Portable terminal device

It is an object of the invention to provide a portable terminal device having an excellent operability in a voice communication.There are provided a receiver (106) provided on a surface (101g) of a first housing member (101a) which is opposed to a second housing member (101b) in a closing state, a speaker (107) provided on a surface (101i) of the second housing member (101b) which is opposed to the first housing member (101a) in the closing state and having a higher output level than the first voice output means, and a control portion (120) for deciding a positional relationship of the first housing member (101a) with the second housing member (101b) and setting an output source for a voice at the start of a voice communication to either the receiver (106) or the speaker (107) corresponding to a result of the decision.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable terminal device, and more particularly to an opening type portable terminal device.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a portable terminal device of a folding type which becomes compact by folding two housings through a hinge portion has been popular. In contrast to the portable terminal device of a folding type, conventionally, there has been proposed a portable terminal of a folding type (a cell phone) in which one of two housings is constituted to be rotatable with respect to the other housing.

FIG. 17shows the external shape of a conventional portable terminal, andFIG. 17(a) shows a first closing state,FIG. 17(b) shows a first opening state,FIG. 17(c) shows a second closing state andFIG. 17(d) shows a second opening state.

As shown inFIGS. 17(a) to17(d), a first housing201is provided with a display portion203, a receiver204and a camera205on a first surface202, and a speaker207is provided on a second surface206side to be the opposite surface of the first surface202. A second housing208is provided with an operating portion209and a microphone210. The first housing201and the second housing202are constituted to be openable through a hinge portion211in the direction of an arrow G in the drawing, and the first housing201is constituted to be rotatable through the hinge portion211in the direction of an arrow H with respect to the second housing208.

When the portable terminal device is folded in such a manner that the display portion203is exposed as in the first closing state ofFIG. 17(a), various information displayed on the display portion203can also be confirmed in the closing state, which is very convenient to a user. Moreover, it is also possible to execute various functions of the portable terminal device by simply changing the positional relationship of the first housing201with respect to the second housing208(see Patent Document 1).

In the conventional portable terminal device, it is possible to execute various functions of the portable terminal device by changing the positional relationship of the first housing with respect to the second housing. However, there has not been disclosed a specific technique for switching the receiver204to be a voice output source to the speaker207when a hands-free call is to be carried out. In other words, the switching of a function in a voice communication has not been disclosed.

The invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances and has an object to provide a portable terminal device having an excellent operability in a voice communication.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a portable terminal device capable of carrying out a voice communication which couples a first housing to a second housing to be opened and closed through a hinge portion, and constitutes the first housing to be rotatable around a rotating shaft member which is orthogonal to an opening and closing shaft member of the hinge portion with respect to the second housing, comprising first voice output means provided on a surface of the first housing which is opposed to the second housing in a closing state, second voice output means provided on a surface of the second housing which is opposed to the first housing in the closing state and having a higher output level than the first voice output means, position deciding means for deciding a positional relationship of the first housing with the second housing, and setting means for setting an output source for a voice in a voice communication to either the first voice output means or the second voice output means corresponding to a result of the decision obtained by the position deciding means.

By this structure, the output source for a voice is set corresponding to the positional relationship of the first housing with respect to the second housing. Therefore, it is possible to provide a portable terminal device which is easy to use.

Moreover, the invention provides the portable terminal device, further comprising a transmitting portion provided on the same plane as a surface on which the second voice output means is provided, the setting means setting the first voice output means to be the output source for a voice if it is decided by the position deciding means that the first housing has a first positional relationship with the second housing in which the first voice output means is switched from a closing state to an opening state so as not to be exposed, and setting the second voice output means to be the output source for a voice if it is decided by the position deciding means that the first housing has a second positional relationship with the second housing in which the first voice output means is switched from the closing state to the opening state so as to be exposed.

By this structure, in the case in which the direction of the voice output of the first voice output means is almost the same as that of the voice output of the second voice output means in the opening state, the second voice output means having a high voice output level is not operated. For this reason, in the case in which a user holds the first voice output means to the ear, for example, a voice having a high output level is not output near the ear. Consequently, it is possible to ensure a safety. On the other hand, in the case in which the direction of the voice output of the first voice output means is different from that of the voice output of the second voice output means in the opening state, the second voice output means having a high voice output level is operated. Therefore, it is possible to carry out a hands-free call, for example.

Furthermore, the invention provides the portable terminal device, wherein the position deciding means decides that the first housing has the first positional relationship or the second positional relationship when a rotating angle of the first housing with respect to the second housing exceeds 90 degrees in the opening state.

