JP2001045349A - Mobile communication device with digital camera function, control method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To reduce the number of switches, buttons, and dials in a multifunction device having a photographing function of a digital camera and a videophone function, to realize a reduction in size and cost, and to complicate an operation system. The present invention provides a mobile communication device with a digital camera function, a control method, and a storage medium having a new operation system, a new operation meaning (use), and a control method. SOLUTION: In a communication device having a digital camera function, a photographing means of a digital camera, a communication means, a switching means for switching each operation mode, and an arbitrary switch, button, mode dial, etc., correspond to each operation mode. And allocating means for allocating the performed control.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile communication device with a digital camera function having a digital camera function and a method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a device such as a digital camera or a mobile phone, a button, a switch, a dial, and the like are provided to realize a function as a camera and a phone as a telephone.

For example, a shutter button in a digital camera is used not only as a shutter button for photographing in a photographing operation mode but also as an image selection and image determination button when displaying a photographed image, and used together. was there.

In a portable telephone, etc., not only is a number key (numerical key) used for inputting a dial number of the other party, but also for inputting alphabets, hiragana and the like when inputting a telephone directory. It is used.

On the other hand, when a portable telephone is connected to a digital camera simply via a cable or an external interface (I / F), the buttons of the respective devices are used only with limited functions. For example, there has been no case where a telephone call can be made by pressing a shutter button.

[0006]

However, given the background of the conventional example described above, considering a multifunction device having a plurality of operation modes in which a digital camera and a wireless communication device are combined, they are simply combined. With only this, simply doubling the number of switches, buttons, and dials for realizing the functions impedes downsizing and cost reduction, and increases the complexity of the operation system.

Further, if a plurality of functions are inadvertently assigned only to a certain switch, button, dial, or the like, there is a problem that the operability is changed to make it difficult to understand.

Therefore, there is a problem that how to give meaning in operation in each operation mode of switches, buttons and dials becomes particularly important.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a multifunction device having a photographing function and a videophone function of a digital camera, the number of switches, buttons, and dials is reduced, and the size and cost are reduced. While realizing
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile communication device with a digital camera function, a control method, and a storage medium having a new operation system that eliminates the complexity of the operation system, a new operation meaning (application), and a new operation system.

[0010]

The present invention can solve the above-mentioned problems by providing the following constitution.

(1) In a communication device having a digital camera function, each operation mode is set to a photographing means of the digital camera, a communication means, a switching means for switching each operation mode, an arbitrary switch, a button, a mode dial, and the like. And a allocating means for allocating control corresponding to (1).

(2) A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, characterized by adding display means for displaying a captured image to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function described in (1) above.

(3) A mobile unit with a digital camera function, wherein the mobile unit with a digital camera function according to the above (1) or (2) is further provided with communication means for performing voice communication with images. Communication device.

(4) In the mobile communication device with a digital camera function described in the above (1) to (3), each operation mode is set to a shutter button of the camera via an arbitrary switch, button, or mode dial. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising an assignment unit for assigning corresponding control.

(5) The mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to the above (1) to (3), or
In addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function described in the above item (4), allocating means for allocating control corresponding to each operation mode to the rotation function of the jog dial via an arbitrary switch, button, or mode dial. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising:

(6) The mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to the above (1) to (3), or
In addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function described in the above item (4) or (5),
A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an assignment unit for assigning control corresponding to each operation mode to a push switch function of a jog dial via a mode dial.

(7) The mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to the above (1) to (3), or
In addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function described in (4) to (6) above, each operation mode is supported for a call button at the time of a telephone function via an arbitrary switch, button, or mode dial. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an assignment unit that assigns control.

(8) The mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to the above (1) to (3), or
In addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function described in the preceding paragraphs (4) to (7), an arbitrary switch, a button, or a disconnection button at the time of a telephone function via a mode dial can be
A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an assignment unit that assigns control corresponding to each operation mode.

(9) The mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to the above (1) to (3), or
In addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function described in (4) to (8) above, a mechanism for moving the display screen and opening / closing of the display screen via an arbitrary switch, button, or mode dial are provided. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an allocation unit that allocates control corresponding to an operation mode.

