JP2004289465A - Portable information terminal apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that the conventional portable information terminal apparatus or cell phone capable of reading a bar code requires complex operation for switching from standard photographing to macro photographing or setting of photographing condition. <P>SOLUTION: The portable information terminal apparatus in this invention is an apparatus in which a photographing lens approaches an imaging element in conjunction with operation of an operation dial provided to the terminal body for macro photographing for stopping-down operation with a diaphragm, so that a focal length (depth of field) is changed to such setting as appropriate for macro photographing. When the imaging part is set to be macro photographing, a bar code is photographed with an optimum exposure, and the bar code image which has been read is decrypted and is recorded and displayed as bar code information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information terminal device equipped with a barcode reading function that facilitates input operations.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, so-called barcode reading devices that read barcodes and the like using infrared light and decode the information are treated as dedicated devices, and various types such as stationary and portable types are used. Have been. Until now, two-dimensional barcodes, which have a large amount of information, have been frequently used to represent information such as inventory management of parts and products and various certificates in social activities.
[0003]
Further, for example, many portable information terminal devices (PDAs), mobile phones, and the like having a function of capturing an image by mounting a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or a CMOS have been proposed. The captured image can be used as data by performing various processes, or transferred to another mobile phone or an information processing device via wireless. At the same time, there has been proposed a mobile phone capable of reading one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes by also using the imaging device.
[0004]
When reading a barcode, it is not possible to take an image with standard imaging settings such that the imaging optical system takes an image of a person, so that close-up imaging, that is, macro imaging, must be performed. If an attempt is made to mount an autofocus function as in a general camera, there is a problem that the size of a PDA or a mobile phone increases. Therefore, an optical system capable of switching between standard shooting and macro shooting is required. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an optical system that has a configuration that can switch between standard shooting, macro shooting, and super macro shooting, and that can switch the position and aperture of a lens.
[0005]
A mobile phone or a portable information terminal device equipped with such an image sensor is often carried on a daily basis for communication means and simple information processing. If these have a barcode reading function, it becomes easier for the user than to carry a dedicated barcode reader separately. Since information can be input more easily in a shorter time than key input, for example, a URL or a character can be easily obtained. For this reason, in mobile phones, it is possible to easily access the network using the read URL and transfer the read barcode information by using the telephone function, and the number of models equipped with the barcode reading function is increasing. are doing. Some portable information terminal devices can use a communication function or a telephone communication function by attaching a simple device.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-325972
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the barcode reading is not the main function of the mobile phone or the portable information terminal device equipped with the above-described image sensor, the input mode is switched to the image capturing input mode and the image capturing condition is selected before capturing as an image. In addition, a plurality of complicated operations such as switching of an imaging optical system (switching from a standard imaging mode to a macro imaging mode) and a shutter operation after placing a subject in an imaging angle of view are required. Similarly, the operation of reading a barcode in a portable information terminal device equipped with an image sensor is complicated.
[0008]
Accordingly, the present invention is a portable telephone which can be switched to a barcode reading mode by a simple operation, and is executed by a series of operations from imaging of a barcode to display and recording of decoded barcode information, and can acquire barcode information in a short time. It is intended to provide a type information terminal device.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an imaging device for generating an image signal by photoelectric conversion, imaging optical system means for entering a light image on a light receiving surface of the imaging device, the imaging device and imaging optics A first moving unit capable of moving a relative position of a system unit to a first position or a second position where the imaging device and the imaging optical system unit are closer to each other than the first position; A light-blocking unit that blocks a part of the light image that has passed through the system unit; and a light-blocking amount by the light-blocking unit is set to a first light-blocking amount or a second light-blocking amount that is larger than the first light-blocking amount. Changeable second moving means, operating means for operating operations of the first moving means and the second moving means, and moving from the first position to the second position in the first moving means Whether it has moved or the first light blocking amount in the second moving means Detecting means for detecting that the amount of light has been changed to the second light blocking amount, and converting means for receiving a signal from the detecting means, activating the image sensor, and converting a light image incident on the light receiving surface into an image signal Determining means for determining whether or not this image signal is a barcode image, and when the determining means determines that the image signal is a barcode image, controlling the exposure to be appropriate, the image sensor An image capturing control unit that captures an image, a decryption unit that decrypts a captured image signal to obtain barcode information, a recording unit that records the barcode information, and a display unit that displays the barcode information, Provided is a portable information terminal device that performs a series of operations from imaging, determination, decoding, display, and recording of a barcode by operation of the operation unit.
