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Mobile Phone Patent Abstract
A mobile phone provided with lighting devices capable of capturing
not only a still image but also a moving image in the dark. When
a user sets the lighting of a light emitting section to ON at the
time of capturing an image, the light emitting section is controlled
so as to illuminate a subject for the most suitable time for capturing
the image regardless of capturing a still image or moving image.
Accordingly, it becomes possible to capture an image in the dark
successfully. Moreover, the mobile phone can be used as a flashlight
by continuously turning on the light emitting section that would
be used when capturing an image. Accordingly, the mobile phone may
be used for lighting when finding a keyhole, searching for something,
etc. in the dark.
Mobile Phone Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile phone provided with lighting, comprising: a capturing
section for capturing an image; a light emitting section for emitting
light to illuminate a subject when capturing an image; an operation
inputting section through which a user inputs information to operate
the mobile phone; and a control section for controlling the respective
sections, wherein: the control section controls the light emitting
section so as to continuously emit light while capturing a moving
image so that a time length for emitting light varies depending
on whether a still image or moving image is captured, and wherein,
the light emitting section comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes, and the control section controls the number of the light
emitting diodes that emit light so that the intensity of light emitted
from the light emitting diodes at the time of continuous lighting
while the capturing section is not active is lower than the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of capturing
an image.
2. The mobile phone of claim 1, wherein when an operation to activate
the light emitting section is executed while the capturing section
is not active, the control section controls the light emitting section
so as to continuously emit light until a predetermined operation
is executed.
3. A mobile phone provided with lighting, comprising: a capturing
section for capturing an image; a light emitting section for emitting
light to illuminate a subject when capturing an image; an operation
inputting section through which a user inputs information to operate
the mobile phone; and a control section for controlling the respective
sections, wherein: the control section controls the light emitting
section so as to continuously emit light while capturing a moving
image so that a time length for emitting light varies depending
on whether a still image or moving image is captured; and the control
section controls the light emitting section to continuously emit
light while the capturing section is not active with an intensity
that is lower than the intensity of light emitted from the light
emitting section at the time of capturing an image.
4. A mobile phone provided with lighting as claimed in claim 3,
wherein: the light emitting section comprises a plurality of light
emitting diodes; and the control section controls the number of
the light emitting diodes that emit light so that the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of continuous
lighting while the capturing section is not active is lower than
the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at
the time of capturing an image.
5. A mobile phone provided with lighting, comprising: a capturing
section for capturing an image; a light emitting section for emitting
light to illuminate a subject when capturing an image; an operation
inputting section through which a user inputs information to operate
the mobile phone; and a control section for controlling the respective
sections, wherein: the control section controls the light emitting
section so as to continuously emit light while capturing a moving
image so that a time length for emitting light varies depending
on whether a still image or moving image is captured; when an operation
to activate the light emitting section is executed while the capturing
section is not active, the control section controls the light emitting
section so as to continuously emit light until a predetermined operation
is executed; and the control section controls the light emitting
section to emit light so that the intensity of light emitted from
the light emitting section at the time of continuous lighting while
the capturing section is not active is lower than the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting section at the time of
capturing an image.
6. A mobile phone provided with lighting as claimed in claim 5,
wherein: the light emitting section comprises a plurality of light
emitting diodes; and the control section controls the number of
the light emitting diodes that emit light so that the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of continuous
lighting while the capturing section is not active is lower than
the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at
the time of capturing an image.
7. A lighting control method for a mobile phone provided with lighting
comprising a capturing means for capturing an image, a light emitting
means for emitting light to illuminate a subject when capturing
an image, and an operation inputting means through which a user
inputs information to operate the mobile phone, comprising a first
control step of: controlling the light emitting means so as to continuously
emit light while capturing a moving image so that a time length
for emitting light varies depending on whether a still image or
moving image is captured, wherein the light emitting means comprises
a plurality of light emitting diodes, and further comprising a second
control step in which the number of the light emitting diodes that
emit light is controlled so that the intensity of light emitted
from the light emitting diodes at the time of continuous lighting
while the capturing means is not active is lower than the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of capturing
an image.
