JP2004140870A - Mobile terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable terminal device which can save a user's trouble when switching a display means used to view a predetermined display, and has improved operability and convenience.
When an open / close detection unit detects that a mobile phone is folded, a control unit outputs image data from a first memory to a second display driver unit, and outputs a second display driver unit. The image is displayed on the display unit 9 and the second backlight 11 is turned on. The control unit 1 validates the input of the second shutter button 13b. On the other hand, when the opening / closing detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is not folded, the control unit 1 outputs the image data from the first memory 4 to the first display driver unit 6, and the first display unit The first backlight 10 is turned on while an image is displayed on 8. When the switching button is operated, the display units 8 and 9 used as the viewfinder are switched.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a portable terminal device that is configured to be foldable and has display means disposed inside and outside when folded, and more particularly, to a portable terminal device with a so-called foldable camera-equipped mobile phone. The present invention relates to a portable terminal device provided with an imaging unit that converts an image into an electric signal and outputs the image as image data.

2. Description of the Related Art A foldable camera-equipped mobile phone includes a main display which is a relatively large display means on an inner surface when folded, and a sub-display which is a relatively small display means on an outer surface. It is commercially available. In many of the foldable camera-equipped mobile phones, the camera is arranged on a surface that is outside when folded. When the camera is arranged outside, when the user takes an image of himself as a subject, the user points the camera at himself and uses the sub-display as a finder. When the user takes an image of a subject other than himself, the user turns the camera to the opposite side and uses the main display as a viewfinder. The switching of the display used as the finder is performed by the user operating a switching button.

Further, as a conventional technology of a portable terminal device having two display units, there is a portable information processing device described in Patent Document 1. This portable information processing device has a main liquid crystal that is used with the device open as a display unit, and is smaller than the main liquid crystal, and is displayed on the opposite side to the main liquid crystal disposition surface and on the opposite side to the main liquid crystal. And a sub liquid crystal. A display button for controlling display of the sub liquid crystal is provided near the sub liquid crystal. In this portable information processing apparatus, when a user presses a display button, predetermined information such as the number of incoming e-mails and the amount of battery charge is displayed on the sub liquid crystal. Therefore, in this portable information terminal device, the user can view predetermined information without opening the device.

JP-A-11-265254

In the foldable camera-equipped mobile phone provided with the two display units as described above, the user needs to perform an operation of pressing a switching button in order to switch the display unit used as a finder when capturing an image. The buttons provided on a mobile phone are generally small, so there is a problem that it is difficult to operate. In addition, since the arrangement space of the buttons provided on the mobile phone is limited, the number of buttons is limited, and a dedicated switching button may not be provided in some cases. In this case, a button provided for another purpose is used as a switching button for switching the display means. Therefore, it is troublesome to operate the switching button, and erroneous operation is likely to occur. There is also. As described above, in the configuration in which the display unit used as the finder is switched by operating the switching button, there is a problem in that preparation for imaging is troublesome.

Also, in the portable information processing device described in the above-mentioned publication, it is necessary to press a display button in order to view predetermined information on the sub liquid crystal, which is also troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal device which can save a user's trouble in switching a display means used to view a predetermined display, and has improved operability and convenience.

The present invention is a portable terminal device configured to be foldable,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded;
First and second display means respectively arranged to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded;
Imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data,
A switching button for switching between the first and second display means used as a finder;
Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means based on image data output from the imaging means,
The portable terminal device, wherein the display control unit displays an image based on the image data on the second display unit based on a detection result of the detecting unit, at least when the portable terminal device is folded. It is.

The present invention is also a portable terminal device configured to be foldable,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded;
Imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data,
A switching button for switching a display means used as a finder,
First and second display means respectively arranged to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded;
Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means based on image data output from the imaging means,
The display control means displays an image based on the image data on the first display means when the detection means detects that the portable terminal apparatus is opened, and the detection means causes the portable terminal apparatus to be folded. When it is detected that an image based on the image data is displayed on the second display means,
When the switch button is operated while an image based on the image data is displayed on the first display, an image based on the image data is displayed on the second display, and an image based on the image data is displayed. When the switch button is operated in a state where is displayed on the second display means, an image based on the image data is displayed on the first display means.

