(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0134717 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 23, 2005
`Misawa
`
`US 2005O134717A1
`
`(54) PORTABLE DEVICE WITH CAMERA
`(75) Inventor: Atsushi Misawa, Saitama-ken (JP)
`Correspondence Address:
`BRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BRCH
`PO BOX 747
`FALLS CHURCH, VA 22040-0747 (US)
`(73) Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Minami
`Ashigara-shi (JP)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/992,338
`(22) Filed:
`Nov. 19, 2004
`(30)
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Nov. 26, 2003 (JP)...................................... 2003-395738
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ..................................................... H04N 5/222
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ 348/333.06
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A portable telephone with a camera which is capable of
`close-up photography. A first casing body is equipped with
`a control portion and a Second casing body is equipped with
`a monitor. The first and Second casing bodies are openably/
`closeably joined by a uni-axial hinge portion. The hinge
`portion enables rotation of the first casing body and Second
`casing body by more than 180°. The first casing body and
`Second casing body can be invertedly stood on a flat Surface
`with the hinge portion oriented upward and the control
`portion and the monitor facing outward.
`
`
`
`to
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 1 of 15
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`US 2005/0134717 A1
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`
`
`FIG.1
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 2 of 15
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`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`FIG.2
`
`
`
`OO
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 3 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
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`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 4 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
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`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 5 of 15
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`US 2005/0134717 A1
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`
`
`
`
`V98 WO7 d., 09
`
`OZ
`
`| –
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application
`Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 6 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`
`
`i
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`FIG.7B
`
`FIG.7A
`
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 8 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`FIG.8
`
`
`
`62 56
`
`18A
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 9 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`FIG.9
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 10 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`FIG.10
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 11 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 12 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`FIG.12
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 13 of 15
`FIG.13
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 14 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`FIG.14
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 23, 2005 Sheet 15 of 15
`
`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`FIG.15
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`Jun. 23, 2005
`
`PORTABLE DEVICE WITH CAMERA
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`0001) This application claims priority under 35 USC 119
`from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-395738, the
`disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002) 1. Field of the Invention
`0003. The present invention relates to a portable device
`incorporating a camera.
`0004 2. Description of the Related Art
`0005. Heretofore, portable telephones incorporating cam
`eras, for close-up photography of Subjects placed on table
`tops, have been proposed.
`0006 For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid
`Open (JP-A) No. 2000-358225 has disclosed a structure in
`which an antenna, which can be folded up, is abutted against
`a tabletop and Sets a distance between a camera and a
`Subject. In this structure, the camera is provided at a rear
`face of a monitor, a first casing is equipped with a keyboard,
`and a Second casing is equipped with the monitor. The first
`casing and Second casing are opened out to approximately
`180 and a Subject is photographed in this opened State. The
`monitor is oriented upward, So it is possible to take a
`close-up photograph while checking the Subject with the
`monitor.
`0007. However, it is necessary for a camera operator to
`hold the portable telephone firmly, and the distance between
`the camera and the Subject will vary greatly if the portable
`telephone is inclined even slightly relative to the Subject.
`That is, there are concerns about Steadiness at times of
`close-up photography.
`0008 Further, JP-A No. 2003-163824 has disclosed a
`Structure in which two casings joined by a hinge are opened
`out to a certain angle of less than 180. In this state, a hinge
`portion is oriented upward and the Structure is invertedly
`stood on a tabletop, which Sets a distance between a camera
`provided at the hinge portion and a subject. With this
`Structure, Steadiness at times of close-up photography is
`high. Moreover, a monitor faces outward in the State in
`which the casings are invertedly stood on the tabletop, and
`it is possible to perform close-up photography while check
`ing the Subject with the monitor.
`0009. However, the hinge portion cannot open the two
`casings beyond 180. Therefore, it is necessary for the hinge
`portion to have a bi-axial Structure, with an opening/closing
`axis for opening out and closing up the two casings and a
`rotation axis for turning the monitor around. Thus, a mecha
`nism of the hinge portion is likely to be complicated.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0.010 The present invention has been devised in consid
`eration of the circumstances described above, and an object
`of the present invention is to provide an opening/closing
`type portable device with a camera, which portable device
`alters to a shape for close-up photography, raises SteadineSS
`
`at times of close-up photography, and avoids complication
`of a mechanism of a hinge portion.