[0010]
The recording means of the portable information terminal device records the decoded barcode information on a recording medium following the barcode reading operation started by operating the operation dial, or records the barcode information according to an instruction. To record.
[0011]
In the portable information terminal device having the above-described configuration, a shooting optical system for macro shooting is set in conjunction with the operation of the operation dial, and obtained from an image sensor activated by a signal detected at the time of setting. It is determined whether or not the image is a barcode image. If the image is a barcode image, a barcode reading operation of decoding, displaying and recording the barcode image is executed as a series of operations.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Switching between macro imaging and standard imaging for imaging a barcode of the portable information terminal device according to the present invention will be described. Normally, when performing both macro shooting and standard shooting with one lens barrel, the focal length (field of view) is moved by moving any of the shooting lens groups along the optical axis like a camera. Although a zoom function for changing the depth (depth) may be provided, the structure becomes complicated and large.
[0013]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the photographing lens is moved on the optical axis so as to approach the image pickup device and the aperture is stopped down, and the close-up focusing and the change in the depth of field according to the known paraxial theory cause macro photographing (close-up photographing). (Photographing) and standard photographing. In the following embodiments, the standard shooting is to shoot a composition in which the main subject is at an infinite distance from about 1 m, and the macro shooting is to shoot a composition in which the main subject is at a distance of about 1 cm to 10 cm. It shall be taken. The standard shooting is the same as, for example, shooting using a shooting lens with a focal length of about 50 mm in a film camera, and the macro shooting is the same as close-up shooting using a macro lens in a film camera.
[0014]
FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a portable information terminal device (hereinafter, referred to as a terminal device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
The terminal device includes an imaging unit 1 for imaging an object (a person, a bar code, or the like), a display unit 2 including a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying the imaged object, and an external device using a microphone and a speaker. A voice input / output unit 3 for inputting / outputting voice, an input unit 5 for instructing key input, mode selection, and the like by a plurality of input keys 4 and operation buttons 34 provided on the apparatus main body; , A storage unit 8 for storing data and images processed on a removable recording medium 7, an external communication unit 9 including an RS232C and the like for communicating with the outside, A bar code processing unit 10 for determining whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit 1 is a bar code and decoding the read bar code; an imaging mode switching unit 11 to be described later; An illumination unit 12 for projecting an illumination light for illuminating the, and a control unit 13 including a CPU for controlling the whole including the respective component parts.
[0015]
In this configuration, the imaging unit 1 includes an imaging optical system 1a capable of switching between standard imaging and macro imaging, which will be described later, an imaging element 1b including a solid-state imaging element, and image processing for processing a subject signal obtained by the imaging element 1b. 1c. In addition, the recording unit 8 may have a function of not only recording information on a recording medium (such as a memory card) 7 but also reading and capturing information recorded on the recording medium 7.
[0016]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.
In this terminal device, as shown in FIG. 2A, an upper housing 31 and a lower housing 32 serving as a housing are engaged with each other so as to be waterproof and dustproof with a gasket 33 made of an elastic member interposed therebetween. The gasket 33 is formed in an annular shape by an elastic member such as an elastomer, and is inserted into grooves formed around the upper and lower housings (see FIG. 15), and is elastically deformed by pressing when the upper and lower housings are united. Thus, waterproof and dustproof are realized. Further, a part of the gasket 33 is protruded, and a hole 33a for realizing waterproof and dustproof of the operation dial described later is opened. The upper housing 31 is provided with a screen window 31a into which the screen of the display unit 2 is fitted, and further provided with a plurality of input keys 4 and a plurality of operation buttons 34 for giving instructions such as mode selection. The lower housing 32 is provided with a battery chamber 32a, in which a battery 35 is loaded and covered with a battery chamber cover 36. Further, a lens barrel 40 serving as an imaging optical system 1a in the imaging unit 1, an imaging element 1b and an image processing unit 1c are integrally formed, and are connected to the control unit 13 by a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 41. I have. The lens barrel 40 is disposed so as to be directed to the taking lens window 32b opened on the bottom surface of the lower housing.