The present invention is also a portable terminal device configured to be foldable,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded;
First and second display means respectively arranged to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded;
Imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data,
A switching button for switching between the first and second display means used as a finder;
Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means based on image data output from the imaging means,
The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit uses the second display unit as a finder at the time of photographing at least when the mobile terminal device is folded, based on a detection result of the detection unit. .

Further, the present invention further includes a key operation unit disposed so as to be positioned inside when the portable terminal device is folded, and including at least keys for inputting numbers and characters,
The switching button is arranged near the key operation unit.

Further, the present invention further includes a key operation unit disposed so as to be positioned inside when the portable terminal device is folded, and including at least keys for inputting numbers and characters,
The switching button is assigned to any key included in the key operation unit.

According to the present invention, since the image based on the image data output from the imaging unit is displayed on the second display unit just by the user folding the portable terminal device, the user can display the image based on the image data output from the imaging unit. In order to display an image on the second display means, it is not necessary to operate a button or the like, so that it is possible to save time and effort for the user when capturing an image, thereby improving operability and convenience.

Further, according to the present invention, the user simply folds or opens the portable terminal device, and the display device used as a finder at the time of imaging is appropriately switched. Therefore, the user operates a conventional switching button to switch the display device. You don't have to. This saves the user the trouble of switching the display means used as the finder, and improves operability and convenience.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile phone 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the mobile phone 100. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the mobile phone 100 is opened, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which the mobile phone 100 is folded. In the present embodiment, a mobile phone will be described as an example of a mobile terminal device. The mobile phone 100 performs wireless communication with a base station via a radio wave, and can transmit and receive not only voice data but also character data and image data. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 100 includes first and second housings 30 and 31, and the first and second housings 30 and 31 are connected via a hinge 32. It is configured so that it can be folded by moving freely as an axis.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 100 includes a control unit 1, an imaging unit 2, an image processing unit 3, a first memory 4, a second memory 5, a first display driver unit 6, a second display driver unit 7, and a first display unit. Display unit 8, second display unit 9, first backlight 10, second backlight 11, key operation unit 12, first shutter button 13a, second shutter button 13b, open / close detection unit 14, antenna 15, radio unit 16 And a communication control unit 17.

The control unit 1 is a display control unit, a shutter button control unit, and a backlight control unit that control the operation of each part configuring the mobile phone 100. The imaging unit 2 includes an imaging lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, or a CMOS (Complementary Metal).
Oxide Semiconductor) An image sensor such as an image sensor and three color filters of RGB are provided. The imaging unit 2 converts the light reflected by the subject and incident on the imaging lens into RGB three-color light through a color filter, and converts each of the RGB three-color light into an electric signal by the image sensor. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the imaging unit 2 is provided so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded.

The image processing unit 3 includes an amplification unit, an A / D (analog / digital) conversion unit, and a signal processing unit. The amplifying unit amplifies the electrical signal corresponding to RGB sent from the imaging unit 2 and sends it to the A / D conversion unit. The A / D converter converts the electrical signal (analog) corresponding to RGB amplified by the amplifier into a digital signal, outputs image data, and sends the image data to the signal processor. The signal processing unit performs signal processing such as pixel interpolation processing on the image data sent from the A / D conversion unit. The signal processing unit sends the image data subjected to the signal processing to the first memory 4 based on the control signal sent from the control unit 1. The imaging unit 2 and the image processing unit 3 are imaging units that convert incident light into an electric signal and output it as image data. The first memory 4 temporarily stores image data continuously sent from the signal processing unit. For example, temporally old image data is deleted or the newest image data is overwritten and temporarily stored.

