Source: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2017/0188014.html
Timestamp: 2018-12-12 16:57:09
Document Index: 322982994

Matched Legal Cases: ['§119', 'Application No. 10', 'art 217', 'art 217', 'art 217', 'art 217', 'art 217', 'art 217', 'art 217', 'art 217', 'art 217', 'art 219', 'art 229', 'art 219', 'art 219', 'art 219', 'art 229', 'art 229', 'art 229', 'art 229']

3D CAMERA ASSEMBLY HAVING A BRACKET FOR CAMERAS AND MOBILE TERMINAL HAVING THE SAME - LG Electronics Inc.
United States Patent Application 20170188014
A mobile terminal can include a front body including a touch screen, a rear body coupled to the front body and including first and second holes, first and second cameras corresponding to the first and second holes, a bracket including third and fourth holes corresponding to the first and second cameras, the bracket surrounding the first and second cameras, a main printed circuit board (PCB), a first camera PCB coupled to the first camera, a second camera PCB coupled to the second camera and separated from the first camera PCB, a first connector extended from the first camera PCB and electrically connected to the main PCB, and a second connector extended from the second camera PCB and electrically connected to the main PCB, in which the first camera is inserted into the third hole of the bracket and the second camera is inserted into the fourth hole of the bracket.
Woo, Ramchan (Seoul, KR)
Kim, Byungjoon (Seoul, KR)
Jang, Jinho (Seoul, KR)
Kim, Chiyoung (Seoul, KR)
Kim, Jaeyeol (Seoul, KR)
15/461025
H04N13/02; G06F1/16
Download PDF 20170188014 PDF help
20100097468 MICRO-DIFFRACTIVE SURVEILLANCE ILLUMINATOR April, 2010 Mayer et al.
20010040641 Multistandard clock recovery circuit November, 2001 Englert
20030103158 System and method for the formation of multiple exposure images June, 2003 Barkan et al.
1. A mobile terminal comprising: a front body including a touch screen located on a front side of the mobile terminal; a rear body coupled to the front body and located at a rear side of the mobile terminal, the rear body including first and second holes; first and second cameras for capturing an image, the first and second cameras corresponding to the first and second holes; a bracket coupled to the first and second cameras and including third and fourth holes corresponding to the first and second cameras, the bracket surrounding each of the first and second cameras; a main printed circuit board (PCB) including electronic components and electronic circuits for operation of the mobile terminal; a first camera PCB coupled to the first camera; a second camera PCB coupled to the second camera and separated from the first camera PCB; a first connector extended from the first camera PCB and electrically connected to the main PCB; and a second connector extended from the second camera PCB and electrically connected to the main PCB, wherein the first camera is inserted into the third hole of the bracket and the second camera is inserted into the fourth hole of the bracket.
2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the bracket is formed as a unibody.
3. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the bracket is positioned alongside an edge of the rear body, and wherein a portion of the main PCB is positioned alongside another edge of the rear body.
4. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the bracket is positioned between the edge of the rear body and the portion of the main PCB.
5. The mobile terminal of claim 4, wherein the first camera is disposed on a first camera coupling portion of the first camera PCB and the second camera is disposed on a second camera coupling portion of the second camera PCB.
6. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the bracket is made of a metal.
7. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first and second cameras are positioned alongside of an edge of the rear body.
8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the bracket holds the first and second cameras.
9. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a sidewall and the main PCB is located beside the sidewall of the bracket.
10. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising a flash positioned between the first camera and the second camera.
11. A mobile terminal comprising: a front body including a touch screen located on a front side of the mobile terminal; a rear body coupled to the front body and located at a rear side of the mobile terminal, the rear body including at least one hole; first and second cameras; a bracket holding the first and second cameras and including third and fourth holes corresponding to the first and second cameras, the bracket surrounding each of the first and second cameras, and the third and fourth holes corresponding to the at least one hole of the rear body; a main printed circuit board (PCB) including electronic components and electronic circuits for operation of the mobile terminal; a first camera PCB coupled to the first camera; a second camera PCB coupled to the second camera and separated from the first camera PCB; a first connector extended from the first camera PCB and electrically connected to the main PCB; and a second connector extended from the second camera PCB and electrically connected to the main PCB, wherein the first camera is inserted into the third hole of the bracket and the second camera is inserted into the fourth hole of the bracket.
12. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the bracket is formed as a unibody.
13. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the bracket is positioned alongside an edge of the rear body, and wherein a portion of the main PCB is positioned alongside another edge of the rear body.
14. The mobile terminal of claim 13, wherein the bracket is positioned between the edge of the rear body and the portion of the main PCB.
15. The mobile terminal of claim 14, wherein the first camera is disposed on a first camera coupling portion of the first camera PCB and the second camera is disposed on a second camera coupling portion of the second camera PCB.
16. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the bracket is made of a metal.
17. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the first and second cameras are positioned alongside an edge of the rear body.
18. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the bracket includes a sidewall and the main PCB is located beside the sidewall of the bracket.
19. The mobile terminal of claim 11, further comprising a flash positioned between the first camera and the second camera.
20. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the at least one hole includes an elongated hole corresponding to the first and second cameras, and wherein the elongated hole is elongated alongside an edge of the rear body.
This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/276,284, filed on Sep. 26, 2016, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/310,064, filed on Dec. 2, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,479,758), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a), to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0077181, filed on Aug. 3, 2011. The entire contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to a 3D camera assembly and a mobile terminal having the same, and more particularly, to a 3D camera assembly, capable of enhancing the utilization of an internal space of a mobile terminal by providing a bracket, which serves to prevent a camera for capturing a 3D image from moving, with a coupling recess enabling the coupling of another printed circuit board (PCB), and a mobile terminal having the same.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a 3D camera assembly and a mobile terminal having the same, and more particularly, to a 3D camera assembly, capable of enhancing the utilization of an internal space of a mobile terminal by providing a bracket, which serves to prevent a camera for capturing a 3D image from moving, with a coupling recess enabling the coupling of another printed circuit board (PCB), and a mobile terminal having the same.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a front side of the mobile terminal of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the mount of a camera of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the camera taken along line I-I of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the camera of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a camera according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 10 through 12 are views illustrating an assembly process of a camera according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the camera taken along line II-II of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a mounting view of the camera of FIG. 12;
FIGS. 15 and 16 are views illustrating an assembly process of a camera according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a mounting view of the camera of FIG. 16;
FIGS. 18 and 19 are views illustrating an assembly process of a camera according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a mounting view of the camera;
FIGS. 21 and 22 are views for explaining a method of displaying a stereoscopic image using binocular parallax associated with embodiments of the present invention; and
FIGS. 23 through 26 are views illustrating a method of displaying a stereoscopic image.
The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, there embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.
The mobile terminal described in the specification can include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, personal digital assistants (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system and similar devices.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Other embodiments, configurations and arrangements may also be provided. As shown, the mobile terminal 100 may include a radio communication unit 110, an audio/video (A/V) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, and a power supply 190. Not all of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be essential parts and the number of components included in the mobile terminal 100 may be varied. The components of the mobile terminal 100 will now be described.
The broadcasting signals may include not only TV broadcasting signals, radio broadcasting signals, and data broadcasting signals but also signals in the form of a combination of a TV broadcasting signal and a radio broadcasting signal. The broadcasting related information may be information on a broadcasting channel, a broadcasting program or a broadcasting service provider, and may be provided even through a mobile communication network. In the latter instance, the broadcasting related information may be received by the mobile communication module 112.
As shown in FIG. 1, the A/V input unit 120 may input an audio signal or a video signal and includes a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 may process image frames of still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video telephony mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a display module 151 which may be a touch screen.
The microphone 122 may receive an external audio signal in a call mode, a recording mode or a speech recognition mode and process the received audio signal into electric audio data. The audio data may then be converted into a form that can be transmitted to a mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output in the call mode. The microphone 122 may employ various noise removal algorithms (or noise canceling algorithms) for removing or reducing noise generated when the external audio signal is received.
