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Mobile Phone Patent Abstract
A mobile phone includes a phone body 1 having a wireless transmitting
and receiving function of an image and sound and a virtual image
optical display device 2 for forming a virtual image on a retina
of an eye of a user by passing image information from an image information
driving part 3 through an imaging optical system. The virtual image
optical display device 2 positioned in front of the eye of the user
is made as small as possible to make an eyepiece part of the mobile
phone compact. An imaging optical system 4 of the virtual image
optical display device 2 is separated into an optical system 4a
on an image information driving part side and an optical system
4c on an eyepiece part side via a folding part 4b. The optical system
4c on the eyepiece part side is mounted on the arm 6 attached to
the phone body 1 through the hinge 5. A length between a position
of the phone body 1 contact with the ear of the user and the hinge
5, an angle of the arm 6 and the phone body 1 in using the phone,
and a length of the arm 6 are determined under ergonomically optimum
conditions.
Mobile Phone Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile phone provided with a video camera comprising; a phone
body having a wireless transmitting and receiving function of an
image and sound, a virtual image optical display device for forming
a virtual image on a retina of an eye of a user by passing image
information from an image information driving part through an imaging
optical system, an arm foldably provided to the phone body through
a hinge, an eyepiece part of the virtual image optical display device
provided to the arm, a video camera part mounted to the phone body
so that a direction of the eye of the user and a direction for taking
an image are parallel or approximately parallel when the arm is
opened, wherein a length between a position of the phone body which
is contact with the ear of the user and the hinge, an angle between
the arm and the phone body when the phone is used, a length of the
arm are determined so as to have ergonomically optimum relations
with each other, and wherein an imaging optical system of the virtual
image optical display device is separated into an optical system
on an image infomation driving part side and an optical system on
an eyepiece part side via a folding part, the optical system on
the eyepiece part side is mounted on the arm foldably provided to
the phone body through the hinge, and the optical system on the
image information driving part side and the image information driving
part are mounted in the phone body.
2. The mobile phone provided with a video camera according to claim
1, wherein the virtual image optical display device is mounted in
the arm.
3. The mobile phone provided with a video camera according to claim
1, wherein when a position contact with an ear of the user is Pa,
a center position of the eyepiece lens of the optical system on
the eyepiece part side is Pb, a point contact with the phone body
and the face of the user is Pd, a straight line passing through
the center position Pb of the eyepiece lens, horizontal to the eyepiece
lens, and vertical to an optical axis of the eyepiece lens is La,
and a cross point of the straight line La and a straight line Pa-Pd
is Pe, a length between the position contact with the ear of the
user and the hinge of the phone body, an angle formed of the arm
and the phone body in using the phone, and a length of the arm are
determined so that an angle a formed of a straight line between
both ears and the line Pa-Pe is in a range 80.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.90
.degree..
4. The mobile phone provided with a video camera according to claim
1 wherein positions of the arm, the phone body, and the hinge are
set so that a ratio of a length between a speaker part and the hinge
of the phone body, and a length between an optical axis of the eyepiece
part and the hinge is in a range between 2:1 and 15:4.
5. The mobile phone provided with a video camera according to claim
1, wherein the video camera part is roratably mounted to the phone
body.
6. The mobile phone provided with a video camera according to claim
1, wherein a means far detecting an opening state of the arm is
provided, and at least driving of the image information driving
part is controlled depending on the opening state of the arm.
7. The mobile phone provided wit a video camera according to claim
2, wherein the phone body is formed of a first body pan provided
with at least a speaker part and a second body part provided with
a microphone so that the phone body is foldable, and the arm including
the virtual image optical display device is foldably mounted on
the second body part.
Mobile Phone Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a mobile phone provided with a phone
body having a wireless transmitting and receiving function of an
image and sound, and a virtual optical display device for forming
a virtual image on a retina of a user by passing received image
information from an image information driving part through an imaging
optical system.
1. Description of Prior Art
Some conventional mobile phones form a virtual image on a retina
of a user by passing received image information from an image information
driving part through an imaging optical system so that a user can
recognizes the image (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,034).
Other conventional mobile phones are provided with a video camera
for taking an image to be transmitted.
In observing an image taken by the video camera provided to the
conventional mobile phone, the user is required to obtain a space
between the mobile phone and an eye of the user in order to watch
a display part of the mobile phone. In other words, when the user
puts his ear on the mobile phone and tries to talk over the phone
and take an image at the same time, the video camera is directed
to a different direction from the eye of the user. Thus, it is difficult
to take an image by the video camera while talking over the phone.
In another case, the video camera is separately provided from a
phone body. In this case, also it is troublesome to use both hands
in taking an image by the video camera while talking over the phone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The first objective of this invention is to improve usability for
an user, and the second objective of this invention is to reduce
a size of an eyepiece part of the mobile phone by forming a virtual
image optical display device positioned in front of the user as
small as possible in size.
A mobile phone provided with a video camera comprises a phone body
having a wireless transmitting and receiving function of an image
and sound, a virtual image optical display device for forming a
virtual image on a retina of an eye of a user by passing image information
from an image information driving part through an imaging optical
system, an arm foldably provided to the phone body through a hinge,
an eyepiece part of the virtual image optical display device provided
to the arm, a video camera part mounted to the phone body so that
a direction of the eye of the user and a direction for taking an
image are parallel or approximately parallel when the arm is opened.
A length between a position of the phone body which is contact with
the ear of the user and the hinge, an angle between the arm and
the phone body when the phone is used, a length of the arm are determined
so as to have ergonomically optimum relations with each other.
With such the structure, when the user observes through an eyepiece
part, the video camera part takes an image over a front of the user's
eye. Thereby, the user can take an object as he follows the object
by the video camera part.
A length between the speaker part and the hinge of the phone body,
a length of the arm, and an angle between the arm and the phone
body 1 are determined under ergonomic optimum conditions so that
the eyepiece part of the phone body is positioned in front of the
eye E of the user when the user puts his ear on the speaker part
with the arm fully opened.