`0011. In order to achieve the object described above,
`according to a first aspect of the present invention, a portable
`device with a camera is provided, the device including: (a)
`a first casing body including one Surface, at which a control
`portion is provided, and an opposite Surface; (b) a second
`casing body including one Surface, at which a monitor is
`provided, and an opposite Surface; (c) a hinge portion
`joining the first casing body and the Second casing body Such
`that the first casing body and the Second casing body are
`rotatable relative to one another about the hinge, and (d) the
`camera, which is provided at the hinge portion, (e) the
`portable device can be put into a first State, in which the first
`casing body and the Second casing body are Superposed Such
`that the one face of the first casing body and the one face of
`the Second casing body oppose one another, and a Second
`State, in which the first casing body and the Second casing
`body are relatively rotated from the first state by a prede
`termined angle about an axis of the hinge portion Such that
`the opposite Surface of the first casing body and the opposite
`Surface of the Second casing body nearly oppose one
`another.
`0012. The foregoing, and other objects, features and
`advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one
`skilled in the art from the following descriptions of preferred
`embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the
`accompanying drawings, and the attached claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0013 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable
`telephone incorporating a camera of a first embodiment of
`the present invention.
`0014 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge
`portion and a camera unit of the portable telephone with
`camera of the first embodiment.
`0.015 FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are sectional views
`showing States of an operation in which the camera unit of
`the portable telephone with camera of the first embodiment
`rOtateS.
`0016 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing
`the hinge portion of the portable telephone with camera of
`the first embodiment.
`0017 FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the hinge
`portion of the portable telephone with camera of the first
`embodiment.
`0018 FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views showing the
`hinge portion of the portable telephone with camera of the
`first embodiment.
`0019 FIGS. 7A and 7B are sectional views showing the
`hinge portion of the portable telephone with camera of the
`first embodiment.
`0020 FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state of
`close-up photography of the portable telephone with camera
`of the first embodiment.
`0021
`FIG. 9 is a side view showing the state of close-up
`photography of the portable telephone with camera of the
`first embodiment.
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`Jun. 23, 2005
`
`0022 FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing structure of a
`circuit for controlling the camera unit of the portable tele
`phone with camera of the first embodiment.
`0023 FIGS. 11A and 11B are sectional diagrams show
`ing Sensing means for detecting a position of rotation of a
`Second casing body of the portable telephone with camera of
`the first embodiment.
`0024 FIG. 12 is a sectional side view of principal
`components showing a State in which a portable telephone
`incorporating a camera of a Second embodiment is opened
`Out.
`0025 FIG. 13 is a sectional side view of principal
`components showing a State in which the portable telephone
`with camera of the second embodiment is folded over
`backward.
`0.026
`FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of principal
`components of a portable telephone incorporating a camera
`of a third embodiment.
`0027 FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of principal
`components showing a State in which the portable telephone
`with camera of the third embodiment is folded over back
`ward.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`0028 Below, a plurality of embodiments of a portable
`device incorporating a camera relating to the present inven
`tion will be described in detail with reference to the draw
`ings.
`0029 Referring to FIG. 1, at a portable telephone with a
`camera 10 of a first embodiment, a first casing body 14 and
`a Second casing body 18 are openably/closeably joined by a
`hinge portion 20. The first casing body 14 is provided with
`a control portion 12, and the Second casing body 18 is
`provided with a monitor 16. In a state in which the first
`casing body 14 and Second casing body 18 are closed up, the
`monitor 16 and the control portion 12 are accommodated at
`inner Sides of the first casing body 14 and Second casing
`body 18, and are close to and facing one another.
`0.030. A camera unit 22 is rotatably provided at a central
`portion of the hinge portion 20. As shown in FIG. 2, at the
`camera unit 22, an imaging lens 26 is provided at a front face
`of a circular tube-form casing 24, and a CCD 28 is provided
`inside the casing 24. A central portion of an image pickup
`surface of the CCD 28 is aligned with an optical axis of the
`imaging lens 26.
