Video communication terminal and method of displaying images

A mobile terminal includes a communication unit, a display, a camera for obtaining images, and a processor for causing an image to be displayed on the display and for causing images to be communicated via the communication unit. The processor may be further configured to obtain a first image from the camera, obtain a substantial mirror image of the first image to form a second image, display the second image on the display, and communicate the first image to a receiving device via a wireless communication link.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2007-0039794, filed on Apr. 24, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to displaying mirror images on a display of a mobile terminal.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Developments of communication technologies include improvements in the realm of video conferencing. Video conferencing permits two or more parties to communicate with not only audio but with video or images depicting the users or their environment.

A typical communication includes obtaining an image of a first party which is then communicated to a second party for display. In some cases, an image is obtained from the second party and communicated to the first party to display. To optimize the conference experience, it is desirable to center the subject within the image. Some systems display on the transmitting mobile terminal the image which is being transmitted. Even if this feature is provided, users often find it challenging to center themselves within the image since such action requires the user to move the camera relative to the user in a direction which is opposite to that which is depicted in the display. For instance, if the camera is moved to the user's left, the result is that the subject moves from the right of the image to the center of the image, and vice versa. Such action requires unnatural movement of the camera relative to the user

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment, a method for displaying an image on a mobile terminal includes obtaining a first image from a first camera configured with a first mobile terminal, obtaining a substantially mirror image of the first image to a form a second image, displaying the second image on a display associated with the first mobile terminal, and communicating the first image via a wireless communication link to a receiving device.

In one feature, the first camera is user-positionable in a plurality of different positions.

In another feature, the first camera is fixedly configured with the first mobile terminal.

In yet another feature, the first camera is located on the mobile terminal in such a manner as to capture images of a user of the first mobile terminal.

In still yet another feature, the first camera is located on the mobile terminal in such a manner as to capture images of a user of the first mobile terminal while the display is visible to the user.

In one aspect, the first mobile terminal has a first display mode and a second display mode which is user selectable, such that the first display mode comprises displaying the second image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, and the second display mode comprises displaying the first image, instead of the second image, on the display associated with the first mobile terminal.

In another aspect, the method further includes displaying a display mode menu item on the display of the first mobile terminal, and changing an image display mode of the first mobile terminal between the first display mode and the second display mode responsive to user input with regard to the display mode menu item.

In yet another aspect, the method further includes displaying an icon on the display of the first mobile terminal, and changing an image display mode of the first mobile terminal between the first display mode and the second display mode responsive to user input with regard to the icon.

In still yet another aspect, the method further includes changing an image display mode of the first mobile terminal between the first display mode and the second display mode responsive to user interaction with a key of the first mobile terminal or user contact with the display of the first mobile terminal.

In one feature, the method further includes obtaining a third image from a second camera configured with the first mobile terminal, displaying the third image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, and communicating the third image via a wireless communication link to the receiving device.

In another feature, the second image and the third image are simultaneously displayed on the display.

In yet another feature, the method further includes obtaining a third image from a second camera configured with the first mobile terminal, displaying the third image as a background image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, displaying the second image as a foreground image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, and communicating a combined image including the third image and the first image via a wireless communication link to the receiving device.

In still yet another feature, the method further includes providing relative positioning between the second image and the third image responsive to user input.

In one aspect, the method further includes obtaining a third image from a second camera configured with the first mobile terminal, displaying the third image as a background image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, displaying the second image as a partially transparent foreground image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, and communicating a combined image including the third image and the first image via a wireless communication link to the receiving device.

In another aspect, the method further includes obtaining a third image from a second camera configured with the first mobile terminal, displaying the third image as a partially transparent background image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, displaying the second image as a foreground image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, and communicating a combined image including the third image and the first image via a wireless communication link to the receiving device.

In yet another aspect, the method further includes obtaining a third image from a second camera configured with the first mobile terminal, displaying the third image as a partially transparent background image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, displaying the second image as a partially transparent foreground image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal, and communicating a combined image including the third image and the first image via a wireless communication link to the receiving device.

In still yet another aspect, the method further includes receiving a fourth image communicated by a remote device, and displaying the fourth image simultaneously as the second image on the display associated with the first mobile terminal.

In another feature, the mirror image of the first image represents a right-left reverse of the first image.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, a mobile terminal includes a communication unit, a display, a first camera for obtaining images, and a processor for causing an image to be displayed on the display and for causing images to be communicated via the communication unit. The processor may be configured to obtain a first image from the first camera, obtain a substantial mirror image of the first image to form a second image, display the second image on the display, and communicate the first image to a receiving device via a wireless communication link.