(10) A method for controlling a communication device having a digital camera function, comprising a photographing means of a digital camera, a communication means, and a switching means for switching each operation mode, wherein a switch, a button, and a mode dial are provided. For example, assigning control corresponding to each operation mode, displaying a captured image, performing voice communication with images, and using any switch, button, or mode dial, Assigning control corresponding to each operation mode to the jog dial rotation function, the jog dial push switch function, the telephone function call button, and the telephone function off button, respectively. And a mechanism to move the display screen and any switches, buttons, and mode dial Control method and, with respect to opening and closing of the display screen, characterized by comprising the steps of: assigning a control corresponding to each operation mode.

(11) A storage medium storing a program for realizing the control method described in (10).

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to the present invention as viewed from the lens side.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the mobile communication device with the digital camera function when the liquid crystal panel is opened, FIG. 3 is an external view for explaining a shutter button and peripheral parts of the mobile communication device with the digital camera function, Table 1 is a table showing the switching status of the operation in each operation mode for switches, buttons, dials, and the like in the first embodiment. Table 2 is the switching of the operation in each operation mode for switches, buttons, dials, and the like in the second embodiment. It is a list showing a situation.

(Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 according to the present invention will be described.
Will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 101 denotes a lens having a digital camera function. With this lens, built-in C
An image is formed by a CD (Charge Coupled Device), and data read from the CCD is subjected to image processing and stored in a built-in memory or used as image communication data in a TV phone mode.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a strobe, which emits light as auxiliary light in conjunction with the photographing when the illuminance is insufficient during photographing by the digital camera function.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a shutter button, which is depressed when taking an image in the camera photographing mode. At that time, an object to be photographed displayed on the display surface of the color liquid crystal panel 104 forming the electronic viewfinder is photographed and digitally recorded. You. As described later, the shutter button 103 has a function corresponding to each mode in other modes.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a movable color liquid crystal panel, which is used as an electronic viewfinder in a digital camera function.

In a mode other than the camera photographing mode, the photographed image is confirmed and various settings are displayed. In addition, a receiver is built in the back surface of the color liquid crystal panel 104 opposite to the display surface of the color liquid crystal panel 104, and the earpiece 105 is provided. Also,
It can be opened and closed around the hinge 112 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the color liquid crystal panel 10
4 can be rotated via the hinge 112 from the opened state, and the user can check the display on the color liquid crystal panel 104 while photographing the user himself with the camera lens by rotating.

Reference numeral 105 denotes an earpiece for passing a sound from a receiver built in back to back with the color liquid crystal panel 104, as described above.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a mouthpiece for transmitting sound to the built-in microphone.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a wireless antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves in the mobile communication device.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a call button. When the telephone is on standby, pressing the call button 108 starts communication.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a disconnect button. When the disconnect button 109 is pressed during communication in the telephone mode, the communication is terminated.

Numeral 110 denotes a numeric key, which is used for inputting a telephone number or for inputting characters in combination with a function key.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a monochrome liquid crystal unit for displaying the status of the apparatus such as various key input results, electric field strength, remaining battery power, date and time, and the like.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a hinge, which is a color liquid crystal panel 1.
It has an opening and closing function and a rotation function.

Reference numeral 113 denotes a built-in magnetic detection device. The built-in magnetic detection device (here, a Hall element) is a permanent magnet 1 provided inside the hinge 112.
14, the color liquid crystal panel 104
However, it detects in a non-contact manner that it has rotated as shown by the arrow in FIG.

The permanent magnet 114 is connected to the color liquid crystal panel 10.
The magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 114 always moves to the end face of the color liquid crystal panel 104 in conjunction with the hinge 112 that moves with the opening and closing of the shutter 4.

Reference numeral 115 denotes a nail for locking the color liquid crystal panel 104, which prevents the color liquid crystal panel 104 from being opened carelessly. Further, by pressing a switch inside the detection hole 116 with the claw 115, the color liquid crystal panel 104 has the earpiece 105 as a front surface as shown in FIG. It detects that it is closed so that it cannot be touched.

The detection hole 116 prevents the color liquid crystal panel 104 from being opened carelessly when the nail 115 is caught. Further, when the color liquid crystal panel 104 is closed, a switch is provided at a position where the color liquid crystal panel 104 is pressed by the claw 115, so that it is possible to detect that the color liquid crystal panel 104 is closed.

