig. 8, a touch panel may be mounted on the display screen of the second display unit 116. During a call standby state or general voice communication, the touch panel displays basic information related to the mobile terminal 100, such as power, current time, vibration mode, and alarm clock information. The touch panel allows a user to write or draw a character or a picture on the second display unit 116 with a pen or a hand and transmits the character or the picture to another user during image communication. It is further contemplated that the user may also change the image communication mode by touching the pop-up menu displayed on the second display unit 116 with a pen or a hand during the image communication.

The function of the touch panel of the second display unit 116 is not limited to image communication. The touch panel may also provide a notepad function that allows a user to record and store notes within the memory of the mobile terminal 100. Preferably, pictures of characters or pictures written on the second display unit 116 are displayed on the display screen of the first display unit 122, and the characters or pictures are either stored together with the image displayed on the first display unit 122 or transmitted to another user.

The locations of the first camera 124 and the second camera 118 are not limited to the locations shown in fig. 3-8. It is contemplated that the first camera 124 may be installed at a side of the folder 120 opposite to the first display unit 122 and the second camera 118 may be installed at a front side of the main body 110 so that the cameras can photograph a subject positioned in a direction of the user.

When the first camera 124 and the second camera 118 are arranged in this manner, the second camera is mainly used for image communication for the user to take a picture of himself, and the first camera is used for photographing an object in the vicinity of the user. Thus, the second camera 118 has a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) having a relatively small number of pixels mounted thereon, and the first camera 124 has a charge coupled device having a relatively large number of pixels mounted thereon.

The operation of the mobile terminal 100 will be described in detail below with respect to the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in fig. 3-8.

When the user receives an image communication from another user, the user opens the folding portion 120 and presses the call button 112a to automatically start the image communication mode. The first camera 124 captures an image of the user and transmits the image to other users. The user can also view images of other users on the display screen of the first display unit 122.

If the first display unit 122 is divided into the first display screen area 122a and the second display screen area 122b, images of other users may be displayed in the first display screen area and an image of the user himself is displayed in the second display screen area. The user may confirm that the image was sent to other users.

The user may also input characters directly on the touch pad of the second display unit 116 with a pen or a hand and transmit the characters to other users during image transmission. In addition, the user can perform voice communication with another user while viewing images of the other user on the second display unit 116.

Fig. 8 is an example of image communication. The user may share image data, such as a map, on the first display screen area 122a of the first display unit 122 with other users while viewing images of the other users on the second display screen area 122b of the first display unit 122. The user may add information to the image displayed on the first display screen region 122a of the first display unit 122 on the touch panel of the second display unit 116 with a pen or a hand, and transmit the combined information to other users.

The first and second display screen regions 122a and 122b of the first display unit 122 are not limited to images of the user and other users. The contents of the first and second display screen regions 122a and 122b of the first display unit 122 and the contents of the second display unit 116 may be changed according to a user default image mode.

When the user wants to photograph the object with the mobile terminal 100, the slide cover 118a is moved to expose the second camera 118 on the rear side of the body 110, and the photographing button 117 is pressed. When the user wants to photograph the subject after opening the folded portion on the main body 110, an image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of the first display unit 122. When the user wants to photograph a subject after closing the folding portion 120 on the main body 110, an image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of the second display unit 116, which can be viewed when the folding portion is closed.

When the folding portion 120 is closed, the second camera 118 mounted on the rear side of the main body 110 faces the object, and the user adjusts the image of the object through the second display unit 116 in front of the main body 110. The user can easily adjust the captured image of the object.

When the folder portion 120 is closed, since the mobile terminal 100 is used like a digital camera, the user feels that the digital camera is used. Accordingly, even if not familiar with the camera function of the mobile terminal 100, the user can easily photograph the object. Also, the user does not have to expose the first display unit 122 to photograph the subject.

On the other hand, the user may use the first camera 124 to photograph the subject, for example, when the subject is to be photographed or the user takes a picture of himself. The user selects the first camera 124 by clicking the module selection switch 117a on one side of the main body 110, opens the folder 120, adjusts an image captured by the first camera and displayed on the first display unit 122, and presses the photographing button 117.