Thereby, the user can observe an image naturally without getting
tired in observing image information by putting his ear on the speaker
part with the opened arm including the eyepiece part.
An imaging optical system of the virtual image optical display
device is separated into an optical system on an image information
driving part side and an optical system on an eyepiece part side
via a folding part. The optical system on an eyepiece part side
is mounted on the arm foldably provided to the phone body through
the hinge, and the optical system on an image information driving
side and the image information driving part are mounted in the phone
body. The virtual image optical display device is mounted in the
arm.
When a position contact with an ear of the user is Pa, a center
position of the eyepiece lens of the optical system on an eyepiece
part side is Pb, a point contact with the phone body and the face
of the user is Pd, a straight line passing through the center position
Pb of the eyepiece lens, horizontal to the eyepiece lens, and vertical
to an optical axis of the eyepiece lens is La, and a cross point
of the straight line La and a straight line Pa-Pd is Pe, a length
between the position contact with the ear of the user and the hinge
of the phone body, an angle formed of the arm and the phone body
in using the phone, and a length of the arm are determined so that
an angle a formed of a straight line between both ears and the line
Pa-Pe is in a range 80.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.90.degree..
Positions of the arm, the phone body, and the hinge are set so
that a ratio of a length between the speaker part and the hinge
of the phone body, and a length between an optical axis of the eyepiece
part and the hinge is in a range between 2:1 and 15:4.
With this structure, the user can observe an image naturally without
getting tired by putting his ear on the speaker part of the phone
body with the opened arm including the optical system on an eyepiece
part side.
The video camera part is rotatably mounted to the phone body. The
user can operate the phone body and the video camera part 11 in
the most preferable state by rotating the video camera part with
the finger and checking the virtual image given through the display
eyepiece part to position the video camera part.
The mobile phone of this invention is provided with a means for
detecting an opening state of the arm, and at least driving of the
image information driving part is controlled depending on the opening
state of the arm.
With this structure, power consumption can be reduced and use of
the mobile phone in a form difficult to observe can be avoided.
The phone body of the mobile phone of this invention is formed
of a first body part provided with at least the speaker part and
a second body part provided with a microphone so that the phone
body is foldable, and the arm including the virtual image optical
display device is foldably mounted on the second body part.
Such the structure, the mobile phone can be more compact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view illustrating a structure of a
mobile phone of a first embodiment according to this invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the mobile phone with
an arm opened of the first embodiment according to this invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the mobile phone with the arm
closed of the first embodiment according to this invention.
FIG. 4 is a rear view illustrating the mobile phone of the first
embodiment according to this invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the mobile phone with the arm
opened of the first embodiment according to this invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross sectional view illustrating a video
camera part mounted to the mobile phone according to this invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a mobile phone of a second
embodiment according to this invention when an arm is opened.
FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the mobile phone of the second
embodiment according to this invention when the arm is opened.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a virtual
image optical display device of the mobile phone of the second embodiment
according to this invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit for the mobile
phone according to this invention.
FIG. 11 is an elevational view illustrating a relation between
a user and the mobile phone according to this invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a mobile phone of a
third embodiment according to this invention when it is not used.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a mobile phone of a
third embodiment according to this invention when it is used.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view of an arm part of the mobile phone
of the third embodiment according to this invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the mobile phone of the third
embodiment according to this invention when it is used.
FIG. 16 is an elevational view illustrating a relation between
a user and the mobile phone of the third embodiment according to
this invention. p FIG. 17 is a rear view illustrating the mobile
phone of the fourth embodiment according to this invention.
FIG. 18 is a view illustrating the mobile phone used for Internet
browsing according to this invention.
FIG. 19 is another view illustrating the mobile phone used for
Internet browsing according to this invention.
FIG. 20 is a view illustrating the mobile phone used for inputting
letters in Internet browsing according to this invention.
FIG. 21 is another view illustrating the mobile phone used for
inputting letters in Internet browsing according to this invention.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages
of the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when reviewed in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
FIGS. 1 6 illustrate the first embodiment of the mobile phone provided
with the video camera according to this invention.
The mobile phone of this embodiment includes a phone body 1 provided
with a wireless transmitting and receiving function of an image
and sound, and a virtual image optical display device 2 for forming
a virtual image on a retina of an eye E of a user by passing image
information from an image information driving part 3 to an imaging
optical system 4.
The imaging optical system 4 is formed by combining a group of
lenses L1 L5 and flat mirrors M1, M2, and composes a relay optical
system which is separated into an optical system 4a on an image
information driving part side, a folding part 4b, and an optical
system 4c on an eyepiece part side.
The phone body 1 includes an arm 6 for mounting at least the optical
system 4c on an eyepiece part side. A control circuit (not shown)
for performing transmitting and receiving operation and other control
operation of the phone is provided inside the phone body 1.
The arm 6 for mounting the optical system 4c on an eyepiece part
side is provided to the phone body 1 with a hinge 5 so as to be
foldable.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image information driving part 3, an optical
system 4a on an image information driving part side, and a part
of the folding part 4b are formed on the phone body 1. Another part
of the folding part 4b and the optical system 4c on an eyepiece
part side are formed on the arm 6. The display eyepiece part 6a
is formed of the part of the folding part 4b and the optical system
4c on an eyepiece part side provided to the arm 6.
FIG. 2 illustrates the phone body 1 with the arm 6 standing up
and opened. FIG. 3 illustrates the phone body 1 with the arm 6 folded
and closed. When the arm 6 is opened as shown in FIG. 2, the relay
optical system functions.
A space C exposed to outside provided in the middle of the relay
optical system enables a holding part of the relay optical system
to reduce its weight.
The phone body 1 includes a push button operation part 7, a liquid
crystal display part 8, a speaker part 9, and a microphone part
10.
