JP4191501B2 - Portable information terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information terminal device such as a cellular phone or a portable personal computer equipped with a camera unit including an imaging element such as a CCD.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, portable information terminal devices such as mobile phones or portable personal computers capable of transmitting and receiving image signals have been developed. For example, as a mobile phone equipped with a camera unit, as shown in FIG. 10, a main body 1 on which operation buttons for performing various operations are arranged, and a lid on which a display unit (liquid crystal monitor) for displaying various information is arranged. The body 2 and the lid 2 are connected to the main body 1 so as to be openable and closable. The reflection mirror 4 is disposed in the space inside the hinge 3 and changes the traveling direction of the subject light. A device including a camera unit including a charge coupled device 6 is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Further, as another mobile phone equipped with a camera unit, as shown in FIG. 11, a main body 1 ′ and a lid body on which operation buttons and a display unit (liquid crystal monitor) are arranged are connected to the main body 1 ′ so as to be freely opened and closed. A device including a hinge unit, a prism unit 4 ′ disposed in the internal space of the main body 1 ′ and changing the traveling direction of the subject light, and a camera unit including a CCD (charge coupled device) 6 ′ is known (for example, Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-290523 A [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-223924
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-described conventional portable information terminal device (mobile phone), the subject light that has entered from the photographing window changes its traveling direction to a substantially right angle, and then enters the imaging surface of the CCD 6, 6 'as it is. It has become. That is, the imaging surfaces of the CCDs 6 and 6 ′ are arranged so as to face the axial direction of the hinge portion 3 or to face the side surfaces of the main body 1 ′.
[0006]
Accordingly, in the configuration in which the camera unit is arranged in the internal space of the hinge portion 3, the internal space of the general hinge portion 3 is very narrow. Therefore, considering the accommodation of the package holding the CCD 6 and accessories, the CCD 6 However, only a small pixel with a small number of pixels can be used, and it has been difficult to increase the size of the CCD (higher pixels). On the other hand, in order to be able to arrange a large CCD, it is necessary to increase the outer diameter D of the hinge portion 3, which leads to an increase in size and weight of the apparatus.
[0007]
In the configuration in which the camera unit is disposed in the internal space of the main body 1 ′ and the CCD 6 ′ is opposed to the side surface of the main body 1 ′, the size of the CCD 6 ′ to be accommodated is limited by the thickness dimension of the main body 1 ′. Therefore, in order to be able to arrange a high pixel (large) CCD, it is necessary to increase the thickness D ′ of the main body 1 ′, which leads to an increase in size and weight of the apparatus as described above.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the size and weight of the image pickup device such as a CCD while increasing the number of pixels (upsizing). It is to provide a portable information terminal device such as a cellular phone or a portable personal computer equipped with a camera unit that can be.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A portable information terminal device according to the present invention includes a main body on which operation buttons are arranged, a lid on which a display unit is arranged, a connecting unit that connects the lid to the main body so as to be openable and closable, and for photographing a subject. A portable information terminal device comprising a camera unit, wherein the connecting portion is a pair of hinge portions and a cylindrical shape formed so as to delimit a part of the main body or lid between the pair of hinge portions and a section, the camera unit may proceed input to a first modifier for changing the traveling direction of the object light and a second for changing the traveling direction of the arranged downstream object light in a first modifier A variable magnification lens optical system that is arranged between the first change element and the second change element to make the photographing magnification variable, and is arranged downstream of the second change element to capture an image of the subject an imaging device that, first modifier, zoom lens optical system, a second change Wherein element, and a unit case which is arranged in the region of the cylindrical portion with incorporating an imaging device, the imaging element is fixed to the unit case so as to be positioned on the main body or the lid body is characterized by.
According to this configuration, for example, subject light entering from a photographing window (which may include a lens as a part of a lens optical system) is changed in the traveling direction by the first changing element, and subsequently, the variable magnification lens optical After passing through the system, the traveling direction is changed again by the second changing element, and enters the imaging device. Therefore, in a portable information terminal device equipped with a camera unit having a variable magnification lens optical system, a large-sized (high pixel) while reducing the outer diameter size or thickness dimension in the entry direction of subject light entering the first change element ) Image sensor can be employed.