By this structure, also in the case in which the position of the first housing is shifted slightly during the use of the portable terminal device in the opening state, the output source for a voice is not switched correspondingly. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first housing from being slightly rotated during a call with the user holding the first voice output means to his (her) ear, causing the output of a voice having a high output level from the second voice output means, for example. Thus, it is possible to ensure a safety.

In addition, the invention provides the portable terminal device, wherein the hinge portion is coupled to the second housing to form a space together with the second housing in a closing state, and the second voice output means is provided in the vicinity of the hinge portion.

By this structure, the space is formed between the second housing and the hinge portion in the closing state. Therefore, it is also possible to clearly hear a voice output from the second voice output means in the closing state.

In the drawings,101denotes a housing,101adenotes a first housing member,101bdenotes a second housing member,101cand101ddenote a hinge attaching portion,101edenotes a D hole,101fdenotes a hinge bearing portion,101gdenotes a main surface of the first housing member,101hdenotes an opposite surface to the main surface101g,101idenotes a main surface of the second housing member101b,101jdenotes a side surface of the second housing member,101kdenotes a back face of the second housing member101b,101mdenotes an upper surface of the second housing member101b,102denotes a hinge portion,103denotes an antenna,104denotes a vibrator portion,105denotes an operating portion,105adenotes a first operating portion,105bdenotes a second operating portion,106denotes a receiver,107denotes a speaker,108denotes a microphone,109denotes a camera portion,109adenotes a lens group,109bdenotes a photoelectric converting unit,110denotes a first Hall element,111denotes a second Hall element,112denotes a display portion,113denotes a permanent magnet,113adenotes a first permanent magnet,113bdenotes a second permanent magnet,113cdenotes a third permanent magnet,114denotes a printed board,115denotes a transmitting/receiving portion,116denotes a data converting portion,117denotes a voice processing portion,118denotes an image processing portion,119denotes an information recording portion,120denotes a control portion,121denotes a clearance forming projection,122denotes a first clearance,123denotes a second clearance, and124denotes a battery.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a view showing an external appearance in the first closing state of a portable terminal device according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 2is a view showing an external appearance in the first opening state of the portable terminal device.FIG. 3is a view showing an external appearance in the second opening state of the portable terminal device.FIG. 4is a view showing an external appearance in the second closing state of the portable terminal device.FIG. 5is a view showing the external appearance of the portable terminal device set in the first closing state as seen in another direction.FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view showing the portable terminal device set in the first opening state.FIG. 7is an X-X sectional view showing the portable terminal device set in the second opening state.FIG. 8is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the invention.FIG. 9is an exploded perspective view showing the hinge portion of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the invention.FIG. 10is an X′-X′ sectional view showing the portable terminal device illustrated inFIG. 5.FIG. 11is a cam diagram showing the operation of a cam attached to the hinge portion of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment, a state in which a display portion112is exposed to carry out closing will be referred to as a first closing state as shown inFIG. 1, a state in which a first housing member101ais opened from the first closing state will be referred to as a first opening state (corresponding to a first positional relationship according to the claims) as shown inFIG. 2, a state in which the first housing member101ais rotated by 180 degrees in the first opening state will be referred to as a second opening state (corresponding to a second positional relationship according to the claims) as shown inFIG. 3, and a state in which the first housing member101ais closed from the second opening state will be referred to as a second closing state as shown inFIG. 4.

Description will be given to each of components included in a portable terminal device according to the embodiment.

First of all, a housing101will be described.

The housing101is constituted by the first housing member101aand a second housing member101b, and the two housing members can be opened and closed in the direction of an arrow A around an opening and closing axis Y through a hinge portion102. Furthermore, the first housing member101ais coupled to the hinge portion102rotatably in the direction of an arrow B around a rotation axis Z which is orthogonal to an opening and closing axis Y with respect to the second housing member101b.

An antenna103, a vibrator portion104, an operating portion105, a speaker107to be second voice output means, a transmitting portion (a microphone)108, a camera portion109, a first Hall element110and a printed board114are accommodated in the second housing member101b.

The vibrator portion104serves to cause a vibration when a call comes in, thereby giving a notice of the incoming call through the vibration.

The operating portion105has a first operating portion105aand a second operating portion105b. The first operating portion105ais provided on a main surface101iof the second housing member101bopposed to the first housing member101ain the closing state, and the second operating portion105bis provided on a side surface101jwhich is adjacent to the main surface101iof the second housing member101b.

A user can operate the first operating portion105ato carry out a receipt and an end and to control a volume output from a receiver106and the speaker107, and to input characters, symbols and figures. By operating the second operating portion105b, it is possible to manipulate the camera portion109or to carry out switching to a manner mode.