`0.031
`Portions at two end portions of the casing 24 are
`formed with narrower diameters to Serve as rotation shafts
`24A. Bearings 30, which are formed at an end face of the
`first casing body 14, rotatably Support these rotation shafts
`24A. Latches 32 are provided at circumferential faces of the
`rotation shafts 24A. At the latches 32, distal end portions
`32A thereof, which are folded over in triangular forms, are
`caused to protrude from the circumferential faces of the
`rotation Shafts 24A by plate Springs, which extend in the
`axial direction of the rotation shafts 24A.
`0032) Anchoring grooves 30A, 30B and 30C, which
`engage with the latches 32, are formed at inner circumfer
`ential faces of the bearings 30. The anchoring grooves 30A
`
`are formed at the control portion 12 Side of the first casing
`body 14. As is shown in FIG. 3A, when the latches 32 are
`engaged with the anchoring grooves 30A, the imaging lens
`26 is oriented toward a user. Thus, a “self-portrait”, in which
`a camera user photographs him/herself, is possible.
`0033) As shown in FIG. 3B, when the camera unit 22 is
`rotated in a clockwise direction (the direction of arrow A in
`the drawing), the latches 32 are pushed into the circumfer
`ential faces of the rotation shafts 24A by the inner circum
`ferential faces of the bearings 30.
`0034). As shown in FIG. 3C, the anchoring grooves 30B
`are formed at an interval of approximately 180 from the
`anchoring grooves 30A. When the rotation shafts 24A are
`rotated to the positions of these anchoring grooves 30B, the
`latches 32 are protruded from the circumferential faces of
`the rotation shafts 24A by resilient force and are engaged
`with the anchoring grooves 30B. In this State, the imaging
`lens 26 is oriented to the opposite side from the operator, that
`is, toward usual photographic Subjects. Hence, it is possible
`to photograph Subjects which are located in front of the
`Caca SC.
`0035). As shown in FIG. 3D, the anchoring grooves 30C
`are formed at intervals of approximately 90 from the
`anchoring grooves 30A and the anchoring grooves 30B
`(intermediate to the anchoring grooves 30A and 30B). When
`the latches 32 are engaged with these anchoring grooves
`30C, the imaging lens 26 is oriented toward subjects which
`are the targets of close-up photography, as described later.
`Hence, close-up photography is possible.
`0036) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, two first tubular
`bodies 34 are formed at an end face of the Second casing
`body 18, and the bearings 30 are disposed between the two
`first tubular bodies 34. Two second tubular bodies 36 are
`formed at end faces of the first casing body 14, and the first
`tubular bodies 34 are disposed between the two second
`tubular bodies 36. The first tubular bodies 34 are tubular
`bodies with bases, with axial direction one end portions
`thereof (at the respective bearing 30 sides) Serving as base
`faces 34B. The second tubular bodies 36 are tubular bodies
`of which both end portions in the axial direction are open.
`0037 Hinges 38 and 39 are inserted into the first tubular
`bodies 34 and second tubular bodies 36, enabling opening/
`closing of the first casing body 14 and Second casing body
`18. The hinge 38, which is disposed at the left side in the
`drawings, is structured by a first hinge 40, a Second hinge 42,
`a rotation shaft 44 and a compression coil Spring 46. The
`hinge 39, which is disposed at the right Side in the drawings,
`is structured by another first hinge 40, a Second hinge 41,
`another rotation shaft 44 and another compression coil
`Spring 46. Note that the components assigned the same
`reference numerals, i.e., the first hinges 40, the rotation
`shafts 44 and the compression coil SpringS 46, are common
`components.
`0038 Each first hinge 40 has a circular tube form and is
`inserted into the first tubular body 34. Two key grooves 40A,
`which extend in the axial direction at a circumferential face
`of the first hinge 40, are formed with a spacing of 180°. Two
`keys 34A, which are formed at an inner circumferential face
`of the first tubular body 34, are formed with a spacing of
`180 and engage with the key grooves 40A. Accordingly, the
`first hinges 40 are non-rotatable in the first tubular bodies 34.