Reference numeral 117 denotes a jog dial with a push function, which is rotated up and down in FIG. 2 to change the items to be displayed on the monochrome liquid crystal section 111 and the color liquid crystal panel 104, and to cope with operation modes such as volume adjustment. Control is performed. Further, here, the jog dial 1 with a push function also has a push switch function.
By pressing 17, the switch is turned on and used for selection / decision.

FIG. 3 is an external view for explaining a shutter button and peripheral portions of the mobile communication device with a digital camera function, and is an enlarged view of the shutter button 103 portion.

In the figure, the central shaded portion of the concentric circle is the shutter button 103, and 301 is the mode dial.
It has a ring shape around the shutter button 103, and is configured to rotate around the shutter button 103 to switch an operation mode described later.

A portion 302 is a protrusion of the mode dial 301. The position of the protrusion 302 in the rotation direction, which will be described later, makes it possible to know what the operation mode is currently.

When the protruding portion 302 indicating the mode of the mode dial 301 is turned to the position 303, the power of the apparatus is turned off.

When the projection 302 indicating the mode of the mode dial 301 is rotated to the position 304, the apparatus is set to a TEL (telephone) mode, and a mobile body such as a voice call or data communication can be performed. .

When the projection 302 indicating the mode of the mode dial 301 is rotated to the position 305, the apparatus is set to the VIEW (display) mode, and the photographed digital image can be displayed and viewed.

When the projection portion 302 indicating the mode of the mode dial 301 is rotated to the position 306, the apparatus is set to a CAMERA (camera) mode, and the color liquid crystal panel 104 is set to an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Normally, shooting can be performed by pressing the shutter button 103 while checking the shooting target on this screen.

When the projection 302 indicating the mode of the mode dial 301 is rotated to the position 307, the apparatus is set to a TV-TEL (videophone) mode.

In this case, a mechanical mode dial is used to make the description easy to understand. However, there is no problem even if a selection is made on the display screen of the color liquid crystal panel 104 by software processing. Rather, in order to achieve a more seamless operation mode transition, it may not be desirable to use a mechanical switch for displaying the operation mode at a physical position.

In the mobile communication device with a digital camera function shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, Table 1 is a table showing the switching state of the operation in each operation mode for switches, buttons, dials and the like in the first embodiment.

The operation mode is selected and determined by rotating the mode dial 301.

Table 1 shows details of the operation in each operation mode.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055]

[Table 1]

<TEL mode> When the shutter button 103 is pressed during a call waiting,
The communication mode switches. Here, as the communication mode,
At the time of the next transmission, switching is made between voice communication and videophone (image + voice communication) in the TV-TEL mode. Switching selection is performed by a toggle operation. The selection result is the monochrome liquid crystal unit 111.
Will be displayed.

When the shutter button 103 is pressed during communication, the voice call is replaced by a T
The mode is shifted to the V-TEL mode, and image + audio communication is performed.

Jog dial 117 when waiting for a call
By turning, the telephone number list can be scrolled and searched.

By turning the jog dial 117 during communication, the volume of the call can be increased or decreased.

Jog dial 117 when waiting for a call
Is pushed, the jog dial 117 is rotated to determine the searched communication destination and start communication.

When the jog dial 117 is pushed during communication, call recording can be started or ended. The control operation is performed by a toggle operation.

<VIEW Mode> If the shutter button 103 is pressed while a captured image is displayed, the image is erased.

While the photographed image is being displayed, the jog dial 11
By rotating the display 7, the displayed image can be switched. The switching order can be arbitrarily selected, whether it is a shooting date and time or a file name.

By pushing the jog dial 117, various selection menus are displayed on the color liquid crystal panel 104, and by further pushing and rotating the jog dial 117, a desired item is selected and determined.

<CAMERA Mode> When the shutter button 103 is pressed during camera shooting, the shutter as a digital camera function is literally closed, and the image displayed at that time is captured and stored in the color liquid crystal panel 104 as a digital file. .