8. The lighting control method of claim 7, further comprising a
third control step of, when an operation to activate the light emitting
means is executed while the capturing means is not active, controlling
the light emitting means so as to continuously emit light until
a predetermined operation is executed.
9. A lighting control method for a mobile phone provided with lighting
comprising a capturing means for capturing an image, a light emitting
means for emitting light to illuminate a subject when capturing
an image, and an operation inputting means through which a user
inputs information to operate the mobile phone, comprising: a first
control step of controlling the light emitting means so as to continuously
emit light while capturing a moving image so that a time length
for emitting light varies depending on whether a still image or
moving image is captured; and a second control step of controlling
the light emitting means to continuously emit light while the capturing
means is not active with an intensity that is lower than the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting means at the time of capturing
an image.
10. A lighting control method as claimed in claim 9, wherein: the
light emitting means comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes;
and at the second control step, the number of the light emitting
diodes that emit light is controlled so that the intensity of light
emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of continuous
lighting while the capturing means is not active is lower than the
intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the
time of capturing an image.
11. A lighting control method for a mobile phone provided with
lighting comprising a capturing means for capturing an image, a
light emitting means for emitting light to illuminate a subject
when capturing an image, and an operation inputting means through
which a user inputs information to operate the mobile phone, comprising:
a first control step of controlling the light emitting means so
as to continuously emit light while capturing a moving image so
that a time length for emitting light varies depending on whether
a still image or moving image is captured; a second control step
of, when an operation to activate the light emitting means is executed
while the capturing means is not active, controlling the light emitting
means so as to continuously emit light until a predetermined operation
is executed; and a third control step of controlling the light emitting
means to emit light so that the intensity of light emitted from
the light emitting means at the time of continuous lighting while
the capturing means is not active is lower than the intensity of
light emitted from the light emitting means at the time of capturing
an image.
12. A lighting control method as claimed in claim 11, wherein:
the light emitting means comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes; and at the third control step, the number of the light emitting
diodes that emit light is controlled so that the intensity of light
emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of continuous
lighting while the capturing means is not active is lower than the
intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the
time of capturing an image.
13. A lighting control program in a computer readable medium, for
a mobile phone provided with lighting comprising a capturing means
for capturing an image, a light emitting means for emitting light
to illuminate a subject when capturing an image, and an operation
inputting means through which a user inputs information to operate
the mobile phone, the program executing the process of: controlling
the light emitting means to continuously emit light while capturing
a moving image so that a time length for emitting light varies depending
on whether a still image or a moving image is captured, wherein
the light emitting means comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes, and wherein the program further executes the process of
controlling the number of the light emitting diodes that emit light
so that the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes
at the time of continuous lighting while the capturing means is
not active is lower than the intensity of light emitted from the
light emitting diodes at the time of capturing an image.
14. The lighting control program of claim 13, wherein when an operation
to activate the light emitting means is executed while the capturing
means is not active, the program controls the light emitting means
so as to continuously emit light until a predetermined operation
is executed.
15. A lighting control program in a computer readable medium, for
a mobile phone provided with lighting comprising a capturing means
for capturing an image, a light emitting means for emitting light
to illuminate a subject when capturing an image, and an operation
inputting means through which a user inputs information to operate
the mobile phone, the program executing the process of: controlling
the light emitting means to continuously emit light while capturing
a moving image so that a time length for emitting light varies depending
on whether a still image or a moving image is captured; and controlling
the light emitting means to continuously emit light while the capturing
means is not active with an intensity that is lower than the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting means at the time of capturing
an image.
16. A lighting control program as claimed in claim 15, wherein
the light emitting means comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes, the program further executing the process of: controlling
the number of the light emitting diodes that emit light so that
the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at
the time of continuous lighting while the capturing means is not
active is lower than the intensity of light emitted from the light
emitting diodes at the time of capturing an image.