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`Jun. 23, 2005
`
`0.039 The second hinge 42 has a circular tube form with
`the same diameter as the first hinge 40, and is inserted into
`the second tubular body 36 at the left side of the drawings.
`Two key grooves 42A, which extend in the axial direction at
`a circumferential face of the Second hinge 42, are formed
`with a spacing of 180°. Two keys 36A, which engage with
`the two key grooves 42A, are formed with a spacing of 180
`at an inner circumferential face of the Second tubular body
`36. Accordingly, the Second hinge 42 is non-rotatable in the
`second tubular body 36.
`0040. The second hinge 41 of the hinge 39 has a circular
`tube form with the same diameter as the first hinge 40, and
`is inserted into the second tubular body 36 at the right side
`of the drawings. Two key grooves 41A, which extend in the
`axial direction at a circumferential face of the Second hinge
`41, are formed with a spacing of 180, and engage with two
`more keys 36A, which are formed with a spacing of 180 at
`the inner circumferential face of the second tubular body 36.
`Accordingly, the Second hinge 41 is non-rotatable in the
`right-side second tubular body 36.
`0041 At each rotation shaft 44, a screw portion 44A is
`formed at one axial direction end portion and a head portion
`4.4B is formed at the other axial direction end portion. The
`rotation shafts 44 pass through the first hinge 40 and second
`hinge 42 of the hinge 38, and the first hinge 40 and second
`hinge 41 of the hinge 39, respectively, and the rotation shafts
`44 Screw into the base faces 34B of the first tubular bodies
`34.
`0042. The compression coil springs 46 are disposed
`between the Second hinge 42 and the corresponding head
`portion 4.4B and between the second hinge 41 and the
`corresponding head portion 4.4B, respectively, and urge the
`Second hinge 41 and the Second hinge 42, respectively,
`towards the first hinges 40.
`0.043 A cam 43 and cams 45 are formed at, respectively,
`an abutting face 40B of the first hinge 40 and an abutting
`face 42B of the second hinge 42. The cam 43 is a protrusion
`with a taper form in cross-section, and the cams 45 are
`grooves with taper forms in cross-section, which engage
`with the cam 43.
`0044 As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cam 43 extends
`from an end face of the abutting face 40B to an end face at
`an opposite side of the abutting face 40B, transiting acroSS
`a hole 40C. The two keys 34A are arranged along a direction
`of thickness of the second casing body 18, and the cam 43
`extends in a radial direction with an angle of approximately
`90 to a direction of arrangement of the two key grooves
`40A. That is, in the state in which the first hinge 40 is
`inserted into the first tubular body 34, the cam 43 extends in
`a direction Substantially interSecting the thickness direction
`of the second casing body 18.
`0045. As shown in FIG. 7A, the cams 45 are structured
`by three cams, a first cam 45A, a second cam 45B and a third
`cam 45C, which extend from an end face of the abutting face
`42B to an end face at an opposite Side of the abutting face
`42B, transiting across a hole 42C. The two keys 36A are
`arranged along a direction of thickness of the first casing
`body 14, and the first cam 45A extends in a radial direction
`with an angle of approximately 90 to a direction of arrange
`ment of the two key grooves 42A. That is, in the State in
`which the Second hinge 42 is inserted into the Second tubular
`
`body 36 at the left side of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first cam 45A
`extends in a direction Substantially interSecting the thickneSS
`direction of the first casing body 14.
`0046) The second cam 45B extends at an angle approxi
`mately 30 in an anti-clockwise direction of the drawing
`relative to the first cam 45A, and the third cam 45C extends
`at an angle approximately 30 in the anti-clockwise direction
`relative to the second cam 45B.
`0047. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, another cam 43 and
`cams 47 are formed at, respectively, another abutting face
`40B of the first hinge 40 of the hinge 39 and an abutting face
`41B of the second hinge 41. This cam 43 is as described
`above.