The speaker107is provided in the vicinity of the hinge portion102. The direction of the output of a voice from the speaker107is shown in arrows C, D, E and F inFIGS. 1,3and5. A sound guiding hole107ais formed on the second housing member101bin order to guide the voice output from the speaker107to the outside of the second housing member101bwell. The sound guiding hole107ais formed over the main surface101iand a surface101mwhich is adjacent thereto.

The speaker107serves to output an incoming call sound when a call comes in, thereby informing the user the incoming call or to amplify and output the voice of a communicating partner during a hands-free call. In the embodiment, a component having a sound pressure level difference of approximately 20 dB(A) at 1 KHz is selected.

The microphone108is provided in the vicinity of an end on the opposite side of the hinge portion102at the main surface101iof the second housing member101b.

The camera portion109is provided side by side with a battery124over a back face (101k) of the main surface101iin the second housing member101b, and a subject in the rearward direction of the first operating portion105acan be photographed.

A light incident from a subject caught by the camera portion109passes through a lens group109aand is converted from a light signal into an electric signal at a photoelectric converting unit109bsuch as a CCD (charge-coupled device) so that image information is generated.

The image information is processed in an image processing portion118and an image is then generated on the display portion112.

Moreover, the camera portion109uses a plurality of lenses so that an excellent image having a small aberration can be obtained.

A reducing glass system for forming the image of the subject on the photoelectric converting unit can reduce various aberrations such as a distortion, a coma and an astigmatism by combining a plurality of concavo-convex lenses as compared with a single lens.

When an aperture diameter is greater (an F number is smaller) or a focal length f is smaller, moreover, an image formed by the lens can be brighter. On the other hand, the thickness of the whole lens system is increased so that the camera portion109is thickened.

InFIG. 7, the camera portion109is shown as an optical system formed by two lenses. In a design, conditions are determined depending on the size of a pixel of which image is formed and the extent of the removal of an aberration, and an optical system is determined by the combination of some positive and negative lenses. Herein, the camera portion is shown in a conceptual view. In particular, it is preferable to use a negative lens having a low refractive index in order to remove a curvature of field. For this purpose, the use of a plurality of lenses is indispensable.

In the case in which the camera portion109is to be accommodated in the first housing member101a, the thickness and weight of the first housing member101ato be accommodated is increased. For this reason, when the second housing member101bis held by hand in the opening state, a sense of fatigue is given to the hand because the first housing member101awhich is not held by hand is heavy, which is unsuitable for a portability. Therefore, the camera portion109capable of giving high picture quality while avoiding an increase in the thickness of the first housing member101awhich is not held by hand for use is provided in the second housing member101b.

The first Hall element110is provided in the second housing member101bin such a manner that it is close to a first permanent magnet113ain the first housing member101awhen the housing101is set in the first closing state, and is close to a second permanent magnet113bin the first housing member101awhen the housing101is set in the second closing state. Moreover, the first Hall element110gives a detection signal to a control portion120when detecting the first permanent magnet113bor the second permanent magnet113a.

For example, the first permanent magnet113ais close to the first Hall element110when the housing101is set in the first closing state and the second permanent magnet113bis close to the first Hall element110in the second closing state. Therefore, the first Hall element110detects either of the permanent magnets and gives the detection signal to the control portion120.

On the other hand, if the housing101is set in the first and second opening states, both of the permanent magnets113aand113bare separated from the first Hall element110so that the first Hall element110can detect neither of the permanent magnets113aand113band does not generate the detection signal.

The printed board114has a transmitting/receiving portion115, a data converting portion116, a voice processing portion117, the image processing portion118, an information recording portion119and the control portion120.

As shown inFIG. 8, the transmitting/receiving portion115is connected to the antenna103and serves to process data received by the antenna103and to transmit the data thus processed to the data converting portion116.

The data converting portion116serves to convert the received data into voice data and to transmit the voice data to the voice processing portion117.

The voice processing portion117serves to decode the voice data and to generate a voice signal, and to then transmit the voice signal to the receiver106and the speaker107. The receiver106and the speaker107serve to output a voice corresponding to the voice signal transmitted from the voice processing portion117.

Moreover, the voice processing portion117encodes the voice received by the microphone108and generates voice data, and then transmits the voice data to the data converting portion116.

The data converting portion116converts the transmitted voice data into communication data and then transmits the communication data to the transmitting/receiving portion115. The transmitting/receiving portion115processes the communication data thus received and transmits the same data as the radio wave of a radio signal through the antenna103.

The camera portion109and the display portion112are connected to the image processing portion118.

The receiver106, the speaker107and the microphone108are connected to the voice processing portion117, and the voice processing portion117is connected to the data converting portion116.

Furthermore, the control portion120is connected to the vibrator portion104, the operating portion105, the first Hall element110, a second Hall element111, the transmitting/receiving portion115, the data converting portion116and the information recording portion119, and serves to control these components. Moreover, the control portion120is connected to the battery124and a power is supplied from the battery124.