In addition, the camera unit has a cylindrical part region (here, a cylindrical part) that defines a part of the main body or lid, not the internal space of the hinge part or one side area of the hinge part, for each unit case in which the components are incorporated. Since the region of the part is disposed in a communication region (including a base region of the cylindrical portion) and a region in the vicinity thereof between the space defining the cylindrical portion and the internal space of the main body or the lid, the hinge portion A large-sized (high pixel) imaging device can be employed while ensuring the mechanical strength of the hinge portion and reducing the size of the hinge (reducing the diameter).
In particular, in the region of the cylindrical part that defines a part of the main body or the lid, the camera unit modularized by the unit case is arranged and fixed to the unit case so that the imaging device is located inside the main body or the lid Therefore, a large-sized (high pixel) imaging device can be arranged without being restricted by the outer diameter size of the cylindrical portion, that is, while reducing the size of the cylindrical portion. And the control circuit and the like can be easily wired.
[0013]
In the portable information terminal device having the above configuration, the unit case has a first positional relationship in which the optical axis direction emitted from the second change element is in a twisted positional relationship with respect to the optical axis direction incident on the first change element. A configuration that is configured to incorporate the changing element, the second changing element, and the image sensor can be employed.
According to this configuration, by tilting the image sensor with respect to the surface of the main body or the lid, the image sensor can be disposed at a position away from the side wall of the main body or the lid, and a larger image sensor can be adopted. it can.
[0016]
In the portable information terminal device configured as described above, the first changing element is a prism or a reflecting mirror that changes the incident subject light in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the pair of hinge portions, and the second changing element is the changing element. A configuration that is a prism or a reflection mirror that changes subject light that has passed through the double lens optical system in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pair of hinges can be employed.
According to this configuration, for example, the subject light that has entered from the photographing window or the like travels in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge portion by the prism or the reflecting mirror (first changing element), and then the zoom lens optical system is Then, the light travels in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the hinge portion by the prism or the reflecting mirror (second changing element), and enters the image sensor. Therefore, a large-sized (high pixel) image sensor that is not restricted by the hinge part (outer diameter size) can be adopted, and the structure of the camera unit arranged in the hinge part region can be simplified and miniaturized. The entire device can be made thinner or smaller.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 to 8 show an embodiment of a portable information terminal device (here, a mobile phone) including a camera unit according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the mobile phone as viewed from the front side. 2 is an external perspective view of the mobile phone as viewed from the back side, FIG. 3 is a side view and a plan view, FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the camera unit, and FIGS. 5 to 8 are cross-sectional views of the camera unit.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the cellular phone includes a main body 10 on which various operation buttons 11 are arranged, a display unit (liquid crystal monitor) 21 for displaying various information, and a lid body 20 on which an antenna 22 is arranged. The whole contour is formed. The lid 20 is connected to the main body 10 by a pair of hinge portions 23 so as to be rotatable around the axis S, so that the lid 20 is opened when in use and the lid 20 is closed when not in use.
[0019]
That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 10 is formed with a cylindrical portion 12 that protrudes upward in a substantially bowl shape from the surface on which the operation buttons 11 are arranged, and at both ends of the cylindrical portion 12. A bearing hole (not shown) is formed. The cylindrical portion 12 has a hollow inside, and a camera unit 50 is provided therein. The lid 20 is formed with a pair of hinge portions 23 at both ends.
[0020]
And a pair of hinge part 23 is arrange | positioned so that the cylindrical part 12 of the main body 10 may be inserted | pinched, and the spindle 30 may be fitted from both sides so that the fitting hole 23a and the bearing hole of the cylindrical part 12 may be inserted. Has been. Thereby, the lid 20 is connected to the main body 10 so as to be rotatable (openable and closable) about the axis S. Here, in the mutual contact area of the hinge part 23, the support shaft 30, and the bearing hole, the display part 21 and the antenna 22 provided in the lid 20 and the power source and control circuit provided in the main body 10 are electrically connected. Wiring to connect is formed.
[0021]
Thus, since the lid 20 is connected to the main body 10 by the pair of hinge portions 23 formed at both ends thereof, the mechanical strength of the connecting portion is ensured, and the pair of hinge portions 23 are cylindrical. Since it is located at both ends so as to sandwich the portion 12, a stable opening and closing operation is possible.