The user input unit 130 may receive input data for controlling operation of the mobile terminal 100 from a user. The user input unit 130 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (constant voltage/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch and similar devices.
The sensing unit 140 may sense a current state of the mobile terminal 100, such as an open/close state of the mobile terminal 100, a position of the mobile terminal 100, whether a user touches the mobile terminal 100, a direction of the mobile terminal 100, and acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal 100, and generate a sensing signal for controlling operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, with a slide phone, the sensing unit 140 may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. Further, the sensing unit 140 may sense whether the power supply 190 supplies power and/or whether the interface 170 is connected to an external device. The sensing unit 140 may also include a proximity sensor 141.
The output unit 150 may generate visual, auditory and/or tactile output and may include the display module 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm 153 and a haptic module 154. The display module 151 may display information processed by the mobile terminal 100. The display module 151 may display a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to a telephone call when the mobile terminal 100 is in the call mode. The display module 151 may also display a captured and/or received image, a UI or a GUI when the mobile terminal 100 is in a video telephony mode or the photographing mode.
In addition, the display module 151 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode display, a flexible display and a three-dimensional display. Some of these displays may be of a transparent type or a light transmissive type. That is, the display module 151 may include a transparent display.
The transparent display may include a transparent liquid crystal display. The rear structure of the display module 151 may also be of a light transmissive type. Accordingly, a user may see an object located behind the body of the mobile terminal 100 through the transparent area of the body of the mobile terminal 100 that is occupied by the display module 151.
The mobile terminal 100 may also include at least two displays 151. For example, the mobile terminal 100 may include a plurality of displays 151 that are arranged on a single face at a predetermined distance or integrated displays. The plurality of displays 151 may also be arranged on different sides of the mobile terminal.
Further, when the display module 151 and a sensor sensing touch (hereafter referred to as a touch sensor) form a layered structure that is referred to as a touch screen, the display module 151 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The touch sensor may be in the form of a touch film, a touch sheet, and a touch pad, for example.
When the user applies a touch input to the touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the touch input may be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller may then process the signal and transmit data corresponding to the processed signal to the controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may detect a touched portion of the display module 151.
The alarm 153 may output a signal for indicating generation of an event of the mobile terminal 100. For example, alarms may be generated when receiving a call signal, receiving a message, inputting a key signal, or inputting touch. The alarm 153 may also output signals in forms different from video signals or audio signals, for example, a signal for indicating generation of an event through vibration. The video signals or the audio signals may also be output through the display module 151 or the audio output module 152.
The controller 180 may control overall operations of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may perform control and processing for voice communication, data communication and/or video telephony. The controller 180 may also include a multimedia module 181 for playing multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be included in the controller 180, as shown in FIG. 1, or may be separated from the controller 180.
The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process capable of recognizing handwriting input or picture-drawing input applied to the touch screen as characters or images. The power supply 190 may receive external power and internal power and provide power for operations of the components of the mobile terminal 100 under control of the controller 180.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a bar-shaped body. The bar-shaped body may be formed by injecting a synthetic resin or of a metallic material such as a stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti), or the like.
However, the present invention is not limited to the description and is applicable to various structures such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, a swivel type, or the like in which two or more bodies are coupled to move relative to each other.
The mobile terminal 100 may have a front body 101 and a battery cover 102 exposed to the outside when the assembly thereof is completed.
The front body 101 may be the front side of the mobile terminal 100. On the front body 101, the display module 151, the audio output module 152, a front camera 121a, a user input unit 131, the microphone 122, the interface 170, and the like may be disposed.
The display module 151 may be located on the front side of the front body 101. The display module 151 may display a variety of information desired for the operational process of the mobile terminal 100. The display module 151 may express a 2D image and/or a 3D image.
The audio output module 152 may be a speaker outputting a received sound or the like. There may be a plurality of audio output modules 152. For example, the plurality of audio output modules 152 may be provided to output a received sound or a bell sound.