[0017]
Further, a printed wiring board (PCB) 37 is housed in a housing formed by the upper and lower housings. A liquid crystal display element (LCD) 38 is mounted on the upper surface of the PCB 37 as the display unit 2. In addition, a plurality of switches 39a and a key input unit 39b are mounted so as to correspond to each of the operation buttons 34 described above, and are turned on / off in accordance with the insertion operation of each of the operation buttons 34. The input unit 4 includes the input keys 4, the operation buttons 34, the switch 39a, and the key input unit 39b. In the input, a voice input using the voice input / output unit 3 is also performed.
[0018]
Further, circuit elements corresponding to the respective components shown in FIG. 1, such as the control unit 13 including a CPU, the voice input / output unit 3, and the memory unit 6, are mounted on the back side of the substrate (not shown). The image processing unit 1c is provided integrally with the image pickup device 1b, but may be provided on the PCB 37 side.
[0019]
Further, on the side surface of the lower housing 32, an operation dial 43 for switching between standard imaging and macro imaging in an imaging optical system (imaging mode) is provided. As shown in FIG. 2B, the operation dial 43 fits with the pressing portion 44 through the operation dial hole 32e and the hole 33a opened on the side surface of the lower housing 32, and is locked by the screw 45. . The pressing portion 44 is provided with a boss 44a at the tip, and is engaged with a support pin 53a described later.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2 (c), when the photographic optical system is switched to macro photography with the rotation of the boss 44a, the lower housing is pushed on the side of the boss and turned on / off. A detection switch 46 is provided. The operation dial 43 and the detection switch 46 constitute the imaging mode switching unit 11. The signal detected by the detection switch 46 is sent to the control unit 13. The control unit 13 that has received the detection signal activates the image sensor, starts imaging, and operates to display the captured image on the display unit. Further, an illumination window 12d is provided on the bottom surface of the lower housing, and an illumination section 12 for projecting white light by a known tricolor diode or illumination light by a xenon tube or the like is provided.
[0021]
FIG. 3 illustrates a specific configuration example of the imaging unit 1.
In the imaging unit 1, a photographic lens group 52 including at least two or more lenses is fixed in a cylindrical moving frame 51. For example, three support pins 53 (53 a, 53 b, 53 c) are fitted on the side surfaces of the movable frame 51, and are mounted in the fixed frame 55. These support pins 53 are respectively fitted into cam grooves 55a (55b and 55c corresponding to the support pins 53b and 53c are not shown) formed on the side surfaces of the fixed frame 55, and slide along these cam grooves. It is possible to move. One of the support pins is engaged with the boss 44a provided at the tip of the operation dial 42 described above, and is moved by the rotation of the operation dial as shown in FIG. Here, description will be made assuming that the support pin 53a is engaged with the boss 44a. On the lower surface of the moving frame 51, a projection-shaped aperture blade rotating lever 54 is provided.
[0022]
Below the pedestal of the fixed frame 55, two aperture blades 56a and 56b and a fixed aperture 59 are attached by an aperture holder 57. At this time, the aperture retainer 57 is rotatably supported by fitting the pins 57a and 57b into holes 58a and 58b formed at one end of each of the two aperture blades 56a and 56b. The fixed diaphragm 59 has an opening having an inner diameter φD0 (a diaphragm diameter in standard photographing). Further, cam grooves 60a, 60b to be fitted to the diaphragm blade turning lever 54 of the moving frame 51 are provided on one end side of each of the diaphragm blades 56a, 56b.
[0023]
Further, the image sensor 1b is mounted on the pedestal of the fixed frame 55 with these diaphragm mechanisms interposed therebetween. The image signal obtained by the image sensor 1b is output to the image processing unit 1c shown in FIG. The image processing unit 1c may be provided adjacent to the imaging device 1b, or may be connected to the FPC 59 and provided at another location.
[0024]
The switching operation between standard shooting and macro shooting by changing the aperture and moving the shooting lens will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the support pin 53a and the cam groove 55a will be described as representatives.
[0025]
The first state shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A is the photographing lens position and the aperture state of the standard photographing set at the time of normal operation. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5A, the moving frame is in a state of being extended forward (a state in which the imaging lens and the imaging element are far from each other), and the distance between the imaging lens and the imaging element is x1. Since the aperture blades 56a and 56b are in the most opened state, the aperture diameter φD0 is defined by the fixed aperture 59. This shows the first state in FIG.