When the user puts his ear on the speaker part 9 with the arm 6
opened for mounting the display eyepiece part 6a provided with the
optical system 4c on an eyepiece part side as shown in FIG. 2, the
optical system 4c on an eyepiece part side is positioned in front
of the eye E of the user as shown in FIG. 1 and the image information
from the image information driving part 3 is displayed as a virtual
image on the retina of the eye E of the user through the relay optical
system. When the user puts his ear on the speaker part 9 with the
arm 6 fully opened, a length from the speaker part 9 to the hinge
part 5 of the phone body 1, a length of the arm 6, and an angle
between the arm 6 and the phone body 1 are determined under ergonomically
optimum conditions so that the optical system 4c on an eyepiece
part side is positioned in front of the eye E of the user.
Thereby, when the user puts his ear on the speaker part 9 to visually
recognize image information with the arm 6 having the display eyepiece
part 6a including the optical system 4c on an eyepiece part side,
the user can observe the image without getting tiered.
A holding part 13 having a round shape which is easy to hold is
provided between the speaker part 9 and the hinge 5 of the phone
body 1.
In addition, a video camera part 11 for taking a transmitting image
is provided with the phone body 1. The video camera part 11 is mounted
in a position to take an object opposite to the user. The video
camera part 11 is arranged on a surface opposite to the surface
provided with the speaker part 9 so that the optical system 4c on
an eyepiece part side is parallel or approximately parallel to the
video camera part 11 when the arm 6 is opened. When the user observes
the optical system 4c on an eyepiece part, the video camera part
11 takes an image over a front of the user's eye. Thereby, the user
can take an object as he follows the object by the video camera
part 11.
As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone includes the speaker part
9, the holding part 13, the video camera part 11, and the display
eyepiece part 6a arranged in this order. In addition a shutter button
12 for the video camera part 11 is arranged in a position easy to
press with a finger when the user holds the phone body 1 at the
holding part 13.
Because the holding part 13 is positioned in the back of the video
camera part 11 in using the phone, the finger of the user does not
interfere the video camera part 11 and the user can take an object
in the direction ahead of the eye of the user.
The image taken by the video camera part 11 is given to the image
information driving part 3 as image information, and is displayed
as a virtual image on the retina of the eye E of the user through
the relay optical system 4. Thereby, the user can monitor the image
being taken by the video camera part 11. Thus, the user can transmit
the image to a user at the other end while checking the actual image
being taken in real time.
Needless to say, an image transmitted on the retina of the eye
E of the user can be displayed as a virtual image through the relay
optical system 4 by obtaining image information given to the image
information driving part 3 from the user at the other end.
In changing conditions for taking an image by changing a direction
of the video camera part 11 up and down, the user needs to move
his head up and down while the video camera part 11 is fixed. As
shown in FIG. 6, the video camera part 11 is rotatably mounted to
the phone body 1 through a rotation shaft 11a to rotate the video
camera part 11 within a predetermined angle.
With such the structure, the user can operate the phone body 1
and the video camera part 11 in the most preferable state by rotating
the video camera part 11 with the finger and checking the virtual
image given through the display eyepiece part 6a to position the
video camera part 11.
The image information driving part 3 includes a liquid crystal
panel of a transmission or reflection type and a light source such
as an LED.
A self light emission type display device such as EL (electro luminescence)
can be used in the image information driving part 3.
The imaging optical system 4 included in the relay optical system
is formed of combination of the group of lenses L1 L5 and the flat
mirrors M1, M2 in this embodiment. Combination of the group of lenses
and curved mirrors and combination of curved mirrors are also applicable.
The imaging optical system of the virtual image optical display
device in the above embodiment is separated into the optical system
on an image information driving part side and the optical system
on an eyepiece part side through a folding part. The optical system
on an eyepiece part side is mounted on an arm foldably provided
to the phone body through a hinge, and the optical system on an
image information driving part side and the image information driving
part are mounted inside the phone body. In the second embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 7 9, the virtual image optical device 2 is
provided to the arm part.
The mobile phone of the second embodiment includes the phone body
1 having a wireless transmitting and receiving function of an image
and sound, and a virtual image optical display device 2 for forming
a virtual image on a retina of the eye E of the user by passing
image information from the image information driving part 2a through
the imaging optical eye system 3.
The virtual image optical display device 2, as shown in FIG. 9,
includes the image information driving part 2a having a liquid crystal
display device formed of a liquid crystal display panel and an LED
light source, and a free shaped prism 3c which is a prism having
a free curve lens 3a as a prism forming surface and further is integrated
with an asymmetric optics. Light from the image information driving
part 2a enters the free shaped prism 3c, and the image light reaches
to the eye E of the user from a light emitting surface of the free
shaped prism 3c.
The virtual image optical display device including the free shaped
prism 3c and the image information driving part 2a formed of the
liquid crystal display device can reduce its size so that the virtual
image optical display device can be mounted in the arm 6 of the
phone body 2. The arm 6 for mounting the virtual image optical display
device 2 is foldably provided to the phone body 1 with the hinge
5.
In the second embodiment, a display eyepiece part 3b includes a
surface of the free shaped prim 3c on a light emission side formed
on the virtual image optical display device 2 provided to the arm
6. The structure of the second embodiment is same as the first embodiment
except that the virtual image optical display device 2 is provided
in the arm 6. The same elements as in the first embodiment are given
the same reference numbers and explanation on them are omitted to
avoid repetitious description.
As like in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment also,
when the user puts his ear on the speaker part 9 with the opened
arm 6 for mounting the display eyepiece part 3b provided in the
virtual image optical display device 2, the display eyepiece part
3b of the virtual image optical display device 2 is positioned in
front of the eye E of the user, and the image information from the
image information driving part 3 is displayed as a virtual image
on the retina of the eye E of the user through the optical system.
A length from the speaker part 9 to the hinge part 5 of the phone
body 1, a length of the arm 6, and an angle between the arm 6 and
the phone body 1 are determined under ergonomically optimum conditions
so that the display eyepiece part 3b is positioned in front of the
eye E of the user when the user puts his ear on the speaker part
9 with the arm fully opened.