The control unit 1 transmits a control signal to the first and second display driver units 6 and 7 and sends the image data stored in the first memory 4 to the first and second display driver units 6 and 7. The first and second display driver units 6 and 7 drive the respective pixel electrodes of the first and second display units 8 and 9 according to image data to be displayed on the first and second display units 8 and 9. Apply voltage. The first and second display units 8 and 9 include a liquid crystal display and an EL (Electro
(Luminescence) display and the like, and are first and second display means for displaying an image based on image data sent via the first and second display driver units 6 and 7. Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first display unit 8 is arranged so as to be located inside when the mobile phone 100 is folded. As shown in FIG. 2B, the second display unit 9 is arranged so as to be located outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded.

The first and second backlights 10 and 11 are composed of light emitting diodes, which are light emitting elements, and irradiate the first and second display units 8 and 9 with light to increase luminance. Control of turning on and off the first and second backlights 10 and 11 and control such as brightness adjustment are performed by the control unit 1. The first and second backlights 10 and 11 can be controlled independently of each other. When an image is displayed on the first display unit 8, the first backlight 10 is switched to the second display. When it is displayed on the unit 9, the second backlight 11 is controlled to be turned on. Note that the first and second backlights 10 and 11 may be configured to be turned on until a predetermined operation for turning off the light is performed by the user, or may be configured to be turned off when a predetermined time elapses after being turned on. .

The key operation unit 12 includes keys for inputting numbers and characters. The first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b are used to send the image data that the user wants to save from the temporarily stored image data to the second memory 5 from the first memory 4. When storing, an instruction signal to be operated by the user and to store is output to the control unit 1. The controller 1 causes the second memory 5 to store the image data stored in the first memory 4 in response to instruction signals from the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b. The second memory 5 is a storage unit that stores the image data stored in the first memory 4 and various types of reception data received via the antenna 15. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first shutter button 13a is arranged in the vicinity of the key operation unit 12, or is assigned to any key of the key operation unit 12. Are arranged to be located inside when folded. As shown in FIG. 2B, the second shutter button 13b is arranged so as to be located outside the folded mobile phone 100, for example, near the second display unit 9. Instead of providing the two shutter buttons 13a and 13b, one shutter button may be provided on the side surface of the mobile phone 100 so that input is possible even when the mobile phone 100 is folded or opened. .

The open / close detection unit 14 is a detection unit that detects whether the mobile phone 100 is folded. As shown in FIG. 2A, a small projection 14a is formed near the hinge 32 below the first housing 30, and a small hole 14b is formed near the hinge 32 above the second housing 31. I have. A switch 20 having the structure shown in FIG. 3 is provided inside the hole 14b. The open / close detection unit 14 includes a protrusion 14a, a hole 14b, and a switch 20.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the switch 20. The switch 20 includes a conductive part 21, a contact part 22, and a support part 23. The conductive part 21 is made of a conductive material such as conductive rubber, and is separated from the contact part 22 by a predetermined distance by the support part 23 made of an elastic material. Is supported. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 3B, the contact portion 22 includes comb-shaped electrodes 22a and 22b. The comb electrodes 22a and 22b are formed on the substrate 24 inside the second housing 31 at positions corresponding to the holes 14b, and are connected to the control unit 1, respectively. When the mobile phone 100 is folded, the projection 14a of the first housing 30 enters the hole 14b of the second housing 31, and the projection 14a presses the conductive portion 21 against the contact portion 22. At this time, the conductive portion 21 is in contact with the portion indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3B, and the comb-shaped electrodes 22a and 22b are electrically conducted through the conductive portion 21 so that the electric current flows between the comb-shaped electrodes 22a and 22b. Flows. The control unit 1 determines that the mobile phone 100 is folded by detecting the current. When the mobile phone 100 is not folded, the conductive portion 21 is separated from the contact portion 22 by the elastic force of the support portion 23 because the projection 14a is not in the hole 14b. At this time, since no current flows between the comb electrodes 22a and 22b, the control unit 1 determines that the mobile phone 100 is not folded. The switch 20 is not limited to the above-described structure, and the open / close detection unit 14 is not limited to the above-described structure, and may be any configuration that can detect whether the mobile phone 100 is folded.