17. A lighting control program in a computer readable medium, for
a mobile phone provided with lighting comprising a capturing means
for capturing an image, a light emitting means for emitting light
to illuminate a subject when capturing an image, and an operation
inputting means through which a user inputs information to operate
the mobile phone, the program executing the process of: controlling
the light emitting means to continuously emit light while capturing
a moving image so that a time length for emitting light varies depending
on whether a still image or a moving image is captured; when an
operation to activate the light emitting means is executed while
the capturing means is not active, controlling the light emitting
means so as to continuously emit light until a predetermined operation
is executed; and controlling the light emitting means to emit light
so that the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting means
at the time of continuous lighting while the capturing means is
not active is lower than the intensity of light emitted from the
light emitting means at the time of capturing an image.
18. A lighting control program as claimed in claim 17 wherein the
light emitting means comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes,
the program further executing the process of: controlling the number
of the light emitting diodes to emit light so that the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of continuous
lighting while the capturing means is not active is lower than the
intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the
time of capturing an image.
Mobile Phone Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mobile phone provided with lighting
and an image capturing device for transmitting image information
such as a self-portrait to a receiving end, a method and a program
thereof, and in particular, to a mobile phone provided with lighting
having a lighting function to illuminate a subject when capturing
images, a lighting control method and a program thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Small and lightweight mobile terminal devices have become widely
used in tandem with the advances of communication technology and
semiconductor technology. Moreover, along with the popularization
of the mobile terminal devices, the performance is increasingly
improved to fulfill the requirements from users. For example, a
mobile terminal device provided with an image capturing device such
as a digital camera has been developed and practically used. The
mobile terminal device provided with a digital camera has an image-information
transmitting and receiving function in addition to a conventional
voice-information and text-information transmitting and receiving
function.
A user may take his/her picture (self-portrait) with the mobile
terminal device provided with a digital camera and transmits it
to a receiving end. Accordingly, they can communicate with each
other while identifying the other party with the image.
One example of conventional mobile phones is disclosed in Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-320461. FIG. 1 shows the appearance
of this mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 1, main body 10 is a thin
box to be easily carried. In the interior space of the main body
10, at least one light emitting diode 11 (used for illuminating
a subject) is disposed in place so that the side of the light emitting
section is exposed to the outside. In addition, an input terminal
of the light emitting diode 11 is wired to a direct current power
source unit so that the diode 11 can be turned on. Moreover, a switching
circuit for turning on and off the light emitting diode 11 is built
partway along the path of the wired circuit. Furthermore, an open-close
operating button 12 for the switching circuit is set to the body
10 in place so as to be exposed to the outside.
As mentioned above, a mobile phone provided with a digital camera
capable of taking pictures and capturing moving images are increasingly
needed. Accordingly, a technique for taking pictures and capturing
moving images in the dark becomes required. If a lighting function
is provided to a mobile phone, the mobile phone would be allowed
not only to perform flash photography but also to capture moving
images in the dark.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
mobile phone provided with lighting capable of capturing not only
still images but also moving images in the dark, a lighting control
method and a program thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile
phone with lighting capable of continuously emitting light to illuminate
the dark as a flashlight in addition to emitting light for capturing
still or moving images, a lighting control method and a program
thereof.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second
aspect, the control section controls the light emitting section
to emit light so that the intensity of light emitted from the light
emitting section at the time of continuous lighting while the capturing
section is not active becomes lower than the intensity of light
emitted from the light emitting section at the time of capturing
an image.