Therefore, the user can observe an image naturally without getting
tired when he puts his ear on the speaker part 9 with the opened
arm which mounts the display eyepiece part 3b provided in the virtual
image optical display device 2.
A holding part 13 having a round shape which is easy to hold is
provided between the speaker part 9 and the hinge 5 of the phone
body 1. A weight distribution is made so that the holding part becomes
a center of gravity of the phone body 1 including the arm 6 with
the virtual image optical display device 2 mounted.
Because of this weight distribution, the user can perform stable
operation in observing the image information while putting his ear
on the speaker 9 when the arm 6, which includes the display eyepiece
part 3b included in the virtual image optical display device 2,
is opened.
Because the mobile phone is driven by a battery, power consumption
is preferred to be reduced as much as possible when considering
time of use. When a power supply switch is on, the image information
driving part 3 is always on. In this case, when the user does not
watch an image, the image information driving part 3 unfavorably
consumes power.
In conjunction with this, in the first and second embodiments,
power control of the image information driving part 3 and so on
is performed on the basis of a state of the arm 6 whether it opens
or closes, and setting of the push button operation part 7.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit structure of
the mobile phone. An arm sensor switch 108 (not shown in FIG. 1)
is provided on the hinge 5 for linking the arm 6 and the phone body
1 and detects a degree of opening of the arm 6.
A signal from the arm sensor switch 108 is given to the controller
100. The controller 100 controls various module circuits on the
basis of the signal from the arm sensor switch 108. When using the
mobile phone, it is necessary to fully open the arm 6 to form a
predetermined optical path of the imaging optical system 4. When
the arm 6 is not fully opened, a virtual image is not formed on
the retina of the user. In this case, the controller 100 informs
the user of incomplete opening state of the arm 6 and controls each
module circuit on the basis of the signal on the opening state of
the arm 6 from the arm sensor switch 108 in order to reduce power
consumption at the image information driving part 6. Such the structure
can reduce power consumption, and prevent usage of the phone in
a form difficult to observe an image. Specific control is described
later.
Power from a secondary battery 101 such as a lithium ion storage
battery is supplied to each module circuit through a power supply
control circuit 102. The controller 100 controls the power supply
control circuit 102.
An RF circuit 107 supplies a digital signal which a received signal
from an antenna is frequency-converted, A/D-converted, and is received
in a form of a digital signal, and further D/A-converts and frequency-converts
transmitted data from the controller 100, and outputs from the antenna.
The controller 100 performs signal process of a base band of the
mobile phone and sound codec of a general phone, and controls the
whole device.
A multimedia processor 106 performs image compression and decompression,
and sound signal compression and decompression on the basis of the
standard of MPEG4 for video communication. The multimedia processor
106 is controlled by the controller 100.
The memory 105 mainly stores an image necessary for multimedia
processing. The controller 100 controls writing and reading of the
memory 105.
A display controller 113 is an interface to the image information
driving part 3 and controls the interface. The controller 100 controls
the display controller 113.
The video camera part 11 is controlled by the camera controller
104, and the image data inputted from the video camera part 11 is
converted into a digital signal by the camera controller 104 and
the image data is supplied to the memory 105, the multimedia processor
106, and the display controller 113.
A microphone circuit 110 converts the inputted sound date into
a digital signal and supplies to the controller 100. Then, the data
is subjected to sound codec by the controller 100 and is transmitted
from the antenna to the user at the other end through the RF circuit
107.
The speaker part 109 demodulates the sound data from the user on
the other end, which is supplied from the controller 100, and outputs
in a form of sound.
The push button operation part 7 includes a ten-key, a power supply
key, a function key and so on. Information from the key pressed
by the user is supplied to the controller 100. The controller 100
performs various operations on the basis of the key information
supplied from the push button operation part 7.
The display controller 114 controls the liquid crystal display
part 8 for displaying data inputted from the key pad, a status of
transmitting and receiving operation etc.
Explanation is made on transmitting and receiving operation of
the mobile phone according to the invention. Basically, data received
by the mobile phone is supplied to the controller 100 from the RF
circuit 107, and is supplied to the multimedia processor 106 from
the controller 100. The multimedia processor 106 decodes sounds
and an image, and the image data is transmitted to the display controller
113. The display controller 113 drives the image information driving
part 3 on the basis of the image data supplied to the display controller
113. The image data from the image information driving part 3 is
supplied to the eye E of the user from the display eyepiece part
6a (3b) so that the user recognizes the data in a form of a virtual
image.
The image data of an object taken by the video camera part 11,
which is a data to be transmitted by video communication, is supplied
from the camera controller 104 to the multimedia processor 106,
and is compressed by the multimedia processor 106. The data to be
transmitted by the mobile phone is transmitted from the controller
100 to the RE circuit 107. The image data from the video camera
part 11 is supplied to the display controller 113, and the image
data taken by the video camera part 11 is supplied from the image
information driving part 3 through the display eyepiece part 6a
to the eye E of the user so that the user can monitor the image.
The sound data for the mobile phone is supplied from the microphone
circuit 110 to the multimedia processor 106, is compressed by the
multimedia processor 106, is supplied from the controller 100 to
the RF circuit 107, and is transmitted.
The mobile phone of this invention operates basically as described
above. In order to reduce power consumption, the mobile phone can
be used only with the arm 6 fully opened. When the arm is not fully
opened with the power supply switch turned on, the power control
circuit 102 is controlled so as not to supply power to the circuits
for image processing, resulting in reduction of power consumption.
When the controller 100 detects that the arm 6 is fully opened
on the basis of the signal from the arm sensor switch 108, it controls
to supply power to the image information driving part 3, the display
controller 113, the video camera part 11, the camera controller
104, and the multimedia processor 106. It is possible to supply
power only to necessary module circuits, rather than to all of the
module circuits by setting the function key. For example, in such
the setting for transmitting only an image, power is not supplied
to the image information driving part 3 which requires large power
so as to suppress power consumption.
