Mobile telephone fitted with a pivotal camera

The invention relates to a mobile telephone with a camera, at least comprising a housing, a display and a keypad for inputting manual commands.

Currently, mobile phones are increasingly equipped with cameras in order to be able to record and transmit photos as well as text messages and voice messages. For mobile phones with cameras, several requirements must be considered.

The camera should be attached to the mobile phone in such a way that the typical device design of a mobile phone is maintained. Thus, the additional camera should not increase the outside dimensions of the mobile telephone, since, for example, the haptics and / or handling of the mobile telephone is disturbed. This suggests that particularly small camera modules are attached to mobile phones. However, this is countered by the desire of the end customer for high-resolution and high-quality camera modules. These high-quality camera modules usually have larger dimensions than inferior and smaller camera modules.

A further requirement for the provision of a mobile telephone with a camera is that both pictures of the surroundings as well as self-portrait pictures of the mobile telephone user are to be made possible. In order to be able to control the correct recording / positioning range of the object to be photographed, a "control picture" should be shown in the display of the mobile telephone. For this purpose, the camera should be rotatable about a pivot range of approximately 180 degrees.

In addition, there is a desire or necessity to protect the optical components of the camera against soiling and against scratching when not in use.

There are already solutions and solutions to equip a mobile phone with a camera. However, these previous solutions and approaches to solution do not or only partly fulfill the above requirements. These solutions and solutions are briefly presented below:

One way to equip a mobile phone with a camera is to integrate the camera into a separate plug-in module. This plug-on module, which is usually rotatable, is coupled to a mobile telephone if required. A disadvantage of this solution is that the camera is integrated in the plug-in module and not in the mobile telephone. By increasing the overall dimensions of the plug-in module, manipulation of a mobile telephone is usually impractical and unwieldy. In practice, for this reason, the separate plug-in module is usually not carried by the mobile telephone owner for convenience.

Another possibility is to integrate a camera on the back of the mobile phone, which means that the camera is mostly on the other side of the mobile phone display. In order to protect the cameral lens from scratches, a slide shutter of the camera lens is already in use in this camera integration option. A disadvantage of this solution is that self-portrait recordings of the mobile telephone user are only possible without the camera recordings in the display of the mobile telephone being able to be controlled.

An improvement to "integrating a camera on the back of the mobile phone" would be the integration of two cameras each on the front and the back of the mobile phone. The advantage of this solution is that both the surroundings and the self-portrait images of the mobile telephone user are now allowed, whereby the mobile telephone user can see the camera shots in the display of the mobile telephone. On the one hand, the increased space requirement for two camera modules and the increased cost factor for the "double" number of camera modules are disadvantageous. By integrating two cameras in the mobile phone, a cost doubling of the protection mechanism for the camera optics has to be booked.

A further known camera integration option is used in mobile telephones which consist of two mutually displaceable halves. Here the camera is integrated in one half. In the collapsed state, the camera is protected between the halves before scratching the optical parts. With this solution again only self-portrait pictures of the mobile telephone user can be made, without the camera shots in the display of the mobile phone can be controlled. Moreover, in this camera integration possibility, the thickness of the mobile telephone is particularly large, making the mobile telephone bulky.

A currently good solution for camera integration is implemented in mobile phones in "Clam-Shell-Design" (foldable mobile phones). Here, the camera is rotatably installed in the swivel joint of the two "mobile phone halves". With this mobile phone both pictures of the surroundings as well as self-portraits are possible while looking at the mobile phone display. The disadvantage of this solution is that only very small camera modules can be used, and therefore poor quality camera modules can be used, since otherwise the diameter of the swivel joint becomes unacceptably large.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a mobile telephone in which a high-resolution and high-quality camera is integrated into the mobile telephone in such a way that the typical device design of a mobile telephone is preserved and in addition it is possible to record both the surroundings and the mobile portraits of the mobile telephone user Camera shots in the display of the mobile telephone can be viewed by the mobile telephone user and in addition the camera lens is protected against dirt and scratching when the camera function is not used.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are subject matter of subordinate patent claims.

The inventors have recognized that it is also possible, with mobile telephones, which are not constructed in the "clam-shell design" (folding mobile telephones), by a new swivel mechanism, a high-resolution and therefore usually larger camera than the previously used in foldable mobile phones Cameras in the mobile phone, while not changing the typical device design of a mobile phone. On the other hand, it is possible to enable both recording of the surroundings as well as self-portrait pictures of the mobile telephone user, whereby the camera recordings can be seen in the display of the mobile telephone.