The antenna 15 transmits and receives voice data, character data, image data, and the like when performing wireless communication with a base station via wireless radio waves. The radio unit 16 demodulates data received from the base station via the antenna 15 during reception, and modulates and amplifies character data and image data transmitted from the communication control unit 17 during transmission, The signal is transmitted to the base station via the antenna 15. The communication control unit 17 sends received data such as character data and image data demodulated by the wireless unit 16 to the control unit 1 based on a predetermined communication protocol. The data received from the other party via the wireless unit 16 and the communication control unit 17 is stored in the second memory 5.

The control of the first and second display units 8 and 9 will be described. The control unit 1 switches the display unit that displays an image based on the image data temporarily stored in the first memory 4 based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 14. When the opening / closing detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded, the control unit 1 outputs the image data from the first memory 4 to the second display driver unit 7 and outputs the image data from the second display driver unit 7. To display the image. When the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is not folded (opened), the control unit 1 outputs image data from the first memory 4 to the first display driver unit 6, An image is displayed on the first display unit 8.

As described above, since the imaging unit 2 is provided outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user of the mobile phone 100, the user needs to open the mobile phone 100 in the open state. To image the image pickup unit 2 toward the subject opposite to the user. In this state, the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is open, that is, is not folded, and an image based on the image data output from the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the first display unit 8. . This allows the user to use the first display unit 8 as a finder during imaging.

On the other hand, when capturing the image of the user as the subject, the user captures the image by directing the imaging unit 8 toward the user with the mobile phone 100 folded. In this state, the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded, and an image based on the image data output from the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the second display unit 9. Thus, the user can use the second display unit 9 as a finder at the time of shooting.

As described above, since the display units 8 and 9 used as the viewfinder at the time of imaging are appropriately switched just by the user folding or opening the mobile phone 100, the user can switch between the display units 8 and 9 as in the related art. There is no need to operate the switching button, and the user can save time and effort when switching between the display units 8 and 9 used as a finder, thereby improving operability and convenience.

Note that the mobile phone 100 may include a switching button for switching the display units 8 and 9 used as a finder. The switching button is arranged near the key operation unit 12 or assigned to any key of the key operation unit 12. When the user operates the switching button while the mobile phone 100 is open, the display units 8 and 9 used as the viewfinder are switched. For example, when the display unit used as the finder is the first display unit 8 and the user presses the switch button, the display is switched to the second display unit 9. When the display unit used as the finder is the second display unit 9, When the user presses the switching button, the display is switched to the first display section 8.

The control of the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b will be described. The control unit 1 switches the shutter button for which the input is valid, based on the detection result of the opening / closing detection unit 14. When the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded, the control unit 1 validates the input of the second shutter button 13b. When the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is open, the control unit 1 validates the input of the first shutter button 13a and invalidates the input of the second shutter button 13b. To invalidate the input of the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b, for example, the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b are fixed so that the user cannot operate the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b. The control unit 1 prevents the first and second shutter buttons 13a, 13b from outputting an instruction signal to the control unit 1 without fixing the control signal 13b, and the control unit 1 outputs an instruction signal from the first and second shutter buttons 13a, 13b. Can be realized by a method of not processing.

As described above, since the imaging unit 2 is provided outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user of the mobile phone 100, the user needs to open the mobile phone 100 in the open state. To image the image pickup unit 2 toward the subject opposite to the user. In this state, the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is open, and the instruction from the first shutter button 13a becomes valid. The user operates the first shutter button 13a disposed on the same side as the first display unit 8 while looking at the first display unit 8 serving as a finder.

On the other hand, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user, the user captures the image with the imaging unit 2 facing the user with the mobile phone 100 folded. In this state, the folded state of the mobile phone 100 is detected by the open / close detection unit 14, and the instruction from the second shutter button 13b becomes valid. The user operates the second shutter button 13b arranged on the same side as the second display unit 9 while looking at the second display unit 9 serving as a finder.