When the jog dial 117 is rotated after pushing the jog dial 117 at the time of photographing with the camera, exposure adjustment and white balance adjustment can be performed manually.

When the jog dial 117 is pushed during photographing with the camera, the exposure and white balance, which are usually automatically adjusted, can be manually operated. Jog dial 117 determines whether to adjust exposure or white balance.
Is a toggle operation, and when further pushed, the operation returns from the manual operation to the automatic adjustment.

<TV-TEL Mode> The shutter button 1 is used during image + voice communication.
When 03 is pressed, the transmission image or the reception image at that time is stopped (paused). Further, a control operation of displaying / not displaying an image (ON / OFF) can be selected and set. The control operation is performed by a toggle operation.

In general, when image communication is performed at a constant data communication speed, increasing the image quality increases the data amount, and thus reduces the responsiveness as a moving image. Conversely, in order to increase the responsiveness, it is necessary to reduce the amount of data. However, since the amount of data is reduced, the image quality is also reduced. The balance can be adjusted by rotating the jog dial 117.

By pushing the jog dial 117, recording of an image being transmitted or received is started and stopped. The control operation is performed by a toggle operation.

The storage destination of the recorded data may be in the present apparatus or the communication destination apparatus.

In the present embodiment described above, even if all the corresponding items are not satisfied, the requirements for the novelty of the present invention are not lost.

As described above, in a mobile communication device having a digital camera function, a control operation corresponding to each operation mode can be assigned to switches, buttons, dials, and the like, thereby realizing a new use mode and operation mode. Become.

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 of a mobile communication device having a digital camera function according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the switch button and the call button 108
That is, the off button 109 is added to the item. Further, the opening and closing operation of the color liquid crystal panel 104 is added to the items.

As in the first embodiment, in the mobile communication device with digital camera function shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, Table 2 shows
13 is a table showing a switching state of an operation in each operation mode for switches, buttons, dials, and the like in a second embodiment.

The operation mode is selected and determined by rotating the mode dial 301.

Except for the button to which the item is added, the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the added items for each operation mode will be described in detail with reference to Table 2.

[0080]

[Table 2]

<TEL Mode> When the call button 108 is pressed when the telephone is on standby, communication starts. Usually, the user goes off-hook and accepts dialing of a telephone number.

When the call button 108 is pressed during communication, connection is started to any selected destination in order to shift from two-party communication to three-party communication.

When the user presses the off button 109 during standby for a call, any control operation of the user is canceled.

When the off button 109 is pressed during communication, the communication ends.

When the telephone is on standby, the color liquid crystal panel 10
When the button 4 is opened, the mode shifts to the VIEW mode and an image is displayed on the color liquid crystal panel 104.

When the telephone is on standby, the color liquid crystal panel 10
When the button 4 is closed, if the image is displayed in the VIEW mode, the display is terminated and the telephone returns to the telephone waiting state.

When the color liquid crystal panel 104 is opened during communication, the mode shifts to the TV-TEL mode, and image + voice communication is performed.

When the color liquid crystal panel 104 is closed during communication, if the mode has shifted to the TV-TEL mode, the image + voice communication is terminated.

<VIEW Mode> When the call button 108 is pressed while a captured image is displayed, a call is made to and connected to the communication destination that previously transmitted the image, and the display image is transmitted.

If the user presses the OFF button 109 while displaying the photographed image, the communication ends.

While displaying a captured image, the color liquid crystal panel 104 is normally open.

While displaying the photographed image, the color liquid crystal panel 1
When 04 is closed, the display on the color liquid crystal panel 104 ends.

<CAMERA Mode> When the call button 108 is pressed during camera shooting, the TV-T
Move to EL mode, connect to a preset communication destination,
Communication is started as a videophone (image + voice communication).

When the off button 109 is pressed during camera shooting, communication is terminated.

When photographing with a camera, the color liquid crystal panel 104 is normally open.

When photographing with a camera, the color liquid crystal panel 104
When is closed, shooting ends.

<TV-TEL Mode> When the call button 108 is pressed during the image + voice communication, the image + voice communication is continued or started.

If the user presses the OFF button 109 during the image + voice communication, the image + voice communication ends.

When performing the image + voice communication, the color liquid crystal panel 104 is normally opened.