Explanation is made on an example of control. When the user communicates
only through a sound line with the arm 6 opened, and the controller
100 determines that the arm is fully opened from a signal from the
arm sensor switch 108, the controller 100 directs the power control
circuit 102 and each module circuit to start operation of the image
information driving part 3, the display controller 113, the multimedia
processor 106, the video camera part 11, the camera controller 104,
and the memory 105.
Because the sound line is not for video communication, it is necessary
to reestablish a line for the video communication after disconnecting
the sound line. In conjunction with this, a function for simultaneously
connecting a plurality of lines enables to transfer from sound communication
to video communication without disconnecting the line by the following
procedures.
The controller 100 supplies the image taken by the video camera
part 11 to the image information driving part 3 and displays a virtual
image on a retina of the eye E of the user, and connects a line
for video communication to perform lateral video transmission and
bilateral (interactive) sound transmission and receiving. Then the
controller 100 controls each of the module circuits to disconnect
the earlier sound line.
When the mobile phone does not receive but transmits an image with
the arm closed, the controller 100 determines from the signal from
the arm sensor switch 108 that the arm is closed. Then, line connection
for sound communication is performed to realize interactive sound
transmission and receiving. After that, the line for video communication
is disconnected. The controller 100 directs the power supply control
circuit 102 and each module circuit to stop operation of the image
information driving part 3, the display controller 113, the multimedia
processor 106, the video camera part 11, the camera controller 104,
and the memory 105.
On the other hand, when the user communicates with a user on the
other end by sound and receives image date from the same user on
the other end, the user opens the arm 6. When the controller 100
determines from the signal from the arm sensor switch 108 that the
arm 6 is fully opened, it directs the power supply control circuit
102 and each module circuit to start the image information driving
part 3, the display controller 113, the multimedia processor 106,
the video camera part 11, the camera controller 104, and the memory
105.
The controller 100 connects the line for video communication and
realizes lateral video receiving and interactive sound transmitting
and receiving. Also, the controller 100 controls each the module
circuit to display the image received from the user on the other
end by the image information driving part 3 and disconnect the earlier
sound communication line.
When operation of video communication is not performed with the
arm 6 opened, the controller 100 controls to stop the module circuit
for video communication by operating a button of the push button
operation part 7. In starting operation of video communication,
button operation of the push button operation part 7 starts the
module circuit for video communication.
When the image is not transmitted and the image is received in
video communication with the arm 6 closed, the controller 100 determines
from the signal from the arm sensor switch 108that the arm 6 is
closed, and the line for sound communication is connected and interactive
sound transmission and receiving is realized. Then, the line for
video communication is disconnected. The controller 100 directs
the power supply control circuit 102 and each of the module circuits
to stop the image information driving part 3, the display controller
113, the multimedia processor 106, the video camera part 11, the
camera controller 104, and the memory 105.
As described above, the structure which controls operation for
video communication in accordance with opening and closing of the
arm 6 can stop or suppress power supply to module circuits which
is not necessary to function, resulting in reduction of power consumption.
A length from the speaker part 9 to the hinge part 5 of the phone
body 1, a length of the arm 6, an angle formed by the arm 6 and
the phone body 1 are determined under ergonomically optimum conditions
so that the eyepiece optical system 4c is positioned in front of
the eye E of the user when the arm 6 is fully opened and the user
puts his ear on the speaker 9. A method for determining each dimension
is explained by referring to FIG. 11.
A contact point Pa of the ear and the mobile phone is determined
as shown in FIG. 11. The contact point is a point on which the user's
ear and the speaker part 9 of the mobile phone are contact.
A center position Pb of the eyepiece lens part of the display eyepiece
part 6a (3b) is determined as follows.
A center position Pb of the eyepiece lens part of the display eyepiece
part 6a which is ergonomically easy to watch an image is positioned
in a direction that an optical axis is straight forward or inclines
to an inner side. In FIG. 11, the optical axis is directed straight
forward. A distance between the eye and the eyepiece lens part of
the display eyepiece part 6a is approximately 3.5 cm so that eyeglasses
of the user are not contact with the lens.
The mobile phone rotates in a vertical axial direction around Pa
to contact the face of the user and the phone while the speaker
part 9 of the mobile phone and the ear are contact at the contact
point Pa. A contact point on a side of the face is Pc, and a point
on a side of the mobile phone is Pd.
A line, which is vertical to the optical axis, is horizontal to
the eyepiece lens, and passes through the center position Pb of
the eyepiece lens, is La. A cross point of the straight line La
and a straight line Pa-Pd is Pe. When an angle formed of a straight
line between both ears and the line Pa-Pe is .alpha. and Pc is equal
to Pd, a minimum angle .alpha.1 in using the phone is obtained.
.alpha.1 is approximately 80.degree. when calculating from an average
of human body measurement of Japanese males in the 20 24 age.
When the angle a is 90.degree., a distance Pb-Pe is a half length
of a difference between the distance between the ears and the distance
between the pupils. The distance Pb-Pe is 40.3 mm in calculating
from the average value of the human body measurement of Japanese
males in the 20 24 age. In considering uses of eyeglasses and user-friendliness
in an ergonomic viewpoint, the value .alpha. is determined as follows.
The value .alpha. which does not consider interference by the eyeglasses
is .alpha.2, .alpha..gtoreq..alpha.2 is established when the phone
is used. The value .alpha.2 is approximately 85.degree. according
to the body measurement data of Japanese as described above.
The value .alpha. can be increased by increasing the length of
the eyepiece part. However, it is ergonomically good to keep a position
of closing the arm to hold the phone and take an image. Thus, the
value .alpha.3 as the upper limit value is set to be 90.degree..
Accordingly, the value .alpha. is selected in a range of .alpha.1.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq..alpha.3.