The front camera 121a may be positioned so as to capture the side of a user. For example, a user may have a video call with another user using his image being captured through the front camera 121a.
The user input unit 131 is manipulated so as to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may include a plurality of manipulating parts. The user put unit 131 is sensed in an electrostatic manner and may generate light when receiving a user's input.
The user input unit 131 may also be called a manipulating part, and may be operated in a tactile manner while a user applies a tactile sense thereto. This means the user input unit 131 may be a physical button, for example.
Functions that are frequently or mainly used may be allocated to the user input unit 131. For example, functions associated with starting or terminating the mobile terminal 100 and/or an application, controlling the volume, or the like may be allocated to the user input unit 131.
The microphone 122 may be a device for acquiring a user's voice or the like. The microphone 122 may be positioned at the lower side of the mobile terminal 100.
The interface 170 may include a USB port or the like for connection with an external device.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2.
As shown in the drawings, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the battery cover 102 exposed at the rear thereof. An earphone jack 171, an antenna 124, and a 3D camera 121b may be positioned at the rear where the battery cover 102 is exposed.
The earphone jack 171 may be an interface allowing the mobile terminal 100 to output sound through an earphone. The earphone jack 171 may include a port transmitting an audio signal, as well as a port for receiving a manipulating signal enabling the manipulation of functions of the mobile terminal 100 through buttons provided on the earphone.
The antenna 124 may be used to acquire a broadcasting signal to provide a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) service or the like. For example, the user may draw out the antenna 124 from the body for the clear reception of broadcasting signals.
The 3D camera 121b may be located at the rear side of the mobile terminal 100. The 3D camera 121b, which will be described later, may capture a stereoscopic image.
The 3D camera 121b may capture an image with a plurality of cameras. For example, the 3D camera 12b may include a first camera 221 and a second camera 223. An image captured through the first and second cameras 221 and 223 may include an image for the left eye and an image for the right eye. The left-eye image and the right-eye image are output through a display, capable of expressing a 3D image, such that a user can perceive a 3D effect.
A camera flash 123 may be positioned in proximity to the 3D camera 121b. A camera flash 123 may operate when an image is captured.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3.
As shown in the drawing, the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body 104 including a rear body 103 and a front body 101, and a battery cover 102 coupled to the side of the rear body 103.
The battery cover 102 may cover a battery 250 which is exchangeably coupled to thus improve the exterior appearance. The battery cover 102 may be configured into a pull type which is released from a coupled state as it is pulled in the rear direction of the mobile terminal 100. Also, the battery cover 102 may be configured into a sliding type which is released from a coupled state as it is slid in the length direction of the mobile terminal 100, or a pop-up type which is released from a coupled state as a button is pressed.
The body 104 may be formed by coupling between the rear body 103 and the front body 101.
The rear body 103 may have a battery coupling hole 251 for coupling with the battery 250, and a first camera coupling hole 121c corresponding to the location of the 3D camera 121b.
The front body 101 may have a shape corresponding to the rear body 103. A main PCB 230 may be positioned in the front body 101.
The main PCB 230 may include electronic components and electronic circuits for the operation of the mobile terminal 100. Although not shown in detail, the mobile terminal 100 may include a plurality of PCBs. The 3D camera 121b may be coupled from the lower end of the main PCB 230 toward the upper end thereof. The first camera coupling hole 121c located in the rear body 103 and a second camera coupling hole 121d located in the battery cover 102 may be provided at a location corresponding to the 3D camera 121b positioned on the main PCB 203.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the front side of the mobile terminal of FIG. 4.
As shown in the drawing, the 3D camera 121b of the mobile terminal 100 may be coupled to the main PCB 230. The main PCB 230 may be provided with a third camera coupling hole 121e. That is, the 3D camera 121b may be inserted in the third camera coupling hole 121e.
FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the mounting of the camera of FIG. 3.
As shown in the drawing, the 3D camera 121b according to an embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to the main PCB 230.