In addition, an output source for a voice in a voice communication is set to either the receiver106or the speaker107based on detection signals sent from the first Hall element110and the second Hall element111which will be described below. The duration of the voice communication implies a period from the start of a receiving operation after an incoming call to the end of the call and from the start of a transmitting operation to the end of the call.

Image information photographed by the camera portion109is recorded on the information recording portion119by the execution of a predetermined operation.

In addition, the information recording portion119can record telephone number information, voice information, image information other than image information about a photographed image (the received image information), and character information such as a mail which is being created or is transmitted or received.

With the structure described above, it is preferable that the user should bring the first closing state to turn the camera portion109toward a forward person when photographing the forward person. In this case, a photographed image is generated in the display portion112. The user can carry out photographing while confirming the image displayed on the display portion112. In the case in which a subject is the user himself (herself), that is, the user himself (herself) is to be photographed, moreover, it is preferable that the first opening state should be brought to turn the display portion112to the forward part of the camera portion109. Thus, the user can carry out the photographing while confirming the display portion112on which the photographed image of the user himself (herself) is displayed.

Since the device is folded to be small in the closing state so that a projection area is minimized, it is suitable for the portability. In the first closing state, the display portion112is exposed. For this reason, when the device is taken out in a storage state in a breast pocket, for example, it is possible to immediately confirm information displayed on the display portion112, that is, a time or the presence of an incoming call. A person who does not want other people to see the information displayed on the display portion112can conceal the display portion112by bringing the second closing state.

The information displayed on the display portion112in the first closing state may be set to be “non-display” and displayed after a predetermined operation. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the information from being freely seen by other people also in the first closing state.

The second housing member101bis provided with hinge attaching portions101cand101dfor holding the hinge portion102(shown inFIGS. 1 to 4). A D hole101efor holding the hinge portion102is formed on the hinge attaching portion101cand a hinge bearing portion101ffor supporting the hinge portion102is formed on the hinge attaching portion101d(shown inFIG. 6).

A pair of clearance forming projections121to abut on the first housing member101ain the first and second closing states are formed on the main surface101iof the second housing member101b, and the clearance forming projection121abuts on the first housing member101ato form a first clearance122(shown inFIG. 7) between the first housing member101aand the second housing member101bin the first and second closing states.

Moreover, the hinge portion102is attached to the hinge attaching portions101cand101dto form a space together with the second housing member101b. Consequently, a second clearance123(seeFIGS. 5 and 7) is also formed between the second housing member101band the hinge portion102.

The receiving portion (receiver)106to be the first voice output means, the display portion112, the two permanent magnets (the first permanent magnet113aand the second permanent magnet113b), and the second Hall element111are accommodated in the first housing member101a.

The two permanent magnets (the first permanent magnet113aand the second permanent magnet113b) are provided apart from each other in optional positions in the housing on an opposite end to an end to which the hinge portion102is to be coupled.

The receiver106is provided on a main surface101gof the first housing member101ain such a manner that a voice is output from the main surface101g. The receiver106outputs a voice when using the portable terminal device1as a telephone.

The display portion112is provided on an opposite surface101hto the main surface101gof the first housing member101aand can be constituted by a liquid crystal display, and serves to display characters, symbols, figures, images and maps.

The second Hall element111is provided in the first housing member101ain such a manner that it is close to a third permanent magnet113cin the hinge portion102when the housing101is set in the first closing state and the first opening state and it is separated from the third permanent magnet113cin the hinge portion102when the housing101is set in the second closing state or the second opening state. Moreover, the second Hall element111gives a detection signal to the control portion120when detecting the third permanent magnet113c.

For example, the third permanent magnet113cis close to the second Hall element111when the housing101is set in the first closing state and the first opening state. For this reason, the second Hall element111detects the third permanent magnet113cto give the detection signal to the control portion120. On the other hand, if the housing101is set in the second closing state and the second opening state, the third permanent magnet113cis separated from the second Hall element111. Therefore, the second Hall element111cannot detect the third permanent magnet113cand does not generate the detection signal.

Next, the hinge portion will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The third permanent magnet113cis accommodated in the hinge portion102. The third permanent magnet113cis provided in a close position to the first housing member101a(for example, a close position to the Hall element111in the first opening or closing state as shown inFIG. 10).

As shown inFIGS. 9 to 11, the hinge portion102of the portable terminal device1is constituted by an opening and closing shaft member125, a rotating shaft member126which is orthogonal to the opening and closing shaft member125, a support plate127, a guide shaft128, a first coiled spring129, a first click convex plate130, a first click concave plate131, a cam132, a second click convex plate133, a second coiled spring134, a bracket135, a hinge unit138having an E ring136and an opening and closing shaft bearing137, a flexible board139, a cable140, a front cover141, a rear cover142and a fastening screw143.