[0026]
Next, when the user rotates the operation dial 43, as shown in FIG. 5B, the support pin 53a moves according to the cam groove 55a, and the moving frame 51 retreats in the optical axis direction (A in FIG. 6). ). Along with this, the diaphragm blade rotating lever 54 moves in the cams 60a and 60b to reach the second state shown in FIG. 4B. In the second state, since the cam grooves 60a and 60b are formed on the circumference, even if the diaphragm blade rotating lever 54 moves within the cam grooves 60a and 60b, the diaphragm blades 56a and 56b Maintain the aperture diameter. This is a transition from the first state in FIG. 6 to the second state, and the distance between the photographing lens and the image sensor becomes shorter while maintaining the aperture diameter of the stop.
[0027]
When the operation dial 43 is further operated, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C, the distance x3 between the photographing lens and the image sensor is maintained at the distance x2, the aperture is narrowed, and the macro shooting is performed. Is reached in a third state. This is because the moving frame 51 rotates while maintaining the position in the optical axis direction, as shown in FIG. 5C, and the diaphragm blade rotating lever 54 is moved together with the cam groove, as shown in FIG. 4C. It moves along 60a, 60b and closes so that the aperture diameter by the aperture blades 56a, 56b becomes φD1 (φD1 <φD0) (B in FIG. 6). That is, the state transitions from the second state to the third state in FIG.
[0028]
FIGS. 7 and 8 show flowcharts relating to standard shooting or macro shooting by the portable information terminal device of the present embodiment.
With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the standard photographing mode selected by the operation button 34 will be described. This operation is the same as the conventional one.
First, a menu screen is displayed (step S1). It is determined whether the standard shooting mode has been selected from the various modes on the menu screen (step S2). At this time, the menu screen may be provided with a selection item for selecting a macro shooting mode. Here, when the macro shooting mode is selected, as in the related art, shooting preparation such as a shooting lens switching instruction and a character type instruction to be read is performed.
[0029]
Next, if the standard shooting mode is selected (YES), the imaging unit 1 is activated, a subject image is fetched from the imaging device 1b as needed, and the subject image is displayed on the screen of the display unit 2 as a moving image. (Step S3). If the standard shooting mode is not selected in step S2 (NO), the operation sequence shifts to an operation sequence in another mode.
[0030]
Next, it is determined whether the light is projected by the illumination unit 12 (step S4). In the case of projecting light (YES), the illuminating light from the illuminating unit 12 is automatically transmitted to the subject when the illuminating unit 12 has the automatic photometric function or manually when the illuminating unit 12 does not have the automatic photometric function. Is projected (step S5). Thereafter, when the operation button 34 assigned to the shutter trigger switch is turned on (step S6), the white balance in the subject image captured by the image sensor 1b is controlled (step S7). On the other hand, if the illumination has not been emitted (NO), the flow shifts to step S7 to directly operate the operation button 34 serving as the shutter trigger switch.
[0031]
Thereafter, after the exposure control such as the exposure time is completed (step S8), the operation button 34 assigned to the shutter trigger switch is operated to capture an image (step S9), and the captured image is recorded by the recording unit 8 on the recording medium. 7 (step S10). At this time, the captured image is displayed on the display unit 2.
[0032]
Next, macro shooting will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, when the user operates the operation dial 43, the photographing lens position and the aperture change to the macro photographing state as described above (step S11), and a detection signal is transmitted from the detection switch 46 to the control unit 13. . The control unit 13 receives this detection signal, determines that macro shooting is to be performed (step S12), activates the imaging unit 1 (step S13), fetches a subject image from the imaging element 1b as needed, and displays the display unit 2 (Step S14).
[0033]
Next, the imaging unit 1 is brought close to the barcode to be read, and the barcode image displayed on the display unit 2 is placed in a reading range defined on the screen (step S15). Thereafter, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the obtained image type is a barcode (Step S16). This determination may be based on a known method. If it is determined that the barcode image is a barcode (YES), white balance control for the barcode image is performed (step S17), and exposure control for setting exposure conditions and the like is performed (step S18). On the other hand, if it is determined that the image is not a barcode (NO), the image capture is continued.
[0034]
After the exposure conditions are set, the barcode is automatically imaged (step S19), and it is determined whether or not the imaged barcode image can be decoded (decoded) (step S20). If the data can be decoded by this determination (YES), the information in the barcode read by the barcode processing unit 10 is decoded (step S21), and the decoded barcode information (which may be accompanied by an image) is The data is transferred to the recording unit 8 and recorded on the recording medium 7 (Step S22). Along with this recording, the barcode information is displayed on the display unit 2 (step S23), and this sequence ends.