`0048. The cams 47 are grooves with taper forms in
`croSS-Section, which engage with the cam 43. AS shown in
`FIG. 7A, the cam 47 is structured by three cams, a first cam
`47A, a second cam 47B and a third cam 47C, which extend
`from an end face of the abutting face 41B to an end face at
`an opposite Side of the abutting face 41B, transiting acroSS
`a hole 41C. The first cam 47A extends in a radial direction
`with an angle of approximately 90 to a direction of arrange
`ment of the two key grooves 41A. That is, in the state in
`which the second hinge 41 is inserted into the second tubular
`body 36 at the right side of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first cam 47A
`extends in a direction Substantially interSecting the thickneSS
`direction of the first casing body 14.
`0049. The second cam 47B extends at an angle approxi
`mately 30 in a clockwise direction of the drawing relative
`to the first cam 47A, and the third cam 47C extends at an
`angle approximately 30 in the clockwise direction relative
`to the second cam 47B.
`0050. In the state in which the first casing body 14 and
`second casing body 18 are closed up, the cam 43 of the first
`hinge 40 of the hinge 38 engages with the first cam 45A of
`the second hinge 42, and the cam 43 of the first hinge 40 of
`the hinge 39 engages with the first cam 47A of the second
`hinge 41. In this State, the Second hinges 41 and 42 are urged
`against the first hingeS 40 by the compression coil Springs
`46, the hinges.38 and 39 are locked, and there is no looseness
`between the first casing body 14 and the Second casing body
`18.
`0051 When the second casing body 18 is opened out
`from the closed State, an angled Surface of the first cam 45A
`of the hinge 38 pushes against an angled Surface of the
`corresponding cam 43, and an angled Surface of the first cam
`47A of the hinge 39 pushes against an angled surface of the
`corresponding cam 43. AS a result, engagements of the first
`cam 45A with the cam 43 of the hinge 38 and of the first cam
`47A with the cam 43 of the hinge 39 are released, and the
`hinge 38 and hinge 39 become rotatable.
`0052. When the second casing body 18 has opened to
`120 from the closed state, the cam 43 of the first hinge 40
`of the hinge 38 engages with the third cam 45C of the second
`hinge 42, and the cam 43 of the first hinge 40 of the hinge
`39 engages with the third cam 47C of the second hinge 41.
`0053 When the second casing body 18 opens a further
`30 and reaches a state of having been opened to 150
`(another rotation position), the cam 43 of the first hinge 40
`of the hinge 38 engages with the second cam 45B of the
`second hinge 42, and the cam 43 of the first hinge 40 of the
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`Jun. 23, 2005
`
`hinge 39 engages with the second cam 47B of the second
`hinge 41. In the state in which the second casing body 18 has
`been opened to 150 (another rotation position) as shown in
`FIG. 1, or a state in which the second casing body 18 has
`opened a further 30 to 180° (another rotation position), the
`portable telephone with camera 10 is in a condition for
`performing telephone calls, usual photography and the like.
`In this State, the first casing body 14 and the Second casing
`body 18 are locked by the hinges 38 and 39. Thus, telephone
`calls, usual photography, etc. can be performed without
`difficulty.
`0054) When the second casing body 18 is opened to 300
`(a first rotation position), the cam 43 of the first hinge 40 of
`the hinge 38 engages with the third cam 45C of the second
`hinge 42, and the cam 43 of the first hinge 40 of the hinge
`39 engages with the third cam 47C of the second hinge 41.
`As a result, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first casing body
`14 and the second casing body 18 are locked in a state which
`is opened by 300 from the closed state. Hence, the first
`casing body 14 and Second casing body 18 can be invertedly
`stood on a flat surface G with the hinge portion 20 oriented
`upward.
`0055. In this state, the control portion 12 and the monitor
`16 face to outer sides. Further, the camera unit 22 is locked
`centrally to inner sides of the first casing body 14 and the
`Second casing body 18, as described earlier. Consequently,
`it is possible to operate the control portion 12 and photo
`graph a Subject on the flat Surface G while checking the
`subject with the monitor 16.