Thus, the instructions from the first or second shutter button 13a, 13b located on the same side as the first or second display unit 8, 9 used as a finder only by folding or opening the mobile phone 100 become valid. Therefore, the user can input while checking and viewing the first or second shutter button 13a, 13b, and the operability is improved.

In general, the shutter button located on the side opposite to the display unit used as a finder is hard to be seen by the user, so that when the user grips the mobile phone 100 or performs an operation other than the input of the shutter button, the shutter button is erroneous. Input. In the present embodiment, simply opening the mobile phone 100 invalidates the instruction from the second shutter button 13b located on the side opposite to the first display unit 8 used as a finder, thereby preventing erroneous operation by the user. .

When the mobile phone 100 is detected to be open, the input of the second shutter button 13b may be enabled instead of being disabled. In this case, the user can operate both the first and second shutter buttons 13a and 13b. In addition, since the first shutter button 13a is arranged inside when folded, the user cannot operate when the mobile phone 100 is folded. Therefore, the input of the first shutter button 13a when the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded may be either invalid or valid.

The control of the first and second backlights 10 and 11 will be described. The control unit 1 switches on and off the first and second backlights 10 and 11 based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 14. When the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is folded, the control unit 1 turns on the second backlight 11 and increases the luminance of the second display unit 9. When the open / close detection unit 14 detects that the mobile phone 100 is open, the control unit 1 turns on the first backlight 10 and increases the luminance of the first display unit 8.

As described above, when the user captures an image of a subject other than the user, the first display unit 8 is used as a finder, and the image data captured from the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the first display unit 8. At this time, the first backlight 10 is turned on, and the brightness of the first display unit 8 is increased.

On the other hand, when the user takes an image of the subject as the user himself, the second display unit 9 is used as a finder, and the image data captured from the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the second display unit 9. At this time, the second backlight 10 is turned on, and the brightness of the second display unit 9 is increased.

(4) As described above, when the mobile phone 100 is folded or opened, the backlight for supplying light to the display unit used as the finder is turned on, so that the displayed image is easy to see and the visibility is improved.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the imaging process of the mobile phone 100. Note that the mobile phone 100 can be set to a state in which an image can be captured by a predetermined operation, that is, a so-called imaging mode, from a folded state or an opened state.

First, in step S1, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 14. If it is opened without being folded, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is folded, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S2, the first backlight 10 is turned on. In step S3, the image data captured from the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the first display unit 8, and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S <b> 4, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 14. If it is open, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is folded, the first backlight 10 is turned off, the image display on the first display unit 8 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S5, the control unit 1 invalidates the input of the second shutter button 13b and detects whether the first shutter button 13a has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S6, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S6, the image data temporarily stored in the first memory 4 is stored in the second memory 5, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the control unit 1 determines whether a predetermined operation for ending the imaging mode has been performed by the user. If the operation has been performed, the process ends. If the operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S4. When the imaging mode ends, a predetermined standby screen or the like is displayed on the first and second display units 8 and 9.

In step S1, if the control unit 1 determines that the mobile phone 100 is folded, the process proceeds to step S8, where the second backlight 11 is turned on. In step S9, the image data captured from the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the second display unit 9, and the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 100 is folded based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 14. If it is open, the lighting of the second backlight 11 and the display of the image on the second display unit 9 are stopped, and the process proceeds to step S2. If it is folded, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the control unit 1 detects whether or not the second shutter button 13b has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S12, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12, the image data temporarily stored in the first memory 4 is stored in the second memory 5, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the control unit 1 determines whether a predetermined operation for ending the imaging mode has been performed by the user. If the operation has been performed, the process ends, and if not, the process returns to step S10. When the imaging mode ends, a predetermined standby screen or the like is displayed on the first and second display units 8 and 9.