The 3D camera 121b may include first and second cameras 221 and 223, a bracket 210 fixing the first and second cameras 221 and 223 in position, and a connector 227 extending from a camera PCB (see 225 of FIG. 7) coupled to the first and second cameras 221 and 223.
As described above, the first and second cameras 221 and 223 may be devices for capturing a 3D image.
The bracket 210 is coupled to the camera PCB 225 of FIG. 7, and may fix the first and second cameras 221 and 223 in position. In order to capture an accurate 3D image, the first and second cameras 221 and 223 need to capture images at a designed location in a designed direction. Accordingly, location changes of the first and second brackets 221 and 223 need to be minimized while the mobile terminal 100 is in use.
The bracket 210 may be made of a stainless steel (SUS, steel use stainless). That is, the bracket 210 may be formed of a material which is highly resistant to external force. The bracket 210 may have a PCB penetration part 217 and a PCB rib 215 at the central portion thereof.
The PCB penetration part 217 may be a region between the first and second cameras 221 and 223. The presence of the PCB penetration part 217 may allow the main PCB 230 to also be located between the first and second cameras 221 and 223. Accordingly, spatial utilization can be enhanced. For example, if the PCB penetration part 217 is absent at the central portion of the bracket 210, the main PCB 230 cannot be located at the corresponding portion. However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the presence of the PCB penetration part 217 may maximize the utilization of the internal space of the mobile terminal 100.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the camera of FIG. 6.
As shown therein, the 3D camera 121b according to an embodiment of the present invention may maximize the utilization of the internal space while stably maintaining the capturing angles of the first and second cameras 221 and 223.
The first and second cameras 221 and 223 may be coupled to the camera PCB 225. The camera PCB 225 may be formed of a flexible PCB material. Accordingly, the rigidity of the camera PCB 225 itself may be insufficient to stably maintain the capturing directions of the first and second cameras 221 and 223. For example, a first position S1 may be considered to be the position in which the first and second cameras 221 and 223 are stably fixed. In this respect, if the first and second cameras 221 and 223 are changed in position, the capturing direction may be twisted to the second or third position S2 or S3. When the capturing direction is twisted to the second or third position S2 or S3, a normal 3D image may not be captured. It may be impossible to capture a normal 3D image even by the capturing direction twisted by even a few degrees from the first position S1.
The bracket 210 may be coupled to the camera PCB 225 and the first and second cameras 221 and 223. The bracket 210 coupled to the camera PCB 225 and the first and second cameras 221 and 223 may provide a certain level of rigidity so as to prevent the first and second cameras 221 and 223 from being changed in position. That is, the bracket 210 may reinforce rigidity such that the first and second cameras 221 and 223 are fixed in position.
The main PCB 230 may be positioned on the PCB penetration part 217. Because the main PCB 230 is located on the PCB penetration part 217 between the first and second cameras 221 and 223, the utilization of the internal space of the mobile terminal 100 can be enhanced. That is, the use of the bracket 210 may contribute to fixing the first and second cameras 221 and 223 in position while effectively using the internal space of the mobile terminal 100.
The PCB rib 215 may be positioned on the wall surface of the PCB penetration part 217. The presence of the PCB rib 215 allows the main PCB 230 to be stably located on the PCB penetration part 217.
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the camera of FIG. 6.
As shown in the drawing, the bracket 210 may be coupled to the 3D camera 121b of the mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The main PCB 230 may be in the state where the first and second cameras 221 and 223 are coupled thereto.
In the state where the first and second cameras 221 and 223 are coupled to the main PCB 230, the bracket 210 may be coupled to the first and second cameras 221 and 223 and the main PCB 230. When the bracket 210 is coupled, the upper portions of the first and second cameras 221 and 223 are coupled to the first and second coupling holes 211 and 213 of the bracket 210, respectively.
The connector 227 may be located towards to the right or left from the central portion of the camera PCB 225. Such locating of the connector 227 can minimize interference with the main PCB 230 of FIG. 7. That is, in order to prevent the connector 227 from interfering with the main PCB 230 of FIG. 7 when the main PCB 230 of FIG. 7 is coupled to the 3D camera 121b, the connector 227 may be located to avoid the central portion of the camera PCB 225.