The hollow opening and closing shaft member125has a nick portion125ain a central part, a support portion125bfor supporting the rotating shaft member126, a parting portion125c, a slit125d, a screw hole125e, and a holding portion125ffor holding the third permanent magnet113c. The support plate127is provided in the nick portion125a. The support plate127is provided with a concave portion127aand a support hole127bfor supporting the rotating shaft member126. The guide shaft128, the first coiled spring129, the first click convex plate130and the first click concave plate131are attached into the opening and closing shaft member125from a left side inFIG. 9.

The guide shaft128has a large diameter portion128aand a small diameter portion128b. A parallel groove128cis formed on the large diameter portion128a, and a D cut portion128dis formed on the tip of the small diameter portion128b. The first click convex plate130cannot be rotated with respect to the guide shaft128but is provided movably in only the thrust direction of the small diameter portion128b. Moreover, the small diameter portion128bis rotatably inserted into the first click concave plate131, and furthermore, the first click concave plate131is fixed to the end side of the opening and closing shaft member125.

The first coiled spring129energizes the first click convex plate130toward the first click concave plate131side. When the housing101is set in the closing state and the first opening state, a convex portion130aof the first click convex plate130is engaged with a concave portion131aof the first click concave plate131. In the case in which the housing101is switched from the first opening state to the closing state, the convex portion130aand the concave portion131aare disengaged from each other. On the other hand, when the housing101is switched from the closing state to the first opening state, the convex portion130aand the concave portion131aare engaged with each other. Consequently, a sense of click is given to a user in the engagement of the convex portion130awith the concave portion131aor their disengagement.

The cam132, the support plate127, the second click convex plate133, the second coiled spring134and the bracket135are attached to the rotating shaft member126from an upper side in a middle stage ofFIG. 9. The rotating shaft member126is supported on the support plate127attached to the nick portion125aof the opening and closing shaft member125and the support portion125bof the opening and closing shaft member125. The E ring136is provided on the tip of the rotating shaft member126, and is held rotatably in the opening and closing shaft member125. The second click convex plate133is provided movably in only the thrust direction of the rotating shaft member126. Moreover, the second coiled spring134energizes the second click convex plate133toward the support plate127side.

A convex portion133aof the second click convex plate133is continuously engaged with the concave portion127aof the support plate127until the housing101is switched from the closing state to the opening state. The convex portion133aof the second click convex plate133is disengaged from the concave portion127aof the support plate127when a transition from the first opening state to the second opening state is carried out, and they are engaged with each other again in the second opening state. Also when a transition from the second opening state to the first opening state is carried out, the same operation is performed. More specifically, a sense of click is given to the user by the same structure as the convex portion130aof the first click convex plate130and the concave portion131aof the first click concave plate131.

The bracket135is provided with a hole135ato be fastened and fixed to the first housing member101awith a screw (not shown).

The cam132is fixed to the rotating shaft member126and is accommodated in the opening and closing shaft member125so as to be interposed between the parting portion125cof the opening and closing shaft member125and the large diameter portion128aof the guide shaft128. The cam132and the parallel groove128cof the guide shaft128are constituted in such a manner that the first and second housing members101aand101bare parallel with each other in only the first and second closing states and the first and second opening states. At this time, the cam132to be rotated together with the rotation of the rotating shaft member126can be guided into the parallel groove128cso that the first housing member101acan be rotated in the direction of B. The motion will be described with reference to a cam diagram shown inFIG. 11.

In the cam diagram shown inFIG. 11, a slant line portion on a right side indicates the parting portion125c. Moreover, a slant line portion on a left side indicates the large diameter portion128aof the guide shaft128and a circular arc portion indicates the parallel groove128c. Herein, the position of the cam132with the housing101set from the closing state to the first or second opening state is indicated as a position “a”. Moreover, the position of the cam132with the housing101set in the first and second opening states is indicated as a position “b”.

In the position “a”, the left and right end faces of the cam132are surrounded by the parting portion125cand the large diameter portion128aof the guide shaft128, respectively. For this reason, the cam132cannot be rotated. In the position “b”, the parting portion125cis placed on the right end face side of the cam132. Therefore, the cam132cannot be rotated toward an opposite side to the direction of B. Since the parallel groove128cis disposed on the left end face side of the cam132, the cam132can be rotated by 180 degrees in the direction of B. In the state of a rotation by an angle of less than 180 degrees in the direction of B, a part of the cam132is placed in the parallel groove128cand the direction of the thickness of the cam132is surrounded by the parallel groove128cin this state. Even if the housing101tries to be changed in the direction of the arrow A (or an opposite direction), therefore, the change is suppressed.