As described above, by detecting the opening and closing of the mobile phone 100, the display unit used as a finder at the time of imaging is appropriately switched, so that the user does not need to perform a button operation for switching, and the switching operation is not performed. This saves time and improves operability and convenience. Further, by detecting the opening and closing of the mobile phone 100, the input of the shutter button on the same side as the display unit serving as the finder becomes valid, so that the user can input while looking at the shutter button, Operability is improved. Further, since the input of the shutter button on the opposite side of the display unit serving as the finder becomes invalid, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as accidentally pressing the shutter button. Further, when the opening and closing of the mobile phone 100 is detected, the backlight of the display unit serving as a finder is turned on, so that an image is easy to see and visibility is improved.

2A and 2B show the case where the first and second display units 8 and 9 are arranged on the first housing 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. The two display units 8 and 9 may be arranged so as to be located inside and outside when the mobile phone 100 is folded.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 has been described as the mobile terminal device.
Assistance, etc., the present invention can be applied to any configuration that is configured to be foldable and includes a display unit inside and outside when folded together with the imaging unit.

Furthermore, not only when the display units 8 and 9 are used as viewfinders, but when a predetermined display is displayed on the display units 8 and 9, switching of the display unit to be displayed is performed by detecting opening and closing of the mobile phone 100. It may be.

The present invention is capable of the following embodiments.
(1) A portable terminal device that is configured to be foldable, wherein a detecting unit that detects whether the portable terminal device is folded is located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded. And a display control means for controlling the first and second display means to perform a predetermined display, wherein the display control means Based on the detection result, the first display means performs a predetermined display when the portable terminal device is not folded, and a predetermined display on the second display means when the portable terminal device is folded. A mobile terminal device characterized by performing the following.

(4) When the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is open, that is, is not folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control means causes the first display means appearing outside when the portable terminal device is opened to perform a predetermined display based on the detection result. Thereby, the user can see the predetermined display on the first display means. On the other hand, when the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control means causes the second display means located outside to perform a predetermined display when the portable terminal device is folded. Thereby, the user can see the predetermined display on the second display means.

As described above, the user can switch the display means for performing the predetermined display only by performing the operation of opening or folding the portable terminal device. Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the switching button as in the prior art in order to switch the display means, and it is possible to save the user's labor when switching the display means used to view a predetermined display, and to improve operability and Convenience is improved.

(2) detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded, and first and second display means arranged to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded, respectively. An imaging unit that converts incident light into an electric signal and outputs the image data as image data; and a display control unit that displays an image on the first and second display units based on the image data output from the imaging unit. Wherein the display control means displays an image based on the image data on the second display means based on a detection result of the detection means, at least when the portable terminal device is folded. Mobile terminal device.

(4) When the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control means causes the second display means located outside when the portable terminal device is folded to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging means. Thus, the user can view the image on the second display means, and can use the second display means as a finder at the time of imaging.

For example, assume that the imaging means is provided on the same side as the second display means located outside when the portable terminal device is folded. In this case, when capturing an image of the user as a subject, the user directs the imaging unit toward the user with the mobile terminal device closed. In this state, the detection unit detects that the portable terminal device is folded, and the display control unit causes the second display unit to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging unit based on the detection result. This allows the user to use the second display means as a finder for shooting.

As described above, since the image based on the image data output from the imaging unit is displayed on the second display unit just by the user folding the portable terminal device, the user can display the image based on the image data output from the imaging unit. There is no need to operate buttons or the like for displaying on the second display means, so that it is possible to save the user's time and effort when capturing an image, thereby improving operability and convenience.

(3) A portable terminal device configured to be foldable, wherein a detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded is located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded. And second display means arranged as described above, imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data, and the first and second display means based on the image data output from the imaging means. Display control means for displaying an image on the second display means, wherein the display control means, based on a detection result of the detection means, when the portable terminal device is not folded, generates an image based on the image data. Displaying on the first display means, and displaying the image based on the image data on the second display means when the portable terminal device is folded. Terminal equipment.