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a camera according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The 3D camera 121b according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a reinforcement part 219 provided on the bracket 210, and a coupling part 229 shaped to correspond to the reinforcement part 219.
The reinforcement part 219 may be formed as a lower end portion of the bracket 210 protruding into a predetermined shape. The reinforcement part 219 may include first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 219b.
The first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 219b may be shaped symmetrically to each other. For example, the first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 219b may be shaped like the capital letters Ls opposing each other. Because the bracket 210 is provided with the first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 219b, the bracket 210 can be more resistant to external force. The first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 219b may be formed of the same material as the bracket 210.
The coupling part 229 may be provided in the camera PCB 225. The location and shape of the coupling part 229 may correspond to the first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 219b. For example, the coupling part 229 may be a portion removed from the camera PCB 225 in the form of the capital letters Ls opposing each other. The coupling part 229 may include first and second coupling portions 229a and 229b. The first and second coupling portions 229a and 229b may be provided so as to corresponding to the locations and shapes of the first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 219b.
When the first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 291b are coupled to the first and second coupling portions 229a and 229b, the overall rigidity of the 3D camera 212b can be enhanced by the following reasons. For example, assuming that the rigidity of the camera PCB 225 is A and the rigidity of the bracket 210 is B, B may be greater than A. Accordingly, by substituting a portion of the camera PCB 225 with the bracket 210, the overall rigidity of the 3D camera 121b can be increased. Furthermore, the L shapes of the first and second reinforcement portions 219a and 219b can contribute to enhancing resistance to external force such as torsion or the like.
FIGS. 10 through 12 are views illustrating an assembly process of a camera according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the drawings, the camera PCB 225 of the 3D camera 121b according to another embodiment may have a structure allowing part of the camera PCB 225 to be removed after the assembly process is completed.
As shown in FIG. 10, the camera PCB 225 may be a structure in which a first camera coupling portion 225a and a second camera coupling portion 225b are connected by a connection portion 222.
A cutting portion 224 may be provided between the connection portion 222 and the first and second camera coupling portions 225a and 225b. The cutting portion 224 is located between the connection portion 222 and the first and second camera portions 225a and 225b such that the connection portion 222 can be easily removed. The cutting portion 224 may be a portion provided in the form of a slit in a part of the camera PCB 225 corresponding to the shape of the connection portion 222 to be removed.
The connector 227 may include first and second connectors 227a and 227b corresponding to the first and second camera coupling portions 225a and 225b, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first and second cameras 221 and 223 and the bracket 210 may be coupled to the camera PCB 225.
After the first and second cameras 221 and 223 are coupled to the bracket 210, the connection portion 222 may be removed. Because the first and second camera coupling portions 225a and 225b are integrated into one body until the connection portion 222 is removed, the first and second cameras 221 and 223 may be located in position as designed.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 12.
As shown in the drawing, a 3D camera 121b according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a main PCB 230 associated therewith and having a greater thickness than in other embodiments. The absence of the camera PCB 225 between the first and second cameras 221 and 223 allows the thickness of the main PCB 230 to be less limited. Thus, the multilayered or double-sided main PCB 230 may be used.
FIG. 14 is a mounting view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 12. As shown therein, the 3D camera 121b according to another embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to the main PCB 230.
The coupling between the 3D camera 121b and the main PCB 230 may be made through first and second connectors 227a and 227b extending from the 3D camera 121b. The first and second connectors 227a and 227b may be coupled to the lower surface of the main PCB 230. The first connector 227a may be a path through which an image captured by the first camera 221 is delivered, and the second connector 227b may be a path through which an image captured by the second camera 223 is delivered.
FIGS. 15 and 16 are views illustrating an assembly process of a camera according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the drawings, the 3D camera 121b may have a camera connector 228 provided with a camera flash 123 between the first and second cameras 221 and 223.