In accordance with yet another alternative embodiment, a mobile terminal includes a communication unit, a display including a first display mode and a second display mode which is user selectable, a first camera for obtaining images and which is located on the mobile terminal in such a manner as to capture images of a user of the mobile terminal while the display is visible to the user, and a processor for causing an image to be displayed on the display and for causing images to be communicated via the communication unit. The processor is configured to obtain a first image from the first camera, obtain a substantial mirror image of the first image to form a second image, display the second image on the display, communicate the first image to a receiving device via a wireless communication link, change display mode of the display responsive to user input, such that the first display mode comprises displaying the second image on the display associated with the mobile terminal, and such that the second display mode comprises displaying the first image, instead of the second image, on the display.

These and other embodiments will also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments will be described in conjunction with a mobile terminal capable of performing video communication. However, such teachings apply also to other types of electronic devices. Examples of such devices include laptop computers, desktop computers, portable devices, digital broadcast receiving terminals, MP3 players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), and the like.

FIGS. 1A and 1Brespectively depict front and rear sides of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a block diagram depicting the mobile terminal ofFIGS. 1A and 1B.

Communication unit100facilitates video communication with other users via a mobile communication network. In particular, while a terminal user performs voice communication with another party, the communication unit further or alternatively permits images and/or video obtained by first and second cameras300,400, to be transmitted to other parties. In some cases, the communication unit receives images, video, and other data. Certain embodiments will be described herein with regard to either video or images. However, it is understood that such embodiments are not so limited and may implement capturing and/or transmitting media types such as images, video, combinations thereof, and the like.

Memory unit200may be used to store various types of data and software for implementing various functions provided by mobile terminal1. First camera300typically includes a lens, and as shown inFIG. 1, may be configured to face the same or similar direction of display500. In this arrangement, the user may engage in video communication by viewing display500while images of the user are captured by first camera300.

First camera300may be fixed or adjustable such that either the camera and/or the camera lens may be adjusted or directed to face one or more directions.

Second camera400is typically configured to face a direction which is different from the direction that first camera300faces. In an embodiment, such as that which is shown inFIG. 1B, second camera400is located on the rear side of mobile terminal1. Thus, the second camera faces a direction which is opposite to the direction faced by first camera300, which is located on the front side of the mobile terminal.

This arrangement permits the user to perform a video communication using first camera300which obtains images of the user, while second camera400obtains images of another location (e.g., scenery which the user is facing during the video communication). If desired, images from both the first and second cameras may be transmitted to the other party with which the user is engaged in the video communication. In an embodiment, images obtained from either the first camera or the second camera are transmitted to other parties.

Display500is typically configured to display pictures, video, and other types of information relating to a video conference and other operational aspects of mobile terminal1. In an embodiment, the display is implemented as a touchscreen which may further permit user input responsive to contact with the touchscreen.

Input unit600includes devices which permit user input. By way of nonlimiting example only, the input unit may be configured to include a various input keys, control keys, navigational keys, and the like. Note that some or all of the functionality of the input unit may be implemented in conjunction with a touchscreen display. In this embodiment, some or all of the keys depicted inFIG. 1Amay be omitted.

Control unit700is typically implemented to control various components associated with mobile terminal1, such as those which are depicted inFIG. 2.

Single Camera

FIG. 3is a flowchart depicting a method for displaying images obtained from a single camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, first camera300is implemented to obtain the desired images, and thus, second camera400is not required.

Block S31includes obtaining a first image via first camera300. Block S32includes transmitting the first image to another party using, for example, the original orientation of the image. That is, the image that is transmitted during this operation does not undergo a right-to-left image reversal, which refers to a mirror image of the orientation of an original image. Block S33includes displaying a mirror image of the first image.

Implementing the mirror image may be accomplished automatically or responsive to user request. For example, the user may select this function by selecting a certain icon that is displayed on display unit500(e.g., using input unit600or display unit500in the case of a touchscreen). Another alternative is to implement this function responsive to a certain function. An example of the forgoing method will be described with regard toFIG. 4.

FIG. 4provides an example in which an image having an original orientation is transmitted to a remote user while a mirror image of the original image is displayed on the mobile terminal of the user. In particular, the transmitted image is first image530A, while image530B is displayed on display500. Notably, image530B is a mirror image of first image530A, which has been obtained by first camera300. This mirror image is not transmitted to the remote user.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bprovide examples of obtained images to demonstrate directions for which the mobile terminal is to be positioned relative to a user or other object. InFIG. 5A, the user is located on the left-most side of the image530A-1. In mirror image, a user is located on the right side of the image, such as that depicted in image530B-1.