`0056 Thus, because a degree of freedom of rotation of
`the hinge portion 20 is raised, a rotation axis for turning the
`monitor 16 around is not necessary, and it is possible for the
`hinge portion 20 to have a uni-axial form. Consequently,
`complication of the Structure of the hinge portion 20 can be
`avoided.
`0057 FIG. 10 shows a block diagram representing struc
`ture of a circuit for controlling the camera unit 22 of the
`portable telephone with camera 10 of the present embodi
`ment.
`0.058. The portable telephone with camera 10 is equipped
`with the imaging lens 26, the CCD 28, image Signal pro
`cessing means 48, a memory controller 50 and memory 52.
`A Subject which is focused through the imaging lens 26 onto
`the CCD 28 is converted to analog image Signals by the
`CCD 28. Then, the analog image Signals, which are output
`ted from the CCD 28, are Subjected to analog signal pro
`cessing, A/D conversion and digital Signal processing by the
`image Signal processing means 48. The digital image data
`that has been Subjected to the digital Signal processing is
`compressed by the memory controller 50 and recorded at the
`memory 52. Depending on a photography mode, the com
`pression proceSS may be omitted and the data recorded
`directly to the memory 52. Hence, the digital image data
`stored at the memory 52 is read out to the monitor 16, and
`an image of the Subject is displayed at the monitor 16.
`0059. The portable telephone with camera 10 is equipped
`with a system controller 54 which oversees control of the
`portable telephone with camera 10 as a whole. Taking of a
`photograph is implemented by operating the control portion
`12 to Set desired photography conditions and pressing a
`shutter button 56 (see FIGS. 1 and 8).
`
`0060 A Zoom motor 58, sensing means 60 and lights 62
`are provided at the portable telephone with camera 10. The
`Zoom motor 58 drives the imaging lens 26 for Zooming, and
`the Sensing means 60 detects when the Second casing body
`18 has been opened to 300 (the first rotation position).
`0061. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the sensing
`means 60 is structured by a detection protrusion 64 and a
`detection contact 66. The detection protrusion 64 is formed
`at an outer peripheral Surface of the first tubular body 34 of
`the Second casing body 18, and the detection contact 66 is
`provided at a rear face 14A of the first casing body 14 and
`conducts electricity when pressed by the detection protru
`Sion 64.
`0062) When the second casing body 18 is rotated as
`shown in FIG. 11A to the first rotation position, the detec
`tion protrusion 64 pushes against the detection contact 66, as
`shown in FIG. 11B, and the detection contact 66, which has
`been open hitherto, is closed. Hence, a detection signal that
`the detection contact 66 has closed is Sent to the System
`controller 54. When the system controller 54 receives the
`detection signal, the System controller 54 drives the Zoom
`motor 58, alters a Searching range of the imaging lens 26 to
`a macro region, and Switches the photography mode to a
`macro (close-up) photography mode. Further, the lights 62,
`which are provided at the rear face 14A of the first casing
`body 14 and a rear face 18A of the second casing body 18,
`are lit up.
`0063. In consequence, close-up photography of a Subject
`which is located between the first casing body 14 and the
`second casing body 18 on the flat surface G on which the
`first casing body 14 and Second casing body 18 are invert
`edly Standing is possible. Moreover, because the first casing
`body 14 and second casing body 18 are inverted on the flat
`surface G with the hinge portion 20 oriented upward for
`performing close-up photography, a distance between Sub
`jects and the camera is constant, and it is possible to perform
`Stable close-up photography. Furthermore, because of the
`illumination of the lights 62, bright close-up images can be
`obtained.
`0064. The first casing body 14 and the second casing
`body 18 are equipped at their respective tips with the lights
`62 such that, when the first casing body 14 and the second
`casing body 18 are inverted on the flat surface G with the
`hinge portion 20 oriented upward, the lights 62 are located
`within a hatched (or shaded) area as shown in FIG. 9.
`0065. In a case in which a light is located within such a
`hatched area, alight beam, which has been discharged from
`the light and Subsequently reflected from the Surface G, does
`not enter the CCD 28. Namely, the possibility of reflectance
`(or flashing) of the light beam (on a photograph, a display or
`the like) can be prevented.