Since the cylindrical part 12 which forms a part of the main body 10 is formed so as to be positioned between the pair of hinge parts 23 that are most separated from each other, a relatively large space part is defined while reducing the diameter. Even a camera unit having an optical system with a relatively long overall length can be easily arranged inside the cylindrical portion 12. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical portion 12 is formed with an opening 12a for exposing a lens (photographing window) 51a of a camera unit 50, which will be described later, and a long hole 12b for projecting the operation portion 58c.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the camera unit 50 includes a unit case 51 that holds components to be described later, a lens 51 a that forms a part of a lens optical system and functions as a photographing window, and a first change element. Guide shafts 55 and 56 for reciprocatingly guiding the prism 52, the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54 as the variable power lens optical system, and the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54 in the optical axis direction L2. A rotation restricting shaft 57 for restricting the rotation of the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54, and a cam member 58 for moving the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54 to predetermined positions in the optical axis direction L2, respectively. It is formed by a prism 59 as a second change element, a CCD 60 as an image sensor, and the like.
[0023]
The prism 52 as the first changing element is a triangular prism that forms a triangular prism, and the subject light is changed to the optical axis direction L2 (center ray) in which the incident ray L1 (center ray) is perpendicular, and the first lens group. It advances toward 53 and the second lens group 54. That is, the traveling direction of the subject light entering from the photographing direction is changed to a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis S of the pair of hinge portions 23. Here, the substantially right angle includes 90 degrees and an angular range in the vicinity thereof.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cam member 58 is formed so that its cross section has an arc shape, and a first cam that exerts a cam action on the first lens group 53 on its inner peripheral surface. A groove 58a and a second cam groove 58b that exerts a cam action on the second lens group 54 are formed, and a protruding operation portion 58c for manual operation is formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.
And the operation part 58c protrudes outside from the long hole 51b of the unit case 51, and the long hole 12b of the cylindrical part 12, as shown in FIG.1 and FIG.5. Therefore, when the operator manually swings the operation portion 58c, the cam member 58 reciprocates within a predetermined angular range to exert a cam action on the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54. Scaling adjustment is performed for shooting in the telephoto range.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, and 8, the first lens group 53 is formed by a biconcave lens G1 having a substantially rectangular outline and a lens frame 53a that holds the biconcave lens G1. Yes. The lens frame 53 a is a first follower that is inserted into the first cam groove 58 a of the cam member 58 and guided to the connecting portion 53 b that is fitted onto the guide shaft 55, the U-shaped portion 53 c that is engaged with the rotation restricting shaft 57. 53d and the like.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7B, and 8, the second lens group 54 is formed by a biconvex lens G2 having a substantially rectangular outline and a lens frame 54a that holds the biconvex lens G2. Yes. The lens frame 54 a is a second follower that is inserted into the second cam groove 58 b of the cam member 58 and guided to the connecting portion 54 b that is fitted on the guide shaft 56, the U-shaped portion 54 c that is engaged with the rotation restricting shaft 57. 54d and the like.
[0027]
The prism 59 as the second changing element is a triangular prism that forms a triangular prism, and the subject light is changed to an optical axis direction L3 (center ray) whose optical axis direction L2 (center ray) is a right angle, and the image of the CCD 60 is captured. Incident on the surface. That is, along the direction substantially parallel to the axis S of the pair of hinge portions 23, the traveling direction of the subject light (optical axis direction L2) that has passed through the variable magnification lens optical systems 53 and 54 is substantially perpendicular (optical axis). In the direction L3). Here, the substantially right angle includes 90 degrees and an angular range in the vicinity thereof.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the CCD 60 as the imaging element is disposed on the downstream side of the prism 59 and is fixed to the unit case 51. Here, a low-pass filter 61 is disposed between the prism 59 and the CCD 60, and a face plate (not shown) is disposed on the front surface of the CCD 60. Further, the CCD 60 is connected to a circuit board (not shown).
[0029]
In the camera unit 50 described above, the lens 51a, the prism 52 (first changing element), the variable power lens optical systems 53 and 54, and the prism in the traveling direction of the subject light (from the upstream side to the downstream side). 59 (second changing element) and CCD 60 (imaging device) are sequentially arranged. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the CCD 60 is disposed so as to face the internal space of the cylindrical portion 12 and be accommodated in the main body 10 deviating from the axis S of the hinge portion 23. .
[0030]
Accordingly, the traveling direction of the subject light that has entered from the photographing window (lens 51a) is changed from the optical axis direction L1 to the optical axis direction L2 by the prism 52 (first changing element), and then the variable magnification lens optical system. Then, the traveling direction is changed again from the optical axis direction L2 to the optical axis direction L3 by the prism 59 (second changing element), and enters the imaging surface of the CCD 60.