When the color liquid crystal panel 104 is closed during the image + voice communication, the image + voice communication ends.

In the present embodiment described above, even if all the corresponding items are not satisfied, the requirements for the novelty of the present invention are not lost.

As described above, similarly to the first embodiment, in the mobile communication device having the digital camera function, the control operation corresponding to each operation mode is assigned to the switch, button, dial, etc. The form can be realized.

[0103]

According to the present invention, in a mobile communication device having a digital camera function, a communication (telephone) function,
It has an image display function, a photographing function of a digital camera, a videophone function, and the like, and further includes means for assigning control operations corresponding to each mode to switches, buttons, dials, and the like, and switching these operation modes, New usage and operation modes can be realized.

With these techniques, the number of switches, buttons, and dials for realizing the function as a multifunction device having a plurality of operation modes, such as a combination of a digital camera and a wireless communication device, is reduced, and the size and size are reduced. It is possible to provide a new operation system that can reduce the complexity of the operation system and to provide a new operation meaning (application) while enabling cost reduction.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to the present invention as viewed from a lens side.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the mobile communication device with the digital camera function when a liquid crystal panel is opened.

FIG. 3 is an external view for explaining a shutter button and peripheral parts of a mobile communication device with a digital camera function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 Lens for digital camera function 102 Strobe 103 Shutter button 104 Color liquid crystal panel 105 Earpiece 106 Mouthpiece 107 Wireless antenna 108 Call button 109 Off button 110 Numeric key 111 Monochrome liquid crystal unit 112 Hinge 113 Built-in magnetic detection device 114 Built-in permanent magnet 115 Claw 116 Detection hole 117 Jog dial with push function 301 Mode dial 302 Projection of mode dial 301 303 Power off mode 304 TEL (telephone) mode 305 VIEW (display) mode 306 CAMERA (camera) mode 307 TV-TEL (videophone) mode

Claims (11)

[Claims] In a communication device having a digital camera function, a photographing means of a digital camera, a communication means, a switching means for switching each operation mode, an arbitrary switch, a button, a mode dial, etc. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an allocation unit that allocates corresponding control. 2. The mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a captured image. 3. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, wherein the mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to claim 1 or 2 is further provided with communication means for performing voice communication with images. 4. The mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to claim 1, wherein control corresponding to each operation mode is performed on a shutter button of the camera via an arbitrary switch, button, or mode dial. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, characterized by comprising an assigning means for assigning. 5. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to claim 1 or 3, or any switch, button, or mode in addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to claim 4. Through the dial,
A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an assignment unit that assigns control corresponding to each operation mode to a rotation function of a jog dial. 6. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or an arbitrary switch or button in addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to claim 4 or 5. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an assignment unit that assigns control corresponding to each operation mode to a push switch function of a jog dial via a mode dial. 7. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or an optional switch or button in addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to any one of claims 4 to 6. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an assignment unit that assigns control corresponding to each operation mode to a call button in a telephone function via a mode dial. 8. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or an optional switch or button in addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to any one of claims 4 to 7. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an assigning means for assigning control corresponding to each operation mode to a disconnect button at the time of a telephone function via a mode dial. 9. A mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or a mechanism for moving a display screen in addition to the mobile communication device with a digital camera function according to any one of claims 4 to 8. And, via any switch or button, mode dial, for opening and closing the display screen,
A mobile communication device with a digital camera function, comprising: an assignment unit that assigns control corresponding to each operation mode. 10. A method for controlling a communication device having a digital camera function, comprising a photographing means of a digital camera, a communication means, and a switching means for switching each operation mode, comprising a switch, a button, a mode dial, etc. Assigning control corresponding to each operation mode, displaying a captured image, performing voice communication with an image, and using a switch, a button, and a mode dial to a camera shutter button.
For the rotation function of the jog dial, for the push switch function of the jog dial, for the call button at the time of the telephone function, for the off button at the time of the telephone function,
A step of assigning control corresponding to each operation mode, and a mechanism for moving the display screen, and a control corresponding to each operation mode for opening and closing the display screen via an arbitrary switch, button, or mode dial. And a step of assigning 11. A storage medium storing a program for realizing the control method according to claim 10.