an operation inputting section through which a user inputs information
to operate the mobile phone; and
a control section for controlling the respective sections, wherein:
the control section controls the light emitting section so as to
continuously emit light while capturing a moving image so that a
time length for emitting light varies depending on whether a still
image or moving image is captured.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first
aspect, when an operation to activate the light emitting section
is executed while the capturing section is not active, the control
section controls the light emitting section so as to continuously
emit light until a predetermined operation is executed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second
aspect, the control section controls the light emitting section
to be made emit light so that the intensity of light emitted from
the light emitting section at the time of continuous lighting while
the capturing section is not active becomes lower than the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting section at the time of
capturing an image.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third
aspect:
the light emitting section comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes; and
the control section controls the number of the light emitting diodes
to emit light so that the intensity of light emitted from the light
emitting diodes at the time of continuous lighting while the capturing
section is not active becomes lower than the intensity of light
emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of capturing
an image.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a lighting control method for a mobile phone provided with
lighting comprising a capturing means for capturing an image, a
light emitting means for emitting light to illuminate a subject
when capturing an image, and an operation inputting means through
which a user inputs information to operate the mobile phone, comprising
a first control step of:
controlling the light emitting means so as to continuously emit
light while capturing a moving image so that a time length for emitting
light varies depending on whether a still image or moving image
is captured.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth
aspect, the lighting control method comprises a second control step
of, when an operation to activate the light emitting means is executed
while the capturing means is not active, controlling the light emitting
means so as to continuously emit light until a predetermined operation
is executed.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the
sixth aspect, the lighting control method comprises a third control
step of controlling the light emitting means to emit light so that
the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting means at
the time of continuous lighting while the capturing means is not
active becomes lower than the intensity of light emitted from the
light emitting diodes at the time of capturing an image.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the
seventh aspect, wherein:
the light emitting means comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes; and
at the third control step, the number of the light emitting diodes
to emit light is controlled so that the intensity of light emitted
from the light emitting diodes at the time of continuous lighting
while the capturing means is not active becomes lower than the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the time of capturing
an image.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a lighting control program for a mobile phone provided
with lighting comprising a capturing means for capturing an image,
a light emitting means for emitting light to illuminate a subject
when capturing an image, and an operation inputting means through
which a user inputs information to operate the mobile phone, executing
the process of:
controlling the light emitting means to continuously emit light
while capturing a moving image so that a time length for emitting
light varies depending on whether a still image or a moving image
is captured.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth
aspect, the lighting control program executes a process of, when
an operation to activate the light emitting means is executed while
the capturing means is not active, controlling the light emitting
means so as to continuously emit light until a predetermined operation
is executed.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the
tenth aspect, the lighting control program executes a process of
controlling the light emitting means to emit light so that the intensity
of light emitted from the light emitting means at the time of continuous
lighting while the capturing means is not active becomes lower than
the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting means at
the time of capturing an image.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the
eleventh aspect:
the light emitting means comprises a plurality of light emitting
diodes, and
the lighting control program executes the process of controlling
the number of the light emitting diodes to emit light so that the
intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes at the
time of continuous lighting while the capturing means is not active
becomes lower than the intensity of light emitted from the light
emitting diodes at the time of capturing an image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects and features of the present invention will become more
apparent from the consideration of the following detailed description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of a conventional mobile
phone;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile phone
provided with lighting according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of the mobile phone provided
with lighting according to the embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention
is explained in detail. FIGS. 2 and 3 shows the mobile phone provided
with lighting according to an embodiment of the present invention.
First, an explanation will be given of a circuitry of a mobile
phone provided with lighting according to an embodiment of the present
invention referring to FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone provided with lighting comprises
a camera module 1, a camera module control LSI 2, a CPU 3, a light
emitting section 4, a DC/DC converter 5 and a display section 6.
The camera module 1 is configured with a sensor for capturing images,
a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for performing digital conversion,
and a control circuit. The camera module control LSI 2 has control
over the camera module 1, the display of the display device, image
expanding and compressing processes, and the like. The CPU 3 controls
the whole mobile phone device. The light emitting section 4 is configured
with a plurality of a light emitting diodes. The DC/DC converter
5 drives the light emitting section 4. The display section 6 is
composed of a LCD and the like.
In the following, an explanation will be given of an appearance
and an operation procedure of the mobile phone provided with lighting
according to the embodiment of the present invention referring to
FIG. 3.
As shown in FIG. 3, the lighting emitting section 4 is mounted
in/on the back surface (the opposite side of the display section
6) of the upper body of the mobile phone toward the same direction
as the camera module 1. When the light emitting diodes are lit,
the light is diffused in the direction as shown by the dotted lines
in FIG. 3 to illuminate a subject.
When the camera is active, the CPU 3 controls the DC/DC converter
5 depending on an image to be captured (still or moving image) through
the camera module 1, and controls ON/OFF operation of the light
emitting section 4.
Namely, when capturing a still image in the dark, the CPU 3 controls
the light emitting section 4 to turn on plural light emitting diodes
for the most suitable time length. On the other hand, when capturing
a moving image, the CPU 3 controls the light emitting section 4
so that plural light emitting diodes continuously emit light in
proportion to the capturing time.