[0031]
That is, the CCD 60 is not arranged so as to face the traveling direction L2 of the subject light that has passed through the prism 52, but faces in a direction that deviates from the traveling direction L2 of the subject light that has passed through the prism 52 (axis S of the hinge portion 23). As described above, the imaging surface of the CCD 60 is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the surface of the main body 10. Accordingly, since the CCD 60 is not limited by the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 12, a large-sized (high pixel) CCD 60 can be adopted while reducing the diameter of the cylindrical portion 12. Further, since the CCD 60 is disposed so as to be positioned in the main body 10, electrical wiring between the circuit board and a control circuit in the main body 10 can be easily performed.
[0032]
In the above-described embodiment, the optical axis direction L1 incident on the prism 52 and the optical axis direction L3 emitted from the prism 59 are positioned in the same plane. The incident optical axis direction L1 may be slightly inclined toward the main body 10, and the optical axis direction L1 and the optical axis direction L3 may be arranged at twisted positions.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the mobile phone will be described. First, when the lid 20 is opened as shown in FIG. 1 from the state in which the lid 20 is closed, the photographing window (lens) 51a and the operation portion 58c arranged in the cylindrical portion 12 are exposed.
In this state, when one of the operation buttons 11 is operated to turn on the switch of the camera unit 50 (CCD 60), subject light from an operator or the like in front of the shooting window 51a enters from the shooting window 51a, The traveling direction of the prism 52 is changed from the optical axis direction L1 to the optical axis direction L2.
[0034]
Subsequently, the subject light passes through the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54 along the optical axis direction L2, and reaches the prism 59. Thereafter, the traveling direction of the subject light is changed from the optical axis direction L2 to the optical axis direction L3 by the prism 59, and enters the imaging surface of the CCD 60 disposed on the downstream side.
[0035]
The image photographed by the CCD 60 is subjected to predetermined image processing and displayed on the display unit (liquid crystal monitor) 21. Here, the operator manually moves the operation portion 58c to adjust the position of the cam member 58, and positions the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54 at positions separated from each other as shown in FIG. Then, wide-angle shooting of the subject is performed and a wide-angle image (wide image) is displayed on the display unit 21, while the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54 are positioned close to each other as shown in FIG. When positioned, telephoto shooting is performed, and a telephoto image (zoom image) is displayed on the display unit 21.
[0036]
Therefore, the operator appropriately adjusts the shooting magnification while confirming these shot images on the display unit 21, and presses the shutter button (one of the operation buttons 11) when the image is adjusted to the desired magnification. The captured image can be stored in the storage unit, or the captured image can be transmitted to the communication partner by performing a transmission operation.
[0037]
As described above, since the magnification adjustment by the magnification lens optical systems 53 and 54 is performed manually by the operator, the camera unit 50 consumes less power than when the magnification is driven by a motor or the like. Also, the structure is simplified, and the apparatus is downsized as a whole. In particular, the camera unit 50 including the variable magnification optical system is disposed in the cylindrical portion 12 of the main body 10 located between the pair of hinge portions 23, and the CCD 60 is located in the region of the cylindrical portion 12 that deviates from the axis S. Since it is disposed (accommodated) in the internal region of the main body 10, the camera unit 50 can be easily disposed while reducing the diameter of the cylindrical portion 12, and a (large) CCD 60 having a high pixel is employed. be able to.
[0038]
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the portable information terminal device (cellular phone). The same components as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In this mobile phone, the CCD 60 ′ disposed in the region of the cylindrical portion 12 is disposed to be inclined with respect to the surface of the main body 10.
[0039]
That is, the shape of the unit case 51 ′ that defines the outline of the camera unit 50 ′ is partially changed, and the CCD 60 ′ is held in an inclined state. Accordingly, since the CCD 60 'is disposed at a position away from the side wall 10a of the main body 10, a larger CCD 60' can be employed.
Here, the optical axis direction L1 of the subject light incident from the photographing window (lens 51a) and the optical axis direction L3 changed by the prism 59 are not on the same plane but are in a twisted positional relationship.
[0040]
In the above embodiment, the cylindrical portion 12 that forms a part of the main body 10 is shown as an area in which the camera unit 50 is disposed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and conversely, a pair of hinge portions are provided on the main body. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which a cylindrical portion is provided on the lid, and the camera unit 50 is disposed on the cylindrical portion forming a part of the lid. Moreover, you may arrange | position directly in the internal space of the main body 10 or the cover body 20 not only in the cylindrical part 12, In this case, the thickness of the main body 10 or the cover body 20 can be made thin, and an apparatus can be thinned as a whole.