[0035]
If it is determined in step S20 that the picked-up barcode image cannot be decoded (NO), the number of picked-up images, that is, the number of unsuccessful decoding is counted, and whether or not the number reaches a predetermined n times Is determined (step S24). If the number of times has not reached n (YES), the process returns to step S9 again, and the barcode is imaged. On the other hand, if the number of unsuccessful decoding reaches n (NO), an error display (or a warning sound) is performed (step S25), and the process returns.
[0036]
With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, a modified example of the above-described macro shooting will be described. In this modified example of the macro photography, the barcode is imaged at a timing by a manual operation of the photographer. Note that, in the steps of this modified example, the same steps as those in FIG. 8 described above are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted.
[0037]
After the operation of the operation dial 43 by the user is set to the state of macro shooting, a barcode image is taken in, white balance control and exposure conditions are set (steps S11 to S18). After the barcode is imaged, it is decoded (steps S19 to S21). The result is displayed as barcode information on the display unit 2 (step S31), and by seeing this display, it is determined whether or not the recording is to be performed by the recording unit 8, and if the recording is to be performed (YES), the display unit 2 is displayed. Then, the user operates the trigger key mark displayed on the screen and the operation button 34 provided on the apparatus main body to record on the recording medium 7 (step S32), and returns. If the decoding process cannot be performed, the photographing is performed again up to a predetermined number of times, and the decoding process is repeated. If the predetermined number of times has been reached, an error is processed (steps S25 and S26).
[0038]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the user can operate the operation dial provided for macro photography without changing the position and position of the photographing lens, without performing complicated selections and settings as in the related art. The aperture state becomes a setting state suitable for macro photography. Further, in imaging, simply by moving the imaging optical system close to the barcode, white balance and exposure conditions are set, and a barcode image is automatically captured. The read barcode image is decoded as it is, and can be recorded and displayed as barcode information.
[0039]
Therefore, after the user operates the operation dial, the bar code reading, the recording process, and the display of the bar code information are performed only by bringing the imaging unit close to the bar code, and the bar code can be easily read.
When returning from macro photography to standard photography, it is possible to easily switch to standard photography by operating the operation dial in the direction opposite to the operation (rotation) direction during macro photography.
[0040]
Next, a terminal device according to the second embodiment will be described.
The imaging unit according to the first embodiment described above is an example in which switching between macro imaging and standard imaging is performed by moving a lens in one imaging optical system (lens barrel) and adjusting the aperture. The terminal device according to the aspect is equipped with an imaging optical system for macro imaging and an imaging unit for standard imaging with an imaging device in advance, and an imaging optical system for standard imaging and an imaging unit for macro imaging with an imaging device in advance, and two optical systems are appropriately mounted. This is a configuration in which the system is switched and used.
[0041]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device according to the second embodiment. In the components of the present embodiment, the same components as those shown in FIG. 2 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the features of the present embodiment will be described.
An operation dial 43 is provided on a side surface of the lower housing 32 of the terminal device. Through the opened operation dial hole 32e and the hole 33a, it is fitted to the pressing portion 61 and locked by the screw 45. The pressing portion 61 is provided with a lever 61a at the tip, and is engaged with a projecting portion 73a described later.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 10, the imaging unit 70 of the terminal device includes two imaging units, a standard imaging unit (first imaging unit) 71 and a macro imaging unit (second imaging unit) 72. Are arranged side by side on one slide substrate 73. The rotation of the operation dial 43 causes the slide substrate 73 to move linearly, and any one of the imaging units is addressed to the imaging lens window 32b.
[0043]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the standard imaging unit 71, and FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the imaging unit 70.
In the standard imaging unit 71, an imaging lens group 75 including at least two or more lenses is fixed in a cylindrical internal helicoid 74. The internal helicoid 74 has a threaded portion 74a formed on the outer periphery thereof, and is screwed to a threaded portion 76a provided inside the fixed frame 76. As a distance L1 between the photographing lens end and the image sensor, lens aberration and focus adjustment are performed. It is fixed at an appropriate position. These adjustments are performed at the time of manufacturing. A fixed stop 77 having a diameter φD2 suitable for standard photography is attached to the end 74b on the attachment side of the internal helicoid 74. Further, the pedestal of the fixed frame 76 is attached to a slide substrate 73 provided with an image sensor 78.