Although the cam132and the parallel groove128care parallel with each other in the closing state, the rotating shaft member126cannot be rotated because the first housing member101afaces the second housing member101b.

In a state in which the housing101is set in a state other than the first and second opening states, accordingly, the first housing member101acannot be rotated in the direction of the arrow B (or an opposite direction) with the rotating shaft member126set to be an axis. In a state in which the rotating shaft member126is rotated, furthermore, the opening and closing shaft member125cannot be rotated. Therefore, the opening and closing operations of the housing101in the direction of the arrow A (or an opposite direction) cannot be carried out.

The hollow opening and closing shaft bearing137is attached into the opening and closing shaft member125from a right side in the middle stage ofFIG. 9. A groove137aof the opening and closing shaft bearing137is fixed in the same direction as the slit125d.

The flexible board139and the cable140are assembled into the hinge unit138. The flexible board139having a corner portion139aelectrically connects the first housing member101aand the second housing member101b. One of the end sides of the corner portion139ais wound around the opening and closing shaft bearing137to form a first winding portion139b, and the corner portion139ais inserted into the opening and closing shaft bearing137through the groove137a. The other end side of the corner portion139apasses through the slit125dand gets out of the opening and closing shaft member125, and is wound around the opening and closing shaft member125by approximately half, and furthermore, is wound around the rotating shaft member126to form a second winding portion139cand is thus connected to the first housing member101a.

The cable140for electrically connecting a metal component provided in the first housing member101aand a metal component provided in the second housing member101bis inserted into the opening and closing shaft bearing137through the end of the opening and closing shaft bearing137, and gets out of the slit125dand is extended toward the first housing member101aside, and is thus connected through the inside of the second winding portion139c. The cable140is provided in order to strengthen the grounds of the housing members101aand101band to avoid the breakage of the display portion112also when a static electricity is applied. When the antenna103is provided in the first housing member101a, the cable140may be used in order to avoid a reduction in a gain between the antenna103and the transmitting/receiving portion115provided in the second housing member101bas much as possible.

After the flexible board139and the cable140are assembled into the hinge unit138, the front cover141and the rear cover142for armoring are fixed with the fastening screw143. The front cover141and the rear cover142are provided with engagement clicks141aand142aand screw insertion holes141band142b, respectively. The screw insertion holes141band142bare disposed to be turned toward the bracket135side provided on the rotating shaft member126. Moreover, the front cover141and the rear cover142surround and interpose the hinge unit138therebetween and thus engage the engagement clicks141aand142awith each other, and the fastening screw143is then fixed to the screw hole125eof the opening and closing shaft member125through the screw insertion holes141band142b. By this structure, the hinge portion102is finished.

The D cut portion128dformed on the tip of the small diameter portion128bis supported on the D hole101eprovided on the hinge attaching portion101cof the second housing member101b, and furthermore, the outer periphery of the opening and closing shaft bearing137is supported on the hinge bearing portion101fof the second housing member101bso that the hinge portion102is attached to the second housing member101b. Moreover, the first housing member101ais attached to the bracket135.

While the rotating shaft member126is provided rotatably only when the first and second housing members101aand101bare set in the first and second opening states, it may be rotatable also when the housing101is set in another mode (for example, a state for a period in which the housing101is switched from the closing state to the opening state). In the embodiment, the opening and closing shaft member125cannot be rotated till the end of the rotation of the rotating shaft member126in order to prevent a hitting mark from being generated by the abutment of the corner portion of the first housing member101aon the main surface101iof the second housing member101bwhen the opening and closing shaft member125is rotated in a state in which the rotating shaft member126is rotated by approximately 90 degrees. The case in which the housing is constituted by a material generating no hitting mark does not always apply to the above-mentioned condition.

Next, the operation of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 12 to 15.

FIG. 12is a diagram for explaining the function of each operation mode in the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the invention.FIG. 13is a flowchart for explaining the receiving operation of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the invention.FIG. 14is a view showing a state in which the forward subject of a user is photographed by means of the camera portion of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the invention.FIG. 15is a view showing a state in which the user himself (herself) is photographed as a subject by means of the camera portion of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the invention.

As shown inFIG. 12, in a state in which the portable terminal device1is turned on, a voice transmitting mode501, a non-voice communicating mode502and a camera mode503can be set by operating the operating portion105.

In the voice communicating mode501, a receipt waiting operation such as a voice communication is started to carry out an incoming call operation or a transmitting operation so that a user can give a call to a communicating partner.

The receiving operation will be described with reference toFIG. 13.