[0041]
In the above embodiment, the prisms 52 and 59 are shown as the changing elements for changing the traveling direction of the subject light. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other changing elements such as a reflection mirror can be applied.
[0042]
In the above embodiment, a mobile phone is shown as the portable information terminal device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration according to the present invention may be adopted in a portable personal computer or the like.
In the above-described embodiment, the variable power lens optical system including the first lens group 53 and the second lens group 54 is shown as the optical system, but a variable power lens optical system including more lens groups may be used. Further, the arrangement structure according to the present invention can be adopted even for a single-focus optical system having a relatively long optical axis.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the portable information terminal device of the present invention, the downstream side of the first modifier for changing the traveling direction of the approach to the object light, second change for changing the traveling direction of the object light Compared to the case where an element is provided and the image sensor is arranged on the downstream side of the second change element, thereby adopting an arrangement configuration in which the image sensor faces the traveling direction of the subject light that has passed through the first change element. A large (high pixel) image sensor can be employed while reducing the diameter or thickness of the portion forming the outer contour of the camera unit or the portable information terminal device.
In particular, when a camera unit that is modularized by a unit case is disposed in an area of a cylindrical portion between a pair of hinge portions of a connecting portion of a portable information terminal device, a large (high pixel) ) Image sensor can be employed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a portable information terminal device according to the present invention, and is an external perspective view seen from the front side.
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the portable information terminal device according to the present invention, and is an external perspective view seen from the back side.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show an embodiment of a portable information terminal device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 3A is a partial side view with a lid open, and FIG. 3B is a state with a lid open. It is a partial front view.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a camera unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the camera unit showing a state in which the zoom lens optical system is at a wide-angle shooting position.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the camera unit showing a state in which the zoom lens optical system is at a telephoto position.
7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the camera unit on a plane crossing the optical axis.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the camera unit as viewed from the direction in which subject light enters.
9A and 9B show another embodiment of the portable information terminal device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 9A is a partial side view with the lid open, and FIG. 9B with the lid open. FIG.
10A and 10B show a schematic configuration of a camera unit mounted on a conventional mobile phone, in which FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 10B is a side view.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another camera unit mounted on a conventional mobile phone.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Main body 11 Operation button 12 Tubular part (connecting part)
12a Opening 12b Long hole 20 Lid 21 Display part 22 Antenna 23 A pair of hinge parts (connection part)
30 Support shaft 50, 50 'Camera unit 51, 51' Unit case 51a Lens (lens optical system)
52 Prism (first change element)
53 First lens group (variable magnification lens optical system)
54 Second lens group (variable magnification lens optical system)
58c Operation unit 60, 60 'CCD (imaging device)
S An axis L1 of the hinge portion. An incident optical axis direction L2 of the subject light. An optical axis direction L3 of the subject light changed by the first change element. An optical axis direction of the subject light changed by the second change element.

Claims (3)

A main body on which operation buttons are arranged, a lid on which a display unit is arranged, a connecting part for connecting the lid to the main body so as to be openable and closable, and a camera unit for photographing a subject. A portable information terminal device,
The connecting portion includes a pair of hinge portions, and a tubular portion formed so as to define a part of the main body or the lid body between the pair of hinge portions,
Said camera unit, advances the first modifier for changing the traveling direction of the incoming and the object light, a second modifier for changing the traveling direction of the first is disposed on the downstream side of the modified elements subject light captures the zoom lens optical system, an object is disposed on the downstream side of the second modifier for the placed in photographing magnification between said first modifier second modifier variable An image pickup device , and a unit case that incorporates the first change element, the zoom lens optical system, the second change element, and the image pickup device and is disposed in the region of the cylindrical portion ,
The imaging element is fixed to the unit case so as to be located in the main body or lid.
A portable information terminal device. The unit case includes the first change element, the first change element, and the first change element so that the optical axis direction emitted from the second change element has a twisted positional relationship with respect to the optical axis direction incident on the first change element. 2 change elements, and formed to incorporate the imaging device,
Portable information terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that. The first changing element is a prism or a reflecting mirror that changes the incident subject light in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the pair of hinge portions,
The second changing element is a prism or a reflecting mirror that changes subject light that has passed through the zoom lens optical system in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pair of hinge portions.
The portable information terminal device according to claim 1 or 2 .

Images