(4) When the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is open, that is, not folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control means causes the first display means, which appears outside when the portable terminal device is opened, to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging means, based on the detection result. Thereby, the user can see the image on the first display means, and can use the first display means as a finder at the time of imaging. On the other hand, when the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is folded, the detection result is given to the display control means. The display control means causes the second display means located outside when the portable terminal device is folded to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging means. Thus, the user can view the image on the second display means, and can use the second display means as a finder at the time of imaging.

For example, assume that the imaging means is provided on the same side as the second display means located outside when the portable terminal device is folded. In this case, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user of the mobile terminal device, the user captures the image with the imaging unit facing the subject side opposite to the user with the mobile terminal device opened. In this state, the detection unit detects that the portable terminal device is open, that is, the portable terminal device is not folded, and based on the detection result, the display control unit converts the image based on the image data output from the imaging unit into a first image. Display on display means. Thereby, the user can use the first display means as a finder at the time of imaging.

On the other hand, when capturing an image of the user as the subject, the user captures the image by directing the imaging unit toward the user with the portable terminal device closed. In this state, the detection unit detects that the portable terminal device is folded, and the display control unit causes the second display unit to display an image based on the image data output from the imaging unit based on the detection result. This allows the user to use the second display means as a finder for shooting.

As described above, the user simply folds or opens the portable terminal device, and the display device used as a finder at the time of imaging is appropriately switched. Therefore, the user operates a switching button as in the related art to switch the display device. This eliminates the necessity, and saves the user the trouble of switching the display means used as the finder, thereby improving the operability and convenience.

(4) storage means for storing the image data, and first and second shutter buttons respectively arranged to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded, and instructing storage of the image data And a shutter button control means for controlling an instruction from the first and second shutter buttons to be enabled or disabled, wherein the shutter button control means is configured to control the mobile terminal based on a detection result of the detection means. When the device is not folded, the instruction from the first shutter button is valid, and when the portable terminal device is folded, the instruction from the second shutter button is valid. Mobile terminal device.

When the detecting means detects that the portable terminal device is open, that is, the portable terminal device is not folded, the shutter button control means sets the first shutter button that appears to the outside when the portable terminal device is opened. The instructions from are valid. On the other hand, when the detection unit detects that the portable terminal device is folded, the shutter control unit validates an instruction from the second shutter button located outside when the portable terminal device is folded. I do. When the first or second shutter button is operated by the user, the image data output from the imaging means is stored in the storage means. Thus, an image is captured.

As described above, when the imaging unit is provided on the same side as the second display unit located outside when the mobile terminal device is folded, when imaging an object other than the user of the mobile terminal device, The user captures an image of the image capturing unit with the mobile terminal device opened, facing the subject side opposite to the user. In this state, the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is open, and the instruction from the first shutter button becomes valid. The user operates the first shutter button arranged on the same side as the first display means while looking at the first display means which is a finder.

On the other hand, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user, the user captures the image by directing the imaging unit toward the user with the portable terminal device folded. In this state, the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is folded, and the instruction from the second shutter button becomes valid. The user operates the second shutter button arranged on the same side as the second display means while looking at the second display means which is a finder.

As described above, since the instruction from the shutter button located on the same side as the display means used as the finder becomes effective only by folding or opening the portable terminal device, the user operates while seeing and confirming the shutter button. Operability at the time of imaging is improved.

(5) The portable terminal, wherein the shutter button control means invalidates an instruction from the second shutter button based on a detection result of the detection means when the portable terminal device is not folded. apparatus.

(4) When the portable terminal device is folded, that is, when it is open, the instruction from the first shutter button is valid and the instruction from the second shutter button is invalid.

In general, the shutter button located on the side opposite to the display means used as a finder is hard to be seen by the user, so that when the user grips the portable terminal device or performs an operation other than the input of the shutter button, the user mistakenly performs the operation. You may enter it. According to the present invention, when the mobile terminal device is opened, the instruction from the second shutter button located on the side opposite to the first display unit used as the finder becomes invalid, so that erroneous operation by the user can be prevented.