A user has only to set ON/OFF of the camera lighting (namely, only
to perform keying according to the directions displayed on the display
section 6). According to the setting, the light emitting section
4 emits light in proportion to the time length of capturing a still
or moving image. For instance, when capturing a still image, the
light emitting section 4 emits light approximately one second, and
when capturing a moving image, the light emitting section 4 continuously
emits light over a few seconds to several dozen seconds (or minutes).
The CPU 3 turns off the light emitting diodes at the light emitting
section 4 in any one of the cases where: a predetermined time has
passed while the light emitting diodes are in ON state; a shooting
has finished; and an exit operation has been performed.
Moreover, when the mobile phone is used as a flashlight in the
dark while the camera is not active, a user sets a state of continuous
lighting to ON/OFF through keys of the mobile phone according to
the instructions displayed on the display section 6. Accordingly,
the CPU 3 controls the plural light emitting diodes to continuously
emit light for the use of a flashlight. In response to the ON/OFF
setting, the CPU 3 executes ON/OFF control over the DC/DC converter
5 and the light emitting section 4.
For example, a user may turn on the light emitting diodes by continuously
pushing a predetermined key during a predetermined time. Moreover,
while the light emitting diodes are emitting light, this may be
indicated on a main screen of the display section 6. Furthermore,
the light emitting diodes may be turned off in any one of the cases
where: one of the keys is pushed while lighting; the body of the
mobile phone is folded while lighting; the other event (such as
reception of an incoming call) occurs while lighting; and the like.
Incidentally, when the mobile terminal is used as a flashlight,
the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diodes may
be weakened in comparison with a case of capturing images. Accordingly,
the power consumption can be reduced by changing the output from
the DC/DC converter 5.
Otherwise, the number of the light emitting diodes to be turned
on may be reduced when continuously emitting light without using
the camera (namely, using the lighting as a flashlight), while all
of the diodes are turned on when using the camera to capture an
image. For example, a total of 4 diodes (2 diodes+2 diodes) may
be turned on when using the camera, and only 2 diodes be turned
on when not using the camera.
As described hereinbefore, when a user sets the lighting of the
light emitting section 4 to ON when using or operating the camera,
the light emitting section 4 can be controlled so as to illuminate
a subject for the most suitable time length regardless of capturing
a sill image or moving image. Accordingly, it becomes possible to
suitably capture an image in the dark.
Moreover, the mobile phone may be used as a flashlight by continuously
emitting light through the light emitting diodes, which are normally
used for capturing an image. Accordingly, it becomes possible to
use the mobile phone as a lighting apparatus, for example, when
a user wants to find a keyhole or search for something in the dark.
Incidentally, the light emitting diodes may be controlled so that
the intensity of light emitted therefrom when used as a flashlight
becomes lower than the intensity of light emitted therefrom when
used for capturing an image. Accordingly, it becomes possible to
reduce the power consumption of the mobile phone.
Incidentally, the present invention is applied to a foldable mobile
phone in this embodiment, it may be applied to the other types of
mobile phones.
As set forth hereinbefore, according to the present invention,
the control means controls the light emitting means so as to continuously
emit light while capturing a moving image so that a time length
for emitting light varies depending on whether a still image or
moving image is captured. Accordingly, the light emitting means
is controlled so as to illuminate a subject for an optimum time
regardless of capturing a still image or moving image. Therefore,
it becomes possible to suitably capture an image in the dark.
Moreover, when a user operates the mobile phone to activate the
light emitting means while the camera is not active, the light emitting
means is controlled to continuously emit light until a predetermined
input operation is performed. Accordingly, the mobile phone may
be used as a flashlight, for example, when finding a keyhole or
searching for something in the dark.
Furthermore, the light emitting means is controlled so that the
intensity of light emitted therefrom at the time of continuous lighting
(when the mobile phone is used as a flashlight) becomes lower than
the intensity of light emitted therefrom at the time of capturing
an (still or moving) image. Accordingly, it becomes possible to
reduce the power consumption owing to the light emitting means.
While the present invention has been described with reference to
the particular illustrative embodiment, it is not to be restricted
by the embodiment but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated
that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiment
without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
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