`0066 Next, a second embodiment of the present inven
`tion will be described. Note that portions and components
`that are the same as in the first embodiment are assigned the
`Same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omit
`ted as appropriate.
`0067. As shown in FIG. 12, a portable telephone with a
`camera 100 is provided with a close-up photography lens
`102 at the rear face 14A, which is a face of the first casing
`body 14 opposite to a face of the first casing body 14 at
`which the control portion 12 is provided. This close-up
`
`Lenovo EX-1023,
`
`

`

`US 2005/0134717 A1
`
`Jun. 23, 2005
`
`photography lens 102 can be moved, by a hinge 104, into
`and out of an accommodation portion 14B of the rear face
`14A of the first casing body 14.
`0068. As shown in FIG. 13, the second casing body 18 is
`rotated to the first rotation position and the camera unit 22
`is rotated to the center at the inner Sides of the first casing
`body 14 and the second casing body 18. Further, the
`close-up photography lens 102 folds out from the accom
`modation portion 14B and is disposed at a front face Side of
`the imaging lens 26 of the camera unit 22. In consequence,
`a Subject disposed on the flat Surface G at the inner Sides of
`the first casing body 14 and second casing body 18 will be
`in focus, and close-up photography is possible.
`0069. Next, a third embodiment of the present invention
`will be described. Note that portions and components that
`are the same as in the first or Second embodiment are
`assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions
`thereof are omitted as appropriate.
`0070. As shown in FIG. 14, at a portable telephone with
`a camera 200, the imaging lens 26 of a camera unit 202 is
`accommodated in a lens barrel 204. A cylindrical body 206
`is formed integrally with the casing 24. The lens barrel 204
`is supported by the cylindrical body 206 to be movable in an
`optical axis direction of the imaging lens 26. An end portion
`of the lens barrel 204 at the CCD 28 side thereof in the
`optical axis direction is Supported by an extension coil
`spring 208.
`0071. The camera unit 202 is formed to be rotatable by a
`Structure Similar to that of the first and Second embodiments.
`A cam 210 is formed at the rear face 14A of the first casing
`body 14, and a brim portion 204A is formed at a distal end
`portion of the lens barrel 204. When the camera unit 202 is
`rotated in a direction Such that the imaging lens 26
`approaches the first casing body 14 (the direction of arrow
`A in the drawing), the cam 210 abuts against the brim
`portion 204A, as shown in FIG. 15. As a result, the lens
`barrel 204 is pushed outward and the imaging lens 26 is
`moved to a close-up position at which a Subject on the flat
`Surface G will be in focus.
`0.072
`In the first to third embodiments, the camera unit
`22 (or 202) is formed to be rotatable by turning at the hinge
`portion 20. However, the camera unit 22 (or 202) may be
`fixed at the hinge portion 20 such that, when the second
`casing body 18 is opened approximately 300 from the
`closed state as shown in FIG. 9, the imaging lens 26 faces
`a Subject at the inner Sides of the first casing body 14 and the
`Second casing body 18. Alternatively, the camera unit 22 (or
`202) may rotate in conjunction with rotation of the second
`casing body 18 such that, when the second casing body 18
`is opened approximately 300 from the closed state, the
`imaging lens 26 is rotated to a position that faces a Subject
`at the inner Sides of the first casing body 14 and the Second
`casing body 18.
`0073. Further, although the angles at which the second
`casing body 18 is locked by the hinge portion 20 in the first
`to third embodiments are 120, 150, 180° and 300, Such
`angles can be selected as is appropriate.
`0.074.
`Further again, in the first to third embodiments, the
`CCD 28 is disposed at the hinge portion 20. However, a
`reflection mirror may be disposed at the position at which
`the CCD 28 is disposed in the above embodiments, with the
`CCD 28 being disposed at the first casing body 14 or the
`second casing body 18. The reflection mirror deflects the
`
`path of light that has passed through the imaging lens 26 to
`make the light incident