[0044]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the imaging unit 72 for macro photography. In this description, reference is made to FIG. The components of the macro imaging unit 72 that are the same as the components shown in FIG. 11 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0045]
In the macro imaging unit 72, a photographic lens group 75 is fixed inside the internal helicoid 74. The internal helicoid 74 is screwed into a position within the fixed frame 76 where the lens aberration and focus adjustment are appropriate, and is fixed at a distance L2 between the end of the photographing lens and the image sensor. A fixed stop 79 having a diameter φD3 (diameter φD2> φD3) suitable for macro photography is attached to the end 74b on the attachment side of the internal helicoid 74. Further, the pedestal of the fixed frame 75 is attached to the slide substrate 73 provided with the image sensor 80 so as to be aligned with the standard imaging unit 71. The distance L1 between the lens group 75 and the imaging sensor 77 in the standard imaging unit 71 is L1> L2 with respect to the distance L2 between the lens group 75 and the imaging sensor 80 in the macro imaging unit 72. .
[0046]
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, switching between standard shooting and macro shooting in the present embodiment will be specifically described. In a normal state, it is assumed that the standard imaging unit 71 is addressed to the imaging lens window 32b.
[0047]
When the user operates (turns) the operation dial 43 in order to macro-photograph the bar code, the slide board 73 with which the lever 61 a of the pressing unit 61 engages is moved with the turning of the interlocking pressing unit 61.
With this movement, the macro imaging unit 72 is addressed to the imaging lens window 32 b, and the contact of the detection switch 46 is pressed by the edge of the slide substrate 73, and a detection signal is output to the control unit 13. The subsequent operation is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0048]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, since both are fixed focal points, the optical axis direction with respect to focusing can be obtained. Since there is no operation, there is little blur and it is suitable for reading barcodes and characters that require high resolution.
[0049]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 15A, in each of the above-described embodiments, the cross section of the gasket 33 sandwiched between the upper and lower housings is rectangular. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and FIG. The gasket 81 may be a cross-shaped gasket 81 as shown, or may be a gasket 82 having a cross-sectional shape in which two different ellipses are combined into a cross as shown in FIG.
[0050]
Although the above embodiments have been described, the present specification also includes the following inventions.
[0051]
(1) An image sensor, an imager (lens) for inputting light to the imager, and a first movable relative position of the imager and the imager to a first position and a second position. Moving means (cam 1), a light blocking means (aperture) for blocking light from a subject of the imaging means, and a light blocking amount of the light beam by the light blocking means can be changed to a first light blocking amount and a second light blocking amount. Operating means for moving the first moving means and the second moving means to a first position and a second position. When the first moving means moves to the first position when the means is in the first position, the second moving means moves to the first position, and when the operating means moves to the second position, the first moving means moves to the first position. A band terminal device wherein the moving means moves to a second position and the second moving means moves to a second position.
[0052]
(2) an image sensor, an imager (lens) for inputting light to the imager, and a first movable relative position between the imager and the imager between a first position and a second position. Moving means (cam 1), a light blocking means (aperture) for blocking light from a subject of the imaging means, and a light blocking amount of the light beam by the light blocking means can be changed to a first light blocking amount and a second light blocking amount. A second moving means (cam 2), an operating means capable of operating the first moving means and the second moving means to a first position and a second position, and the first moving means or Detecting means for detecting that the second moving means or the operating means has moved from the first position to the second position; and control means for receiving a signal from the detecting means and controlling an imaging state. When the operating means is in the first position, the first moving means is in the first position; When the operating means moves to the first position and the operating means moves to the second position, the second moving means can move to the second position and the second moving means can move to the second position. A portable information terminal device for receiving a signal from the detection means and controlling the information to be operable for a specific use.
[0053]
(3) an image pickup device, an image pickup device (lens) for inputting light to the image pickup device, and a first device capable of moving a relative position between the image pickup device and the image pickup device to a first position and a second position. Moving means (cam 1), a light blocking means (aperture) for blocking light from a subject of the imaging means, and a light blocking amount of the light beam by the light blocking means can be changed to a first light blocking amount and a second light blocking amount. A second moving means (cam 2), the first moving means can be moved to a first position, a second position, and a third position, and the second moving means can be moved to the first position. And an operation means operable to move to a second position and a second position. When the operation means is at the first position, the first moving means is at the first position, and the second moving means is at the first position. When the operating means is at the second position, the first moving means is at the second position and the second moving means is at the first position. When the operating means is moved to the third position, the operating means second position, the portable information terminal device in which the second moving means, characterized in that in the second position, moves.