In a waiting state (ST1), if it is decided by the control portion120that the housing101is set in the first closing state or the second opening state, a mark representing a time, the residual capacity of a battery or an electric field strength is displayed on the display portion112.

When a call comes in (ST2: Y), it is decided by the control portion120whether the portable terminal device1is set into a manner mode or not. If the manner mode is not set (ST3: N), an incoming call sound is output from the speaker107(ST4). At this time, even if the portable terminal device1is set in the closing state, the incoming call sound is led from the second clearance123to an outside. On the other hand, if the manner mode is set (ST3: Y), a notice of the incoming call is given by the vibrator portion105(ST5).

When a user recognizing the incoming call opens the portable terminal device1to carry out a receiving operation (ST6), the control portion120decides the opening state of the portable terminal device1in response to a detection signal sent from the second Hall element111(ST7). If the portable terminal device1is set in the first opening state as a result of the decision (ST7: Y), the control portion120controls to output the voice of the communicating partner from the receiver106(ST8). On the other hand, if the portable terminal device1is set in the second opening state (ST7: N), the control portion120controls to output the voice of the communicating partner from the speaker107(ST9). When a call ending operation is then carried out, the call is ended and the waiting state is returned (ST10). In the case in which the portable terminal device1is switched from the first opening state to the second opening state or from the second opening state to the first opening state during the call, the control portion120switches an output source for a receiving voice into another sound output source from which the voice is not output.

If transmitting information about a partner is previously registered on a telephone book together with a name as incoming call information at the ST2, telephone book information about the name of the partner and the face image of the partner is displayed.

In the non-voice communicating mode502, an incoming non-voice communication (character information such as a mail) can be displayed with the receipt waiting state maintained or the display portion112can be caused to display the character information input from the first operating portion105a, and the character information or voice and non-voice (image) information stored in the information recording portion121can be transmitted to the partner by using a transmitting function.

When the non-voice information such as a mail arrives, a message for giving a notice of the arrival is displayed on the display portion112with the housing101set in the first closing state and the second opening state. When the housing101is set in the second closing state and the first opening state, the message is not displayed on the display portion112. When the housing101is switched into the first closing state or the second opening state, the message for giving the notice of the arrival is displayed on the display portion112.

In the second opening state, the non-voice information such as the incoming character information or image information can be displayed on the display portion112by a predetermined operation (for example, a mail is opened). The non-voice information may be displayed on the display portion112also in the first closing state. In this case, a third operating portion capable of carrying out the operation in the first closing state may be provided in an adjacent position to the display portion112or the function may be given to the second operating portion105b.

When the voice or non-voice communication is to be carried out, it is possible to utilize a telephone book function in order to decide a transmitting partner. More specifically, the housing101is brought into the second opening state and the first operating portion105ais operated to cause the display portion112to display the name of the partner by using the telephone book function. Thus, it is possible to decide the partner by a selection.

Next, description will be given to the operation of the camera portion. In the camera mode503, photographing can be carried out by the camera portion109in the first closing state and the first opening state.

The photographed image can be recorded as a static image or a dynamic image in the information recording portion119. Referring to the dynamic image or static image recorded in the information recording portion119, the photographed image can be reproduced and displayed on the display portion112and can be thus seen by bringing the second opening state and carrying out a predetermined operation. For the image photographed in the first opening state, the reverse mirror image of an image displayed on the display portion112is displayed. More specifically, when the photographing is carried out in the first opening state, the reverse mirror image is displayed when a recorded image is read even if a mirror image is displayed on the display portion112. For the image photographed in the first closing state, the same image as the image displayed on the display portion112is displayed. A voice recorded together with the photographed image is output from the speaker107simultaneously with the reproduction of the photographed image.

These photographed images can be stored in a telephone book in relation to telephone number information. In the case in which a call arrives from a telephone number related to image information, the image information is displayed on the display portion112. Moreover, the image photographed by the camera portion109can also be transmitted to a communicating partner.

A first photographing state will be described with reference toFIG. 14. In the first closing state, the display portion112is turned toward a user151himself (herself) and the camera portion109is turned toward a subject152in the forward part of the user151, thereby carrying out the photographing. The user can confirm a photographing state by seeing the display portion112on which a reverse mirror image is displayed. By operating the second operating portion105b, it is possible to start and end the photographing operation for a dynamic image or a static image.

A second photographing state will be described with reference toFIG. 15. When the camera portion109is turned toward the user151himself (herself) to carry out the photographing in the first opening state, the user151himself (herself) can confirm a photographed image which is displayed on the display portion112. A mirror image is displayed on the display portion112. When the mirror image is displayed on the display portion112for displaying the state of the photographed subject himself (herself), the subject himself (herself) is brought into the same state as the state in which he (she) sees himself (herself) in a mirror. When the subject becomes aware that a neck is inclined, for example, the direction of the inclination can easily be known. By operating the second operating portion105b, it is possible to start and end the photographing operation of a dynamic image or a static image. Since the second operating portion105bis used during the photographing, it is provided in a position exposed to the outer surface of the housing101in a state in which the manner of the device can be photographed.