The distance Pa-Pe is a value adding 35 mm which is a distance
between the eye and the eyepiece lens to the average value of a
distance between the ear and the eye based on the body measurement
data of Japanese. Therefore, when .alpha. is 90.degree., the distance
Pa-Pe is 139 mm.
When .alpha.=.alpha.2=85.degree. is established, the distance Pb-Pe
is 40.3-139/tan .alpha.; Pb-Pe=40.3-139/11.43.apprxeq.28.1 (mm).
The distance Pa-Pe is expressed by 139/sin .alpha.=139/0.996=139.55
mm.
A position of the hinge part 5 affects an opening angle of the
arm 6, a size of a housing part for the display eyepiece part 6a
of the phone body when the arm 6 is closed. When the hinge part
5 is close to the speaker part 9, a length of the phone body with
the arm 6 closed becomes smaller but a rotation angle is larger.
Thus, a tip of the display eyepiece part 6a becomes close to the
speaker part 9. Contrary, when the hinge part 5 is far from the
speaker part 9, the length of the phone body with the arm 6 closed
becomes larger and the tip of the display eyepiece part 6a becomes
farther from the speaker part 9.
It is better to provide a space enough to use the push button operation
part 7 with the arm 6 closed for user convenience. In addition,
it is better to reduce a length of the phone body 1 so as to be
compact.
In considering the size of the phone body with the arm closed,
the hinge 5 is positioned at a point having the minimum distance
from an optical axis of the eye piece part to the hinge Pb-Pe+.beta..
In addition, the minimum distance from the hinge 5 to the position
Pa of the speaker part 9 should be equal to a distance from Pa to
an eyeglass folding part.
The value .beta. is obtained by adding a distance from Pe to a
body surface to a distance from the body surface to the hinge 5,
and depends on a thickness of the body. In this embodiment, .beta.
is approximately 11.9 mm, a minimum distance from the optical axis
of the eyepiece part to the hinge 5 is 40 mm, and a minimum distance
from the position of the speaker part 9 Pa to the hinge 5 is approximately
120 mm in considering a standard size of eyeglasses.
A maximum distance from the optical axis of the eyepiece part to
the hinge 5 is 60 mm in view of the thickness of the body, and a
maximum distance from the position of the speaker part 9 Pa to the
hinge 5 is 150 mm in view of the thickness of the eyepiece part.
Accordingly, the ratio of the length between the speaker part 9
and the hinge 5 and the length between the optical axis of the eyepiece
part and the hinge 5 is in a range of 2:1 to 15:4.
In this embodiment, the length between the speaker part 9 and the
hinge 5 is 135 mm, and the length between the optical axis of the
eyepiece part and the hinge 5 is 52 mm.
A dimension of the above body regions are based on the average
values of human body measurement of Japanese males in the 20 24
age. Regarding for female or for Westerner, the length of the phone
body 1 is set on the basis of average values of body measurement
for each, and the length of the arm 6 and the position of the hinge
5 can be set in accordance with the above mentioned ratio on the
basis of the length of the phone body 1.
In this invention, the imaging optical system is separated into
the optical system on an image information driving part side and
the optical system on an eyepiece part side via the folding part.
Thereby, only the optical system on an eyepiece part side can be
positioned in front of the eye of the user and the image information
driving part is arranged on a side of the eye or in the back of
the eye. Therefore, the device located in front of the eye of the
user can be small and the eyepiece part of the mobile phone can
be compact. The relation between the phone body and the arm of the
mobile phone is set on the basis of the ergonomically optimum shapes
and dimensions so that the user can observe an image naturally without
getting tired when the user puts his ear on the speaker part of
the phone body and observes image information with the opened arm
which mounts the optical system on an eyepiece part side.
Explanation is made on a third embodiment of the mobile phone according
to this invention by referring to FIGS. 12 16.
The mobile phone of the third embodiment is made more compact than
those of the first and second embodiments when the phone is not
used. To achieve such the small size, the phone body 20 can be folded
into two at the hinge 24 as shown in FIGS. 12, 13. The phone body
20 includes a first body part 21 having a liquid crystal display
part 26, a second body part 22 provided with the push button operation
part 32, and the hinge 24 so that the body 20 is foldable.
FIG. 12 illustrates the folded phone body 20. FIG. 13 illustrates
the opened phone body 20.
The second body part 22 is provided with an arm 23 which is foldable
with the hinge and is installed the virtual image optical display
device for forming a virtual image on a retina of the eye E of the
user by passing the image information transmitted from the image
information driving part 2a through the imaging optical system including
a recessed surface mirror optical system.
As shown in FIG. 12, the arm 23 is folded and is housed in the
second body part 22, and the first body part 21 and the second body
part 22 are folded into two when the phone is not used. When the
phone is used, the first body part 21 and the second body part 22
are opened, then the arm 23 is stood up from the second body 22
and is opened, as shown in FIG. 13.
The arm 23 is provided with the virtual image optical display device
for forming a virtual image on the retina of the eye E of the user
by passing the image information from the image information driving
part 2a through the imaging optical system including the recessed
mirror optical system. The virtual image optical display device
includes a liquid crystal display device 2a having a liquid crystal
display panel and an LED light source, and a free shaped prism 3c
which employs a free curve lens 3a as a prism forming surface and
further is integrated with an asymmetric optics as shown in FIG.
9 as like in the second embodiment. Light from the liquid crystal
display device 2a enters the free shaped prism, 3c and the image
light reaches to the eye E of the user from a light emitting surface
of the free shaped prism 3c.
A video camera part 29 is provided on a hinge part of the arm 23.
The video camera part 29 can rotate by the aid of the hinge 25 and
is separated from the arm 23.
As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 14, the video camera part
29 can rotate when the arm 23 opens, and can rotate freely in a
direction of the user or a direction ahead the eye of the user,
and easily take an object in the direction ahead the eye of the
user.
In addition, a control circuit (not shown in the drawings) for
performing operation of transmission and receiving and other operation
is provided in the phone body 20.