[0054]
(4) an image sensor, an imager (lens) for inputting light to the imager, and a first movable relative position between the imager and the imager to a first position and a second position. Moving means (cam 2), a light blocking means (aperture) for blocking light from a subject of the imaging means, and a light blocking amount of the light beam by the light blocking means can be changed to a first light blocking amount and a second light blocking amount. A second moving means (cam 2), the first moving means can be moved to a first position, a second position, and a third position, and the second moving means can be moved to the first position. Operating means operable to move to a second position and a second position; detecting means for detecting that the second moving means or the operating means has moved from a first position to a second position; and the detecting means And control means for controlling the imaging state in response to the signal of (i), wherein the operation means is located at the first position. When the first moving means is at the first position, the second moving means is at the first position, and the operating means is at the second position, the first moving means is at the second position, When the second moving means moves to the first position and the operating means moves to the third position, the operating means can move to the second position and the second moving means can move to the second position. A portable information terminal device for receiving a signal from the detection means and controlling the information to be operable for a specific use.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the mode is switched to the barcode reading mode by a simple operation, and the barcode information is displayed, and the decoded barcode information is displayed and decoded in a series of operations. A portable information terminal device capable of acquiring barcode information can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a portable information terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of an imaging unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a change in the aperture diameter of the diaphragm due to a switching operation between standard shooting and macro shooting.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining movement of a photographing lens accompanying a switching operation between standard photographing and macro photographing.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining states of an aperture and a photographing lens accompanying a switching operation between standard photographing and macro photographing.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for describing standard shooting in which a mode is selected by an operation button.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for describing macro shooting in the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for describing macro shooting involving a manual operation of a photographer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of a portable information terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of an imaging unit for standard photography according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of an imaging unit for macro photography according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of an imaging unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing switching between standard shooting and macro shooting in the second embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a gasket interposed between upper and lower housings of the portable information terminal device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image pick-up part, 1a ... Image pick-up optical system, 1b ... Image pick-up element, 1c ... Image processing part, 2 ... Display part, 3 ... Voice input / output part, 4 ... Key (operation button and switch), 5 ... Key input part, 6 memory unit, 7 recording medium, 8 recording unit, 9 external communication unit, 10 barcode processing unit, 11 imaging mode switching unit, 12 illumination unit, 13 control unit, 31 upper housing, 31a ... screen window, 32 ... lower housing, 32a ... battery room, 32b ... photographing lens window, 32c ... groove, 32d ... lighting window, 33 ... gasket, 33a ... hole, 34 ... operation buttons, 35 ... battery, 36 ... Battery compartment cover, 37: printed wiring board (PCB), 38: liquid crystal display (LCD), 39: switch, 40: lens barrel, 41: flexible printed wiring board (FPC), 42: hole for operation dial, 43 … Operation Dial, 44 ... pressing portion, 44a ... boss, 45 ... screw, 46 ... detection switch.