According to this general idea of ​​the invention, the inventors propose to improve a mobile telephone with a camera, at least consisting of a housing, a display and a keyboard field for the input of manual commands, in such a way that the camera is fixed with at least a part of the keyboard in a subcomponent of the housing , Wherein the partial component is embodied in a frame of the housing so as to be pivotable about at least one axis relative to the display, and the frame at least partly circulates the partial component.

This embodiment of the mobile telephone results in the following advantages. On the one hand, in a position of the partial component, in which the camera is preferably arranged between the frame and the housing, the effects of contamination on the camera lens system are excluded. On the other hand, due to the swivellable design of the partial component, the detection area of ​​the camera, while simultaneously using the mobile telephone display as a control screen, is expanded.

For the mobile telephone, it is favorable if the partial component can be pivoted in an angular range of up to 90 degrees, preferably in an angle range up to 180 degrees, in a pivoting direction as well as in the opposite axial pivoting direction. This makes it possible to take pictures at different angles and to adapt the display or the camera to the needs of the mobile telephone user.

The subcomponent should be designed to be pivotable about an axis which is oriented parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone. As a result, the display can be aligned particularly easily on the horizontal or the vertical plane.

Alternatively, it is advantageous if the partial component is designed so as to be pivotable about an axis extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone, preferably an axis extending 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis. In particular, if the partial component then additionally has a rectangular cross-section, the advantage is that two sides of the rectangle are available as surfaces for the installation of camera optics and strobe light.

In order to increase the user friendliness in the various mobile telephone functions, such as telephone calls or photographing, it is also advantageous if the partial component is designed to be lockable in at least three positions. The engagement ensures that, while the operator is performing a mobile telephone function, the subcomponent is held in a desired position and not twisted unintentionally. There may well be several "intermediate latching positions" between these three latching positions. The following are most favorable for the three latching positions.

In a first latching position, the objective of the camera should be oriented in such a way that the operator of the mobile telephone can detect an object of the surroundings with the lens of the camera and at the same time can see this object in the display of the mobile telephone. The display and the camera lens are thus aligned on opposite sides of the mobile telephone.

The second latching position should be adjustable such that the partial component with respect to the display of the mobile telephone is oriented such that the operator can grasp himself with the lens of the camera and at the same time can see his self-image in the display.

In the third latching position, the lens of the camera is located between the frame of the mobile telephone housing and the subcomponent. This latching position is designed for conventional telephoning. In this latching position, the keyboard of the mobile telephone is accessible.

At least one sliding and / or pivoting protective flap can be arranged on the partial component, which protects the camera lens from damage. Thus, this component can also be protected from contamination and scratching in the latching position one and two, in which the camera lens is not arranged between the partial component and the frame of the housing.

The subcomponent of the housing should be detachable from the rest of the mobile phone housing. In the subcomponent the camera of the mobile phone is integrated. Thanks to this detachable design, the camera can be used independently of the rest of the mobile phone. Due to the compact outer dimensions of the partial component in the area of ​​a few centimeters of edge length, the partial component can be used with a camera hidden in rooms for its monitoring and then for the photographic holding of one or more space photographs.

Both the subcomponent and the remaining housing of the mobile telephone should each have a voltage supply. This makes it possible, for example, to ensure that, in the case of an empty battery, because of a plurality of shot photos, in which the camera function is thus no longer available, telephone calls with the mobile telephone are still possible.

It is advantageous if the partial component and the remaining housing of the mobile telephone each have an interface, preferably a radio connection interface, such as, for example, Bluetooth, via which the two parts communicate with each other. This makes it possible for the partial component to exchange data, for example image data, over certain distances with the camera module and the rest of the mobile telephone.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments with the aid of FIGS. 1 to 12, the following abbreviations being used in the figures: 1: mobile telephone; 2: speakers; 3: camera button; 4: display of the mobile phone; 4.1: Swivel display; 5: Keypad for menu input; 5.1: button of the menu input field; 6: Keypad for numeric / character input; 6.1: key of the numeric / letter input field; 7: microphone; 8: housing of the mobile telephone; 8.1: Swivelable partial component of the housing; 8.1.1: Snap-in position "one" of the partial component; 8.1.2: Snap-in position "two" of the partial component; 8.1.3: Snap-in position "three" of the partial component; 8.2: Detachable and swiveling component of the housing; 8.3 Frame of the housing 8, which circulates the subcomponents 8.1 and 8.2; 9.1: pivot axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone; 9.2: pivot axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone; 9.3: pivot axis which is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone; 10: Camera lens; 11: flash light; 12: distance sensor; 13: Slot for SIM card (SIM = Subscriber Identify Module); 14: connector for interface; 15: Protective shutter for camera lens; 16: Interface.