In the third embodiment, a display eyepiece part 27 including a
surface on a side of light emission of the free shaped prism of
the virtual image optical display device is provided to the arm
23.
A speaker part 30 and a shutter button 28 of a video camera are
provided on the first body part 21, and a microphone part 31 is
provided on the second body part 22.
As shown in FIG. 16, when the user puts his ear on the speaker
part 30 with the first body part 21 and the second body part 22
opened and the arm stood up from the second body part 22, the display
eyepiece part 27 of the virtual image optical display device is
positioned in front of the eye E of the user, and the image information
from the image information driving part 2a passes through the optical
system and is displayed as a virtual image on the retina of the
eye E of the user. A length from the speaker part 30 to the hinge
part 24 between the first body part 21 and the second body part
22, a length between the second body part 22 and the hinge part
25, a length of the arm 23, and an angle between the arm 23 and
the second body part 22, and an angle between the first body part
21 and the second body part 22 are determined under ergonomically
optimum conditions so that the display eyepiece part 27 is positioned
in front of the eye E of the user when the user puts his ear on
the speaker part 30 with the arm 23 stood up from the second body
part 22 and fully opened
Thereby, the user can observe an image naturally without getting
tired when the user puts his ear on the speaker part 30 and observes
image information with the opened arm 23 which mounts the display
eyepiece part 27 included in the virtual image optical display device.
The video camera part 29 is rotated and arranged so that a light
emission direction of the display eyepiece part 27 is parallel or
approximately parallel to the lens part of the video camera 29 when
the arm 6 is opened. With such the arrangement, when the user observes
the display eyepiece part 27, the video camera part 29 takes an
image over a front of the user's eye. Thereby, the user can take
an object as he follows the object by the video camera part 29.
In the mobile phone of the third embodiment, the lengths and the
angles of each members are determined under ergonomically optimum
conditions so that the display eyepiece part 27 is positioned in
front of the eye E of the user when the user puts his ear on the
speaker part 30 with the first body parts 21 and the second body
part 22 opened and the arm 23 stood up form the second body part
22. Methods for determining each dimension is explained by referring
to FIG. 13.
A contact point Pa of the ear and the mobile phone is determined
as shown in FIG. 16. The contact point is a point on which the user's
ear and the speaker part 30 of the mobile phone are contact.
A center position Pb of the display eyepiece part 27 is determined
as follows.
The center position Pb of the eyepiece lens part of the display
eyepiece part 27 which is ergonomically easy to watch an image is
positioned in a direction that an optical axis is straight forward
or inclines to an inner side. In FIG. 16, the optical axis is directed
straight forward. A distance between the eye and the display eyepiece
part 27 is approximately 3.5 cm so that eyeglasses of the user are
not contact with the lens. In this embodiment, the distance can
be tentatively determined to be approximately 3.0 cm.
The mobile phone rotates in a vertical axial direction around Pa
to contact the face of the user and the phone while the speaker
part 30 of the mobile phone and the ear are contact at the contact
point Pa. A contact point on a side of the face is Pc', and a point
on a side of the mobile phone is Pd'.
A line, which is vertical to the optical axis, is horizontal to
the display eyepiece part 27, and passes through the center position
Pb of the display eyepiece part 27, is La. A cross point of the
straight line La and a straight line Pa-Pd' is Pe. When an angle
formed of a straight line between both ears and the line Pa-Pe is
.alpha. and Pc' is equal to Pd', a minimum angle .alpha.1 in using
the phone is obtained. .alpha.1 is approximately 80.degree. when
calculating from an average of human body measurement of Japanese
males in the 20 24 age.
When the angle .alpha. is 90.degree., a distance Pb-Pe is a half
length of a difference between the distance between the ears and
the distance between the pupils. The distance Pb-Pe is 40.3 mm in
calculating from the average value of the human body measurement
of Japanese males in the 20 24 age. In considering uses of eyeglasses
and user-friendliness in an ergonomic viewpoint, the value .alpha.
is determined as follows.
The value .alpha. which does not consider interference by the eyeglasses
is .alpha.2, .alpha..gtoreq..alpha.2 is established when the phone
is used. The value .alpha.2 is approximately 85.degree. according
to the body measurement data of Japanese as described above.
The value .alpha. can be increased by increasing the length of
the eyepiece part. However, it is ergonomically good to keep a position
of closing the arm to hold the phone and take an image. Thus, the
value .alpha.3 as the upper limit value is set to be 90.degree..
Accordingly, the value .alpha. is selected in a range of .alpha.1.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq..alpha.3.
The distance Pa-Pe is a value adding 35 mm which is a distance
between the eye and the eyepiece lens to the average value of a
distance between the ear and the eye based on the body measurement
data of Japanese. Therefore, when .alpha. is 90.degree., the distance
Pa-Pe is 139 mm.
When .alpha.=.alpha.2=85.degree. is established, the distance Pb-Pe
is 40.3-139/tan .alpha.; Pb-Pe=40.3-139/11.43.apprxeq.28.1 (mm).
The distance Pa-Pe is expressed by 139/sin .alpha.=139/0.996=139.55
mm.
The hinge 24 is positioned in relation to a center of the phone
body 20, and the hinge 25 is positioned in relation to an angle
between the first body part 21 and the second body part 22 via the
hinge 24 and a length of the phone body 20. By changing these dimensions,
the length of the arm 23 can be changed.
It is more convenient to provide a space for using the push button
operation part 32 even when the arm 23 is closed. When the angle
between the first body part 21 and the second body part 22 is not
larger than 180.degree., a space is formed between the phone body
20 and a cheek of the user so that operation while looking through
the display eyepiece part 3b becomes easy.
A effective ratio of a length between a center Pb of the display
eyepiece part 3b and the hinge 25 and a length between the hinge
24 and the hinge 25 is in a range of 1:2 1:4 in ergonomic viewpoint.