As shown in FIG. 15, the first camera coupling portion 225a and the second camera coupling portion 225b positioned at the camera PCB 225 may be connected by the connection portion 222. When the assembly of the first and second cameras 221 and 223 is completed, the connection portion 222 may be removed.
The camera connector 228 may extend from the first camera coupling portion 225a. The camera connector 228 may be located between the first and second camera coupling portions 225a and 225b.
As shown in FIG. 16, the bracket 210 may have a coupling hole associated with the camera flash 123.
FIG. 17 is a mounting view of the camera of FIG. 16.
As shown in the drawing, the 3D camera according to another embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to the main PCB 230 through the first and second connectors 227a and 227b. The first and second connectors 227a and 227b may be coupled to the lower surface of the main PCB 230. The camera flash may be located between the first and second cameras 221 and 223.
FIGS. 18 and 19 are views illustrating an assembly process of a camera according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 18, the 3D camera 121b according to another embodiment of the present invention may have the connector 227 positioned in the middle between the first and second cameras 221 and 223.
As shown in FIG. 19, the connector 227 facing downwardly between the first and second cameras 221 and 223 may be connected to the main PCB 230. The connector's facing downwards between the first and second cameras 221 and 223 facilitates connection with the main PCB 230 as well as allowing for effective spatial utilization.
FIG. 20 is a mounting view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 18.
As shown in the drawing, the 3D camera 121b according to another embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to the upper surface of the main PCB 230. The connector 227 extending downwardly of the 3D camera 121b may come into contact with the upper surface of the main PCB 230.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are views for explaining a method of displaying a stereoscopic image using binocular parallax related to embodiments of the present invention, and FIGS. 23 through 26 are views illustrating a method of displaying a stereoscopic image.
The binocular parallax (or a stereo disparity) means the difference of a person's right-eye vision and left-eye vision with respect to an object. The composition of an image viewed by the left eye and an image viewed by the right eye through the human brain allows the person to perceive stereoscopic depth. In the following description, a phenomenon in which a person perceives stereoscopic depth by the binocular parallax is called a ‘stereoscopic vision’ and an image causing the stereoscopic vision is called a ‘stereoscopic image’. Also, in the event that a specific object included in an image causes a stereoscopic vision, the corresponding object is called a ‘stereoscopic object’.
A method of displaying a stereoscopic image according to binocular parallax is classified into a glasses type requiring special glasses, or a non-glasses type requiring no glasses. Examples of the glasses type include a color-glasses type using color glasses having wavelength selectivity, a polarization glasses type using a light blocking effect according to a polarization difference, and a time-division glasses type in which left and right images are alternatively presented within an afterimage time of eyes. In addition to those, there is a method in which filters having different transmittances are respectively mounted for the left and right eyes so that the stereoscopic effect with respect to left and right movements is obtained according to the time difference of a visual system, caused by the difference in the transmittance.
As for the non-glasses type where the stereoscopic effect is created at the side of an image display not the side of an observer, there are a parallax barrier type, a lenticular lens type, or a microlens array type.
With reference to FIG. 21, a display module for displaying a stereoscopic image includes a lenticular lens array 81a. The lenticular lens array 81a is located between the left and right eyes 82a and 82b and a display panel 83 in which pixels L to be input to the left eye 82a and pixels R to be input to the right eye 82b are alternately arranged in a horizontal direction, and provides optical discrimination orientation with respect to the pixels L to be input to the left eye 82a and the pixels R to be input to the right eye 82b. Accordingly, an image having passed through the lenticular lens array 81a is observed separately by the left eye 82a and the right eye 82b, and the human brain carries out the composition of respective images viewed by the left eye 82a and the right eye 82b, so that the observer views a stereoscopic image.
With reference to FIG. 22, to display a stereoscopic image, the display module includes a parallax barrier 81b in the form of a vertical lattice. The parallax barrier 81b is located between the right and left eyes 82a and 82b and the display panel 83 in which pixels L to be input to the left eye 82a and pixels R to be input to the right eye 82b are alternately arranged in a horizontal direction, and allows an image to be observed separately by the left eye 82a and the right eye 82b through its apertures in the form of a vertical lattice. Subsequently, the human brain conducts the composition of images viewed by the left eye 82a and the right eye 82b, allowing the observer to view a stereoscopic image. Such a parallax barrier 81b is turned on and divides incident visions only when a stereoscopic image is to be displayed. When a two dimensional image is to be displayed, the parallax barrier 81b is turned off and transmits incident visions as they are without dividing them.