The figures show in detail:<dl id="dl0001" compact="compact"><dt>FIG. 1:</dt><dd>Mobile phone in a top view of the display and the keypad;</dd><dt>FIG. 2:</dt><dd>Mobile phone with swiveled component of the housing and integrated camera;</dd><dt>FIG. 3:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone of FIG. 2, but the partial component of the housing is pivoted into the counter-direction;</dd><dt>FIG. 4:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone with a partial component, which is capable of being pivoted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone, with an integrated camera;</dd><dt>FIG. 5:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone of FIG. 4, but the partial component of the housing is pivoted into the counter-direction;</dd><dt>FIG. 6:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone in a top view of the display and the keypad, all of the keys being integrated in the subcomponent; </dd><dt>FIG. 7:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone of FIG. 6, in which the subcomponent is pivoted to the left;</dd><dt>FIG. 8:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone of FIG. 6, but the partial component is pivoted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone;</dd><dt>FIG. 9:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone of FIG. 7, in which the swivel axis of the partial component is laterally offset;</dd><dt>FIG. 10:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone with a partial component having an obliquely extending pivot axis;</dd><dt>FIG. 11:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone with removable sub-component of the housing;</dd><dt>FIG. 12:</dt><dd>Mobile telephone, in which the frame only partially circumscribes the subcomponent.</dd></dl>

FIG. 1 shows a view of the operating surface of a new mobile telephone 1 with a camera. In this view, the camera of the mobile telephone 1 is not recognizable. Only the camera head 3 in the upper right-hand side of the housing 8 of the mobile telephone 1 indicates the presence of the camera. Analogous to previously known mobile phones 1, this "camera wall" has a loudspeaker 2 at the upper edge region of the housing 8, and a microphone 7 at the lower edge region for the output and input of acoustic signals, including speech signals. A display 4 is located in the upper half of the housing 8, in which optical functions of the mobile telephone 1, for example, call input and menu overview of the mobile telephone 1, can be viewed. This display 4 can be, for example, a colored TFT display. In the middle part of the housing 8 of the mobile telephone 1 is the keypad 5, for the menu input with the keys 5.1. The menus of the mobile phone 1 can be switched via the buttons 5.1 of the menu entry field. In the lower part of the housing 8, the keys 6.1 are located on the keypad 6 for digit / letter input, by means of which the numbers 0 to 9 and the letters a to z can be selected or pressed. You can use the keys 6.1, for example, to press the dial numbers to set up a telephone connection, but also to enter letters for writing a short message (common abbreviation SMS).

The special feature of this mobile telephone 1 is that a subcomponent 8.1 of the housing 8 of the mobile telephone 1 is designed to be pivotable in a frame 8.3. In this subcomponent 8.1, the camera is integrated. In this pivotable subcomponent 8.1, the keypad 6 for digit / letter input is additionally integrated. In this illustration, the subcomponent 8.1 is located in the "three" position 8.1.3, ie, the camera of the mobile telephone 1 is protected between the subcomponent 8.1 and the housing 8 of the mobile telephone 1. In the "three" position 8.1.3, the mobile telephone can be used for telephone calls or short messages can be exchanged.

In order to be able to take photos with this mobile telephone 1, the camera is "opened" between the subcomponent 8.1 and the frame 8.3 of the housing 8 of the mobile telephone 1 by pivoting the subcomponent 8.1.

FIG. 2 shows the camera lens 10. For this purpose, the subcomponent 8.1 was pivoted by 90 degrees to the right about the pivot axis 9.1, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone 1, by means of a slight pressure with the fingers on the right side of the key pad 6 for the numerical input. Also in this position of the subcomponent 8.1 there is a further latching position "three" 8.1.3 so that, when taking pictures, the camera lens 10 is not accidentally shaken by mistake by a rotation of the subcomponent 8.1. The lock position "Three" 8.1.3 is suitable for recording self-portraits of the mobile telephone operator. In this latching position "three" 8.1.3, both the camera lens 10 and simultaneously the display 4 of the mobile telephone 1 can be seen by the mobile telephone operator. In addition, a flash light 11 for night-shots and a distance sensor 12, which measures the distance of the object to be photographed from the camera lens and then adjusts the focus of the camera lens 10, is located in the partial component 8.1.