More specifically, a partner can suitably be photographed in the first closing state and a subject himself (herself) can suitably be photographed in the first opening state.

While the photographing operation of the camera portion109can be carried out in only the first opening state, the photographing operation may be carried out also in the second opening state in which the first housing is reversed. More specifically, there is set a manner in which the display portion112is turned toward a photographer (user) and the camera portion109is turned toward a subject. Therefore, a partner can be photographed. In this case, it is possible to switch an operation for photographing the partner and an operation for photographing the user himself (herself) by simply holding the device in the same direction and rotating the first housing member101a. Therefore, a hand to manipulate the second operating portion105bis always identical so that an excellent operability can be obtained. In the photographing in the second opening state, it is preferable that a reverse mirror image should be displayed on the display portion112.

Only when the photographing is carried out in the first opening state (that is, the display portion112and the camera portion109are turned in the same direction), a photographed image to be displayed on the display portion112is set to be a mirror image. In the case in which the photographing, reproduction and display is to be carried out in a manner other than the manner described above, a reverse mirror image is simply displayed. Consequently, a control method can be simplified (the burden of an image display processing can be relieved).

FIG. 16collectively shows a relationship between the manner of the housing101and the operations of the receiver106, the speaker107and the camera portion109according to the embodiment described above.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the positional relationship of the first housing member101awith the second housing member101bin the portable terminal device1can be decided and the output source for a voice in a voice communication can be switched based on the positional relationship thus decided. A user can carry out switching to a hands-free call or a normal call by simply changing over the portable terminal device1into the first opening state or the second opening state. Therefore, the device is easy to use.

According to the embodiment, moreover, the voice output from the speaker107is led from the second clearance123. Also in a state in which the portable terminal device1is closed, therefore, an incoming call sound can be heard clearly.

According to the embodiment, furthermore, one camera portion109is buried in the housing (the second housing member101b) to be held by hand. Consequently, a reduction in the thickness and weight of the housing (the first housing member101a) which is not held by hand can be achieved and a thick lens (optical system) can also be used without strain. More specifically, when the housing is held by hand, fingers are brought down if the housing which is not held by hand is heavy. As a result, the hand is apt to be fatigued. For this reason, a sense of a light weight can be given also in use by the reduction in the thickness and weight of the other housing (the first housing member101a) which is not held by hand. In addition, in the case in which both a user himself (herself) and a partner are to be photographed by means of one camera portion, a photographed image can be displayed on the display portion and can be confirmed during the photographing. Therefore, it is possible to carry out photographing of high picture quality and to diversify a photographic scene.

If the vertical directions of the camera portion109and the display portion112are not coincident with each other, an address control in the read of image data from an image memory in order to display an image becomes complicated when the image is to be displayed. Consequently, there is a possibility that a cost might be increased or the size of an LSI might be increased. However, the vertical direction of the display portion112is always coincident with that of the camera portion109. For this reason, basically, it is preferable that the photographed image should be exactly displayed and left and right parts should be reversed to display a mirror image if necessary. Accordingly, an image processing can be simplified.

In the embodiment, when the second Hall element111detects the third permanent magnet113c, it is decided that the portable terminal device1is brought into the first opening state to set the output source for a voice to the receiver106. The third permanent magnet is selected in such a manner that the detection range of the third permanent magnet113cthrough the second Hall element111is wider than the non-detection range of the third permanent magnet113c.

In other words, when the rotating angle of the first housing member101ain the first opening state exceeds 90 degrees, the second Hall element111does not detect the third permanent magnet113c. Consequently, the output source for a voice is not switched to the speaker107until the rotating angle of the first housing member101ain the first opening state exceeds 90 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an accident in which a voice having a great volume is suddenly output from the speaker107to influence the eardrum of a user with the user holding the receiver106to the ear. Thus, a safety can be ensured.

In the same manner as in the second opening state, moreover, the second Hall element111does not detect the third permanent magnet113cuntil the rotating angle of the first housing member101aexceeds 90 degrees. Therefore, the output source for a voice is not switched from the speaker107to the receiver106. Even if the first housing member101ais slightly rotated during a hands-free call, the hands-free call can be continuously carried out.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the specific embodiment, it is apparent to the skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-033813 filed on Feb. 12, 2003 and contents thereof are incorporated by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a portable terminal device having an excellent operability in a voice communication.