Meanwhile, the above methods of displaying a stereoscopic image are intended to explain embodiments of the present invention without limiting the present invention. In the present invention, various methods other than the above methods may be used to display a stereoscopic image using binocular parallax.
FIG. 23 illustrates an example in which a stereoscopic image including a plurality of image objects 10 and 11 is displayed.
For example, a stereoscopic image illustrated in FIG. 23 may be an image acquired through the camera 121. The stereoscopic image includes a first image object 10 and a second image object 11. Here, only two image objects 10 and 11 are depicted for convenience of a description, but in actuality, more image objects may be included in the stereoscopic image.
The controller may display an image, acquired in real time through the camera 121, on the display module 151 in the form of a camera preview.
The controller 180 may acquire one or more binocular parallaxes (or stereo disparities) respectively corresponding to the one or more image objects.
When the camera 121 is a 3D camera capable of acquiring a left-eye image and a right-eye image, the controller 180 may acquire the respective binocular parallaxes of the first image object and the second image object 11 through the left-eye and right-eye images obtained through the camera 121.
FIG. 24 is a view for explaining a binocular parallax of an image object included in a stereoscopic image.
For example, with reference to FIG. 24, the first image object 10 may be composed of a left-eye image 10a viewed by a user's left eye 20a, and a right-eye image 10b viewed by the right eye 20b.
The controller may acquire a binocular parallax d1 corresponding to the first image object on the basis of the left-eye image 10a and the right-eye image 10b.
Meanwhile, when the camera 121 is a 2D camera, the controller may convert a 2D image obtained by the camera 121 into a stereoscopic image by using a predetermined algorithm for converting a 2D image into a 3D image, and display the converted stereoscopic image on the display module.
Furthermore, the controller may individually acquire a binocular parallax of the first image object 10 and a binocular parallax of the second image object 11 on the basis of the left-eye image and the right-eye image created by using the aforementioned image conversion algorithm.
FIG. 25 is a view for comparing binocular parallaxes of the image objects 10 and 11 depicted in FIG. 23.
With reference to FIG. 25, the binocular parallax d1 of the first image object 10 and the binocular parallax d2 of the second image object 11 are different from each other. Also, as shown in FIG. 25, because d2 is greater than d1, the second image object 11 is perceived to be farther than the first image object 10 from a user.
The controller 180 may obtain one or more graphic objects respectively corresponding to the one or more image objects. Also, the controller 180 may display the obtained one or more graphic objects so as to have a corresponding binocular parallax.
FIG. 26 illustrates a first image object that can be viewed from the display module 151 as though it protrudes toward a user. As shown therein, the locations of the light-eye image 10a and the right-eye image 10b on the display module 151 may be opposite to those shown in FIG. 24. When the left-eye image 10a and the right-eye image 10b are disposed oppositely in terms of location, the left eye 20a and the right 20b may view images in opposite directions. Accordingly, the user may perceive that the first image object 10 is disposed in front of the display module 151 where the sights thereof cross each other. That is, the user may perceive a positive (+) depth with respect to the display module 151. This is different from FIG. 24 where the user perceives negative (−) depth as though the first image object 10 is displayed in back of the display module 151.
The controller 180 allows a user to perceive various depths by displaying a stereoscopic image with positive or negative depth as appropriate.
The above-described method of controlling the mobile terminal may be written as computer programs and may be implemented in digital microprocessors that execute the programs using a computer readable recording medium. The method of controlling the mobile terminal may be executed through software. The software may include code segments that perform tasks. Programs or code segments may also be stored in a processor readable medium or may be transmitted according to a computer data signal combined with a carrier through a transmission medium or communication network.
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