FIG. 3 shows a mobile telephone 1 with which the surroundings can be taken. For this purpose, in the mobile telephone 1 of FIG. 1, the subcomponent 8.1 is pivoted by 90 degrees to the left, by means of a slight pressure with the fingers on the left-hand side of the key pad 6 for the numerical input. Also in this position of the subcomponent 8.1 there is a latching position "two" 8.1.2. This lock position "Two" 8.1.2 is suitable for recording ambient photos. In this latching position of the subcomponent 8.1, the camera lens is arranged on the opposite side of the display 4. By pressing the camera button 3 an image can then be photographed. In this view, on the rear side of the component component 8.1, the slot 13 for the SIM card and the connector socket 14 for the interface, which are located opposite the camera lens, can be seen.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of the new mobile telephone 1 in different latching positions of the subcomponent 8.1. Unlike the FIGS. 1 to 3, the subcomponent 8.1 is now pivotable about an axis 9.2, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone 1. In FIG. 4, the subcomponent 8.1 is shown in the latching position "two" 8.1.2, which is suitable for making self-portraits of the mobile telephone operator. The display 4 and the camera lens 10 can be seen on the same side of the housing 8. In FIG. 5 the subcomponent 8.1 is rotated by 180 degrees as compared to the illustration in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show a further embodiment of the new mobile telephone 1 in different latching positions of the subcomponent 8.1. In this embodiment, the pivotable subcomponent 8.1 is designed to be larger than in FIGS. 1 to 5, so that both the keypad 5 for menu input and the keypad 6 Are integrated into the slot 13 for the SIM card and the plug socket for the interface 14 in the subcomponent 8.1, in addition to the camera or the camera lens, the flashlight, the distance sensor 12.

FIG. 6 shows the subcomponent 8.1 in the "three" position 8.1.3, in which the mobile telephone can be used as a telephone call or short messages can be exchanged.

7 and 8, the subcomponent 8.1 is shown in the "one" position 8.1.1. In FIG. 7, the subcomponent 8.1 is designed to be pivotable about an axis 9.1 and in FIG. 8 by an axis 9.2.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show two further variants of the embodiment of the pivotable subcomponent 8.1. In FIG. 9, the subcomponent 8.1 can be pivoted about an axis 9.1, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone 1, but offset to the left in relation to the center axis. In FIG. 10, the axis 9. 3, about which the partial component is designed to be pivotable, runs obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the mobile telephone 1. The advantage of both embodiments is that due to the greater distance between the pressure point for locking / unlocking the subcomponent 8.1 To the center of rotation, the subcomponent 8.1 can be moved by a lower force between the latching positions (8.1.1 to 8.1.3).

FIG. 11 shows a further particular embodiment of the new mobile telephone 1. In this embodiment, the subcomponent 8.2 is designed detachably on the right in FIG. 11 from the housing 8 of the mobile telephone 1. There is thus the possibility of placing the removable subcomponent 8.2 separate from the housing 8. This allows the camera, which is integrated in the compact and small subcomponent 8.2, to be placed hidden, without being able to recognize that a photo recording is in progress. This is realized by the fact that the housing 8 of the "remaining" mobile telephone 1, on which the actual camera head 3 is located for "triggering" the camera, and the operator of the camera head 3 do not have to be in the area of ​​the camera. The data exchange or the communication between the removable subcomponent 8.2 and the housing 8 of the "remaining" mobile telephone 1 functions via interfaces 16, which are respectively attached to the subcomponent 8.2 and the housing 8 of the mobile telephone 1. In order to be able to supply the separate components of the mobile telephone 1 with power, the subcomponent 8.2 and the housing 8 each have their own voltage supply, for example in the form of a lithium-ion battery. In order to protect the camera lens 10 from contamination and scratching, in this embodiment, a protective flap 15 is additionally attached to the partial component 8.2, which can be pushed in front of the camera lens 10 when the camera is not being used.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a new mobile telephone 1 in which the subcomponent 8.1 is only partially surrounded by the frame 8.3 of the housing 1.

Thus, the invention provides a mobile telephone with an integrated camera in which a high-quality camera is integrated into the mobile telephone so that the typical device design of a mobile telephone is preserved and, in addition, it is possible to record both the surroundings and the mobile portraits of the mobile telephone user , The camera recordings in the display of the mobile telephone being visible to the operator and also the camera lens being protected against dirt and scratching when the camera function is not used.

It goes without saying that the abovementioned features of the invention can be used not only in the particular combination indicated, but also in other combinations or in a single setting, without leaving the scope of the invention as claimed.