Claims (6)

An image sensor that generates an image signal by photoelectric conversion,
Imaging optical system means for entering a light image on a light receiving surface of the imaging element,
A first movement which can move the relative position of the image pickup device and the image pickup optical system means to a first position or a second position where the image pickup device and the image pickup optical system means are closer to each other than the first position. Means,
Light-shielding means for shielding a part of the light image passing through the imaging optical system means,
A second moving unit capable of changing a light shielding amount by the light shielding unit to a first light shielding amount or a second light shielding amount having a light shielding amount larger than the first light shielding amount;
Operating means for operating operations of the first moving means and the second moving means;
Detecting that the first moving means has moved from the first position to the second position or that the second moving means has changed from the first light shielding amount to the second light shielding amount. Detecting means;
Conversion means for receiving the signal of the detection means, activating the image sensor, and converting the light image incident on the light receiving surface into an image signal,
Determining means for determining whether the image signal is a barcode image,
When the determination unit determines that the image is a barcode image, performs control so that exposure is appropriate, imaging control unit that captures an image by the imaging element,
Decoding means for decoding the captured image signal to obtain barcode information,
Recording means for recording the barcode information,
Display means for displaying the imaged barcode image and the barcode information,
A portable information terminal device, wherein a series of operations from imaging, determination, decoding, display, and recording of a barcode are performed by operation of the operation means. An image sensor that generates an image signal by photoelectric conversion,
Imaging optical system means for entering a light image on a light receiving surface of the imaging element,
A first movement which can move the relative position of the image pickup device and the image pickup optical system means to a first position or a second position where the image pickup device and the image pickup optical system means are closer to each other than the first position. Means,
Light-shielding means for shielding a part of the light image passing through the imaging optical system means,
A second moving unit capable of changing a light shielding amount by the light shielding unit to a first light shielding amount or a second light shielding amount having a light shielding amount larger than the first light shielding amount;
Operating means for operating operations of the first moving means and the second moving means;
Detecting that the first moving means has moved from the first position to the second position or that the second moving means has changed from the first light shielding amount to the second light shielding amount. Detecting means;
Conversion means for receiving the signal of the detection means, activating the image sensor, and converting the light image incident on the light receiving surface into an image signal,
Determining means for determining whether the image signal is a barcode image,
When the determination unit determines that the image is a barcode image, performs control so that exposure is appropriate, imaging control unit that captures an image by the imaging element,
Decoding means for decoding the captured image signal to obtain barcode information,
Display means for displaying the imaged barcode image and the decoded barcode information,
Recording means for recording the barcode information by a predetermined operation,
A portable information terminal device, which performs a series of operations from imaging of a bar code, determination and decoding, and display by operation of the operation means, and records bar code information decoded when recording is instructed. . In a portable information terminal device that is portable and performs information processing and display, and has a communication function with the outside,
A photographing lens barrel that accommodates a movable lens barrel having a photographing lens group and movable to either a far position or a near position having two different focal lengths within one fixed lens tube; An imaging optical system comprising an aperture that adjusts the amount of light image passing through the imaging lens barrel in conjunction with
An image sensor that receives a light image formed by the imaging optical system and generates an image signal by photoelectric conversion,
A photographing mode switching unit comprising: an operation dial connected to the moving barrel to perform a switching operation between a far position and a near position; and a detection switch for detecting that the moving barrel has moved to the near position approaching the image sensor. When,
A bar code processing unit that determines whether or not the image signal obtained from the image sensor that has been driven by the detection signal of the detection switch includes bar code information and decodes the bar code information from the image signal,
Comprising a bar code information reading device composed of
In conjunction with the operation of the operation dial, the moving optical barrel is moved to the close position so that the photographing optical system enables photographing of a bar code, the diaphragm is narrowed down to a predetermined aperture diameter, and the imaging is performed. A portable information terminal device which decodes barcode information from an image signal if an image signal obtained by activating the element is determined to be barcode information. In a portable information terminal device that is portable and performs information processing and display, and has a communication function with the outside,
A first photographing lens barrel that accommodates a lens group having a first focal length capable of macro photography, a stop fixed to a predetermined first aperture diameter, and a second lens barrel longer than the first focal length A lens group having a focal length and a second photographing lens barrel accommodating a stop fixed to a second aperture diameter larger than the first aperture diameter are arranged with image sensors at respective image forming positions and slid. An imaging unit mounted on a possible substrate;
A photographing mode switching unit comprising: an operation dial connected to the moving barrel to perform a switching operation between a far position and a near position; and a detection switch for detecting that the moving barrel has moved to the near position approaching the image sensor. When,
A bar code processing unit that determines whether or not the image signal obtained from the image sensor activated by the detection signal of the detection switch includes bar code information, and decodes the bar code information from the image signal,
Comprising a bar code information reading device composed of
In conjunction with the operation of the operation dial, the slide substrate of the imaging unit is moved, and the imaging device that receives the light image formed by the first imaging lens barrel is activated, and the obtained imaging device is obtained. A portable information terminal device for decoding barcode information from an image signal if the image signal is determined to be barcode information. The portable information terminal device further comprises:
A captured barcode image and a display unit for displaying decoded barcode information,
The mobile phone according to claim 3, further comprising: a recording unit that records decoded barcode information on a recording medium, following a barcode reading operation started by operating the operation dial. Type information terminal device. The portable information terminal device further comprises:
A display unit that displays the imaged barcode image and the decoded barcode information,
The portable information terminal device according to claim 3, further comprising: a recording unit that records the barcode information displayed on the display unit on a recording medium as needed.

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