If the first image530A-1is not centered in the image, a natural tendency of the user to center the object of the image is to move the terminal to the left (based upon the perspective of the user facing the terminal having the camera). This is similar to movements performed while looking into a mirror. However, such actions will not center the image on the display. To do so, the user will move the terminal to the right to effect centering of the user within the image, such as that which is shown in image530A-2. Note that various embodiments will be described with regard to moving the terminal or camera relative to the user as a matter of convenience only. However, it is understood that the desired movement may be achieved by effecting relative movement (i.e., moving the terminal, the object being captured, or both) between the terminal and the object being captured.

In accordance with an embodiment, mirror image530B-1is presented to a user such that the object of the image (e.g., a user) is located on the right side of the image. When presented with such an image, a user would naturally move the terminal to the right (based upon the perspective of the user facing the terminal having the camera). Consequently, the object of the image is centered within the image, such as that which is depicted in image530B-2. A notable distinction between techniques used to achieve the centered images ofFIG. 5Ais that image530A-2requires movement by a user which is unnatural, whereas image530B-2permits natural movement.

FIG. 5Billustrates the situation in which the user is located on the right-most side of originally orientated image530A-1. In mirror image, a user is shown located on the left-most side of the image, such as that depicted in image530B-1. Repositioning the object of each of the images may be obtained in a manner similar to that which is described above in conjunction withFIG. 5A. In particular, centering of the object of image530A-2is achieved by moving the terminal to the left (based upon the perspective of the user facing the terminal having the camera). Likewise, with mirror image530B-1, centering the object of this image is achieved by moving the terminal to the left (based upon the perspective of the user facing the terminal having the camera), such as that which is depicted in image530B-2.

FIG. 6depicts a display of a typical mobile terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, display500includes image550which has been received from a remote user during, for example, a video conference. Simultaneously, the user of the mobile terminal communicates image530A to the remote user. Image530A includes an original orientation and is an image of the user of the mobile terminal that is obtained by a camera that is associated with the mobile terminal. Display500further displays image530B, which is a mirror image of the original image530A.

Multiple Cameras

FIG. 7is a flowchart depicting a method for displaying images according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes obtaining images from first and second cameras300,400.

Operations associated with blocks S71, S72, S73, may be implemented using, for example, techniques disclosed in blocks S31, S32, S33ofFIG. 3. Block S74includes obtaining a second image via second camera400. Block S75includes transmitting the second image to another party using, for example, the original orientation of the second image. In particular, the transmitted second image does not undergo a right-to-left image reversal. Block S76includes displaying the second image.

FIG. 8provides an example in which an image having an original orientation is transmitted to a remote user while the same original image is displayed on the mobile terminal of the user. In particular, the transmitted image is first image570, which may be obtained via second camera400. This same image may also be displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. This example may be implemented in addition to, or as an alternative to, the other embodiments presented herein.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bprovide examples of images which may be obtained from a second camera configured to face the same direction as the user of the mobile terminal. In both examples, the depicted images are not mirror images of the images which were originally obtained. InFIG. 9A, the user scenery is located on the left-most side of image570A-1. Centering of the scenery within the image may be obtained by moving the terminal having the second camera to the left. An example of this is depicted in image570A-2.

FIG. 9Bprovides the example in which scenery is located on the right-most side of image570A-1. Centering of the scenery within this image may be obtained by moving the terminal to the right, thus resulting in image570A-2.

FIG. 10depicts a display of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal is shown receiving image550from a remote user, while transmitting to the remote user first image530A and second image570A. Image550and second image570A are depicted on display500of the mobile terminal. Mirror image530B, which is the mirror image of first image530A, is also shown on display500.

In this embodiment, the user may position themselves in mirror image530B, as well as positioning the scenery in second image570A, using natural movements.

If desired, the first image530A and second image570A may be overlapped or otherwise combined prior to or after communication to the remote use. This aspect allows the remote user to see the transmitting user in the environment in which they are currently transmitting. A further alternative is to only combine a specific portion of first image530A (e.g., user's head) with second image570A. The size and positioning of first image530A within second image570A may be defined by the user. As a further example, the first and second images may be overlapped or combined in an opaque or semi-transparent fashion.

Although embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using the exemplary series of operations described herein, additional or fewer operations may be performed. Moreover, it is to be understood that the order of operations shown and described is merely exemplary and that no single order of operation is required.