In addition, when using the first camera 124 or the second camera 118, the user may photograph a subject using the first flash unit 125 or the second flash unit 119 and transmit the captured image to another user. Also, since it is difficult to put the receiver 123 into the ear when the user views the display screens of the first display unit 122 and the second display unit 116, it is expected that the user can use an in-ear microphone or increase the volume of the receiver to use the receiver as a speakerphone. The voice communication using the mobile terminal 100 of the present invention is almost the same as the voice communication using the existing mobile terminal 1, except that while the voice communication is performed in the open state of the folder 120, simple notes can be recorded and stored using the touch panel on the second display unit 116.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment of fig. 3 to 8, and detailed description is omitted. The mobile terminal 200 includes a folder 220 rotatably coupled to the main body 210, a first display unit 222 on the folder, and a second display unit 216 on the main body.

The first fixing unit 227 protruding from the folding portion 220 side and a pair of second fixing units 211a protruding from the main body side rotatably mount the folding portion 220 on the main body 210, and the pair of second fixing units 211a are spaced apart by a width of the first fixing unit width. Hinge shafts 240 are formed at both ends of the fixing unit 227, and hinge holes 211b into which the hinge shafts are rotatably inserted are formed at the second fixing unit 211 a.

The second display unit 216 is formed on the same plane as the main body 210. The folder portion 220 has a display screen exposing portion 226 formed thereon so that the display screen of the second display unit 216 can be viewed when the folder portion is closed.

Although the second display unit 216 is relatively large or is located at the middle or lower end of the front of the main body 210, the mobile terminal 200 can obtain the same effect as the first embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, a transparent protection window 226a protecting the display screen of the second display unit 216 is installed at an outer side of the display screen exposing portion 226 of the folding portion 220.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the second display unit 216 formed in the same plane as the front side of the main body 210 may be tilted to obtain a viewing angle with respect to the user. The display screen exposed portion 226 is large enough so as not to interfere with the protruding second display element 216.

The operation of the mobile terminal 200 according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention is substantially the same as the operation of the mobile terminal 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As with the first embodiment according to the present invention, when the folding portion 220 is opened, the user can view the first display unit 226 and the second display unit 216. In addition, a user may write or draw a character or a drawing on a touch panel installed on the second display unit 216 with a pen or a hand, and a drawing of the written character or drawing may be stored or may be transmitted to another user. Also, if the pixels of the ccd mounted on the first camera 124 are lower than the pixels of the ccd mounted on the second camera 118, the first camera of the lower pixels is mainly used to photograph the user himself during image communication, and the second camera of the higher pixels is mainly used to photograph an object near the user.

The mobile terminal 200 provides an effective image communication function and a digital camera function. Also, if the display screen of the display unit 216 is tilted with respect to the main body 210, the user can easily view the display screen of the second display unit and use the touch pad mounted on the second display unit. Further, the user can adjust the image of the subject with the second display unit 216 and photograph the subject with the second camera 118 without opening the folded portion 220.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present disclosure is applicable to other types of devices. The description of the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function. Not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures are included.

Claims (7)

1. A mobile communication device, comprising:

a main body having a keyboard disposed on one surface thereof;

a folding portion mounted on the main body such that the folding portion has an open and closed configuration;

a first camera mounted on the folding portion;

a hinge portion configured to rotatably couple the folding portion to the main body;

a first display unit mounted on the folding portion; and

a second display unit mounted on the main body and having a touch panel thereon for inputting information, an

A screen exposing portion formed on the folding portion so as to be opened corresponding to the second display unit for exposing the second display unit outward even when the folding portion is in a closed configuration,

wherein the first display unit has a first display screen area on which an image captured by the first camera is displayed and a second display screen area on which an image captured or transmitted by the other mobile communication device is displayed when in the image communication mode,

wherein the second display unit is formed on the surface of the main body or is mounted on the surface of the main body at an inclined angle,

wherein at least one of text information and graphic information input through the touch panel of the second display unit in the open configuration is displayed on the first display unit during the image communication or notepad function.

2. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the surface of the body is a surface facing the folded portion in the closed configuration.

3. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the second display unit is tilted to be positioned on the same plane as the first display unit when the folding portion is in the fully open configuration.

4. The mobile communication apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a transparent protection window mounted on the folding portion so as to cover an exposed portion of the screen for protecting the second display unit.

5. The mobile communication device of claim 1, further comprising a second camera mounted on the body portion or the fold-over portion and positioned in an opposite direction relative to the first camera when the fold-over portion is in the open configuration.

6. The mobile communication device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first camera is mounted on a surface of the folder portion on which the first display unit is mounted, and the second camera is mounted on an opposite surface of the main body to a surface on which the second display unit is mounted.

7. The mobile communication device of claim 6, wherein when the image of the object is captured by the second camera position, the image of the object is displayed on the first display unit when the folded portion is in the open configuration and the image of the object is displayed on the second display unit when the folded portion is in the closed configuration.