Furthermore, such the ratio can make the phone compact.
When a distance from the speaker part 30 to the tip of the first
body part 21 is approximately 10 mm, the length between the speaker
part 30 and the hinge 24 is preferably 65 80 mm, an the length of
the second body par 22 is preferably 75 90 mm.
A dimension of the above body regions are based on the average
values of human body measurement of Japanese males in the 20 24
age. Regarding for female or for Westerner, the length of the phone
body 1 is set on the basis of average values of body measurement
for each, and the length of the arm 6 and the position of the hinge
5 can be set in accordance with the above mentioned ratio on the
basis of the length of the phone body 1.
When using the virtual image optical display device, the user holds
a part between the hinges 24, 25. In this situation, when the arm
is too heavy, it is difficult to hold the phone stably. A weight
distribution is important in considering operation while looking
through the display eyepiece part. In conjunction with this, when
the second body between the hinge 24 and the hinge 25 is divided
into six parts as shown in FIG. 15, the weight is distributed so
that a center of gravity is positioned from the second to fourth
part from a side of the hinge 24 so as to improve usability.
As described above, the ergonomically optimum shapes and dimensions
of the phone body and the arm of the mobile phone enables the user
to observe an image naturally without getting tired by putting his
ear on the speaker part of the phone body to observe image information
with the opened arm provided with the optical system on the eyepiece
part.
Operation for transmitting and receiving information on the mobile
phone is explained in the above description. Following explanation
is made on operation such as Internet browsing using the mobile
phone. In this embodiment, a cursor movement input part for improving
operability in operations such as Internet browsing is provided.
The cursor movement input part 15 is provided on a rear surface
(an opposite surface to a surface provided with the push button
operation part 7) or on a side surface. In this embodiment, the
cursor movement input part 15 is provided on the rear surface. The
cursor movement input part 15 includes a joy stick, a cursor key
for moving a cursor in up and down, left and right directions, and
an updown key. When the user puts his ear on the speaker part 9
to observe image information and moves a cursor on a display screen
in Internet browsing, the user can move the cursor by using the
cursor movement input part 15 while keeping his position.
The mobile phone can perform not only transmission and receiving
of information with a user at the other end, but also transmission
and receiving of Internet browsing and mails. In Internet browsing
and checking transmitted and received mails, the user can observe
on the direct-view-type liquid crystal display device 8 and the
virtual image optical display device 2.
The image information given to the image information driving part
2a is image data taken by the video camera part 11, an image transmitted
from the user on the other end, an image obtained through Internet
browsing, transmitted and received mail data.
Display can be switched by operating the push button operation
part 7 and the cursor movement input part 15.
As shown in FIG. 18, a browsing screen 30 is displayed on the virtual
optical display device 2 by operating the push button operation
part 7 to access to a server.
When the user puts his ear on the speaker 9 with the opened arm
6 for mounting the display eyepiece part 6a(3b) provided in the
virtual optical display device 2, the display eyepiece part 3b of
the virtual optical display device 2 is positioned in front of the
eye E of the user, and image information from the image information
driving part 2a is displayed in a form of a virtual image on the
browsing screen 30 through the optical system on the retina of the
eye E of the user.
In order to move a cursor on a screen during Internet browsing
when the user puts his ear on the speaker part 9 to observe the
image information, the user uses a cursor movement input part 15
while keeping his position to visually check on the browsing screen
30 and move the cursor. The controller 100 controls to scroll a
display in Internet browsing and reading mails on the basis of information
from the cursor movement input part 15 and an image is updated on
the basis of the control.
The cursor movement input part 15 provided on a rear surface of
the phone body 1 can move the cursor while watching the virtual
image optical display device 2.
In addition, the cursor movement input part 15 having a soft keyboard
function can input a letter and switch an image display.
For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the two images A and B are displayed
on the virtual image optical display device 2. When the image A
is displayed on a left bottom side of the image B as shown in FIG.
19(a), the cursor is moved to the image B by the cursor movement
input part 15 and points the image B. Then, only the image B is
displayed as shown in FIG. 19(b). Contrary, when the cursor is moved
to the image A by the cursor movement input part 15 and points the
image A, only the image A is displayed as shown in FIG. 19(c).
Various image display changes such as switching the images A and
B as shown in FIG. 19(d) and changing positions of the images as
shown in FIG. 19(e) can be made by operating the cursor movement
input part 15.
When selecting a part which requires text input in Internet browsing,
as shown in FIG. 20, a letter can be inputted by the cursor movement
input part 15. However in some cases, text input by the cursor movement
input part 15 may be troublesome. In this embodiment, when selecting
a part which requires text input in browsing Internet, the controller
100 controls the direct-view-type liquid crystal display device
8 to display a part for inputting a letter so as to input a letter
by using the push button operation part 7. Text input by the push
button operation part 7 is easy to input when the number of letters
to be inputted is large. In this embodiment, text input can be performed
by using the push button operation part 7 and the direct-view-type
liquid crystal display device 8.
When text information is inputted in several parts sequentially,
for example information on a name, age, address, and phone number
is inputted, the parts are displayed on the direct-view-type liquid
crystal display device 8. When the key of the push button operation
part 7 is pressed to notify completion of input to each of the input
parts, the liquid crystal display device 8 is controlled to display
a next input part, if any. With such the structure, it is not necessary
to look a plurality of input parts on the virtual image optical
display device 2 and the liquid crystal display device 8 alternately
so that convenience for the user is improved.
In the above embodiment, text input is performed by using the push
button operation part 7 such as the ten-key. Other than this, a
touch panel can be used for key input by using a pen or a finger
to touch on a surface of the direct-view-type liquid crystal display
device 8 to input.
As described above, the user of the mobile phone provided with
the virtual image optical display device can switch the image information
to be displayed while using the virtual image optical display device,
and thus usability is improved.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated
in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is and example
only and is not to be taken by way of limitation by way of illustration,
the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only
by the terms of the appended claims.
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