(6) First and second backlights for irradiating light to increase the brightness of the first and second display means, respectively, and a backlight for controlling the first and second backlights to be turned on or off. Control means, wherein the backlight control means turns on the first backlight when the portable terminal device is not folded based on the detection result of the detection means, and the portable terminal device is folded. The portable terminal device, wherein the second backlight is turned on when the mobile terminal device is in a standby state.

When the detection means detects that the portable terminal device is open, that is, the portable terminal device is not folded, the backlight control means causes the first display means appearing outside when the portable terminal device is opened to appear. The first backlight that irradiates the light to the light is turned on. On the other hand, when the detection unit detects that the portable terminal device is folded, the backlight control unit irradiates light to the second display unit located outside when the portable terminal device is folded. Turn on the second backlight.

As described above, when the imaging unit is provided on the same side as the second display unit located outside when the mobile terminal device is folded, when imaging an object other than the user of the mobile terminal device, The user captures an image of the image capturing unit with the mobile terminal device opened, facing the subject side opposite to the user. In this state, since the first backlight is turned on as described above, the luminance of the first display means increases.

On the other hand, when capturing an image of a subject other than the user, the user captures the image by directing the imaging unit toward the user with the portable terminal device folded. In this state, since the second backlight is turned on as described above, the brightness of the second display means increases.

As described above, when the user folds or opens the portable terminal device at the time of imaging, the backlight that irradiates light to the display means used as the finder is turned on, so that the displayed image is easy to see and visibility is improved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile phone 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the mobile phone 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a switch 20. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging process of the mobile phone 100.

Explanation of reference numerals

Reference Signs List 1 control unit 2 imaging unit 3 image processing unit 4 first memory 5 second memory 6 first display driver unit 7 second display driver unit 8 first display unit 9 second display unit 10 first backlight 11 second backlight Reference Signs List 12 Key operation unit 13a First shutter button 13b Second shutter button 14 Open / close detection unit 15 Antenna 16 Radio unit 17 Communication control unit 20 Switch 21 Conduction unit 22, 22a, 22b Contact unit 23 Support unit 24 Substrate 30 First housing 31 Second housing 32 hinge 100 mobile phone

Claims (5)

A portable terminal device configured to be foldable,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded;
First and second display means respectively arranged to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded;
Imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data,
A switching button for switching between the first and second display means used as a finder;
Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means based on image data output from the imaging means,
The portable terminal device, wherein the display control unit displays an image based on the image data on the second display unit based on a detection result of the detecting unit, at least when the portable terminal device is folded. . A portable terminal device configured to be foldable,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded;
Imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data,
A switching button for switching a display means used as a finder,
First and second display means respectively arranged to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded;
Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means based on image data output from the imaging means,
The display control means displays an image based on the image data on the first display means when the detection means detects that the portable terminal apparatus is opened, and the detection means causes the portable terminal apparatus to be folded. When it is detected that an image based on the image data is displayed on the second display means,
When the switch button is operated while an image based on the image data is displayed on the first display, an image based on the image data is displayed on the second display, and an image based on the image data is displayed. The portable terminal device displays an image based on the image data on the first display unit when the switch button is operated in a state where is displayed on the second display unit. A portable terminal device configured to be foldable,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the portable terminal device is folded;
First and second display means respectively arranged to be located inside and outside when the portable terminal device is folded;
Imaging means for converting incident light into an electric signal and outputting it as image data,
A switching button for switching between the first and second display means used as a finder;
Display control means for displaying an image on the first and second display means based on image data output from the imaging means,
The portable terminal device, wherein the display control means uses the second display means as a finder at the time of photographing at least when the portable terminal device is folded, based on a detection result of the detecting means. The portable terminal device further includes a key operation unit that is arranged to be located inside when folded, and includes at least keys for inputting numbers and characters,
The portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switching button is arranged near the key operation unit. The portable terminal device further includes a key operation unit that is arranged to be located inside when folded, and includes at least keys for inputting numbers and characters,
The portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switching button is assigned to any key included in the key operation unit.

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